spring or tighten

[kingnothing3]

can we turn this into a poll? not sure how.
How many of you use a spring in your handlepole?
how many leave it stock?
how many tighten them up so they are stiff and ridged?


the reason i ask is because i had always liked the feel of the light pole with a spring. but last weekend at lanier i noticed alot of people with the tightend bolts or pinch bolts. i rode a few and didnt really like it but i could get used to it if there was a good reason to ride like that. the only reason i know of is for no handed barrel rolls.

 

[GDFL]

I recently converted to a tightened pole. It took a few rides to get used to, but I definetely like it better. Once your muscles get used to it you'll have no problems with it.
Garrett

 

[The other Alex]

I rode a few last year at FSF with out springs, and I hated it. It wasnt bad once it was up, but every time you landed it would fall down and youd have to lift it back up against the tension.
I prefer a very light spring, with just a little tension to hold it in one spot, but not enough to have to feel the tightness of it.

 

[norcal ex]

my pole is as tight as possible, i have to use force to make it move. when it loosens up i HATE it. i use the pole for leverage a lot. whats a pinch bolt?

 

[Rickster]

I like things tight, not bouncy!:biggrin:

 

[skinnyman]

I just recently converted to a amw set up:Banane01:
I almost took it off the ski and sold it.It took about 3 tanks of gas to get used to it.Now if the bolts get a little loose it drives me crazy.

 

[LBE]

I rode a few last year at FSF with out springs, and I hated it. It wasnt bad once it was up, but every time you landed it would fall down and youd have to lift it back up against the tension.
I prefer a very light spring, with just a little tension to hold it in one spot, but not enough to have to feel the tightness of it.

I run mine tight, but with a UMI spring. Doesn't move much, but with the spring it comes up a lot easier when it falls like that.
Tightened works great for no handed b/r, can cans, supermans, nothings, and anything else when your not fully connected to the ski.

 

[Waste Land]

Tigthen it up. Once you get use to a tighten poll you wont go back. I can ride anything with a pole spring now. If i stop from a hard throttle i go flying. I use my pole for leverage alot in air.

It helps with almost all tricks. Pole doesnt just fall when you let go, when you do any kind of spinning your pole doesnt go flying out, or when you lean onto it during a stab it doesnt move. It's just a better setup

 

[sflsurfrider]

jamie, i was running the setup that you have on your new square for 2-3 years and loved it. when i got the round, i immediately went with the tight xmetal setup. it takes a few rides but like everyone is saying, it helps with everything.

make sure to reinforce the underside of the bracket area first.

 

[Matt_E]

I have been running a tight pole setup for almost a year now, and I love it - I can't stand the regular setup.
However, Phill absolutely hates my setup when he rides it. He's used to a spring setup.

 

[Scorn800]

I ride with a spring but what do I know, I like to do turns and the occasional nose stab.

 

[njfl]

What does everyone do to keep them tight, and how often do you retighten them. If I make mine ultra-tight, the way I would like it, the friction of going up and down one time makes it loosen a little (even with the XMetal double bolt). I can keep it snug, but never ultra-tight. Has anyone ever used red Locktite on theirs?

 

[Matt_E]

I know it's silly to read instructions and all that noise, but Pat's instructions for his pole tell you exactly what to do :Banane01:. I only read it after getting frustrated at my bolts coming loose all the time.

First, they need to be installed nuts on the outside. Second, use red loctite and allow 24 hours to cure.

 

[kingnothing3]

alright. glad i asked. Im probley gonna try tightening mine and see if it grows on me. charlie, i will probley leave the square how it is for now. like you said i will have to reinforce and fix that crack before i put any pressure on it.

 

[Big Kahuna]

What does everyone do to keep them tight, and how often do you retighten them. If I make mine ultra-tight, the way I would like it, the friction of going up and down one time makes it loosen a little (even with the XMetal double bolt). I can keep it snug, but never ultra-tight. Has anyone ever used red Locktite on theirs?

In the instructions, it states to use red locktite on the bolts, the push the pole in the upright position for 24 hours..........

 

[Mike Serlin]

I like it to feel weightless. Everybody I ride with has theirs super tight but I can't stand it. For surf riding I feel it takes away from the fluidity and smoothness of the motions because you are locked in one position. However, the downside, is that it is nearly impossible to do the moto X style tricks like nothings and can cans.

 

[surfgy45]

mike are you riding this saturday? my pole is pure dead-weight right now:biggthumpup: