Didn't see anyone post this yet. Gardiner's QuicK-LoQ system.
http://www.gardinerpolesystems.co.uk/acatalog/Product_of_the_Month.htmlGood improvement, my thoughts below.
I think the main problem most people have with screw type sockets is that they can come loose.
This can be fixed with using some electrical tape, but to actually change a brush by unscrewing the brush isn’t feasible at all.
Sore hands from trying to tighten the brush in the right position also isn’t ideal.
That’s why many users have got a permanent resi neck paired with a brush, so the actual brush never has to come off. I believe this is not ideal, and has never been. It always seemed to me a brush on a broom adapter concept. It also costs more money to buy a plastic resi neck for every brush.
On the other hand, if you want to have a carbon fibre neck, you are stuck with using just one brush, because changing screws just to change a brush wouldn’t be practical.
The new Quick-LoQ system actually addresses both these problems, in a very elegant and simple way.
Personally speaking, I didn’t quite like having to change brushes, as it would mean that I had to take the CF neck off, revert to a standard resi neck or buy a CF neck for every brush purchase.
With this QL system, you can actually retain the CF neck whilst still having the flexibility of using any brush in your arsenal. This is an immense improvement.
The other problem with the screw socket as described above is completely solved as well now. The brush can't spin anymore, no thread so no thread wear. The brush is always fixed properly, without ever having to worry about a spinning brush.
I see there is also the ability to flip the brush 90 degrees, which increases the flexibility of the system. Maybe handy for juliette balconies etc.
The actual Quick-LoQ is very easy to use. Pressing the push button and sliding the adapter off works really well, something that I didn't think would work that easily.
The adapter to glue on user’s existing CF neck is simply genius, as it makes the whole system backwards compatible, which doesn't alienate or upset users that have invested in multiple CF necks. Which in turn can only increase the already excellent reputation for customer care.
Just a note, make sure you get it lined up properly, the epoxy gives you little time before it dries.
Another thing that surprised me is that it’s actually very solid in construction without adding much, if any weight. It should last very well even with more heavy handed users.
I’m actually genuinely pleased with it, and can totally understand the progression towards an easy to use quick locking system.
Ultimately perhaps just a small improvement, but it's the little things that add up.
