Hi All
I would just like to share my findings with the new poles from Ex-ceed Innovation.
http://ex-ceedinnovation.co.uk/I have used Gardiner pole for the last 5 years, I have had a SLX22 which is now an emergency pole, our everyday poles which we have been using until recently are a SLX25 and Extreme25. Gardiner poles are one of the best poles in the world and I have always loved using them, but IMO they now have some real competiiton, which can only be good for all of us window cleaners out there.
I purchased a 25ft full carbon tubeless pole (stage1) from Steve at Exceed Innovation 2 weeks ago, my findings are as follows:
1. The look - when holding the pole it feels and looks like a top quality product.
2. The weight - it is a very light pole, its just a bit heavier than the SLX25, but not noticeble when holding both in your hands.
3. The tubeless pole set up is ingenius, it works brilliantly and was one of the main reasons for buying the pole. I could see a time saving in not having to coil the hose up when putting the pole away and not having to uncoil the hose when starting to clean the windows. I was not disappointed it does save time and prevents the irritating moments when you get tangles. Although the time saving is not massive, maybe 15-30 mins a day at a guess, it all adds up over the year. Another bonus point is that the pole hose can be cleaned with a cloth every time you wind it in. Connecting and disconnecting of the pole to the hose is easy and a one handed operation.
4. Stiffness - this pole is stiffer than a SLX25 and is on a par with my Extreme25, which is a real bonus.
5. End cap - the end cap is made of foam, the harder stuff, so it will help protect against banging into cars or other items on customers property.
6. The clamps/sections - The clamps are fantastic, they are lateral and have areally smooth action and clamp really well, they have a locking nut to keep them set in place, but they nuts are not too tight that they can not be adjusted with your fingers if needed. The sections slide up and down smoothly as should be expected when being extended or closed.
7. The blue hose - this hose sits on the ground flat instead of being coiled up like the orange hose, this is probably down to the fact that it gets wound onto your hose reel, instead of a twist being put in it when coiling it up when packing away.
8. The aqua-dapter - This has been out there for years so I dont need to review this, it works exactly the same as it has always done and is another great product.
9. The angle adapter - The angle adapter is now quick release, this is so much better, its faster to change brushes than the quick loc. All you need to do is fit the front part of the angle adapter to each of your different brushes.
10. Cleaning - The section 1 can be taken out when the clamp screw is untightened, this can be rinsed and wiped on the outsdie, theres no need to rinse the inside as no dirt gets up this section. The other sections can be extended and rinsed out and wiped down as normal. Section 1 can be put back in easily and the clamp re-tightened for normal use.
After one weeks use I have now purchased a second pole from Exceed, I have sold me SLX25, the Extreme25 (this has extensions to make it a Extreme35 & Extreme47) will be set up for occasional use on higher work.
The only thing I can not comment on is the longevity of the pole, time will tell if it stands upto the job, but it looks very very promising.
I am more than happy with the pole and it has made the decision to swap over an easy one to make. Steve comes across as a nice decent guy and has been very helpful and quick to respond.
Kind regards
Trev
