i LOVE my hydras got 5, 2x 18' 1 x 25' and 1x36' had all of em good few years no signs of any wear! as for the clamps brodex have always been great with me! changed em when they were bad (no charge) last time i went sean (the boss) just sorted even more stuff out and replaced a steel goose neck for me which i didnt even ask for!
my advise - get hydra 25 dont bother with 18, just the 25 need higher get a different pole these are to heavy after that,