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Blind and Visually Impaired Community

Full History - 2017 - 07 - 31 - ID#6qqmt8
4
Need help choosing a new cane tip (self.Blind)
submitted by superblindtbh
I'm stuck between the roller ball tip and jumbo roller tip. I currently use a roller marshmallow tip but it gets caught a lot (super uneven cracked pavements and a lot of cobblestone where I live) so I'm looking at switching to a different tip for when I'm in those areas.

I like the idea of the roller ball tip but I've heard that it can split in half before it's worn down completely. I've also read that it's hollow so I'm worried about how long the tip would actually last (wore down the roller marshmallow in a month).

The jumbo roller seems like it would last longer since it's wider and not hollow but it looks like it could get caught still where it's flat on the front.
KillerLag 2 points 6y ago
I've never had a client use a jumbo tip before (although they are available), but looking at the design, it would catch on just as many things as the roller marshmallow tip. It would definitely last longer, I believe it is made of the same material as the high mileage tips (Although if lasting a long time is a factor, you should also consider the ceramic tips).

Yes, the roller ball is hollow, and when it's worn down enough, the ball comes apart. I don't see that happen very often, though, and when I do, it is usually because the client has been using the ball for a really long time. Where you live, is there a program that helps cover the cost of a cane? In Ontario, the health care system covers 75% of the cost of a cane every year. It doesn't cover the cost of a roller tip specifically, but your area might.

If you aren't happy with either choice, there is a third option, although that may not be what you want either. It is called the Rover tip, and it is a wheel. The technique to use it is slightly different as well, because you need to twist your wrist at the end of each scan to line the wheel up for the scan back to the other side. Because it is a wheel, it rolls over a lot more obstacles and doesn't get damaged as easily. However, it is physically more difficult to use. Most of the people who use this sort of tip usually uses it for hiking or non-paved surfaces. Also, it sucks in heavy snow (sinks into the snow if it is too deep, too heavy and unwieldy to use for two point touch).

https://ambutech.com/shop-online/rover-free-wheeling-hook-tip

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