Gardiners over the years have shown technical expertise, customer service and they actually know what is needed.
Ok there have been some issues in the early days of the pole but most of that transpired to be issues caused by the 3rd party factories making the poles.
These initial teething problems allowed Gardiners to show that they truely know what customer service is.....Lets face it we all make mistakes from time to time but it's how you resolve those mistakes which shows your true colours.
And Gardiners have consistinly come through.
I have no connection with Gardiners other than being a customer and I pay more for my gear as I have to have it shipped to Holland which isn't cheap.
So alternative...not for me.
Cheers
Dave