Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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White cane users, tell me about your canes? (self.Blind)
submitted by -shacklebolt-
My current cane is an [NFB type 2]
(https://ecommerce.nfb.org/asp/product.asp?product=1&cat=1) straight fiberglass cane. I like it a lot (light, reasonably durable, very slim, very good for tactile information) and will probably keep using it as my primary cane (although I might be adventurous and buy the [type 6]
(https://ecommerce.nfb.org/asp/product.asp?product=6&cat=1) carbon fiber straight cane next time.) I'm planning to buy a new backup portable cane.
Some of the canes I've owned over the years:
- An NFB [type 7]
(https://ecommerce.nfb.org/asp/product.asp?product=7&cat=1) telescoping carbon fiber cane. I like this cane, although it is a bit big for most purses.
- An NFB [50/50]
(https://ecommerce.nfb.org/asp/product.asp?product=571&cat=1) fiberglass folding cane. 2 sections makes it easier to stow in cars and restaurants. The plastic head that holds the nylon loop cracked off. Probably why they're $10.
- An NFB [type 8]
(https://ecommerce.nfb.org/asp/product.asp?product=978&cat=1) folding carbon fiber cane. Very light and portable, but the joints shook too much for me. This was years ago, they might have upgraded the design since.
- A couple of [Ambutech]
(https://ambutech.com/shop-online/canes) folding canes (can't remember if it was aluminum or fiberglass) with the jumbo rolling tip. This was my first cane. It was quite heavy even using the constant contact technique (and too short for me) so I got rid of it after deciding to primarily use two point touch and a longer cane.
I'm considering getting either:
- An Ambutech [graphite]
(https://ambutech.com/shop-online/graphite-mobility-cane) folding cane (or folding [slim line]
(https://ambutech.com/shop-online/folding-slim-line-graphite-cane) cane) with the metal glide tip. Does hook, screw on, or slip on tip make a difference in terms of function? Not going to lie, the fact that they offer the "HiLite" colors for the grips and select tips (blue, pink, orange, or green) is pretty tempting.
- The new [NFB mini-telescoping]
(https://ecommerce.nfb.org/asp/product.asp?product=1242&cat=1) cane. This is appealing as a backup since it is so small when collapsed. I could just keep this in my purse all the time.
So /r/Blind/, what cane do you use either as a primary or backup cane? Have you found that your canes have changed as your experience of blindness has changed? What do you like and dislike about your cane or canes? Do you have any recommendations for me or others?
(I'll add a PSA for those of you who might not know: if you are in need of a cane, any blind or VI person in the US or Puerto Rico can get a [free straight white cane]
(https://nfb.org/free-cane-program) from the NFB up to once every 6 months. No other requirements!)
(https://ecommerce.nfb.org/asp/product.asp?product=1&cat=1) straight fiberglass cane. I like it a lot (light, reasonably durable, very slim, very good for tactile information) and will probably keep using it as my primary cane (although I might be adventurous and buy the [type 6]
(https://ecommerce.nfb.org/asp/product.asp?product=6&cat=1) carbon fiber straight cane next time.) I'm planning to buy a new backup portable cane.
Some of the canes I've owned over the years:
- An NFB [type 7]
(https://ecommerce.nfb.org/asp/product.asp?product=7&cat=1) telescoping carbon fiber cane. I like this cane, although it is a bit big for most purses.
- An NFB [50/50]
(https://ecommerce.nfb.org/asp/product.asp?product=571&cat=1) fiberglass folding cane. 2 sections makes it easier to stow in cars and restaurants. The plastic head that holds the nylon loop cracked off. Probably why they're $10.
- An NFB [type 8]
(https://ecommerce.nfb.org/asp/product.asp?product=978&cat=1) folding carbon fiber cane. Very light and portable, but the joints shook too much for me. This was years ago, they might have upgraded the design since.
- A couple of [Ambutech]
(https://ambutech.com/shop-online/canes) folding canes (can't remember if it was aluminum or fiberglass) with the jumbo rolling tip. This was my first cane. It was quite heavy even using the constant contact technique (and too short for me) so I got rid of it after deciding to primarily use two point touch and a longer cane.
I'm considering getting either:
- An Ambutech [graphite]
(https://ambutech.com/shop-online/graphite-mobility-cane) folding cane (or folding [slim line]
(https://ambutech.com/shop-online/folding-slim-line-graphite-cane) cane) with the metal glide tip. Does hook, screw on, or slip on tip make a difference in terms of function? Not going to lie, the fact that they offer the "HiLite" colors for the grips and select tips (blue, pink, orange, or green) is pretty tempting.
- The new [NFB mini-telescoping]
(https://ecommerce.nfb.org/asp/product.asp?product=1242&cat=1) cane. This is appealing as a backup since it is so small when collapsed. I could just keep this in my purse all the time.
