Marko067
Well-known member
- Messages
- 1,967
- Location
- Basildon, Essex
Don't think there can be anything more simpler than a univalve. Now that I can buy replacement parts for a fiver a piece makes it near impossible to beat. That's the way I see it but I could be wrong. Rain all day here so building up my new 18 pole with univalve and hoseless kit and new brush. Going to add my pads to the ends of my brush, so will post a photo later on.
I'd agree, I liked using the Univalve before the twist valve came on the market because of its simplicity. It's also definitely more versatile than the twist valve.
However, like others I didn't find them problem free. Of the three I had before the twist valve came on the market, none were 100% reliable. They would randomly 'misfire', not responding to the pulling action. They would stick both on and off. This improved when using the correct PU hose but didn't go away completely.
Also after several months of use they would start leaking causing me to have a wet leg from water dribbling out of the end of the pole. I did all the maintenance that was recommended but they would always leaking again after a little while.
When Gardiner's first twist valve was released I tried it and found I preferred the twist action right off the bat. However, the first version was very unreliable and resulted in me going back to my Univalves. But it gave me the feel for it. So when the new version was released I had to try it it. It was so much better than the first.
It's not perfect and I would say the Univalve still tops it for versatility. But I just prefer the twist action.
I would also sat that if you use a swivel and have to do a lot of your work with a gooseneck cranked to more than a few degrees then the Univalve is by far the best option, if you want to use a tap/valve of course.