I currently am replacing a ForeSpar 24" adjustable as it has become a bit 'unreliable' in its extension abilities. Great universal for a non plastic mechanical type. The units are not really serviceable and I will be recycling the universal and building a new one from a graphite golf shaft or try some woven fiber tube building exercises. I am of the belief retractable extensions are -A) not reliable - B) cumbersome - C) an oxymoron - I have the moron thing covered, additional exposure is not necessary at this time. Craig P and I once needed an extension years ago and used an awl on a Leatherman - a paint stirring stick and a piece of 3/16 line to 'fake it' while we raced a 50 miler in brutally cold weather - extension was needed to get helmsman near companionway and the HeatPal ! That one just disintegrated recently in the laz. go M-17tall