The conical joints seem to be easier to separate when sticky or dirty than the older longer joints. A regular wipe followed by a little lubrication with some petroleum jelly (e.g. Vaseline) or a bit of lip balm usually keeps things working.

I've had a ton of experience with both (As an O&M Specialist, I've issues a ton of canes). The newer conical joints do have a greater tendency to come apart, especially if they are longer (58+ inches) and/or have a larger ball tip. That being said, I'm gotten a 54" cane with a regular roller tip to separate on really bumpy ground before. That issue is not as common anymore, but it still sometimes comes up (seems to also be related to usage).

The older joints used to be really sticky (in some cases, to the point where I couldn't separate them), but that was also fairly rare. The ones for the graphite canes almost never got stuck.

I like the new ones better because it fits in any bag ;)

I've used ambutech for about a decade now, I absolutely preferred the old joints. The new joints come apart easier, but this also means they have a tendency to come apart while in use, in rough terrain, snow, or just by having a heavy use style.

The old joints held much better while in use, but took some elbow grease to get apart.

Also I would recommend aluminum (opinion). The graphite I found was a little to fragile for my style, and I'm concerned the fiberglass would be to light, making me feel like I'm missing something.

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(I’m a legally blind person who has had experience in cane training.)

Hi just wanted to state my opinion for the canes I have experience with both types (and I also hate hitting my gut into the handle) but yes the shorter canes are easier to fold but the taller canes are better on walks (hiking,being in nature and walking for so long that you exhausted or dizzy/unstable there are two problems I think of off the top of my head which is that the taller ones are quite a struggle to fold in a smaller vehicle and if you hit a crack/bump on the road or sidewalk it hits you in a higher part of the stomach which can hurt more.

I like the new joints better. They seem just as sturdy, are easier to separate, and they allow the cane to fold up smaller, making it easier to carry in my bag.

My cane has the conical joints. it's my first Ambutech, but I did have an older cane from state services with longer joints made of metal. The longer joints would often pinch me or not fit into place very easily. So I vote for conical.