I purchased a slx 22 in Aug this year and a friend purchased one in October this year,we have both been using our previous slx 22 as our every day pole for the last few years.
What we are both finding with new poles, sections spinning and slipping several times a day,we also have to tighten clamp screws several times a day to stop spinning and slipping.
New poles are already showing signs of wear,and look the same as my previous two year old pole.
( all poles cleaned and maintained )
My question is as the above is happening to two new poles ,are we the only ones finding this ?
Has the specification and quality of components and parts changed in the last couple of years.
We are both dissapointed with our new poles,considering how pleased we were with our previous poles.
Hi Colin
Sorry to hear of your disappointment.
I can first of all reassure you that the construction methods, quality and specification of the carbon fibre tube sections and the clamps has not changed on the SLX poles at all in the last two years. There have been small improvements made to the barrel nut and bolt design and manufacture, but this would not have affected the poles itself.
What may be the issue?
Reading your description it almost sounds as if the adjustment on the clamps may not be holding tight enough and the locking nut is allowing the clamp to undo during use. If this is the case then replacing the locking nuts should be a quick and easy solution.
Addressing the wear issues - As we know that the materials and construction have not changed we would then look at environmental issues affecting the pole. There is really only one thing that affects the wear on these sections and that is abrasion - this abrasion comes from the dirt, grit or sand that are encountered in a day's work and gets trapped between the section and the clamping surfaces.
What may have changed?
Are you now working in an area with higher levels of sand and grit, perhaps a new round along a sea front? - if regularly used in such areas then abrasive wear will accelerate and affect the pole if not washed out and serviced frequently. Sand is the No.1 abrasive wear factor on telescopic poles - if working in a sandy environment (freshly laid paver drive, sea front, etc.) it is vital to fully flush the pole out after use.
Have you reduced the amount of cleaning and servicing that you carry out on the poles? If so this could negatively affect the wear rate.
If you think that there is a specific product problem that has not been caused by an environment or maintenance change then please give our Customer Services Team a call on 01726 66400 or
sales@gardinerpolesystems.co.uk and they can start the process of looking into this. If emailing, it is a good idea to provide as much information as possible including photos etc.