UMI pole shortening Q

[NVJAY775]

I'm thinking of having my UMI pole cut and welded. Has anybody ever had this done? If so how much did it run you and did it turn out OK?

Mine has a couple cracks, and I want to take 3.5" out of it. I'd buy an xmetal adj pole, but am tight on cash as usual. So I'm checking out my options.

Thanks guys

Jay

 

[Speedfreak]

I cut 4 inches out of mine 2 inches at the bottom and then 2 inches at the top and took the arch out of the pole. Chuck it in a vice and hack it off with a sawsall. And then weld it up. Takes less time than shortening a stock pole. Mine looked just like it had never been touched. You will need a tiny bit of bondo filler to block it smooth since the pole does taper but after the paint you can't tell it's been cut.

 

[Mark44]

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I cut 4 inches out of mine 2 inches at the bottom and then 2 inches at the top and took the arch out of the pole. Chuck it in a vice and hack it off with a sawsall. And then weld it up. Takes less time than shortening a stock pole. Mine looked just like it had never been touched. You will need a tiny bit of bondo filler to block it smooth since the pole does taper but after the paint you can't tell it's been cut.


View attachment 128845View attachment 128846

Butcher..........

 

[NVJAY775]

I've never welded on al. I have a 110 wire feed with ar. I've heard al is tricky to weld on. Not sure I want to learn on this. -))

Nice job on yours though. Very tidy looking.

 

[Speedfreak]

I welded one end with my clarke 110 volt mig welder no spool gun just pushing it through the same liner that I use for steel. It turned out pretty good. I had a bunch of grinding and then had to smooth it and paint it anyhow. But I had the other one professionally done. The welding shop charger $20 to weld it back together. Mush easier than grinding and going back over my welds.. I welded the top so there was less leverage than what is seen at the bottom.

Find a local welder to stitch it back up for $20 or so.

 

[NVJAY775]

I'm waiting for the welder to get back from vacation. I might have him cut it too. I just want to make sure it gets cut straight. I don't want to mess it up myself. I'm OK with steel, but not confident in my al cutting and welding.

If I get the time, I am going to mess with al. Maybe this winter. It will save me some cash for sure and I like learning.

Thanks for the help. I need it lol...

 

[Speedfreak]

Just cut it your self that will save some time and money. After it is cut you will have to grind the newly cut edges so that they meet. This is the hardest part because both cuts won't be perfectly square. Well unless your welder guy has a band saw then it won't bee too far off from square.

 

[NVJAY775]

I'll post up some pics when I get a chance. I'm painting it now, but it turned out real nice. Can't wait til this weekend!

He band sawed 3.5 inches out of it and got it welded up real clean like. It's going back on tomorrow night.

 

[kraqus]

How is the UMI pole doing? This is for everyone that shorten it.
I rode my RN over the weekend at Pismo and I hated the fact that I could not lean forward as much as I wanted because the pole kept stabbing me in the stomach. I got used to riding my SN with a Stock shorten pole that I don't think I can ride anything else now (Length wise)
I am definitely chopping my UMI pole or getting a different pole. I am just looking for reassurance to cut it I guess.
Got any Pics? Chop at the base or top?


Benny

 

[chriselmore_1]

I had my ac pole cut 4" with -3" steering and wish I went shorter. It was chopped at the base

 

[NVJAY775]

I chopped 3.5" off at the top and had the same guy weld it. Turned out sweet. Rode it last weekend and it did fine. Cost me $100.00 and it was worth every penny IMO. I'll post pics tonight. Sorry for the delay fellas.

 

[kraqus]

I am going to chop 6 inches off mine. I am already running WDK steering plate with straight bars and I need more room. My friend thinks I am crazy by doing that, it will be too short to ride, but I have to be honest it completely changes the way you ride a ski. It also allows me to ride away on most my Jumps and to slash the waves more aggressively.
I am thinking about removing that arc on the upper section of the pole because that Arc is designed to hug the hood at its current length. Once it gets shorten it will make that arc stand up like a hump......
Yes please if you have pictures of it installed on your ski I would appreciate if you post them.


Benny

 

[NVJAY775]

Good point on the pole hump. I knew something would change there. I should have a tom21 hood on in the next couple weeks and see how that works. But for now I am extremely pleased with this setup. I borrowed a buddies ac pole, and I copied the length on my umi. Tricks are easier. Even hood tricks are better, because I am further up on the hood when spinning and the ski comes around (slides) much easier also.

 

[NVJAY775]

Here's a couple more pics. My temporary hood straps, extinguisher and pad are also keeping the pole off the hood a bit, but the bend definitely contributes. I'm hoping that improves with the new hood. If not I may switch to a more contoured pole. IF I have cash I'm going with a xmetal adjustable. Hoping this works out. Rides great at this length though. Thanks to all here that recommended the length!

 

[NVJAY775]

Benny. I do find myself cruising between tricks, or just cruising slow with the pole down and leaning over the hood (feet in wells) But it's comfortable surprisingly enough lol. I have a stock D cut ride plate 2.5"x5.5". I may move my footwells forward this winter too, but not sure yet. It's a weird balancing act, but Im not in a hurry. I'm 5'8" and 160lbs. I want to ride it for a while like this and see. When I am cruising, or chasing boat wakes, it's still easy cruisin with the pole up. Different, but cool. I adjusted real quick to the length and am diggin it way more than my old -2 setup.

 

[kraqus]

OK I am sold, that length is just about what I need.
Stupid question. How do I know if the pole I have is a -2?
Thanks for posting all those Pics man!

Benny

 

[NVJAY775]

Well... Now the pole is 33.5" from the center of the pole bracket bolt, to the center of the turnplate bolt. -2" was 37" from the same points. From the center of the pole bracket bolt to the center of the bars it's 35" IF I remember a stock rn pole is 39" from center of the pole bracket bolt to the center of the turnplate bolt. So... In theory I am -9" and the chick dig factor is completely gone.