Excal broken shaft

teklord · Mar 3, 2013

Went out to Cocoa Beach yesterday to try out a new pair of dive boots, Oceanic Neo Classic. They have a burr in the back of the heel that helps when you are taking them off. Good boots. Was plenty warm with the full skin suit on. After 15 minutes in the water the Excal shaft snapped in two and will need to be replaced. Options are a new one from Minelab, a " Florida straight shaft " , or an aluminum tube I drill out myself. Best option ?

Tek

Sir Gala Clad · Mar 3, 2013

Tek: If you are tall get yourself an Anderson Tall man composite shaft, or equivalent. You will be able to cover more distance since you can swing wider. You also can detect some depressions, which you do not want to step into. It is also easier to swing as it has better balance.

I prefer composite, as you do not have to take the upper and lower shaft apart as often for cleaning and there is no galvanic action between dissimilar metals (aluminum shaft, steel pins).

As you appear to be hard on shafts, you may need a second under arm shaft for greater strength.

teklord · Mar 3, 2013

Thank You Sir Gala, composite is the way to go, no metal fatigue. I did not know about these. Will pick one up at Kellyco.

snooksion · Mar 5, 2013

all your options are terrible!!! either save up and buy a carbon fiber shaft from anderson.or save up and build one yourself.

teklord · Mar 7, 2013

I went out to Kellyco yesterday and picked up the long fiber setup. This thing is weightless and the high position for the electronics is better on the cables. I checked out the over and under, but it was not available in fiber. The tall man has better ballance overall. Also got the knob guard, I am tired of replacing broken knobs.

Tek

snooksion · Mar 7, 2013

teklord said:
I went out to Kellyco yesterday and picked up the long fiber setup. This thing is weightless and the high position for the electronics is better on the cables. I checked out the over and under, but it was not available in fiber. The tall man has better ballance overall. Also got the knob guard, I am tired of replacing broken knobs.

Tek

wtg