[Blindtlk] thoughts on the new telescopic carbon fiber cane

[Gloria Whipple]

Ray,

Thank you for describing the new canes! I didn't like the older ones.

I remember crossing the street when all at once my telescoping cane
collapsed on me in the middle of the street. Of course, that is when traffic
was starting to get heavy. I was very thankful when some of the people
stopped

My next purchase is going to be one of the new canes.


Gloria Whipple
Corresponding Secretary
Inland Empire chapter
nfb of WA

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Ray Foret Jr
Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2011 14:55
To: Blind Talk Mailing List
Subject: [Blindtlk] thoughts on the new telescopic carbon fiber cane

I just thought I'd pop in here and give my first impressions of the new
carbon fiber telescopic cane which I have just purchased.

	First, the cane comes in a nice zipper case.  IF you care for such
details, this is nice I suppose; but, frankly, for me, this seems overkill.
Now for the cane itself.

the top of the cane is equipped with a string which is itself attached to a
thinner string.  This thinner string is attached to a metal cap.  This cap
screws on and off the top most element of the cane.  The only thing about
the string attachment is that to look at it, it almost seems as though it
wants to come off at the merest touch; however, it does not.  Having the
screw on metal cap is a plus just on the chance that something should happen
to the string.  

	the next quite noticeable difference is the cane tip.  this tip;
(which is so made that it will fit the standard straight cane), also serves
as the stopper.  This totally illuminates the necessity for the separate
stopper as in canes past.  The fit for the stopper tip is quite a tight one;
but, better to have it almost too tight then not tight enough.

	At first appearance, it may seem that these differences really don't
amount to much; and, were these the only differences, perhaps maybe they
would not.  However, there is another quite substantial difference.  This
difference does not really show itself until you actually take the cane out
on to the street and start really using it seriously.  Actually, there are
two differences which require serious use to show themselves.

1.  The carbon fiber which comprises the new cane must have been modified in
a fairly substantive way because it feels and handles much lighter than did
the previous telescopic cane.  In fact, it feels so very much lighter that
you almost feel you have to make a slight effort to keep it's tip on the
ground.  Whether you just tap it using the usual ark or slide the tip, the
lighter feel is instantly evident.  If you are in the habit of sliding your
tip; (as I am) you will note that rough street surfaces are not as hard on
the new tip at all.

2.  The next quite substantive difference is this.  The cane actually stays
extended.  That's right.  You did not misread what i said.  the cane
actually remains extended and thus is more appropriate for serious  cane
users who might have stayed away from telescopic canes of the previous
generation;  owing to the tendency of the previous generation of telescopic
cane to colaps even if extended as much as possible.  Even if the elements
of the new telescopic cane are not extended firmly, the elements of the cane
still stay extended.  Even rough street surfaces seem not to cause problems
in this area.  

	As for manually colapsing  the cane, it seems that with the new
model, this is also easier.  No more need to bang the cane on the ground
just to get all the elements callused;  well, much less need anyhow.  I have
found it necessary only one time; and, were my hands not wet at the time,
I'm not even sure that time would have been necessary.

Yes, the new telescopic cane is a very appropriate choice for when the time
comes to replace your cane.  IF you've always tended to avoid telescopic
canes before; owing to elements that don't stay extended on rough roads and
so forth, I believe I can firmly assert that you can buy and use this new
telescopic model with the utmost confidence.  Just one more observation.
When you are shore-lining a fence, the new tip is not prone to getting stuck
in the links of the fence as you move along; unlike the standard old tip.

On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest, I'd say the new model of
telescopic carbon fiber cane rates a 10.


Sincerely,
The Constantly Barefooted Ray!!!

Now a very proud and happy Mac user!!!
Skype name:
barefootedray

Facebook:
facebook.com/ray.foretjr.1

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