The other day I did a quick job, a storefront with 8 big panes, and 8 smaller ones on the bottom part. I’ve been using my Zero degree all the time, so I decided to tackle this one with it and a 18" (biggest channel that I had at the moment) … ended up doing it with a 12" since I was leaving a lot of water, no to the point it will bleed, but the glass wasn’t completely dry as it should (hope you’re getting the idea), rubber was new (Ettore).
I’m assuming from what I’ve been reading here that the pressure is not even along the whole channel, so I was thinking that my only chance to get this fixed permanently is to get a Super Channel or a
Please walk me through this decision and tell me pros and cons of each (compatibility, cost, availability, etc) I know that is a matter of personal choice, but that’s why I’m asking here, tell me what YOU think is best for you.
Needs to be something bigger than 18, so I was thinking 22.
I’d like to get it to work with the Countour Pro, which I’ll be ordering too if that’s the case.
So stark, Tony and Cont. Pro lovers start shooting
I’m digging the Ettore super channels. They work perfectly w/ the Contour handle and I can use a variety of rubbers (Wagtail, Pulex, Unger, Steccone, and of course Ettore). A 22" will be a good choice for larger panes but the longer channels take some getting used to. Practice and patience are the key here Carlos!
Carlos, I’m not a Contour Pro lover but thought I’d warn you that if you choose the channel you will be disappointed that the Contour Pro+ handle (model 1012 made for wide channels) will not hold the channel securely. I recently made the mistake of buying a Contour Pro+ handle for my Quicksilver channel.
I also bought the Super Channel which the 1012 Contour Pro+ handle is made for but I find the channels far superior to the Ettore Super Channels.
You may like the Contour Pro and the Super channels but I wouldn’t rely on the Contour Pro handle to hold a channel.
Tony, I did tighten the screws on the Contour handle and it would hold the channel (at a not so good angle) but the channel was not very secure. It would pop out with a slight tug.
That’s all beside the point though (for me) because I didn’t care for the Contour Pro even with the Ettore Super Channel which fits like a glove and stays very secure.
I see that some guys like the Contour Pro and Super Channels but I also see that some guys don’t like them. I guess for anyone to really know for sure is to try and see for themselves like I did. I know for sure that I don’t like them. It boils down to personal preference.
I prefer a 20" channel over a 22" for commercial work. I always had a problem getting the right pressure with a 22" channel, for fanning and using a pole. Maybe just a practice thing, I don’t know. I have only used channels, I have tried a 24" channel and had the same problems as the 22" with it.
As you can see I’m on the fence here, but I’m more inclined to the Super Channels so far, based on it’s versatility, that meaning the capability of taking different brands of rubber.
If you go seems like your stuck with (I’m aware of the Soren rubber by Ettore)
I’m not really crazy about getting the Contour Pro, and now I’m realizing that I might be able to get away with the Stutzy(?) handle to hold the wide channels right ?
I’ve used 24", 30", and 36" channels and even fanned a few times w/ the 36" (slow going w/ it). I mainly used them for extremely large panes (over 5ft wide or tall).
If you want to use the Super Channel but not the Contour handle you can just use the standard aluminum 2 screw (fixed) handle. That’s what I’ve got my Super Channel in and it fits like a nice glove and holds it well. It’s very light too so it helps out a bit seeing that the Super Channel is a little heavier than a channel. It (handle)also provides a nice angle for closing out with the Super Channel.
I don’t use the Super Channel but it works OK. I just prefer the Quicksilver for 18" or larger sizes.
"This tool DOES NOT make you a good window cleaner by no means at all, BUT I believe every good window cleaner should have this tool…at least keep one in the truck. Previous models of the Contour had a few issues. I personally called Ettore and asked them about it. One issue was the Zero lock was made of crappy plastic (Fixed with ABS plastic now). The second was a spring issue, now fixed.
I think Ettore is on the right path to making some awesome tools.
ALSO…
you need to give this tool some grace.
The first day you run with this tool you will not enjoy it too much. (DON’T KICK THIS TOOL TO THE CURB OVER ONE DAY CRY BABY). Takes more dexterity and control. You’re hand will get more tired trying to master the Zero control mechanism. You are using different muscles in the wrist to control it.
After two days you should have the concept and understanding of it. Just like learning to do the Swirl method, this tool once mastered can be a HUGE time saver. After three-four days your wrist is used to the control and understands the angle it must use to not get fatigued."
If you’re having trouble w/ the Contour handle Ettore also makes a Super System handle for wide body channels. I was using it until the Contours came out. I preferred it much more than crap handle.
Let me address your main complaint from using the (Unger I’m assuming) 0° handle. Most cases where the 0° fails is user error. Mainly, you haven’t got the rubber to the most desirable angle on the glass. If you’re poling, this may mean that you need to have it a bit more horizontal achieved by lengthening the pole and stepping further away from the window when squeegeeing.
Fanning by hand with a 0° doesn’t have a natural feel to it compared to a regular squeegee. The Contour pro+ handle at least gives you the option to try what works best. Remember tho, there are two versions of the Contour pro, the standard one and one that works with the superchannels.
Regarding the Stutzy handle, it will accommodate most standard channels. Not superchannels or channels (as far as I’m aware).
The Ettore Super System squeegee handle is the first handle I bought when I started 4 years ago. It was awful!!! (I still have it and tried it with the newer Super Channels). But I agree with you about the plastic swivel handle. It’s crap too. They’re both crap!
All the B.S. aside, we all just find what works best for us and roll with it. I prefer Unger ErgoTec 14" squeegee and an 18" channel in a regular ole Unger handle. They simply perform the best for me. I could get used to and use any other squeegee out there. I’ve tried them all (except for the Stutzy and the Wagtail) and settled on what works best for me.
I’m not looking for anything else but I will give the Slayer a try when it comes out. If it works better than what I currently use I’ll switch over to it.
I hear you, Richard. I’ve used Unger handles for about 2 days and gave them away because they felt awful in my hand. A buddy of mine uses the small ledger handles. I tried them too and it felt “wrong”. It seems if you like Unger stuff you won’t like Ettore and vice versa. There are of course exceptions but those are rare people. I am interested in trying out the new IPC Technolite squeegee being released at the convention. Doubt it will replace my Contour w/ Super channels but I bet the Slayer replaces my Super channels!
Yeah, that seems to be the case. I prefer Unger for the more open angle more so than the feel of the handle. But I do happen to love the feel of the Unger ErgoTec handles.
I wish I could find a really good feeling handle for my 18" channel. Of course if the Slayer is to my liking I won’t need the
