I have one now, but it’s crap. I’m looking for a good balance of weight, rigidity, and durability. The latter is the problem with my current pole. Every piece on it has been systematically breaking since it came out of the box. I’m looking for something in the 35’ reach range. Any suggestions?
The Gardiner SL-X! It’s got what you’re looking for, plus you can add to it to make a 50+ pole in the future, if you desire.
Yea I would recommend the gardiner as well… We happen to have them on sale now to!
I loves me my Gardiner SL-X 35!
My next pole will be a Gardiner SLX!
I hate to break it to you guys, but my current pole is an SLX. I bought one of the newest ones with Gardiner’s own pole clamps. In two months, I’ve broken 4 levers and about 7 barrel nuts . . . all cheap plastic. It’s sitting on my workbench right now. I’m back to my old Extel fiberglass deal. I’m waiting on Gardiner to come up with something more substantial.
Did you get the upgraded levers and barrel nuts?
Yep. I just got off the phone with Shawn. He’s doing all he can as a supplier.
This is a problem that I have been dealing with for quite some time now.
The new levers and barrel nuts have not been delivered to me so I can assure you that no one in the US with a problem with their SLX pole has gotten them either.
The manufacturer has been made aware of this problem with their product and it is my understanding that they are working hard are a redesign of the level/nut assembly that is said to solve this problem.
I’ve had a couple break. I hope they come up with something. Man it drives you crazy when one breaks. LOL
Just to be clear, I’m not bashing Gardiner for this product. It’s just that as an end user, I need something I can depend on in the field. And after repeated failure it’s tough to keep waiting. I love almost everything about this pole - section length, weight, diameter, rigidity, brush . . . it’s just that the clamps are garbage. It would be a phenomenal product with durable clamps.
Upgrade lever arms and barrel nuts are on there way. Because a small percentage of clients have experienced the above problem we have redesigned the levers/nuts. These are being delivered to us this week (16/10/09) and Reach Higher Ground will be getting enough replacements to send out to all US clients FOC. These upgrades will comprise new levers, bolts, barrel nuts and bolt cups and can be replaced in moments. These will directly replace your current versions and should eliminate future problems.
I have just received the shipment of these replacement parts today.
If you have had this problem with your SLX or SuperMax pole, please contact me privately.
[SIZE=“5”]THATS WHAT I’M TALKIN’ 'BOUT!!![/SIZE]
Try to get that from Tucker! I HATE MY TUCKER!!! Every PENNY is being saved right now for that stinkin pole!!!
I am SOOO getting one!
We have an SLX-35 with metal levers, have not had a problem, but I have heard of the plastic ones breaking also. Way to go Alex and stand behind your product.
We will start to make our clamps in the usa and will have full control over them.
They come apart sometimes but they don’t break very often.
We also going to solve that problem with a slip fit and the glue will be extra protection.
347-sim-pole
I have been using waterfed poles for over 15 years, I just bought a Simpole. By far the best pole ever! Phil stands behind his product!
Which poles have you used during that 15 years?
I upgraded from fiberglass to a SLX pole. I had to make a choice between Simpole and Gardiner. Durability vs. Lighter Weight. I’d rather have a lighter pole so I went with the SLX. Some guys may want more durability. IF the clamps go I hope it really is an easy fix and not to expensive. I love the pole, so far so good…
two tucker poles and one Ettore aqua clean pole
