[Blindtlk] Cane suggestions needed please!

[Tom Cramer]

Thanks for bringing this topic up.  I have a very similar question.
I have been getting some of the NFB telescopic canes for a while now,
but I always find that the last section is the one that always
collapses.  I don't like folding canes because I find them too heavy
but I like the telescopic canes because I can just put them away or
keep them out of the way when they're not being used.
However, what advice would you have about a good cane to get if these
telescopic canes are always collapsing when I use them?  I am also 6
ft 1 and think that the canes I have are too short but at the same
time, I have been told not to get a cane that's so long so as not to
trip people and not to be so distracting with it.
Tom

On 3/11/11, Graves, Diane <dgraves at icrc.in.gov> wrote:
> Hi James,
>
> Well, unfortunately I haven't found this to be a win/win situation. For the
> purpose of convenience, I really like the telescopic canes. However, what I
> don't like is the fact that, particularly as they age,  they tend to start
> folding up on you when contacting items or obstacles which offer any
> resistance. I stop and tighten them up, and this works for a while, and then
> they encounter something else and try to collapse again. They look good.
> They are handy. They definitely stow away quickly and easily, but for the
> sake of travel, they can be very frustrating, and may even provide a hazard
> or two.
>
> I did really like the roller tips. I tend to use the constant contact method
> too. I don't know whether you could put one of these on a telescopic cane or
> not. The cane wouldn't stow as easily with one of those.
>
> As for the length, if you are 5/5, I definitely would not recommend going to
> a 46 inch cane. I am 5/1, and usually buy about a 57/58 inch cane. You
> really want to have that length to assure that you have the coverage and
> enough forewarning of steps and other things. If you don't want to go any
> longer with your canes, I definitely wouldn't go any shorter. If you go to a
> roller tip or one of the larger tips, the cane won't get caught as much.
>
>
> Diane Graves
> Civil Rights Specialist
> Indiana Civil Rights Commission
> Alternative Dispute Resolutions Unit
> 317-232-2647
>
> "It is service that measures success."
> George Washington Carver
>
> Confidentiality Notice: This E-mail transmission may contain confidential
> and/or legally privileged information intended only for the individual or
> entity(ies)
> named in the E-mail address. If you are not the intended recipient, be
> advised that any unauthorized disclosure, copying, distribution, or acting
> in reliance
> upon the contents of this E-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have
> received this E-mail transmission in error, please reply to sender to
> arrange for the return and proper delivery of the transmission.
> Subsequently, delete the message from your system immediately.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of James Kelm
> Sent: Friday, March 11, 2011 1:28 AM
> To: Blind Talk Mailing List; blinddog3 at charter.net
> Subject: [Blindtlk] Cane suggestions needed please!
>
> Dear friends,
>
>     I am looking at purchasing a new spiffy hot rod car of a cane, and I am
> hoping that some of the mobility experts on this list can help me select the
> appropriate cane!
>
>     I am currently using, and have been using for years, a straight folding
> cane.  I do a lot of in and out of buildings, as well as a lot of traveling
> within the interior of buildings.  I therefore like a cane that I can "fold"
> and "unfold" quickly and easily, and that is convenient to stow away when I
> am not traveling.  Because of this, a rigid cane is a big hassle for me!  I
> like the folding cane, but I am considering getting a telescoping cane.  My
> thought is that it will be convenient, and I tend to have a rather light
> touch, so I do not need something that will withstand a lot of abuse.  I
> also think that it might be a nifty little sport model, to be able to stow
> away a very small cane, but quickly pull it out to its length when I need to
> go.  Do any of you have suggestions, or feedback concerning the telescoping
> canes?
>
>     Secondly, I am considering the advantages/disadvantages of putting a
> roller tip on the new cane.  I tend to use a constant contact mythod, rather
> than a tap tap style.  Although I have not had any significant issues, I am
> wondering if it would be a bit more smooth given my cane method, if my cane
> had a roller tip on it.  Am I correct, or is my thinking flawed?
>
>     Lastly, I am a statuesque 5 feet 5 inches tall.  My current folding cane
> is 53 inches.  I am thinking that it is too long for me, and that my new
> cane should be slightly shorter, maybe around 46 or 48 inches.  As I said,
> most of my travel is done within buildings, and I find that the current
> length of my cane is always getting caught in objects, or I am having to
> pull it more closely into my body to allow it to be used in tighter spaces.
> I often feel like either me, or my cane can fit in spaces where I am
> traveling, but not both of us!  LOLL
>
>     Thank you so much for your help!  I sincerely appreciate your guidance
> and suggestions!
>
>
> Your Brother in Christ,
> Pastor James Kelm
> Foundational Christian Family Ministry
> www.fcfministry.org
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> blindtlk mailing list
> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> blindtlk:
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/dgraves%40icrc.in.gov
>
> _______________________________________________
> blindtlk mailing list
> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> blindtlk:
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/tom.cramer1%40gmail.So, what type of cane is good?
Tom