Straight shaft options

[ChaseJax]

Any competitors to the Anderson straight shaft?
200$ seems awfully pricey for what it is, surely there's a competitor by now?

Thx

 

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[jadocs]

While not straight, I would do the Mars shaft.

 

[WaterWalker]

Rods by Plugger is another option.
One note: whatever replacement rod you obtain, especially the one that puts an Excalibur off the end, behind your elbow...make sure it will fit into you vehicle. Also will it fit into a suitcase if you plan to travel. Metal or Carbon Fiber? One point is you want to be sure there is NO movement between the shaft and arm cuff, a little electrical tape will eliminate any wear on the shaft if the cuff should slip. This goes for the OEM shafts also.

 

[John-Edmonton]

It's quite easy to build your own straight shaft. Go buy a used aluminum cane or aluminum walker, and use your existing elbow cuff and lower rod. Go to a bicycle shop and purchase a pair of attachable hand-grips, and put it all together. Below is my straight rod for my Ace 150 "AQUA ACE" water proof detector.

 

[Terry Soloman]

Straight shaft set ups are NOT for everyone. If there is any possible way, try someones before you make the expensive plunge and regret it. A flat swing in a full arch is harder and tends to butterfly up on the end sweep without effort.

 

[John-Edmonton]

Straight shaft set ups are NOT for everyone. If there is any possible way, try someones before you make the expensive plunge and regret it. A flat swing in a full arch is harder and tends to butterfly up on the end sweep without effort.

If you are prone to Lateral Epicondylitis (tennis elbow), you know how painful it can be. Running a straight shaft maintains a minimal bend and torsion of the elbow, and directs the swing of the machine to the shoulder. Using a straight rod to decrease wear on your elbow is highly recommended for Epicondylitis.

 

[Terry Soloman]

If you are prone to Lateral Epicondylitis (tennis elbow), you know how painful it can be. Running a straight shaft maintains a minimal bend and torsion of the elbow, and directs the swing of the machine to the shoulder. Using a straight rod to decrease wear on your elbow is highly recommended for Epicondylitis.

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In my never humble opinion, this is nonsense. You're just messing up your shoulder to save your elbow. The straight shaft is NOT for everyone, certainly not for me. I went back to the "S" shaft after one season and never looked back. If it works for you - Great!

 

[John-Edmonton]

[QUOTE You're just messing up your shoulder to save your elbow. The straight shaft is NOT for everyone, certainly not for me. I went back to the "S" shaft after one season and never looked back. If it works for you - Great! [/QUOTE]

Your shoulder has many more muscles and much more muscle mass. You are only using your shoulder ( not messing or ruining it) to save your elbow. A very common sense approach. And true......straight rods are not for everyone. Another option is to give up metal detecting all together, which some have done. Definitely not an option for me. I work in an orthopedics ward, and see on a daily basis what worn out bones do to articulating joints.