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Alternative to Ambutech Rollerball cane tips? (self.Blind)
submitted 5.2227525398662555y ago by blindthrowaway1234
My mobility instructor set me up with the rollerball cane tips, which I found are the best tips as they don’t get stuck nearly as often as pencil tips. However even ambutech’s “high mileage” is made with some kind of cheap plastic composite that wears down within a month of using it. Are there any better alternatives or competing brands that make a higher quality rollerball tip? I don’t want to have to shell out $10 a month on cane tips just to be able to get around on foot. Why did no one in this company foresee the plastic wearing down and design a metal casing that would hold up to paved surfaces? Or is that their business model for them to wear down quickly so people have to buy replacements?
KillerLag 3 points 5y ago
I'm surprised you are wearing down the high mileage tip... it's actually not plastic, it's a nylon composite, and pretty tought. I've only ever had one client go through that in less than a year, and she was a student who walked everywhere.
If you find you are wearing through all the plastic/composite materials, you should consider a ceramic tip. It's a bit more expensive, but it lasts a lot longer. I've had a client use it for three years (walks a decent amount) and didn't wear through it.
If you find you are wearing through all the plastic/composite materials, you should consider a ceramic tip. It's a bit more expensive, but it lasts a lot longer. I've had a client use it for three years (walks a decent amount) and didn't wear through it.
blindthrowaway1234 [OP] 1 points 5y ago
Do they make ceramic rollerball tips? Not seeing anything other than the nylon/plastic tips on Amazon(shipping takes over 10 days too as there’s no prime option for some reason).
I walk on average 1-2 miles per day at a brisk pace, primarily on asphalt / cement.
Tried cutting a tennis ball in half and glueing that over the worn off tip. It still rolled really well but I think I need a stronger adhesive than gorilla glue as it fell off after roughly 800 yards of walking. Going to make adjustments tonight and see if I can design a sturdier version as a placeholder until I can get some replacement tips shipped in.
I walk on average 1-2 miles per day at a brisk pace, primarily on asphalt / cement.
Tried cutting a tennis ball in half and glueing that over the worn off tip. It still rolled really well but I think I need a stronger adhesive than gorilla glue as it fell off after roughly 800 yards of walking. Going to make adjustments tonight and see if I can design a sturdier version as a placeholder until I can get some replacement tips shipped in.
KillerLag 1 points 5y ago
As far as I know, they don't make ceramic rollerball tips.
The High mileage rollerball tip wore through quickly, right? Would you consider the Wheel tip?
https://ambutech.com/shop-online/rover-free-wheeling-hook-tip
It's designed for rougher terrain, but still rolls
The High mileage rollerball tip wore through quickly, right? Would you consider the Wheel tip?
https://ambutech.com/shop-online/rover-free-wheeling-hook-tip
It's designed for rougher terrain, but still rolls
blindthrowaway1234 [OP] 1 points 5y ago
Tried the wheel tip with my O&M instructor and found it a bit wobbly and awkward, especially since I walk at a faster pace.
The issue is the material itself wearing down, the design is great if it only used a ceramic or metal rounded tip instead of the plastic/nylon which inevitably wears down over time.
Tinkering with tennis balls currently while I wait for replacement tips to ship in.
It’s like buying a car or a computer; I’d rather invest a little more in a higher quality product that will last a lot longer than be continually replacing a cheaper product.
The issue is the material itself wearing down, the design is great if it only used a ceramic or metal rounded tip instead of the plastic/nylon which inevitably wears down over time.
Tinkering with tennis balls currently while I wait for replacement tips to ship in.
It’s like buying a car or a computer; I’d rather invest a little more in a higher quality product that will last a lot longer than be continually replacing a cheaper product.
ElectromechanicalFoe 1 points 5y ago
The Ambutech ceramic tip doesn’t wear, offers better auditory and tactile feedback than any other tip – including metal – and can be used with constant contact on asphalt / cement without getting stuck very often. Is there a reason you prefer rolling tips, specifically?
[deleted] 1 points 5y ago
[removed]
Splatoon-U 1 points 5y ago
I enjoy the rolling marshmallow tip personally.
Warthil 1 points 5y ago
Personally I like the flex tip. It requires two point touch but you are probably comfortable with that if you use pencil tip. It does not get hung up in minor crevasses or rough asphalt which can wear down other two point touch tips outdoors. It does have some disadvantages. It is heavy and I find it works best with a heavier cane like the fibreglass. I use the adapter and generally change the tip when I am inside for longer periods.
https://ambutech.com/shop-online/flex-hook-tip
https://ambutech.com/shop-online/flex-hook-tip
pokersnek 1 points 5y ago
How much do you walk in a day? With my students, a high mileage tip lasts six months. A rolling tip generally lasts the same, but wet weather can stop it from rolling.
There is an Ambutech tip I like that I call the flying saucer. It’s the jumbo roller, I believe. It has a rolling disk attached to a hook or slip on tip. It rolls very easily and I give it to students who don’t sweep their cane much independently because that’s how easy it rolls.
There is an Ambutech tip I like that I call the flying saucer. It’s the jumbo roller, I believe. It has a rolling disk attached to a hook or slip on tip. It rolls very easily and I give it to students who don’t sweep their cane much independently because that’s how easy it rolls.
blindthrowaway1234 [OP] 3 points 5y ago
I’m in the Seattle area so there’s lots of rain.
I walk 1-2 miles per day on asphalt / concrete. Either kind, hook or slip on works for me as I have an adapter and if that fails there’s always duct tape.
I’m surprised there aren’t more firms competing in this space honestly. Seems like it’s only ambutech im stuck with. Really tempted to just build my own.
Would love a metal tipped roller ball. I don’t care if it’s heavier either, I actually like a heavier cane because it keeps my forearms in shape :)
I walk 1-2 miles per day on asphalt / concrete. Either kind, hook or slip on works for me as I have an adapter and if that fails there’s always duct tape.
I’m surprised there aren’t more firms competing in this space honestly. Seems like it’s only ambutech im stuck with. Really tempted to just build my own.
Would love a metal tipped roller ball. I don’t care if it’s heavier either, I actually like a heavier cane because it keeps my forearms in shape :)
pokersnek 1 points 5y ago
I’ve noticed that the bearings in any rolling tip eventually rust or get corroded by mud. That’s the main reason I replace those tips, not because they e worn down.
You have a good idea there. I’ve wondered about nano carbon or 3D printing cane tips with super durable plastics. Cane tips are made of nylon. Though, I know there is a ceramic tip out there, but it doesn’t roll. Same with the metal tips.
You have a good idea there. I’ve wondered about nano carbon or 3D printing cane tips with super durable plastics. Cane tips are made of nylon. Though, I know there is a ceramic tip out there, but it doesn’t roll. Same with the metal tips.
blindthrowaway1234 [OP] 1 points 5y ago
Metal seems superior in almost every way to nylon aside from being a tad louder on certain surfaces. No idea why there isn’t more innovative design for cane tips.
KillerLag 1 points 5y ago
You meant the Dakota disk? The disk itself is hollow, so it the client goes over rough stuff, it will get worn through pretty fast. It works a bit better over snow or smoother surfaces, but I can't imagine it would last long on a road.
-shacklebolt- 2 points 5y ago
I think they mean [this one.]
(https://ambutech.com/shop-online/jumbo-roller-hook-tip)
(https://ambutech.com/shop-online/jumbo-roller-hook-tip)
pokersnek 1 points 5y ago
Yes. That one.
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