The Benefits of Using a Carbon Fiber Telescoping Pole

When you are thinking about buying a camera pole, you will find that the top manufacturers of video equipment, such as Hi Pod, Sports Scope and Hi Rise Camera, all use slightly different technology in the building of their camera systems and sideline towers, and it can be difficult to see what difference that some of these features will make. However, something that looks relatively unimportant, like what the camera pole is made of, can make a huge difference to the performance of the system and to how long it will last.

Some camera system suppliers make a great play on the automated features of their video systems, such as motorized heads and remote control, but the most important things that make a camera tower effective and reliable are the simple ones. One example of this is the materials that are used to make the telescoping pole.

While some makers of camera towers still use metal telescoping poles, innovative manufacturers, like Hi Rise Camera, are using carbon fiber poles, which are more durable and much lighter. Here’s why something as simple as what a pole is made of is so important in a video system.

Weight
One of the major benefits that you get with a carbon fiber telescoping camera is how lightweight the equipment is. Cameras need to be transported to different venues, as well as simply moved on and off the field, so the overall weight of the system should be an important consideration when you are purchasing video systems. The Hi Rise Camera system weighs just 50lbs, which is much lighter than many of its competitors, and that light weight is due in part to the use of a carbon fiber pole.

Strength
Despite the light weight of carbon fiber, the material is very strong. That is important both in terms of the stability of the system when it is in use and in terms of its long-term durability. Unlike a metal telescoping camera pole, a carbon fiber pole won’t bend or dent, and it will take some rough treatment when you are transporting it. It’s the weight-to-strength ratio that makes carbon fiber the best material to use for a telescoping camera pole.

Durability
A video system is a big investment for many teams, so value for money is an important consideration when buying one. That means that it is not only the initial cost of the system that matters, it is how long it will last as well. As mentioned above, carbon fiber poles don’t bend and dent, nor do they corrode or age. Carbon fiber poles are water-resistant and UV-resistant, and they don’t expand and contract with changing temperatures like metal does. That all adds up to a telescoping camera pole that will last for many seasons, and even if you decide to upgrade the camera equipment at some point, you won’t need to buy a new pole for many years to come.