The flipper is the best trad tool I ever purchased! Granted, it looks like something you'd see on QVC but in this case looks are very decieving!! Infact, it sat in my van for a while as I was convinced it wouldn't be any good! This is the future of trad! All you have to do is master it, just like you would any other tool, it's a different technique/way of working. Personally, I don't use it on a pole, just by hand. I have modified a different applicator sleeve for when I require a wetter or longer working time between dips & use the original for insides etc. where I want less water retension in the pad. It's just soooooooooooo much easier & quicker with a flipper for me. More reach, any angle on demand, less drag, less soap is required, rubber (any rubber) lasts for ages & even with chewed up edges it hardley ever leaves any lines behind, it makes a better job too!!
I find though, that a smaller flipper is rquired to the equivelent squeegee it replaces. i.e. I use a 12" flipper where I used a 14" squeegee & so on. This may just be a personal thing to me though.
It's a pain to fit in a BOAB & no good for georgians IMO but all the other benefits way outweigh these minor niggles.
The new "blue ribbond" flipper will cure the BOAB issue though & this will be my next purchase. I'm also gonna modify a porcupine pad to fit the flipper for really dirty glass, initial cleans etc.
Anyone tried the blue ribbond flipper who has also used the original one???