FaceLift PHANTOM Pole

[AGlassAct]

Hi AGlassAct
 
We stopped making the Series-II Xtreme poles anymore because we had reliability issues with the carbon/steel mix, not because it didn't wear.
 
The X3 Xtreme pole that has replaced it actually lasts longer and has less wear and reliability issues. Whilst the stainless steel banding did stop wear or spinning on the outside clamping points it did not stop any of the wear from the inside of the sections - which is actually the majority of the wear on a carbon pole.
 
Looking at your SLX22 - nearly 3 years use  isn't too bad [emoji6]

You’ll get no complaints from me Alex Gardiner- always been happy with your kit and have always used predominantly Gardiner stuff. We all need a change every now and then!


Sent using the Window Cleaning Forums mobile app

 

[Iron Giant]

You’ll get no complaints from me Alex Gardiner- always been happy with your kit and have always used predominantly Gardiner stuff. We all need a change every now and then!


Sent using the Window Cleaning Forums mobile app

I just change brushes, not suppliers  ?

County Durham Lad
 

 

[THL4KEL]

Don't have the time or cash to be  giving 800 quid products a go/chance... Will it be OK /won't it?... I need reliability in the equipment/service I use today and everyday. I won't be switching brand myself.

 

[tench0771]

thought ide bring up a old topic very intrested to here everyones thoughts now its been a wile on this topic c;

 

[Mattymarske]

I'm still using my Phantom Carbon from Black Friday 2020. It was an 18ft but then I bought the next 2 sections so usually use it as a 22ft or recently 26ft and still happy with the clamps and wear on the sections.

It's a bit heavier than an SLX but feels more rigid. I swap between the phantom and slx and on some jobs i prefer the 6 year old flex on the SLX for some windows lol.

I would love a new SLX as more experienced so it may last longer in good nick and I would be able to compare it better like for like against the Phantom.

TBH I'm still using my SLX27 from March 2017 (with phantom clamps to help minimise the spinning being a worn pole) and it's a nice pole to work with.

I bought the extension #7 then the supermax #8-9 double extension off eBay brand new and finally a #10 off a Gardiner sale item as it was a display model so can get to about 45ft if needed. It's a bit whippy top 3 sections as worn and shorter SLX 27 sections. Could get an SLX 30 for same number of sections and 3ft extra reach but undecided with amount if jobs that require that length of pole.

Crazy the prize increases in 3.5 yrs for same bundle that I got the phantom with Big Boy Backpack. Served me well for chemical applications.

 

[Mattymarske]

Here's the 6 year old SLX 27 with SLX #7 extension and Supermax #8-9. But whippy and tighten the swivel up now when doing that window to give better feel at the business end.

 

[Mattymarske]

@tench0771 have you got any of the phantom poles? I know you seem to buy new poles every year or so how do Xline nano, ova-8 and Gardiner stack up?

Used phantom clamps to give my SLX new life but if I get new SLX I now know about replacing delrin shims so I might get more life out of the poles before get too worn. I was a newbie and pole was too worn before I realised the shims need to be replaced to renew smart clamps

Anyway attached photos so phantom and Gardiner aren't exclusive to one another and can be used for Trad and wfp together

 

[Scrubsy]

@Mattymarske how do you change the clamps on the SLX for the phantom ones please? I'm not keen on sawing poles myself to be honest but the clamps look ace. I gave my SLX to my brother recently so purchased a new one a couple of weeks ago. I nearly bought a phantom instead, but a mate of mine had nightmare customer service from window cleaning warehouse and it put me off. When I first started I had a hybrid phoenix pole which I absolutely loved, but they no longer sell the carbon version, so I was a whisker away from picking the phantom.

 

[Mattymarske]

@Mattymarske how do you change the clamps on the SLX for the phantom ones please? I'm not keen on sawing poles myself to be honest but the clamps look ace. I gave my SLX to my brother recently so purchased a new one a couple of weeks ago. I nearly bought a phantom instead, but a mate of mine had nightmare customer service from window cleaning warehouse and it put me off. When I first started I had a hybrid phoenix pole which I absolutely loved, but they no longer sell the carbon version, so I was a whisker away from picking the phantom.

I just cut through the clamp body and prised it away from the pole section with a screwdriver. The glue wasn't up to much so came off ok.

The new clamps need a slight file down and the red TPU insert will need fine slivers taken off as pole diameters are not quite identical.

I will say the red bolts that come with the phantom clamps are naff and snap really easily so watch out. Also the Gardiner levers personally feel more ergonomic so have swapped the black levers and springs to the phantom clamp bodies. But if a hybrid but work well.

 

[Scrubsy]

@Mattymarske thanks buddy. Yes it sounds a bit hybrid but that's nothing unusual for window cleaners. I have a few bits that are a mishmash of my preferred tools etc and it's quite nice when you can adapt stuff to your own needs. Thank you again

 

[tench0771]

@tench0771 have you got any of the phantom poles? I know you seem to buy new poles every year or so how do Xline nano, ova-8 and Gardiner stack up?

Used phantom clamps to give my SLX new life but if I get new SLX I now know about replacing delrin shims so I might get more life out of the poles before get too worn. I was a newbie and pole was too worn before I realised the shims need to be replaced to renew smart clamps

Anyway attached photos so phantom and Gardiner aren't exclusive to one another and can be used for Trad and wfp together

I have a phantom 18 but I took the clamps off to put on my nano 25 the xline now it much better but I wish I just got a extreme 25 instead as it’s liter I’ve not tired the evo8 I almost got one last week but decided to get a extreme 18 instead I’m looking at maby selling my xline and buying a phantom 30 or extreme 25 with extensions One thing I’ve all ways found is every time I try new pole I always wish I stuck with gardners they are just the best balanced poles out there phantom end caps fall off and it’s hard to wip hose out with univalve in at they have these plastic things in the sections but I managed to get them out but then the small section is to fin for Quick Look goose neck I just find them a pain in some ways the xline is nice now the new phantom clamps are on but it’s balance is top heavy so will be looking at changing