I bought this pier extension because I managed to damage my camera screen when it collided with the tripod whilst imaging at the zenith (Skywatcher 100ED DS Pro) HEQ5 mount.)
Very satisfied with the usual excellent service, but not so with the product.
The first time I used the item all went well and I was very pleased, however, the second and third times were a total failure!
I had serious problems getting my alignment stars to line up and couldn't understand the issue.
The third time was the last straw and so I removed the pier extension...I then didn't have a problem with alignment stars and my imaging session went well.
I'm a motor engineer with 49 years experience, now retired, so I decided to trouble shoot the issue.

I found the problem very quickly...

The part that fits to the tripod does not fit properly, in that it feels tight and secure but if you hold the telescope and try to move the mount the whole pier extension moves quite easily..I don't need to explain what that does to your polar alignment and consequently, star alignment.

The problem is that the base plate has a hole machined in it to allow the plate to fit over the polar adjustment peg on the tripod, but it is far too big allowing the whole of the bottom section of the pier tube to move about even though the main screw and the 3 mounting screws are rock solid tight!
I haven't yet solved the problem, but I intend to make an adapter to fit over the tripod peg and to drill and tap the lower mounting plate and fit screws in to stop the plate from moving.

I really like the pier extension, but it is far from a finished product!

First time buyer here at FLO and I couldn’t be happier. Everything went fine and in my opinion way faster than any other telescope store I’ve bought from. For example, I placed my order, was sent next day and arrived here in Mexico just 3 days after been ordered (through DHL).

Now back to the extension. I bought it for my Explore Scientific Twilight I because I’m 1.9m (6´2”) and since I installed it I noticed that the 6kg of this tube really help anchoring the mount a lot! Also, I don’t break my neck trying to point out the finder and overall the comfort levels just went up.

Now, a note of warning for those looking to match this extension with an ES Twilight I, it does not fit exactly that AltAz head, you’ll have to “shave off” a few mm from the nipples (?) that come with it to achieve a perfect fit.

The only disappointment I had was that the extension arrived with an ugly rust stain that can’t be cleaned up with a cloth, it seems to me that I’ll have to buff it off with some light sand paper.

Works well, simple to fix to the tripod and mount. A little heavy and a little expensive for what is a piece of pipe with two end attachments plus some powder coating.

This also fits the Skywatcher EQM-35 Pro.
Very solid, I'm looking forward to it getting dark enough here in Norway

Simple but an excellent product.
Allows more usable height for your tripod or more stability for your mount by being able to set the tripod at lowest setting whilst maintaining desired height for your scope.
The top of the tube also has a thinner Azimuth pin/peg which fits the 3/8 inch photo adapter sold by FLO with no filing of the adapter necessary.
Fast and efficient ordering and delivery from FLO- as ever.
👍

FLO did exactly what they have promised. I have purchased same item 3 times before from different sellers. One told me after purchase I need 70 days to deliver, the other I don't ship to Cyprus and a third one I don't have it in stock. Everytime I was paying shipping. FLO delivered via DHL in 2 days (one was bank holiday)
Product is very solid construction and I have permanently solved the problem of camera collision to tripod due to long refractor.
I have also now be able to view targets or align scope without having to lay down. Make sure you follow instructions properly.
Professional service at the right price. Thank you FLO.

even for not so tall people. no more need to lay on the ground for polar alignment, no more risk to rip off you camera because it sticks to the tripod. Solid built easy to mount

Im tall and now the scope is also tall. Good build quality.

Does what it says on the tin, no more danger of camera/scope hitting the tripod. It is quite large and heavy but very stable. You need to make sure that the thumb screw holding the extension to the tripod and the thumb screw that holds the top adaptor plate to the HEQ5 are very tight otherwise the tube/mount is able to rotate. Pleased with my purchase so far.

At the low latitude where I usually mount my telescope I cannot fully extend the counterweight shaft of my equatorial mount as the tripod leg will stay on its way. I was planning to buy or build a pier, but this extension tube gave me a cheaper and more versatile option. It is heavy, tough. The only problem is that I have to unscrew 3 bolts and dismount it to attach the head (an then remount the same part) unless I decide to leave it permanently attached to the head, but then the size and weight of the assemblage become another problem. But that is another cheap price for the benefits that it brings.