One advantage with the hefty power pole would be that you could thrash it about a bit with the spike fitted i would imagine. Probably couldn't do that with the S2.
The power pole is no longer used to hold the vacuum tubing (I do wish Glyn would remove those pictures as its the old system).
Th power pole is used as a multi tool. It can be used for a spike, as a high level pressure washing lance, holds the camera etc etc. I own three!!!!
They are too heavy for daily wfp in my opinion but they cannot be beaten when used with a spike or as a pressure lance for flushing etc etc - solid and well built. You can literally hang on it when trying to force weeds, plants etc from gutters.
Trust me to complete overgrown commercial guttering jobs and the odd domestic the spike is a necessity. I tried the cheap glass fibre / carbon fibre approach but after breaking several I spent my cash. I haven't managed to break a power pole yet though.