PROS and CONS
Aluminium will outlast carbon fibre by years
Their are Tucker poles in use that are ten years old
The SL2 is much lighter
The SL2 is easier on the operator in good weather conditions
The Tucker can be used when its windy
The SL2 cannot be used when its windy
The weight of the Tucker aids the contact of the brush on windows
The SL2 joining system is fiddely and not ideal for employees
The Tucker has its tubing inside the pole
The SL2 has tubing on the outside
The Tucker is easier to adjust in height
The Tucker brush is far superior in quality
The Tuckerpole will withstand items being put on it inside the van
Its unlikly the SL2 would withstand rough treatment.
That's why I tend only to use the SL2 on certain jobs Glyn. For most of my work I use a pretty light 18 ft Extender glass pole (bought from you). It may only last about 9 months but it's pretty cheap so costs no more in the longer term. I need the lightness as I was having problems with one of my shoulders while using a heavier pole. New poles are easier to obtain than new shoulders. Probably a lot cheaper too when taking lost time off work into account. I do like the durability of aluminium poles and do keep one aside with a cladding brush for the odd occasions when I get cladding, facia, or soffit to clean. The extra weight can sometimes be a plus as you point out. The modular aspect of the SL2 does make it inappropriate for most of my work but I bought it for the occasional window that I find impossible with other poles and for a particular job where I need height and lightness. I am anticipating getting other jobs where I need height and lightness but even if I don't get any of those I have currently quoted for, I'm sure it will be useful for any future jobs I get like that.
As you say, there are pros and cons to pole selections and the operator's physical durability is as much part of that selection process as the pole's durability. I feel a bit of a wimp really. I'm 6 ft 1", very beefy (read fat), yet my 50 year old body isn't up to the daily rigours of using heavier poles.