Update 
After receiving my new xtreme yesterday I felt it was time to update on how my last pole went with the phantom clamps fitted from new.
Firstly I only replaced the pole as I like to replace them every 12-15 months regardless of condition so I’ve not replaced it because it’s unusable etc but I’ve had 17 months out of this now and could get even longer if I wanted.
The pole has Definately worn better than it would with the smart clamps for sure.
It has worn which was always inevitable and will happen regardless of any clamps fitted, the pole still feels strong and hasn’t got any worn grooves in around top etc.
With my older poles I’d have usually snapped a section by 11-12th month and haven’t yet with this one.
The only thing and main reason why I wouldn’t take the clamps off a gardiner pole and fit phantom clamps is there must be a slight difference in pole section bore diameter between phantoms and gardiner poles so the phantom clamps tends to slip easier than gardiner clamps so I’ve had to tighten the phantom clamps up to the point they won’t clamp anymore tighter as they’ve closed up on themselves with the gap is between the lever.
It’s been a good test as I’ve treated the pole no differently to how I would my old poles and gave a try as I had a set of phantom clamps spare and was impressed with them on my old pole and one thing for certain and way better on the phantom is the lack of black hand from the carbon pole wearing less.
Would I spend £70-£80 on phantom clamps again and fit them to an xtreme, no but I’ve stuck with xtreme poles for now rather than buy a phantom himod as I know what I’m getting which is a slightly cheaper pole with a new brush and I’m also not sure about that extra top section pole on phantoms which is a lot thinner bore than gardiner no1 section.
So final conclusion, phantom clamps Definately wear less from my experience however for someone like me who replaces my poles every 12-15 months anyway it’s not worth doing, I’ve used this 17 months now and it’s still going strong so maybe my next pole after this xtreme I’ve just bought maybe a phantom to try but I’m just not brave enough at the moment as I’m like one of those apple fanboys who won’t try an android as I feel institutionalised to use gardiner ever since I started window cleaning with poles 
Replacing poles every 12 months 
it’s on just starting to get worn in?! I’ve had my pole for 7 years now only replaced one section 3rd section cus I snapped it on a wall section 1 and 2 are a bit shorter and knackered at the ends but?!!? Probably lost a foot or 2 off it max.. lemme know when your replacing again I’ll buy it for sure 
is it an xtreme pole though?most other poles like clx,slxs will last many years as a main pole but with xtreme poles its a different story......
the first 3 xtreme sections on my 25 footer are pretty much done in after 18 months...usually i snap or splinter at least one section after 12 months or so.....
ive just added 3 new xtreme sections to sections 4 and 5 of my 18 month old pole..i usually just buy a new xtreme 25 every year but no need as sections 4 and 5 are still in good condition...in fact i have another 4 sets of these sections so i only need to buy the first 3 sections for a fair few years yet.....
at the end of the day xtreme poles are worth it if your a sole trader...esp if you have lots of awkward windows to clean full extended at 25 foot(sometimes horizontally!),3 storey,skylights and larger jobs where you need a full 25ft just to reach the first floor windows...
i have an 8 year old xtreme 47 with the old style clamps,its still in good condition but it only gets used around 10 times a month......my main xtreme 25 gets battered every day
