[Blindtlk] AmbuTech graphite folding canes with roller tips

[Judy Jones]

THe ambutech canes are what they are.  I would definitely stick with the 
carbon fiber if you want light weight.  I, too, have on occasionally gon to 
my folding cane, but have not stayed with it for long.

Back in the 70s I used the Rainshine tips with a fiberglass telescopic cane, 
but I always carried an extra, as those canes could break, but have not had 
that happen with the carbon fiber.

I love the fact that I can fit my 5-section telescopic cane in my purse. 
When at work, it hangs on a hook hidden underneath my desk.

I'm one, though, who loves using a cane, probably as I learned when I was a 
middle-schooler all those years ago, and it opened up a world of 
self-independence for me.

I remember my instructor saying that some day the cane would feel as natural 
as an extension to my arm.  I didn't believe her then, but I do now.

Judy


-----Original Message----- 
From: Brice Smith via blindtlk
Sent: Sunday, June 14, 2015 1:23 PM
To: Blind Talk Mailing List
Cc: Brice Smith
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] AmbuTech graphite folding canes with roller tips

I'm a cane snob. Why? I have a love/hate relationship with them –
they're absolutely necessary but incredibly annoying. Let's not kid
ourselves: walking around with a five-foot stick can be an
inconvenience. If I'm going to use one daily, then, I'm going to
choose the best. I recommend the NFB collapsible or Ambutech two-piece
telescopic. I've tried plenty of canes and here's my experience:

Despite the name, Ambutech's "lightweight" graphite canes are heavier
than NFB's telescoping or folding canes. Please don't let the
marketing materials fool you – if you are used to a carbon fiber cane
with a metal or ceramic tip, the switch to an "ultralight" Ambutech
graphite with a roller tip will be difficult, especially when you add
the heavier [rolling] tip. The weight of the tip makes all the
difference. Graphite folding canes with a ceramic or metal tip aren’t
bad.

The Ambutech roller tip gives excellent physical auditory feedback,
much more than a roller on a Revolution Advantage cane. However, I
find the roller's ability to handle rough terrain somewhat overstated.
There's a patch of rough cobblestone outside my office, and the roller
gets stuck and jabs me in the gut more often than a metal or ceramic
tip. Perhaps because of its weight, the NFB/Chris Park cane almost
seems to ... "skip" or "dance" over rough surfaces more than a heavy,
rolling tip. Metal glide and ceramic tips aren’t perfect and will get
stuck occasionally, but don’t fall into the trap of believing that
something that rolls will solve all your sticking problems.

The Ambutech slim line cane is awful. It feels unbelievably flimsy,
and I would never use it. Even the company tells you on the website
that it's meant as an identification or light-duty cane, and the
packaging clearly reiterates this. Avoid.

Ambutech's telescopic two-piece cane is excellent. It's incredibly
lightweight, sturdy and available with all Ambutech’s standard tips,
which means that you can switch between a roller and a metal tip at
your will.

Personally, I find it impossible to switch back to a heavier cane
after using a lightweight model. No matter how much I try and use a
sturdy, solid, heavier cane, I always end up resorting back to
something lighter in the end. The carbon fiber canes have irrevocably
spoiled me. That's disappointing, because I really like the build and
construction of Ambutech's folding canes. I just wish they were a
little bit lighter.


On 6/13/15, Arielle Silverman via blindtlk <blindtlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Hi all.
> The cane tip discussion reminded me that I have been thinking about
> trying one of the AmbuTech folding canes but want to get some
> feedback. I love my lightweight NFB straight cane and could never use
> an aluminum cane again, but I've been repeatedly disappointed by NFB's
> telescoping and folding cane options, and sometimes it's just way more
> convenient to use a folding cane. I'm also thinking about trying a
> rolling tip because I think NFB tips sometimes get stuck in sidewalk
> cracks and such. I also hate having to change my NFB tip monthly and I
> was intrigued to read that roller tips only have to be changed once a
> year.
> So here are my questions. (1) Does AmbuTech have a lightweight cane
> option similar to the NFB's fiberglass or carbon fiber canes? Would
> graphite be the best choice if I want something light? And (2) are you
> happy with the roller tips and as a longtime NFB cane user, do you
> think I would have any trouble adjusting to a roller tip? Or is there
> a better tip option?
> Thanks, Arielle
>
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