Shurhold 855H Handle Mate PFD for 855 Handle

I lost my 6'/9' telescoping pole and brush in 8 feet of water where I could not dive for it. I was able to retrieve it from the bottom with a grapple and rope after a 60 minute effort. That's when I learned about this PFD feature so I ordered it. All I can say is, it's nice, but it's not an easy install on the 855 telescopic pole and 2 handles. My pole has another handle in the middle, which may be an older model. The instructions on the package of this 2 piece option are accurate, but they need improvement. The only instructional video I found from Shurhold was for the sleeve to fit a 6' fixed pole. I have one of those as well, and it's a lot easier than the telescoping pole. So here are my thoughts and comments after the installation on the 855H telescopic pole. Pay close attention to the written instructions on the package. In particular, note there is a rubber stopper on the end of 1 sleeve. Install the sleeve from the other non rubber end, which is just neoprene. Insert the bottom of the pole into the open neoprene end and work your way towards handle. The rubber grommet/stopper should wind up at the end where you would normally install a brush when installed. I used a small flat blade screwdriver to get the rubber stopper onto the pole and stopped right above where my brush attachments are installed. When I had problems getting the sleeve over the top handle, I used a very dull butter knife from my kitchen drawer. (WARNING: Do NOT tell your wife you're using a butter knife to install something.) The back of a butter knife is not sharp, so I used it to gently slide it up between the neoprene sleeve and the handle to get the sleeve started over the handle. Once it's started, gentle use the dull butter knife and fingers to pull about an inch or two. It's not easy, but eventually you'll get to this point where it helped to wet my hands with water. Wet hands gave me the traction with my hands to grab and pull on the sleeve down and over the wide handle. It took about 15 minutes to install, but happy with the results. It floats, and it protects the boat from being marred by the wash pole. 5 Stars for quality and value, especially because I know this item will save me from having to buy another expensive wash pole and brush set up.

I have the Shurhold systems for washing my RV. The handle mate was a little tricky to install but sure keeps me from bumping the sides of my RV while washing. I don't have to be as careful when reaching certain areas. I would recommend this to anyone with the Shurhold telescopic handle.

Shurhold has a good idea with this product, so bought it to stop scratching my boat. But I couldn't get the 855H mate to fit on my 9 foot Shurhold 855 handle. Two issues: 1. The black plastic collar is just too small to fit around the end of the thinner handle tube. 2. The neoprene sleeve is just too small to slide over the 855's red end handle, and ripped as was trying to slide it over. This was a brand new 855 handle, and was smooth and clean, so the Mate should have slid over with a little resistance as per the instructions. But there was no making it work. This is first Shurhold product that I didn't think was 5 stars --- I own 3 of their handles, multiple brushes & attachments, and Shurholds marine waxer system. All of those work great. Shurhold please fix the 855H Handle Mate.

Cover is far to tight for the deluxe 855 pole. Couldn’t get it over the padded handles. The rubber ring is also too tight to get on. Wrestled with it for 30 minutes. I finally got the ring on, but having to force the rubber to stretch enough to get on will probably reduce its life as far as cracking is concerned. I never did get the shorter cover on. Tried for an hour. I never could get the longer cover over the padded area either. Great concept, if the maker will bother to make it the right size. This can only be put on the thinner, non-deluxe model, which has a thinner pole and does not have padded handles. Wasted my money and time.

Cool idea but should callout that the end cap associated with the cover don't allow some attachments to seat properly and click into place. Also very difficult to change from Hook to brush attachments based on the same clearance issue. Hook is the only one easy to install.