New Pole

[Stephen Fox]

looks like G has made his measurements without the 2 finger rule. Which would make his statement correct. If it has a gray strip to indicate where you should stop extending the pole, that is where the measurement should be taken from IMO. Also the height of a brush should not be included in any measurements taken for that product. not unless it comes as part of the product.

Laddergarder, in use we know the user may over extend the coloured band and this has been factored in. There is a larger overlap on these poles compared to other makes. As for brush height you are probably right not include it into the pole length, but unfortunately most manufacturers include this in their stated pole length - I think Alex has a 35SLX with is only 33ft 11" when fully extended, so the pole size is 'with brush'.

I think I'm right in saying that Alex?

 

[deno]

So guys, whats the most rigid 35 foot pole?

Facelift Phoenix or Gardiner slx?

and Alex, how does the 35 slx compare to your extreme for rigidity?

Cheers guys

 

[Alex Gardiner]

So guys, whats the most rigid 35 foot pole?

Facelift Phoenix or Gardiner slx?

and Alex, how does the 35 slx compare to your extreme for rigidity?

Cheers guys

At the moment there is no Phoenix35 so it would have to be the SLX35!! I'm sure that Facelift will be adding a similar size pole to the SXL35 soon though. Exact rigidity comparison will have to be tested once they have been released.

The Xtreme35 is in a different league from the SLX35 both for rigidity and lightness.

 

[Stephen Fox]

Hi Stephen

As you have only just come up with the 'two-finger' rule - which no-one else was privy to (including your clients until now), my measurements were taken with the poles extended so that the silver marker section is showing in the clamp window which has previously been the recommended stop point on poles with over-lap markers. All of my comparitve rigidty testing of your poles was carried out without the two-finger overlap as I felt this only fair to the poles. However I will be carrying out some more testing using these new approved settings.

No not really Alex, we have always been aware that you can take the pole past the band that is why there is a larger overlap compared to you range for just this reason.

As for comparing the SLX25 to the UL26. For a real like for like we have the new Phoenix 25 coming out, this would be the pole to compare to the SLX25 as it is pretty much identical lengths, etc The UL26 and the SLX25 are not really the same pole at all and could not be fairly compared. The UL26 is much shorter closed length, easier to use in tigher places, and has more sections. The information video you released as requested by your 'clients' to compare both poles, you failed to mention any of this.

Its great for the industry that you have take on the role of 'policing' the wfp manufactures. The main issue is who 'watches the watchmen'.... I just seen you've had to update pretty much all of your SLX weights as in some cases they were way out. I am really surprised for someone as fastidious as yourself to have 150g heavier poles than as you have previously marketed, seeing as you are all over anyone who you think may have published inaccuracies.

I really do not want to get in a forum spat with you Alex, but i would suggest you concentrate on you own products as these things have a way of coming back at you.

 

[Alex Gardiner]

Laddergarder, in use we know the user may over extend the coloured band and this has been factored in. There is a larger overlap on these poles compared to other makes. As for brush height you are probably right not include it into the pole length, but unfortunately most manufacturers include this in their stated pole length - I think Alex has a 35SLX with is only 33ft 11" when fully extended, so the pole size is 'with brush'.

I think I'm right in saying that Alex?

33ft 11.5" to be precise - with a gooseneck and brush this about 35ft.

The exact lengths of these poles have always been quoted on our website in metres (10.34 in this case) to allow an accurate comparison between our poles and the only real competition when we released them which was Ionics and X-Tel both of which only ever had their actual length listed in metres. Unlike oursleves though Ionics have always (and still do) name each pole size according to its reach length which can be confusing - this is again the reason that we also list a working reach for each pole size to allow some comparison. I do not like working reach sizes though.

 

[Stephen Fox]

So guys, whats the most rigid 35 foot pole?

Facelift Phoenix or Gardiner slx?

and Alex, how does the 35 slx compare to your extreme for rigidity?

Cheers guys

The SLX35 (or should it be renamed to SLX33?? haha! just kidding Alex)

There is no Phoenix 35 yet, will be in the near future.

 

[Stephen Fox]

33ft 11.5" to be precise - with a gooseneck and brush this about 35ft.

The exact lengths of these poles have always been quoted on our website in metres (10.34 in this case) to allow an accurate comparison between our poles and the only real competition when we released them which was Ionics and X-Tel both of which only ever had their actual length listed in metres. Unlike oursleves though Ionics have always (and still do) name each pole size according to its reach length which can be confusing - this is again the reason that we also list a working reach for each pole size to allow some comparison. I do not like working reach sizes though.

Totally agree with you on this. The reach height should be banned as it is so subjective, especially when it comes down to rigidity of a pole, etc which will also effect working reach. I think these days customers are more aware, as companies like yourself now post as much data as possible for accuracy.

 

[Alex Gardiner]

No not really Alex, we have always been aware that you can take the pole past the band that is why there is a larger overlap compared to you range for just this reason.

As for comparing the SLX25 to the UL26. For a real like for like we have the new Phoenix 25 coming out, this would be the pole to compare to the SLX25 as it is pretty much identical lengths, etc The UL26 and the SLX25 are not really the same pole at all and could not be fairly compared. The UL26 is much shorter closed length, easier to use in tigher places, and has more sections. The information video you released as requested by your 'clients' to compare both poles, you failed to mention any of this.