So /r/Blind/, what cane do you use either as a primary or backup cane? Have you found that your canes have changed as your experience of blindness has changed? What do you like and dislike about your cane or canes? Do you have any recommendations for me or others?
(I'll add a PSA for those of you who might not know: if you are in need of a cane, any blind or VI person in the US or Puerto Rico can get a [free straight white cane]
(https://nfb.org/free-cane-program) from the NFB up to once every 6 months. No other requirements!)
Silverottawa 4 points 6y ago
I use the graphite cane when not using my dog. Its decent, as for the slim line cane, not intended for mobility. It is thin and will break quick if used as a daily driver. Go with the ambu graphite.
-shacklebolt- [OP] 1 points 6y ago
Thanks for letting me know.
charliemyheart 2 points 6y ago
I use a straight NFB cane fiberglass which is 63 in anything else is too heavy, and or too short. I also carry a telescoping 63 NFB, in case my cane breaks, but also will take it with me when I to get my guide dog from TSE.
[deleted] 1 points 6y ago
[deleted]
awesomesaucesaywhat 2 points 6y ago
I have a revolution cane that I like. It's thin and lite but seems sturdy so far. I have different tips for different terrain that I can easily switch. It's folding and fits in some of my larger purses and if it doesn't I just loop the elastic around the purse strap.
-shacklebolt- [OP] 1 points 6y ago
Its been so long I'd honestly forgotten about being able to strap a folding cane onto my purse like that, thanks!
If you don't mind answering for my curiosity, what types of tips do you use in what types of scenarios generally?
If you don't mind answering for my curiosity, what types of tips do you use in what types of scenarios generally?
awesomesaucesaywhat 1 points 6y ago
I have a pencil tip I usually use, a big ball tip for trails and uneven surfaces and a big frisbee looking thing for deep sand.
zoanthropykitty 1 points 6y ago
where do you buy the tip for sand??! I love going to the beach and nowhere in aus has been able to provide me with a ball or something that would work on sand
awesomesaucesaywhat 1 points 6y ago
It's an Ambutech tip but I used a bunch of pipe cleaners to attach it to the amubtech-revolution connector thingy. The sand tip doesn't actually fit in the connector, but so far the pipe cleaners are working. It's super awesome and people keep asking me if I've found gold, lol.
Marconius 1 points 6y ago
After losing my vision completely two years ago, the very first Cain I started out with was a revolution graphite with a rolling tip. The constant contact sweep works very well for me, and as I got better with orientation and mobility, my trainer upgraded me to a 61 inch version so I can move faster and because of my height.
I ended up getting one of those free NFB Straight canes, and use it every now and then around the house or going outside to the garage, but not much more than that. When going out and about, I much prefer a cane that I can break down.
I grabbed an Ambutech aluminum cane with a jumbo roller tip for hiking, although the joints feel loose even with it being new, and recently got an NFB sectional cane with a metal tip for more Advanced orientation and mobility practice.
I have been noticing that more and more people run into me or don't understand what the Cain signifies when using the totally white NFB Kane. When I use a cane with the lowest section painted red, more people get out of my way. I also think that much sleeker and thinner canes don't pose as much of a threat as the heavier looking revolution canes, so that's also a problem as people notice it less and tend to walk into the sleeker ones more. I wonder if it's a cultural thing as here in America, blind people are usually depicted using canes with red tips/lower sections.
I ended up getting one of those free NFB Straight canes, and use it every now and then around the house or going outside to the garage, but not much more than that. When going out and about, I much prefer a cane that I can break down.
I grabbed an Ambutech aluminum cane with a jumbo roller tip for hiking, although the joints feel loose even with it being new, and recently got an NFB sectional cane with a metal tip for more Advanced orientation and mobility practice.
I have been noticing that more and more people run into me or don't understand what the Cain signifies when using the totally white NFB Kane. When I use a cane with the lowest section painted red, more people get out of my way. I also think that much sleeker and thinner canes don't pose as much of a threat as the heavier looking revolution canes, so that's also a problem as people notice it less and tend to walk into the sleeker ones more. I wonder if it's a cultural thing as here in America, blind people are usually depicted using canes with red tips/lower sections.
-shacklebolt- [OP] 3 points 6y ago
> I have been noticing that more and more people run into me or don't understand what the Cain signifies when using the totally white NFB Kane
I've noticed this is more common when not using the "TV blind people" style folding canes with red tips! Maybe we need to send TV shows and film sets a variety of canes?
I've noticed this is more common when not using the "TV blind people" style folding canes with red tips! Maybe we need to send TV shows and film sets a variety of canes?
Vaelian 1 points 6y ago
I've only been blind for 2 years so I don't have a lot of experience. My current and only cane is a 6 section foldable carbon fiber Ambutech with a roller tip.
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