I have both P@ynes and the new Sw1nty 14x12.
P@ - Poly is much softer than SW, roofs are very tight and tend to get stuck.
BB locks into floor with 4 lugs on the corners, secure, but difficult to separate single handed if you want to change them.
Big landing board - great for OSR bees
![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
but awkward when moving them.
Plastic entrance block. Also like their Nuc which can take National or 14x12 frames.
Sw1 - Same outer dimensions as wooden National so can use wooden floor and roof if you prefer.
Slight problem with frames IMO. Gap between end of lugs and wall of BB is too wide and if not careful frames can overlap when pushed back. I have added a 2mm aluminium strip to each side of the BB which has solved the problem.
Cleaning is different! To sterilise the hive you need to dip it in bleach solution for about 20 mins.
Poly also requires a little more care when handling. Jamming a hive tool in the corner of a hive and levering up the super will probably damage the poly. Best to use a good thin hive tool and ease it in to each corner gently to break the seal before removing a super.
I really like the poly hives. The bees came through the winter with lots of stores left, both this year and last.
My preference is the Sw1enty. Have not tried any other poly hives as I don't think any other manufacturer makes 14x14 in poly.