Hey Tim,
Thanks for your post, In response, you're well known as a hardcore Gardiners fan. Forgive me for thinking your post seems pretty loaded. Previous posts you've stated "I'll never purchase from WCW/Facelift' - mainly because of me!
I recall the Ionic roadshow report you penned, while very informative, you outright stated that lateral clamps are better than any vertical clamp. That confirms you're closed minded to anything with the potential to be better than what you have. Faced with facts about products, would you deny their validity? I'm certain, even providing evidence concerning ease of use, speed, ergonomics, etc you would still say 'No, this is better'. It would be a complete waste of time attempting to convince you otherwise. As Benjamin Franklin said "A man convinced against his will; is of the same opinion still.”
Touching on a few points made. If the clamps are stiff it is 'because' they are tightened up. I'm not sure about your comments intent. The clamps on the Phoenix are the easiest to adjust out of all poles available. A lengthwise clamp design completely works a from a user point of view, lateral are simply not ergonomic, I'm guessing you'll just argue the point despite the facts.
Before spending tens of thousands on clamp production, we looked at the current trend of lateral clamps, while being extremely easy to create our own version, we chose to do something better for the user. Shouldn't we be at least acknowledged for doing something different and giving you a choice?
As a side point, there is no clamp gap when closed, we have sprung clamps which open when activated and close tightly, when down.
The Phoenix range has made a massive impact in the water fed pole market. considering the vast amount of poles available and the current market bias, we must be doing something right. Thousands of Phoenix poles are out there. If poles are cheaper now, you've got us to thank! They maybe cheaper still in the future.... watch this space.