Drop + Dan Durston X-Mid 1P Tent Discussions | Drop

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Aug 7, 2021

I am looking at building a DIY pole set for bikepacking. Dan posted earlier about using the carbon fiber pole segments sold by Quest Outfitters. Would the new Easton Syclone poles work better or worse than the 6.3 CF ones?

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dandurston

5116

Dan Durston

Aug 30, 2021

codysoylandSupposedly the Syclone poles are quite flexy, so the 6.3 CF is better but also still quite weak. SMD sells the Easton 6.3 poles for this use, but most other companies agree it's too flimsy. I've tested it and it works in friendly conditions but not suitable for a storm or any snowfall. I'd probably buy a stiffer carbon pole set like those from Ruta Locura (order a custom set of their 450 poles). We're also working on offering a carbon pole set for the bikepacking use with the X-Mid but it's about a year off.

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codysoyland

Sep 2, 2021

dandurstonThanks for the reply, Dan! Good to know the Syclone poles are flexy -- I was hoping they would be stiffer with the larger diameter than the CF ones, but I was mistaken. The Ruta Locura suggestion sounds good, but I need to decide where it will go on my bike, because they only offer 46" length in a 3-section configuration. With 15-16" sections, that is probably fine if tied to my downtube (somewhat exposed to rocks/debris), but wouldn't fit anywhere else in my kit.

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dandurston

5116

Dan Durston

Sep 3, 2021

codysoylandI think Ruta Locura will basically custom make whatever you want if you contact them. I know some people have gotten 5 section (4 piece + adjuster) built for the X-Mid.

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codysoyland

Feb 2, 2022

dandurstonJust to update here, I did order a custom set of poles from Ruta Locura, and they are fantastic and were shipped out the day after I ordered. I went with 47" in 4 sections. I even forgot to ask for spikes but he shipped some out to me for free after I asked about ordering them separately. I highly recommend Ruta Locura -- excellent products and crazy fast service.