Extreme poles get brittle if they're not taken abroad, preferably to a different continent, at least twice a year.
As a holiday.
You have to keep them in the manner which they have become accustomed.
Its no good buying an extreme pole and leaving it at home whilst you jet off round the globe.
Alex doesn't mention this on his website, but over time you learn these things. I go away 5 times a year, usually to some place with 48 hour room service every day, 15 course meals (thats just breakfast) thrown in, a different continent each time, a dirty ol' scrubber to satisfy my testosterone fuelled bedroom 'needs' and a 19 * luxury gaff with a fully equipped gym located on the walls of each compass point of the resort.
That way I get to earn the same as what my brother was earning in 13 years time