Minimum Diameter for WBRR Spreader Bars Mod

**fortran42** · 08-31-2014, 07:07

Howdy Guys, The pole set included with my RR is: Foot End (2) Sections .625" OD and Head End (3) Sections .75" OD ; I weigh 145lbs and would like to replace the Head End Bars which are like broomsticks with the smaller .625" Poles...Any Problem there? What Diameters would be ok for Foot & Head End Replacements and still be Safe in your experience. Many Thanks

**Typicalsloan** · 08-31-2014, 08:13

I have a ridgerunner as well and was wondering why the poles at the head end are larger in diameter as well. I had planned on using hiking poles as a substitute in the future but smaller diameter poles would be nice as well.

**ferret** · 08-31-2014, 08:51

they used to come with the same size poles with the option of the bigger diameter for more weight capacity. maybe he just switched to the bigger all the time in the interest of safety and simplicity. at 145 I'm sure you could replace the head end with the same diameter and be fine. I didn't have any problems with my first rr that had the same diameter poles and I'm 175.

**opie** · 08-31-2014, 11:55

The head end are larger because there is more weight on the head end. But at 145, youll be fine going down a size.

**gmcttr** · 08-31-2014, 13:15

Originally Posted by ferret

they used to come with the same size poles with the option of the bigger diameter for more weight capacity. maybe he just switched to the bigger all the time in the interest of safety and simplicity. at 145 I'm sure you could replace the head end with the same diameter and be fine. I didn't have any problems with my first rr that had the same diameter poles and I'm 175.

This^

At your weight, you should not have any problems using the .625" poles on the head end. I was 185 lb when I got my WBRR with the smaller diameter pole set and never had a problem.

When the RR first came out, a couple of hangers well over 200 lb had the head end pole buckle (and it is possible they leaned on or pulled on the pole). It appears Brandon took the safe route and increased the size for all.

**fortran42** · 08-31-2014, 16:34

Thanks Guys, was hoping the .625 would work on both ends. Glad to know it used to come that way standard. I saw somewhere in another thread that Bridge DIYers were using .490" poles? Think i'll stick to .625 unless I hear otherwise. Cheers

**packeteer** · 09-01-2014, 09:17

what about replacing with carbon fiber tubes? I'm about 175lb

I was thinking 10mm (.393in) diameter w/ 2mm (0.07in) wall. they're cheap ($13 for the raw tube) and strong

(using pultruded carbon fiber tubes w/ 95% unidirectional carbon fiber running longitudinally)