[james44]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KllXBy2ue4

Your  thoughts?

[p1w1]

its a step in the right direction but it still needs to be clamped on which is why i still wont buy it, if they make it so it just screws on without the need of clamps then i'll def get one..
paul

[SPE]

I can understand why things get modified and improved, that is afterall progress.
However I'd be pretty cheesed off if I'd recently bought a new pole and had to cut it down and adapt to fit this, only to find out a week or two later that they were bringing out a mk2. here we go again with estimated times and advance pre-orders, form a que guys  :
Remind you of any other innovative manufacturer of wfp gear ?
say what you like about the big players : ionics, brodex, xtel etc. but hav'nt they done their r&d and got the products right before putting them on the market ?
I think its a great invention and in time will become the norm but needs more work, and so for that reason for the time being I'm out.

[james44]

I said in one of my previous posts that it was introduced to early

and it looks as though the ones that bought the mk 1 have been the field testers!

I'd be pretty cheesed off if I'd recently bought a new pole and had to cut it down and adapt to fit this, only to find out a week or two later they were bringing out a mk2.

i would agree with that considering the mk1 has only been launched month ago!

As i have said above the buyers of the mk1 have been field testers.
 

[SPE]

I said in one of my previous posts that it was introduced to early

and it looks as though the ones that bought the mk 1 have been the field testers!

exactly, maybe they should have been offered more than a 20% discount for snapping one up so soon.
Sorry aqua-dapter guys, as I know you'll be reading this, I'm sure you've been working really hard to bring this product out. I should'nt knock what I hav'nt tried but I'd be really disappointed if within a month of buying a mk1 you were to announce in a you tube video that had I waited a couple of weeks longer I need'nt have had to cut the end off what may have been a very expensive carbon fiber pole, shame really because I was waiting on a few more reviews but I was sold on the idea.

[james44]

This is taken from nats forum 4 days ago!

Hi Smithys,

It's definitely coming, but I wouldn't wait for it if I were you.  It's a few weeks away still (at least).  Take advantage of the promotion and the code mentioned on here while they're still available! Wink

We have to ensure the quality of the product, and we don't want to rush it out before it's ready.  Of course, the true test is once it gets into the hands of 100s of WCs, but we want to make sure we're happy with it first.

Still trying to flog the mk1 when he then uploads a video of the mk2 4 days later

but we want to make sure we're happy with it first.

could have done that with the mk1

I think this is bad pratice if you are trying to sell products on here pushing discounts on the mk1 then uploading a video of the mk2 4 days later!

[windowswashed]

Can you pre purchase at the discount rate before the discount date expires, yet wait for the new modified version  to be sent out instead of the original version

[Aqua-dapter]

Hi guys,

Thought I'd just respond to the comments so far...

it still needs to be clamped on which is why i still wont buy it

The reason why it's clamped on is because clamping it onto the pole is the most secure way of fixing it.  We're confident that the screw thread adapter will be fine, but some people may want to remove it and clamp it directly to their pole anyway.  If you really don't want to, you could glue the new screw thread adapter into the Aqua-dapter, but we don't want to do that at the moment, as it makes it less versatile.

Clamping is still the recommended way of attaching it to your pole, but this version has been specifically developed to cater for the those that are too reluctant to do it.

the mk1 has only been launched month ago!

The company has been trading since April, and started selling online in June.  It's the new website that's only a month old.

the buyers of the mk1 have been field testers.

We've responded to the feedback we've received, that's true, but the product was in development for approx 2 years and field tested for about a year before release.

It was designed as a permanent pole upgrade.  The thing is, when you're showing someone the product and explaining it to them face-to-face, they're convinced very quickly, I was, it really is that good (IMO).  Cutting the pole is the easiest way of removing the screw thread, which is why that is what was suggested to begin with.  We didn't realize the level of reluctance there would be, even though we've since explained in various places, including our FAQs that you don't need to cut your pole.

maybe they should have been offered more than a 20% discount for snapping one up so soon.

The customers who've already bought them are very happy with them, and I'm pretty sure that they won't be taking them off their poles, so I hope it won't make much difference to them.  Those 'early-adopters' have had the benefit of using the product sooner and getting it for less.

