I canoe camp on a lot of sand bars, no trees. I've used the aluminum poles for my tarps and they've been fine, including in very strong storms. However, I'm considering going to carbon fiber poles (ruta locura .710inch) for the weight savings. I'm at the point where I'm starting to minimize weight where I can. At half the weight and supposed same or more strength, albeit at a higher cost, I'm looking into it.

Does anyone here use carbon fiber poles for their tarps or leans? Any bad experiences/breaks? I keep reading that you have to be more careful with damaging them while handling/transporting them or they are more likely to fail. A gouge or damage from accidental step/drop, etc. would significantly affect the strength when under load/tension. I've called numerous manufacturers and they claim no more so than aluminum poles.

Any experience here from actual users? Tarp poles only. Carbon fiber made poles for tents, ie. with curves and thinner are a different animal and not suitable for straight up, minimal flex tarp use. Thanks.

Sure you want to spend the $$$? 78 inches of .742 Easton aluminum weight 10.6 ounces and $20.67 for 3-26 inch sections with inserts, Quest Outfitters.
I'm all for saving weight but have limits.
Still if you go Carbon ask about preventing breakage in the field, from Ruta Locura. Reliability has much to do with the layers and how they line up.

butthead

butthead: "Sure you want to spend the $$$? ...
butthead"

That was exactly my thinking. For canoe camping, are you lrealy benefiting from the slight weight savings. Of couse, then I considered my own gear purchases and don't think they would stand-up to public scrutiny. I could likely retire three years earlier if I could only recoup the dollars spent on a shinier, lighter versions of gear I already owned.

I have one of these Fibraplex tarp poles. With three tubes laminated together it seems very robust and quite stiff. We've had not problems with it.

After some thought I decided to go with the easton aluminums. Dont feel like having to baby my gear, or spending $220 for 2 poles. Thanks for the input.

The next hot tent that I sew up will be DCF and will have a carbon pole. Can't say much about durability until I try it out though.