I am considering purchasing a new carbon fiber bipod and a carbon fiber prism pole. Anyone on here tried them and just how much difference is there in weight? Are they worth it? Please comment only if you have used them. Thank you.
I have both 2m carbon fiber GPS pole & 11.5' Crain carbon fiber prism pole, w/ alum bipods. Poles are definitely lighter than aluminum, only marginally lighter than composite.
Wouldn't pay retail for carbon fiber, I gotta heluva deal on 'em.
Like mine. Haven't touched my aluminum range poles in ages. One the weight savings add up when your lugging around a bunch of gear all day and two in cold weather the metal conducts the heat out of my hands a lot faster. Only disadvantage is they can split where the DC bracket attaches from over tightening, but easily fixed with a bit of reinforcement.
> I am considering purchasing a new carbon fiber bipod and a carbon fiber prism pole. Anyone on here tried them and just how much difference is there in weight? Are they worth it? Please comment only if you have used them. Thank you.
Carbon fiber rods and bipods have been around for awhile. They are rugged enough, although they can be crushed if you really try. They will stand up to normal use but not outright abuse. The weight difference is large. If you are using a rod and bipod to stand all day as a backsight it probably isn't worth it. But for a rover rod it is worth it, no question. Go for it.
get a ring or a metal patch and glue it to the fiber rod where the bipod screws in
or get someone to 3d print you a bigger surface from the bipod screw
Or a section (split lengthwise) of tube over pole at clamp area.
I always use fibre for RTK.
Agree on weakness about data recorder bracket.
Wouldn't use aluminium. Cold , bit heavier.
I subject my chainman to an Al pole for TS work 🙂
I've had this setup for a few years. Works great. The SECO 5200-150 Quick-Release Pole Clamp does not over tighten, and crack pole like the screw pole mount.
The only problem I have seen is with the bipod internal cone locks. The cones on these a knarled, and work a bit too well. They can sand down the inside shaft of the carbon bipod legs.
I too mine apart and used electric tape over the cones.
Lee Green
I have 2m carbon fiber poles with bipods for a rover rod. I'm not impressed. In order to get the bipod to keep from sliding on the pole it needs to be tightened to a degree that doesn't allow the second section to slide. Loosen the bipod, slide out the second section, tighten the bipod. PITA. But the sleeve idea should fix that.
I also have a SECO Robotic pole. That one is a carbon fiber main section with an aluminum second section. It's obviously a little heavier but I have no problems at all with my bipod pinching it. It's probably reinforced from the factory...?
Plan to pay nearly 2x the price to go from aluminum to carbon fiber. Our crews are less than impressed with the cf poles and we may go back to aluminum.
Thank you everyone for all of the replies. Very Helpful.
I just picked up my first carbon rod the other day, does anyone have any pictures of the "sleeve" or the metal ring they spoke of. Thanks
[msg=228557]Here[/msg]
Note:
On that data collector bracket.
Get a piece of Schedule 40 PVC, that is the same size, or slightly larger than the pole. Cut a piece 2" long, and then slit up the side. Then, Slide this PVC over the rod, up to the place where the DC bracket fits. Now tape it, with electrical tape.
This adds to rigidity, and protects the pole. I do this with both alum and carbon fiber poles.
N
Be Careful
Keep in mind that carbon conducts electricity as well or better than aluminum.
I knew 2 surveyors who were electrocuted on St. Thomas by prism poles. 1 survived with permanent disabilities.
Of course you don't have so many low hanging power lines.
I Sell a ton of Poles.
The difference between the Aluminum and carbon fiber is VERY little.
Personal opinion, Buy the Aluminum. Yes its colder in the winter but it last longer and is sometimes 1/3 the price. Spend the extra cash on actually replacing the points.
Sidetrack!!! KARA!!!!
I used to work for Harry B Blizzard and Associates, and we'd buy most of our supplies at KARA!
Glad to see you on the forum!!
Nate
No doubt about it, the carbon poles are delicate.
They only last our crews about a year.
Might be ok if you are solo and look after your gear. But I would go with Aluminium for most crews.
YMMV
Sidetrack!!! KARA!!!!
Thanks Nate!
Metal pole, carbon fiber bi-pod.
My 2-m GPS pole lasted less then 2 years and fell apart. No it was not abused.
The bi-pods have a tendency to slip on the legs so you have to maintain them, but I use it for rover work, and the metal ones for back-sights.
