Tarp pole mod?

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Hey all, i want to switch up some gear and im kinda wanting to do the pole mod for tarps from 2q.

questions are thus: should i do just the middle of the tarp, or both ends? I think I saw Dutch's tarp and it had the mod on both ends.

has anyone thats done this seen an issue with the ends and rain? im going to be going to an open ended tarp () and just worry a little about having the sky pee on me.

thanks!

also, any idea what all i need as far as poles (and spare parts) from http://www.questoutfitters.com/tent_poles.htm#.344" #.344 for a 115" wide tarp?

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also, just a thought. if there were a center "tie out" loop on the tarp bottom, would you need a pole pocket or could you just get tips on both ends that go in? seems simple?

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everyone out camping?

[Catavarie]

I think anyone who would be an expert in this is probably at one of the several hangs going on this weekend. Perhaps you'll have an educated answer tomorrow night as everyone returns home.

[L.D. Cakes]

I did the pole mod on my Macat Ultra. I did mine in the middle though. I saw Dutch's mod and really liked it.
I sewed my own pole pockets at both middle tie outs using 1-1/2 webbing and also sewed a grosgrain ribbon on the ridge line to keep it centered. I had to seam seal it there on the top and underneath.

I ordered a CF pole from Fibrraplx and used their calculator to get the correct size.

Or you can go with the aluminum poles here.

You also may want to read this thread.

Can't wait to see what you come up with!!

[mbiraman]

I did the pole mod on my Macat Ultra. I did mine in the middle though. I saw Dutch's mod and really liked it.
I sewed my own pole pockets at both middle tie outs using 1-1/2 webbing and also sewed a grosgrain ribbon on the ridge line to keep it centered. I had to seam seal it there on the top and underneath.

I ordered a CF pole from Fibrraplx and used their calculator to get the correct size.

Or you can go with the aluminum poles here.

You also may want to read this thread.

Can't wait to see what you come up with!!

ID; did you find it was worth it doing the pole mod on the ultra??

bill

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see now i have 3 options with the poles:

one across the middle

one on each end from side to side

two making an "X" across the tarp (similar to a tent)

main thing i found was that the SF was roomy, but if you had to move around under it it could be kinda snug with the sides drooping in, even with panel pulls.

[L.D. Cakes]

ID; did you find it was worth it doing the pole mod on the ultra??

bill

I'm not sure yet Bill. I have yet to test in with snow on it, which in my opinion is the main reason for doing it. The Macat tarps set up so perfectly they really don't need anything to keep them tight and porch mode can be achieved with your hiking poles. But with this pole mod all you have to do is unhook the front two lines from your stakes and it pops right up. Kinda convenient and easy. The pole is kinda long too, even folded up. It does not fit in a pack without sticking way above it. Maybe I could have had them make it with more shorter sections. And I don't recall it being an option with their pole calculator. It would have to be worked out with them if possible.

[MedicineMan]

I've got 4 tarps set up with the pole mod pockets and center tie off (interestingly one tarp vendor who supplied me a tarp with these mods in place had the center tie off nowhere near the center!)...
I've never seen one a pole on each end--that would be cool looking kinda like a conestoga wagon-and I can see how it'd help with a bridge hammock.
I've never seen the mod where the poles cross in the middle, that'd be cool too.
Dont know if you saw my vid in Hotsprings couple week ago where I demo the 'remote' poarch mode but it's cool to lower one side from the hammock.
Pole length, hmmm. My pole(s) fit into the side pocket of a ULA Ohm but I had those pockets modded to full length of the pack.
I've visually compared my tarp with pole in place to another tarp (same model) with side pull outs...I feel like the pole give more room YMMV.
Personally I dont like all the real estate the lines for the pullouts take up, and another set of lines to remember not to trip over.
Aerodynamics--need somelike Griz or Mac to chime on this one; but it feels to me that the pole mod removes the square sail area when a side of the tarp is presented directly to a wind load-noticed this when I set up in wind without the pole-remembered I brought the pole then inserted it.
Cons-the weight penalty, my lightest from Fibraplex is 2.5 ounces; compared to the wieght of the pull out(s) line and its a loser Also how many times can cf flex without splintering-never happened to me yet but the possibility is there-then the horrorific possibility of shards of cf shooting through a pricey fabric.
Would I do it again (and again), well yes. Just ordered a tarp from hammockgear and requested pole pockets.
I've learned that the center tie is not necessary especially if you run your tarp ridge line under the tarp--you can attach a prussic to that ridgeline and 'anchor' the pole to it keeping it from going north/south or right/left.
Me I'm hoping you do the X pole mod and post pics!

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yeah i just heard from dutch and he had that setup because he uses a bridge and needs the wider ends. im looking for more walking room, so i think middle pole will do it for me. i may look into the "X" pole mod just to see what space it may have.