I should'nt knock what I hav'nt tried but I'd be really disappointed if within a month of buying a mk1 you were to announce in a you tube video that had I waited a couple of weeks longer I need'nt have had to cut the end off what may have been a very expensive carbon fiber pole

As the guys over at WCR in the states say:

the poles have been cut before so don’t be too scared about cutting 3 more inches off your pole … if you just hate if for some bizarre reason you can take it off and put your old tip back on with a little bit of epoxy and you’re back to normal

It's in one of their recent (long) YT videos, 11 - 14 mins.  Granted, they're selling it too, but they're really enthusiastic about it when talking to us.

but we want to make sure we're happy with it first.

could have done that with the mk1

We did, we were, we still are happy with the "mk1".  We're trying to respond to prospective customer's feedback.  Those who have bought it obviously weren't really against the idea of cutting their pole, or they wouldn't have purchased one in the first place.

I think this is bad pratice if you are trying to sell products on here pushing discounts on the mk1 then uploading a video of the mk2 4 days later!

I'm sincerely sorry you feel that way.  The new version will cost more than the current version, which will still work just as well.  If you want to use an Aqua-dapter and can remove the thread from your pole, or slide the Aqua-dapter over the screw thread, I still think it's best to buy the current version for less.

I understand that you seem to think that we should have thought of *every* possible eventuality before the first version was released, but we are a small team, we don't have the resources of the larger companies that have been mentioned.  We've just responded to the feedback we've received, and we're going to continue to try to improve the product.  If you read all the comments from those who have bought, you'll see that we're doing our best to offer very good customer service too.

Can you pre purchase at the discount rate before the discount date expires, yet wait for the new modified version  to be sent out instead of the original version

No, sorry.  The new version will initially be a separate product on the website, available for pre-order in the next few days.  If you order now, you'll get the mk1 version (usually next working day).

Phew!  I'll have to reply to any further comments tomorrow, it's late!

Goodnight,

Paul

[james44]

The company has been trading since April, and started selling online in June.  It's the new website that's only a month old

What i mean is it is only a month ago that you joined to promote it

field tested for about a year before release.

If it has only been field tested for about a year how can you guarantee it for a year?

If you buy a tv that is guaranteed for 3 years you can guarantee it has been field test for at least 5

It was designed as a permanent pole upgrade

But it only fitted certain poles!

We did, we were, we still are happy with the "mk1"

How can you be happy with a product that only fits certain poles?

The new version will cost more than the current version

Was the price of the mk1 not an issue thats why you had to discount it, why then do you think you can now sell it for more when customers were not happy with the price of the mk1

I understand that you seem to think that we should have thought of *every* possible eventuality before the first version was released, but we are a small team, we don't have the resources of the larger companies that have been mentioned

that is a feeble excuse if you are going to try and sell a product you have to know the market that you are trying to sell it to,

It would have sold better if you had come on here and said we have this great product that fits any pole, and not just certain poles hence why i say more though and reserch should have gone into it, it has got nothing to do about the size of the company  it`s the thought and research that matters,
Thats why people like ionics, brodex differ from yourselves is that they know the market that they are selling to!

[mistersqueegee]

Thats why people like ionics, brodex differ from yourselves is that they know the market that they are selling to!

I wouldn't say Ionics knows their market any better than anyone else. They have more than a few people that consider their stuff overpriced junk. The Aqua-dapter is a great way to control water flow. I had no problem cutting off my pole tip to install the product. Others have been very vocal about not wanting to do this so the folks at Aqua-dapter offered alternatives. Since they (like all vendors) would like to sell their product to as many people as possible developed a new product. I'd call that innovative and listening to their customer base.

[james44]

I wouldn't say Ionics knows their market any better than anyone else

I  and many others would disgree with that statement like them or hate them they do know there market!

It does not matter what you think of their stuff, the fact is they know their market.

developed a new product. I'd call that innovative and listening to their customer base.

But they have not developed a new product all they have done is rectifed a problem that has been over looked in the initial development!

[Aqua-dapter]

Hi James,

What i mean is it is only a month ago that you joined to promote it

OK, I was just responding to what you said.  We didn't join just to promote the product, we haven't started any of the topics about it. We joined so that we could respond to the questions and comments that were being raised on here.

If it has only been field tested for about a year how can you guarantee it for a year?

Because it was being developed for longer than that, and the test models were (and are) still going strong at the end of that period.  We wanted to demonstrate our confidence that it will last, rather than just offering a shorter guarantee.

How can you be happy with a product that only fits certain poles?

