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Bike Polo Shafts by Milwaukee Bicycle Co.
Made from 7075 T6 Series 4 Aluminum, these poles are constructed with the strongest commercially available, aircraft-grade aluminum alloy and are twice as strong as the industry standard, rated to 75,000 PSI.
Overall Length: 49″ Length of Straight Section: 35″ Diameter of Straight Section: 0.73″ Length of Taper: 14″ Diameter @ End of Taper: 0.46″ Powder Coated: “Eddie” Orange Weight: 195 grams
I have not used this product or even seen one for that matter but it solves the constant problem of not having anywhere to get ski poles/ mallet shafts. The price is $15.99. A little steep when compared to the $4 – $6 some thrift stores charge per used ski pole. But with thrift stores there is still the crossing your fingers that they even have some. Also that they are aluminum, straight, long enough, and not beat up too much. Any way, there was a time when people only played on beater bikes, but now some people are building up new frames for polo. Likewise, players are going to start making mallets out of new shafts.
More info: Ben’s Cycle
about 8 months ago
$15.99 may sound a little steep unless you realize what it is you’re really getting. The S4 7075 T6 shaft is the same exact shaft used for Scott World Cup slalom race poles that are really pricey and hard to come by. I’ve been using the Scott WC-SL shafts for 2 years now. They are noticeably lighter than your run of the mill garbage poles and they are a hell of a lot stronger too. While I did snap one in the opening joust of the Scum City Tourney last April, the other one has lasted me all year so far with no real significant bends and my mallet gets hacked ALL THE TIME! I will be buying one of these for myself as a birthday gift.
IMHO
- Fatty
Cleveland Wins at Unsolicited Product Endorsements!
about 8 months ago
I still play on a beater bike, but got a wheelset built for polo…does that count for something? I think some of us from COMO are going to try these out. I’ll go all the way and build it up with a St. Cago head…seeing as Lucky lives 2 hours away and I’ve never bought one of his heads. Better late than never!
about 8 months ago
Since moving to Australia I’ve become friends with a local polo player and he tells me that ski poles are rare as hens teeth in a country where most people have never even SEEN snow, let alone gone skiing.
I say bravo, it fills a need and isn’t prohibitively expensive.
It’s natural and not at all a bad thing that as bike polo gains traction, products will be introduced that cater to the players needs.
about 8 months ago
Did they just buy a bunch of skipoles and put their name on it?
or did they make them from scratch?
you would think they would have made them straight shafts for a more durable bottom half.
about 8 months ago
The best thing this does for polo is create a reliable place to get ski poles that isn’t stupidly expensive for the people who can’t get them locally. This is a really good thing. Hopefully as people use them it turns out they’re really strong and then I’m sure other people will purchase them.
James, It’s talked about that the taper actually adds to the strength of the shaft. The metal thickes in that area but doesn’t add a whole lot of weight. I’ve played with un tapered aluminum and it was heavy and unwieldy. It also allows for a really solid press fit before you put a bolt/screw through.
about 7 months ago
Bought and built two mallets using the MKE ski pole. Durable as hell, but a mite heavy and stiff for some. Medic, it is a good thing they are doin here. Feed the habit !