Its great for the industry that you have take on the role of 'policing' the wfp manufactures. The main issue is who 'watches the watchmen'.... I just seen you've had to update pretty much all of your SLX weights as in some cases they were way out. I am really surprised for someone as fastidious as yourself to have 150g heavier poles than as you have previously marketed, seeing as you are all over anyone who you think may have published inaccuracies.

I really do not want to get in a forum spat with you Alex, but i would suggest you concentrate on you own products as these things have a way of coming back at you.

You have always seemed to very much enjoy Forum spats - so I find this hard to believe!

One of our clients has indeed pointed out an incorrect weight on one of our poles which I have immediatley changed. I have also taken the opportunity of checking and verifying all weights and lengths based on current stock. You will notice quite a few minor length changes as many of the current stock has a slightly longer length than had been previuosly listed.

We have been providing superior quality poles now for many years and have many thousands of happy pole clients so I think that we are pretty well aware of how to keep clients happy without things 'coming' back at us. It is very early days for you and you have yet to have a client with even three months pole use and wear - I personally will not want to be in your shoes at that point.

I think that you posted a very simlar warning message to me a while back when we introduced our new backpack range - so just returning the favour!

 

[Alex Gardiner]

Totally agree with you on this. The reach height should be banned as it is so subjective, especially when it comes down to rigidity of a pole, etc which will also effect working reach. I think these days customers are more aware, as companies like yourself now post as much data as possible for accuracy.

Unfortunately those companies (which included the previous Facelift range) probably find naming a pole by its reach still helps sell poles so I doubt it will go away.

 

[Stephen Fox]

You have always seemed to very much enjoy Forum spats - so I find this hard to believe!

One of our clients has indeed pointed out an incorrect weight on one of our poles which I have immediatley changed. I have also taken the opportunity of checking and verifying all weights and lengths based on current stock. You will notice quite a few minor length changes as many of the current stock has a slightly longer length than had been previuosly listed.

We have been providing superior quality poles now for many years and have many thousands of happy pole clients so I think that we are pretty well aware of how to keep clients happy without things 'coming' back at us. It is very early days for you and you have yet to have a client with even three months pole use and wear - I personally will not want to be in your shoes at that point.

I think that you posted a very simlar warning message to me a while back when we introduced our new backpack range - so just returning the favour!

Very true! Appreciated.

 

[Tuffers]

Think my next pole will be a Gardiner after reading this thread.

 

[Smurf]

Why is that?

 

[Tuffers]

Why is that?

I like Alex Gardiner xx

 

[Stephen Fox]

I like Alex Gardiner xx

So do I! He's a pioneer! /emoticons/biggrin.png

 

[Smurf]

Doesn't seem like it /emoticons/biggrin.png

So do I! He's a pioneer! /emoticons/biggrin.png

 

[Solar Steve]

Wow, a pioneer?? No wonder he can pioneer, have you seen the prices of their poles??? Lol! However, I bought an extreme 25ft from gardiner 2 weeks ago, MINT!!! Well done Alex!

 

[Stephen Fox]

Wow, a pioneer?? No wonder he can pioneer, have you seen the prices of their poles??? Lol! However, I bought an extreme 25ft from gardiner 2 weeks ago, MINT!!! Well done Alex!

/emoticons/wink.png

 

[harunh]

Right why are people buzzing over facelift poles ? they havent even been tested.. a lot of people are saying im getting a new pole and its going to be the facelift pole !

How do you know it going to be the ideal pole for u ? it hasnt even been tested yet and some people are willing to take a gamble and splash out a few hundred kwid and test it theirselves... why ? ? go for gardiners poles.. its well established and atleast you know your going to get a good pole /emoticons/smile.png

 

[Martyn]

Well this has been an interesting little skirmish. /emoticons/biggrin.png

Speaking as someone who started out with OTT/Ionics equipment I'm inclined to think that Alex's poles are quite well priced and specced, the size information is clear to understand. Having used and handled a number of his poles over the last few years as well as a number of Ionics offerings I am firmly of the belief that Gardiners poles have been king of the heap for quite a while, however nothing stands still and it may be that these new poles will knock them of the throne, or maybe not. Three months should give us a clear idea of how they are going to measure up.

On a personal level I have found dealing with Alex to be a positive and often informative experience.

 

[mark m]

i think the Gardiners poles are great and i have few but i have been looking recently at the facelift poles i like the idea of clamps and the auto stop but i have been waiting for some reviews is there any around yet ?

 

[Stephen Fox]

Well this has been an interesting little skirmish. /emoticons/biggrin.png

Speaking as someone who started out with OTT/Ionics equipment I'm inclined to think that Alex's poles are quite well priced and specced, the size information is clear to understand. Having used and handled a number of his poles over the last few years as well as a number of Ionics offerings I am firmly of the belief that Gardiners poles have been king of the heap for quite a while, however nothing stands still and it may be that these new poles will knock them of the throne, or maybe not. Three months should give us a clear idea of how they are going to measure up.

On a personal level I have found dealing with Alex to be a positive and often informative experience.

Martyn, you started out with OTT?? How long have you been going? I don't know many who go that far back, we had our first system from them back in 98(?)