rich, did you get the little connectors for the water pipe on your facelift?
i'm glad to see on another thread that you like the pole (i still can't get over just how good they are).
i had mine at full stretch yesterday (44ft) and it all worked perfect. the wee connector doesn't get snagged in the pole at all.then back to normal (24ft), reduce pipe length, spot on every time.
i do find that i have to use a thin small spanner as a release tool though as the fittings are a bit small for mi fat fingers!, and make the hole in the base section rubber a wee bit bigger to allow the hozelok tail end through easier.