Similar story began with the fibreglass whippy poles, then purchased a clx and phoenix pro (hybrid) poles at similar times. My brother had the clx I had the phoenix both hybrid but the clx was quite a lot stiffer and easier to use without the whip of the phoenix. I had enough of it and the shoulder ache when using it extended.
I also bought an slx 35 and used it for the first time today and also near fully extended for a good couple of hours and boy what a difference. No shoulder ache and when I needed to scrub something I applied pressure to the pole in turn directly to the brush head, with the phoenix pro all it did was add a little pressure and totally bend in towards the window.
Can't knock it too much served us well, but what a pleasant difference the slx was to use.