My everyday pole is the SLX 18 and I can thoroughly recommend it. I used to use a CLX 18 mk2 but I made the switch to the SLX because I didn't like the whippy characteristics of the CLX when fully extended. Don't get me wrong, it's a very good pole. However, the SLX, to me anyway, is worlds apart from the CLX. It's like the Rolls Royce of all the poles I've used. Extremely smooth to operate and very nice to work with fully extended. Well worth the extra dosh in my book.