Hi Bill,
Yes when they are new the tolerances are tighter on the poles so they are more sensitive to dirt etc, Sometimes this phase passes after couple of weeks as a little wear eases this situation.
However sometimes a little help is needed;
The first thing to try is to slightly loosen the clamp adjusting nut, a couple of clicks, these nuts turn the opposite way to usual.
If this doesn't make enough difference, fully extend the pole and direct a hose jet of water up the pole flushing out any dirt out, spray the jet in and around each clamp as well, then dry the pole off with a cloth and a little non-waxed based household polish. Some people do the above every week as a matter of course, doing so will prolong the life of the pole as generally dirt and grit are the main wearing agents.
If this isn't enough the pole can be quickly taken apart and flushed with water, to do this undo the Allen nut on each clamp and remove the plastic retaining peg, open the lever and slide the clamp off of each section now you can spray with a hose each section fully paying particular attention the white section guides. Dry it all off and if you wish apply a polish to it. Reassemble.
It always amazes me the amount of dirt that gets up inside the pole.
Let me know if you still have any problems after this.
Alex
www.gardinerpolesystems.co.uk