[rl]

Hi again, Have just got my first pole, a G-Xtel 30ft, anyway was extending it to it's maximum, like you do and went to move it from one window to another when there was a cracking sound, which scared the life out of me, is this normal or not, was it because I was stood to far off the building and so the pole bent to far??? Don't want to break the flaming thing when I've just got it!

[DaveG]

Are there any "limit marks" on the pole? You could of had it extended too much on each section and also you may well have been too far from the building, always stay as close to the building as is comfortable..but not too close that you strain you neck!!

[rl]

cheers for that, will check the pole for limit marks. and stay in close!

[traps7]

Hi again, Have just got my first pole, a G-Xtel 30ft, anyway was extending it to it's maximum, like you do and went to move it from one window to another when there was a cracking sound, which scared the life out of me, is this normal or not, was it because I was stood to far off the building and so the pole bent to far??? Don't want to break the flaming thing when I've just got it!

This happened to me with a xtel 17. I'd only had it about a week.  Heard a crack and a few days later noticed a split and then it snapped. Phoned wcw who said they'd send it back but xtel would probably say it's been over extended and besides that I'd be left without a pole. In the end i took it apart and cut the cracked bit off. My pole was about 7 inches shorter and is now a spare as I upgraded to carbon fibre.

[rl]

thanks for that mate will give it a thourough check for cracks tomorrow!

[rl]

would a crack or split be obvious, have just had a look at it now and can't see anything. 

[windowswashed]

Only extend each section to the max everytime you need the full length of pole. Otherwise, use it extended lower down on each section so it doesn't wear down in one spot on each length of pole. Why put the top sections under full strain when the bottom section isn't always fully extended.

[rl]

thanks for that tip, me being me I wacked it up to the max straight away and was probably to far from the building! You live and learn, hope it'l be ok, not a good start if it snaps on me!

[traps7]

Mine was in the second section right by the stop. I didn't notice it until it actually snapped. I had it at quite a low angle and full extension when it finally snapped. I was gutted because I did like that pole at the time. Had to go back to it the other day though because I had a problem with my slx and it now seems pre-historic. With a vikan brush it's like a whippy bog brush on a stick.

[traps7]

Only extend each section to the max everytime you need the full length of pole. Otherwise, use it extended lower down on each section so it doesn't wear down in one spot on each length of pole. Why put the top sections under full strain when the bottom section isn't always fully extended.

I'll try that also. All a bit new to me. Only been wfp a few months.

[rl]

lol, no doubt when (not if!) I upgrade to one of these luxury poles all you guys have I'll think this ones a load of rubbish, but at the moment for me this is the dogs b*ll*cks and I don't want to break it!!!

[Robin Ray]

Its unlikely a new pole is cracking. It may be just the sound of the pole hose hitting the inside of the pole.

[rl]

did sound like a cracking noise to me, scared me to death, but I could be wrong as i've no experience of them. Will be being a lot more careful now anyway.

Just out of interest, how difficult would it be to repair the pole should the worst happen and it snaps? not saying it will but good to know anyway.

[traps7]

If you can build your own system and kit out a van you should be able to take your pole apart and saw a bit off or buy a replacement section. It's not hard, just annoying on a pole you haven't had long. Maybe I was expecting too much from mine and was a bit vigorous with those first cleans.

[CLEANGLASSUK]

The glass fibre xtel's are rubbish, you should definately buy either hybrid or carbon, the short glass fibre xtel's are ok,but the longer one's i would definately give a miss. 

[rl]

bit late now! will do me till I get up and running!