I have 3 extel hybrid poles and I find that the tape wears away that prevents the pole from being completely removed when extending. I've now painted the bottom of the pole sections with Hammerite paint in a different colour so that when I'm extending the poles I know when I've reached the poles safe limit because I've reached my colour marker. The other advantage with doing this is that I can remove or add sections as need be easily, similar to using a Facelift pole.