Got on good with the pole today, I dont entirely know what to make of it yet as it not like any other pole I have used at this height.
I am used to using clapped out floppy excell poles, this pole is very stiff so I have to change my technique slightly to get used to the handling characteristics.
Held out 90 Degrees there is virtually no bend at all. The pole feels a similar weight to a 20 ft excell even though the sl-x is 25 ft
The pole feels well engineered.
The only draw back for me, Which is only a slight draw back is the clamps, even though they are well engineered, they feel a bit cumbersome and i knocked my hands on them occassionally, I suppose they just need getting used to as they operate vertical as opposed to horizontal on the excell, and are completely different to anything i have used before.
They also require more force to opporate than we are used to.
My wife used the pole most of the day and overall she was impressed, the thought of no fibre glass splinters impressed her most
One good thing is that the pole doesnt rely on the clamps as stops for the next section, the clamps stop about an inch or so apart.
The pole is quite expensive, but I suppose all carbon poles are.
The good points about the pole is that the sections are painted red to show where the maximum each pole should be extended, which is something sadly missing on excells as the the tapes fail and you just have to guess where the ends are.
I found the sections quite easy to remove, just a slight twisting movement managed to remove them even though i was told an allen key was required.
So far I would give this pole 8+ 1/2 out of 10, I would give it 10 if the clamps were less noticeable, not visually but if they required less thinking about.
My wife gave it 9 out of 10.
I hope this gives an honest opinion, dont just rely on what i say though, others might give different opinions.
Do I regret buying this pole ? No
Do I like the price tag ? No
Can I afford it ? Yes, so why not.
Is the pole good ? Yes
Does it perform miracles ? No