[pct-l] Tent poles

[rmoak@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Ronald Moak)]

Henry writes >>My observations of carbon fiber poles is that they will not
stand the stress
loads that aluminum can.  Carbon fiber is made of, well, fibers.  The fibers
have an orientation and if you stress them too much "off-axis" they will
break/shatter.  Having said that, carbon fiber poles are ok for long spans
with relatively gentle changes in radius. <<

I agree with Henry. There is one way to check if you can replace your
current aluminum poles with carbon fiber, short of buying a set and blowing
$80 or more bucks.

If the aluminum poles that came with your tent has a built in bend. Stay
away from carbon fiber poles. The bend was placed in the pole to reduce the
tension at the joints.

If you have straight poles, carbon fiber poles may work for you. Still
there's no guarantee. Also note that the main source for carbon fiber poles
on the internet are generally more interested in sales than whether you're
poles work. It can be an expensive lesson.

-Fallingwater