Carbon fiber pole (6-person)?

[MontanaMarine]

I'm making some choices on an order for a 6-person tipi.

Considering a carbon fiber pole. The 13 oz weight savings looks good. After that, I don't know much about carbon fiber poles. Are there any compromises regarding overall toughness, heat damage, durability, or anything else, as compared to the standard aluminum pole?

Interested in any information the forum can share about the capabilities and limitations of the carbon fiber pole.



Thanks, Shane

[kevin_t]

I'll answer what I know. There is likely to be some different opinions, as we have switched suppliers 3 times. One supplier was very good , but hard to work with. The second was pretty easy to work with, but their quality dropped over time, so we moved on. The supplier we work with now (3) , the poles are very good IMO, and quality has stayed good, and they are easy to work with.

There have been a few heat related problems, primarily with poles from supplier two, in fact most problems period are from supplier two, and / or heavy snow loads. I don't think there will be any problems at all with the current poles as long as you don't do anything crazy with them, and I personally think they are nicer and better than the alum pole.

[MontanaMarine]

Thanks Kevin,

I gather the CF pole uses the same aluminum adjuster section as the aluminum pole. Does the adjuster section go on the bottom of the pole? I'm wondering if it would be nearest the stove, and less susceptible to heat? Or are there heat considerations with the vent pipe as well? Is there a suggested standoff distance between the CF and the stove/pipe?

Is the CF strong in wind, say gusting to 50-60 mph or so?

The CF does look nice in your online store pics. When you say you think the CF is better than aluminum, could you expound on that a little bit. Is it stronger, stiffer, or?

Appreciate the info, Shane

[kevin_t]

I have had the stove touching the pole before for a few minutes without issue. We have put pole sections in flame from a stove top before , with some discoloration, but appear to be functionally the same.

That being said, the only heat issues I know of were some of the Gen 2 poles which we no longer offer.

The new carbon uses an aluminum adjuster, but not the one provided with the alum pole. Adjuster goes on the bottom.

I know you have a giant stove , I'm not sure if you are planning to use that in a 6 person or not, that might be a consideration.

I think the pole , the CF is just nicer fit and finish. Overall , it is stiffer. 50 - 60 MPH winds, well I will have to wait to our windy season, however, its dimensioned about the same as we have always used, I have been happy with the quality of our source, and I would consider it the nicest we have offered. In a 6 man, honestly it should be great, its a bit big OD for the 6. Another benefit with the 6, is you dont really need the adjuster , just a bit for convenience so the weight can be less than stated.

[MontanaMarine]

Good info, I think I can make a well informed choice. I'm going to go with the CF.

We will not be using the wall tent stove in the 6-person. Just thinking ahead, as we will eventually get one of the titanium packable stoves. The big stove is great in the 12-person though. Lots of heat, and long burn time.

Thanks much, Shane