Poles apart in performance
February 1st 2009

Individual water fed poles may be constructed of the same materials, but Aquafactors says performance depends on the quality of that material.The company says choosing between aluminium or carbon fibre should be decided by the job in hand

For most companies intending to purchase poles, the big question is still what to buy. In terms of price, the differences between individual water fed poles and pole types is fairly pronounced.

In the past there has been a leaning towards composite and carbon fibre with the emphasis on lightness.However,Aquafactors believes not all is as it seems.The company says few manufacturers are going to expound too much about the detail of their products.

Therefore, buyers' decisions tend to be based on product literature and the outcome of the occasional demonstration.

However,Aquafactors believes that unless one has firsthand experience of a particular pole it is difficult to be sure of what to buy.

It says some cheaper alternatives are discounted by buyers for reasons that are often misinformed.

Aluminium poles, such as the historical Tucker pole, have been criticised from the outset.This has been partly due to the clamping system rather than the pole material.

Aluminium poles tend to be cheaper but not all offer value for money.The grade of aluminium is important.Generally aluminium flexes well.This can be an advantage as a downward movement will create a bend in the pole which gives a self momentum return or 'bounce' which propels the pole skywards without too much arm movement being necessary.

It is surprisingly light and those who have had an aluminium pole placed in their hands, often at an exhibition, have been staggered at how light the material actually is,with a small diameter to assist grip.Aquafactors UK's manufactured pole will be on stand F48 at the Cleaning Show for a closer inspection.

Composite poles have generally given way to the lighter carbon fibre alternatives.There is a proliferation of choice, but not all match up to the reputation of lightness and stability that is required by poles at higher levels.

Carbon fibre materials vary considerably as Aquafactors found when developing the 'Aspire' pole.There are differences in material blend, thickness and type.The way the material is wound and finished is also critical to weight, strength and rigidity. A carbon fibre pole will always have a larger diameter. In general most carbon fibre poles are lighter and remain stiffer and more controllable at height.

Aquafactors believes that aluminium still has an important place in water fed pole technology.There is no difference in performance up to 11m (35') between the two types of pole.

However, aluminium poles can be half the price of carbon fibre.

It is at higher levels that carbon fibre comes into its own. It is more manageable and easier to use up to heights of 19m (60').As in any industry 'you get what you pay for'and Aquafactors firmly believes, that in a business where safety goes hand in hand with good results, the advice is do not skimp on price when buying the right tool for the job.

For more information please contact the company.

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