[nabs-l] Canes again

[Brice Smith]

Hi, Antonio.
I've heard of some really cool international canes, but these are hard
or impossible to find in the US. The US doesn't have a wide variety of
cane options to be honest. You're pretty much stuck with the Iowa
cane, Ambutech in Canada, the NFB models or Revolution in California
as far as I can tell.

There are some interesting canes from Europe and Asia. The telescoping
Aurora cane, made of Glass and manufactured in South Korea, looks to
be extremely strong and lightweight. I wish I could see this model for
myself. Poke around here and do some additional web research if you
are inclined:
http://www.gobizkorea.com/blog/ProductView.do?blogId=kunyoong&id=967748

The Kellerer cane has been highly recommended by a couple of blind
professionals and instructors and is made in The Netherlands. It's a
strong, durable telescoping model with a ceramic tip that weighs only
about 6.5 ounces. They deliver to the US but I haven't yet had enough
courage to go through the process and the model is admittedly
incredibly expensive. This company, Worldwide Vision, also has a
variety of other interesting canes and general cool gadgets. Here is
their site in English:
https://www.worldwidevision.nl/en/
... and the webpage for their Kellere cane:
https://www.worldwidevision.nl/en/product/mobility/long-canes

Duxbury has a list of general international sellers and distributors.
http://www.duxburysystems.com/search.asp?Search=cane

By all means, you are more than welcome to try and bring one of these
to America and let me know how it works out for you. I've been
thinking about ordering one of the Kellerer canes but haven't been
able to justify the price yet. Otherwise, If you don't have the money
or interest in tracking one of these down from abroad, keep in mind
that the NFB's telescoping canes were remodeled recently. They are
sturdier now than they were just a few years ago and are certainly
worth a second look. I am not a fan of Ambutech's models. While I like
their ceramic tip, I think their canes are heavy and their paint
begins to peal and look ugly after minimal use.
Brice

On 12/23/12, Antonio M. Guimaraes Jr. <freethaught at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hello all,
>
> I'm sure we discussed this topic before, but I am now in need of a new
> cane.
>
> I need a folding or collapsible cane, but the collapsible Nfb Kane has
> proven too Brittle for me.
>
> I use a straight, somewhat heavier, but very heavy duty came now. It is an
> Iowa cane.
>
> I am leaning towards purchasing an Ambutech graphite cane. This will be
> quite a heavy cane for me since it will be at 64 inch tall one.
>
> I already have the repair kit for this type of King, so I can always fix it
> when it breaks.
>
> I am not looking forward to how heavy this cane Will be.
>
> I would be interested in finding something a little lighter, but still
> tall.
>
> What is your preference in canes, and why.
>
> I would be especially interested in international models.
>
> Thanks,
> Antonio
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-- 
Brice Smith
North Carolina State University, Communication - Public Relations
Brice.Smith319 at gmail.com