Question about Ridgerunner Hiking pole spreader bar.

[Miguel]

I found these poles and I'm wondering why they couldn't be used as spreader bars for the ridgerunner. They have the screw off top with the camera mount bolt.

The problem is, they are anti shock and I don't believe they can be locked out. Does anyone know why Brandon doesn't recommend anti shock poles to be used? Is it a strength issue or is it because of the play in the system. If it's the play, I really don't see why that would be an issue. Once it compresses it can't go any farther.

These are a killer deal. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...king_Pole.html

Miguel

[Acer]

Was going to do some pics on these over the weekend. I have been using these same hiking poles I ordered last week,,every nite for hanging and sleeping. they work perfect. I ordered a set of pole ends from WB of which I still don't have, and the hiking pole fits perfect when you set it the right spread at each end. Locks good, and doesn't fall out period. Fits great. Still waiting on WB pole ends however and wanted to test them out, but really don't even need them if you don't mind the screw end sticking out of which when covered with cuben tarp will cover the pole ends with my foam pieces to not poke or rub the cuben material and put holes in it. Each pole wieghs about 11 oz. not 14 as advertised and they are made of 7075 easton aluminum so very strong also. AS far as the shock absorber, its never affected the hang. Shock absorber uses a spring which is very very heavy, and only causes the pole to decrease in size as you put your weight on it, approximately 1/2 inch. It has no effect on the hanging as I have slept in my RR with these poles now for 4 nites and poles are working perfect shock absorber or not. Shock absorber doens't depress when your in the hammock as the center of weight is bearing down on the tips of the poles and so it can't depress if you understand what I am trying to say. Go for it I am saying,,its a decient made hiking pole.

[Miguel]

Was going to do some pics on these over the weekend. I have been using these same hiking poles I ordered last week,,every nite for hanging and sleeping. they work perfect. I ordered a set of pole ends from WB of which I still don't have, and the hiking pole fits perfect when you set it the right spread at each end. Locks good, and doesn't fall out period. Fits great. Still waiting on WB pole ends however and wanted to test them out, but really don't even need them if you don't mind the screw end sticking out of which when covered with cuben tarp will cover the pole ends with my foam pieces to not poke or rub the cuben material and put holes in it. Each pole wieghs about 11 oz. not 14 as advertised and they are made of 7075 easton aluminum so very strong also. AS far as the shock absorber, its never affected the hang. Shock absorber uses a spring which is very very heavy, and only causes the pole to decrease in size as you put your weight on it, approximately 1/2 inch. It has no effect on the hanging as I have slept in my RR with these poles now for 4 nites and poles are working perfect shock absorber or not. Shock absorber doens't depress when your in the hammock as the center of weight is bearing down on the tips of the poles and so it can't depress if you understand what I am trying to say. Go for it I am saying,,its a decient made hiking pole.

Thank you VERY much!

[breyman]

Yikes! The only downside I see is the weight. Looks like a single pole weighs as much as my set. At that weight, I could bring a lightweight pole set and the RR set and have both (RR set for the hammock and poles for propping up the tarp, etc.).

[Acer]

If you notice the weight of each hiking pole for 7075 aluminum is 11 oz each,,check the weights of most aluminum hiking poles which are more. My black diamonds are 15.3 oz each, the Wife's hiking set is 13,2 each and they are Leki's aluminum. Still your decreasing hammock weight by 9.5 oz getting rid of the spreader bars. Good enough for me as I am not a gram weinie, but still consider my pack weight. And when I am hiking with the poles in my hands, the weight is not that noticable for me. But! That is just me.

[Acer]

I don't care for twist locks, but this pole is so well built,,other than the big knob on the top of the 1/4 x 20 screw. I took the big knob of rubber and sharp knife, cut at least a 1/3 inch off the top, then went around the sides taking enough off,,almost a quarter of a inch, then a file and about 45 minutes of smoothing it down to the same diameter of the handle and looks alot better. Even the wife commented it looked very much better and not as noticable on the handle and blended in alot better. But the hiking pole made of 7075 aluminum is strong with no bend what so ever in the head spreader bar so good to go with these hiking poles replacing WB's spreader bars saving packing weight. Until I run across something else alittle better these will work perfect.

[gmcttr]

...other than the big knob on the top of the 1/4 x 20 screw. I took the big knob of rubber and sharp knife,...

Any reason you can't toss the big knob and replace it with a 1/4 x 20 nylon cap nut?

[Acer]

Any reason you can't toss the big knob and replace it with a 1/4 x 20 nylon cap nut?

I cut the rubber top knob down to about 1.25 inches tall, and approx 1 inch or matching the dia of the handle down and smoothed it with a file and sandpaper perfect. I don't see why you couldn't use a nylon cap nut at all.

[harleynemo]

I cut the rubber top knob down to about 1.25 inches tall, and approx 1 inch or matching the dia of the handle down and smoothed it with a file and sandpaper perfect. I don't see why you couldn't use a nylon cap nut at all.

Pics Acer.....we need pics Ok, I need pics to visualize what you did, sounds like nice work.

[Acer]

Pics Acer.....we need pics Ok, I need pics to visualize what you did, sounds like nice work.

Here is some pics. first pic will show the size of the 1/4 x 20 knob that is abnormally to big for my likings vs, one already finished, and one pic with the finished knob done next to an original. I used a small fillet knife that is razor sharp and cut about 1/4 in off the top, then peel it like a apple, and if you still need more, just cut away as with a med. metal file I worked smoothiing it out and that takes about 45 minutes of smoothing to your liking. You will find, that in smoothing, you will be better off going with the grain of the rubber (or dense foam) than against the grain working around it and even across the top there is a grain to get it smooth. Going against the grain is a pita and keeps everything very smooth and looking nice, and after you are done, take your hand and smooth it even more with your fingers and palm as it will smooth out. total weight of each hiking pole made of 7075 aluminum moded is now 10 oz each for a nice med. weight.

One thing about using hiking poles for spreader bars of which I really LIKE! Brandon gives you the choice of either using the head spreader bar at either 39.5 inches wide or removing the 4" middle spreader bar and decreasing the head spreader bar to 35.5 inches wide. With hiking poles, you can set the width of which I really like, at 36.5 wide or what ever floats your boat the width you preferr. I used a knife on the spreader bar after measuring it to go around the hiking pole marking it with a circle (scoring) like we did to our muzzleloading ramrods in the old days to make sure we had our powder, patch & ball loaded to a premeasured amount in checking the ramrod with end of barrel of muzzleloaders. Your basically putting a circle of cut in the black paint of this hiking pole for a measurement that is the width every time. Keeps you from guessing how wide you want the head end of the hammock spread out and you don't have to carry a tape measure with you. Enjoy the pics.
Acer.