We're happy with it because it works well for those poles.  We were already working on a version for larger poles, and added the screw thread adapter in response to the feedback we got.  We don't see the new version as better, just different.

Was the price of the mk1 not an issue thats why you had to discount it

It was selling at the higher price, it's a promotion.

that is a feeble excuse if you are going to try and sell a product you have to know the market that you are trying to sell it to

I wasn't making an excuse, just explaining the situation.  We are selling the product, we have happy customers.  If you read the website you'll see how the company started.  R&D costs money, and large companies have more to invest in it, is all I was trying to express.

James, I understand some of your criticisms, and I wouldn't claim that there aren't a few things that we would do differently if we had our time again (wouldn't we all  ), but it's best to try and do the best we can in the current circumstances, wouldn't you agree?

We are trying to make a quality product, backed by excellent customer service, and things are going well so far.

Paul

[Smudger]

Just dropping in my 2 pennith (having actually got one)

the adaptor fitted my SLX perfectly ( Mk3 ) i didn't cut off the end of the pole - simply warmed up the insert and
pulled it off.

the fact that there is a mk2 makes no difference - it is a natural progression where improvements and refinements happen,
cars tv's playstations ( some the manufacturer tells you about - some not )

It's good they have adressed the problem with the larger diameter poles. the thing to ask is what percentage of poles are
the larger diameter and to what appears to be the smaller standard diameter.

Lastly - Ionics will know the market better, they are after all a large company who have been supplying equipment
for many,many years - but still had to catch up with gardiners for lightweight c/f poles.

Darran

[p1w1]

Just dropping in my 2 pennith (having actually got one)

the adaptor fitted my SLX perfectly ( Mk3 ) i didn't cut off the end of the pole - simply warmed up the insert and
pulled it off.

the fact that there is a mk2 makes no difference - it is a natural progression where improvements and refinements happen,
cars tv's playstations ( some the manufacturer tells you about - some not )

It's good they have adressed the problem with the larger diameter poles. the thing to ask is what percentage of poles are
the larger diameter and to what appears to be the smaller standard diameter.

Lastly - Ionics will know the market better, they are after all a large company who have been supplying equipment
for many,many years - but still had to catch up with gardiners for lightweight c/f poles.

Darran

i agree and i dont have one but for me i dont want to have to clamp it on i want it to just screw on as one unit and not glue bits as mentioned earlier but they seem to be listining to people and trying to make it better so good luck to them..

paul

[Paul Coleman]

I do applaud what Paul (the aquadapter guy is doing.  It's the sort of innovation that this business needs.  It's a normal evolution for products to be updated and improved.
Will I be buying one?
Probably not - but only because I'm an oddbod who prefers to use my SLX with the pole hose fitted externally as it saves it from needing to be cleaned frequently.  If the aquadapter could be used with external pole hose then I will probably buy one eventually.  I realise I'm unusual in this regard (and probably a few others too  ) so I don't expect a version for external hoses.

[james44]

paul if you look at the new mk2 video on youtube  go along to about 1.30 and you will see there is a slot on the end of the pole that duncan is holding, If you look at that end as the top end of your pole you can then just put on the aqua-dapter and pull your hose through the slot on the pole, if you dont have a slot it is easy to make one this is what i had in mind to be able to use the hose externally.

What i should add is this would work with the mk1 not so sure about the mk2,

[Aqua-dapter]

Hi Paul,

Thanks for your comments.  I should point out that I'm not the only person working here, and that the Aqua-dapter was invented by Steven Jones, who has been a Window Cleaner (trad and WFP) for nearly 10 years.

We're considering an external pole version, but there are a number of things we'd need to test thoroughly first, so I don't know at this stage whether it's ever likely to happen.

With regard to using the slot in the hole, it might work, my initial thoughts are I'd be a little concerned about weakening the pole (I think the slot would have to be fairly big to avoid the hose catching) and/or friction on the hose.

Paul

[james44]

Friction would not be a problem paul as you can get rubber gormets to fit the slot.

[Aqua-dapter]

Friction would not be a problem paul as you can get rubber gormets to fit the slot.

True, I wasn't just thinking about damage to the hose though, but also the operation of the device, whether the hose would "stick" on the edges.  Worth giving some more thought and trials though

[prestigeclean]

just ordered my second one , great product , allows me to use a higher flow of water and work quicker regards alan