Lightweight spreader bars

[Qayaq]

Hello all,

I'm trying to learn about lightweight spreader bar options for bridge hammocks. I've heard of aluminum tent pole sections and trekking poles in the 8-10 ounce range for ~40" head and ~28" foot bars.

What is the lightest option and how many ounces? Thanks.

[tammons]

The Quest Alum poles are pretty bullet proof. Weigh 10 oz for two.
My entire rig with no bug net weighs 26oz with poles.

If you use Hiking poles which would obviously be lightest if you carry them anyway
I would not recommend them unless you know the joint connectors are very sturdy like a Leki and if you put enough thought into the end pieces that go into the sockets in the hammock and that includes the receiving part of the hammock.

I did the typical griz (I think) UL double on the side that is sewn close enough together to allow Pole ends to fit. Works great with the quest poles. Then I tried hiking poles. Komerdale as the handles just slide off those, so that made the handle end easy. I did the ground end like griz with an electrical wire nut and a washer. Sat in it one day and the entire end of the hiking pole plastic tip folded over and the pole shot through the side of the hammock like an arrow. Lot of force in that area.

If you are going to use hiking poles I would definitely look for a more solid tip, and I would not use the wire nut setup. Some of the hiking pole ends look better suited than other for fitting into a socket on a hammock like ready to go.

When it failed I stopped testing, as I like gathered end hammocks better anyway.

Other than that I dont know. Carbon fiber would be lighter and stronger, but make sure its big enough diameter.

[Qayaq]

Thanks for the great info and for sharing your experiences.

[Flounder]

You can get carbon fiber spreader bars from the following website:
http://rutalocura.com/ A few members have got some from them and have posted positive things, but I personally haven't tried them, but plan too in the future. Here is a thread on them:
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...highlight=ruta

[hodad]

Has anyone made the titanium poles?

http://www.titaniumjoe.com/index.cfm/products/tubing/

[Qayaq]

Thanks for the great info, I've recently seen distributors on the web selling just the carbon fiber tubes. It looks like the tubes, ferrules, ends, and shipping would end up being more than the $80.00 rutalocura gets. Thanks again, this seems like the lightest option.

[BER]

A while back, I made my own CF spreaders from tubes I bought from Rockwest Composite. (links in this thread) For the size I used, tips from Quest outfitter worked well and I ultimately epoxied them in. My finished spreaders weighed 4.0 oz.

They are one piece and would cost more to have furules. If I remember correctly, the cost of the tubes was ok, but the shipping made it almost as costly as what RotaLocura charges.