I think its a crying shame that their is not an 18' H-xtel pole as I would buy one without hesitation.
I have had a 28' H-xtel pole for 9 months and its the best pole I have ever had. I bought a 35' and an 18'slx 5 weeks ago and my honest opinion is they are not as good as the h-xtel.
The 35'slx is a pole I will have a long time as I dont use it very often with the advantage that its lighter and is a narrower pole to use then an H-xtel at that size.My 28'h-xtel is at my maxamium comfort level due to the diamater of the base pole section so getting a 35'H-xtel is out of the question hence the slx.
But I am very underwhelmed by the 18' slx.Yes it light and stiff to use, But the clamps are not even in the same league as the xtel range.My 17' xtelpole now feels so bendy, really bendy after useing
my 18' slx. But the wear on the carbon poles is alarming,I have to arrange with Alex to send it back for them to have a look at it. Plus the Black hands from useing it. If given the chance a 17' H-xtel would grace my van without delay.My son hates the slx, he preffers to use a 17' xtelpole purley because of the clamps.
Neil