thanks mr brimble, the new design of clamps are far better than older versions, the pole gets discolour quick and you would think it is getting worn out but far from it, the thickness of the wall is about right, the clamps seem to be a key point to the life of the pole, i remember i had a old ionics carbon some years back that got worn very quick, i think the slx is a good pole, i don't think i could have done any better make in one for myself, in fact it is close to my project tele carbon. an the clamps are better than the ones i first used,