How do I prevent a carbon fiber pole from breaking?
Carbon fiber hiking poles are made so that they can
withstand pressure and last longer better than their aluminum alternatives.
Often light weight, these poles have greater amounts of give, so that they
are able to withstand some of the pressure of travel without bending or
shattering the way that plastic and metal poles have a tendency to do. But
like any type of pole or stick, there is always the risk of them breaking on
your journey. By preparing for the chance of them breaking and the causes of
the breaking, you will be able to reduce the risk of it occurring.
Risks for Breaking Your Carbon Fiber Pole
The first thing that can increase the risk of your
carbon fiber pole breaking is if you do not properly maintain it. All of
these poles need to be cleaned thoroughly after your journey, because you do
not want the water and dirt that you encountered on your journey to start
eroding the fibers. Regular maintenance, especially after some of the longer
journeys or ones in wet weather conditions should be a regular part of your
routine.
Another thing that can break your poles is poorly
placed weight. These poles are designed to be used correctly, so if you are
unsure how to use the poles in the correct manner, you may increase the
chances of the pole receiving too much pressure on one location in the
shaft, and that pressure can make the pole weaken. They are designed to
handle a great deal of weight, but if that weight is not properly
distributed, they are more likely to shatter over time.
Another risk occurs if you get the basket of the
carbon fiber pole stuck in an immobile location (such as in between rocks)
and then pull the sticks too powerfully. This forces the pressure on only a
certain part of the pole. Make sure that if your pole is ever stuck, you
gentle remove it from the place it is caught so that you don’t bend it
accidentally.
Carbon Fiber Poles Will Withstand Most
Events
In almost every situation, carbon fiber poles will
be able to withstand the pressure you put on them. Only improper pole
techniques and a lack of cleaning will increase the risk of the pole
shattering over time. In addition, ultra lightweight poles are going to be
more likely to shatter than some of the heavier weights, so keep that in
mind as well especially if you expect that you are going to be placing a
great deal of weight/pressure on the pole over time.
Provided you take care to make sure that your pole
is not handled improperly, you should have no difficulties keeping your
carbon fiber pole intact – these poles are sturdier than aluminum poles and
designed to handle most weather/weight conditions. Simply learn proper
care/maintenance techniques, as well as how to use the poles correctly, and
there is much less of a likelihood that these poles will shatter.
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