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What folding cane is most comparable to the NFB fiberglass cane in terms of weight? (self.Blind)
submitted by FencingJester
I want the lightest possible folding cane. Preferably one that won't break in the first hour.
CloudyBeep 7 points 1y ago
Canes from Ambutech are highly regarded.
Amonwilde 8 points 1y ago
Seconded. Better to pay $25 more and not have to buy a new one every five minutes. I recommend graphite, they're quite solid.
FencingJester [OP] 3 points 1y ago
Okay, I'm familiar with their aluminum folding canes. The graphite is noticably lighter then?
Amonwilde 2 points 1y ago
I think aluminum is slightly lighter, but less sturdy. I prefer the graphite, it's still pretty light. Guess you have to compromise somewhere...if you can afford it, you might want to buy both.
OldManOnFire 2 points 1y ago
They are.
I have one of each. The graphite one is about three inches longer yet only half the weight. It also has more sections so it folds into a smaller area even though it's the longer cane.
I use the graphite one indoors and the aluminum one outside. Never had a problem with either of them.
I have one of each. The graphite one is about three inches longer yet only half the weight. It also has more sections so it folds into a smaller area even though it's the longer cane.
I use the graphite one indoors and the aluminum one outside. Never had a problem with either of them.
FencingJester [OP] 3 points 1y ago
Excellent, thank you for the input.
xmachinaxxx 3 points 1y ago
The Ambutech slimline graphite cane is super light. Love it. I have arthritis and have had no issues, unlike with aluminum canes.
Superfreq2 2 points 1y ago
If you learned open palm technique, it's just not gonna work right with thicker, heavier canes unless you want carpal tunnel, so be careful when buying an Ambutech to get the thin ones with the thread on tips rather than the thicker ones with the hook on tips.
You're still gonna get less feedback and flexibility from an Ambutech, but it may be worth it for you. Their are also definitely advantages, like not replacing the tip every 3-5 weeks, not having the thing blow out of your hand in the wind, ETC.
Personally I have no idea how you're breaking your NFB canes, (I can bend mine at a 30 degree angle and hold it their for several seconds with no issues) and I used one pretty roughly in a small city 5 days a week for over a year with no incidence, but I also don't live your life or know what it's like where you live, so...
You're still gonna get less feedback and flexibility from an Ambutech, but it may be worth it for you. Their are also definitely advantages, like not replacing the tip every 3-5 weeks, not having the thing blow out of your hand in the wind, ETC.
Personally I have no idea how you're breaking your NFB canes, (I can bend mine at a 30 degree angle and hold it their for several seconds with no issues) and I used one pretty roughly in a small city 5 days a week for over a year with no incidence, but I also don't live your life or know what it's like where you live, so...
FencingJester [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Haha I actually have had good luck with my NFB, it's folding canes that tend to break for me so I wanted to be specific on that point.
Superfreq2 2 points 1y ago
Oh okay, I see. Hmm. Than yeah maybe the slightly thicker, graphite slimline canes from ambutech would be good?
https://ambutech.com/collections/slimline-graphite-adult/products/slimline-graphite-mobility-cane-standard-handle
If you don't want to order directly from them (shipping times are long) than you can check their distributers page. Just keep in mind that the retailers might not have the size you want.
My suggestion is to get the least sections possible for durability and tactility, maybe with the metal glide tip if you want something similar to the NFB style. A tip is to never let the sections just fall open and expand that way, even though it's fun, just do it one section at a time by hand. Also if you go in the rain, check for wet joints and maybe oil them if it's happening pretty often, otherwise they can stick pretty bad.
https://ambutech.com/collections/slimline-graphite-adult/products/slimline-graphite-mobility-cane-standard-handle
If you don't want to order directly from them (shipping times are long) than you can check their distributers page. Just keep in mind that the retailers might not have the size you want.
My suggestion is to get the least sections possible for durability and tactility, maybe with the metal glide tip if you want something similar to the NFB style. A tip is to never let the sections just fall open and expand that way, even though it's fun, just do it one section at a time by hand. Also if you go in the rain, check for wet joints and maybe oil them if it's happening pretty often, otherwise they can stick pretty bad.
thatawkwardcosplayer 2 points 1y ago
I use an Ambutech but be aware that their main warehouse got flooded so you may be on back order. (Did my order on Nov. 12 and only got it yesterday (12/13/21). And you can only get a 15% refund for the cane if non custom but wrong size, no shipping refund either.
Shipping = $14-$20
OR $75 (if Alaska, PR, Hawaii, Guam islands or Virgin Islands or not US based.
Shipping = $14-$20
OR $75 (if Alaska, PR, Hawaii, Guam islands or Virgin Islands or not US based.
SqueakysMom 3 points 1y ago
This is good information, thank you! The flooded warehouse, coupled with the US Postal Service slowdown...could be a long wait to get a cane.
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