Collapsible wading staffs

[crispin]

I've just bought a Simms foldable wading staff from Helmie without having ever seen it. It does however come very highly recommended as the best available.

I've not used a staff for 12 years and haven't come to grief at all in that time, but I'm fishing a lot of new rivers this year, many in the Spring, so it seems a good idea at least to have access to one, now that good foldables are available. The last time I had one I found it a huge encumbrance.

The only gripe is that instead of a rubber foot the staff has a metal spike which may knock and scrape stones and rocks on the river bed, but that is easily sorted if I can source a walking-stick rubber foot. Does anybody know where I may get one?

What collapsible staffs do you guys use and how do you find them?

[tyney tone]

Try looking on the bottom end of a walking stick Crispin,thats where they usually are!

[corky]

I think I saw somewhere that the rubber foot for a crutch can be bought at medical supply retailers Crispin ,
Corky
but maybe they are a bit to big for the staff

[crispin]

Good idea Corky, thanks

[crispin]

Originally Posted by tyney tone

Try looking on the bottom end of a walking stick Crispin,thats where they usually are!

Unlike you Tone, I don't need a walking stick!!!

[badcaster]

full hazel and antler mate i had a collapseable one pain in the neck i wouldnt be without this one makes it much easier

[evilunclejoe]

Originally Posted by badcaster

full hazel and antler mate i had a collapseable one pain in the neck i wouldnt be without this one makes it much easier

I don't like collapsibles as I had one trapped between rocks and it ....collapsed.

That said, the Simm's locks but I don't know If I would trust a collapsible again. The Simm's foot-spike seems too narrow for a standard 3/4" rubber foot, (about 75P from a hardware store) and you really would have to cut the spike off or it would go straight through the rubber.

Expensive fish scarer without the rubber foot IMHO.

You did ask, sorry.

I have a Wilco rigid staff with a cork handle and fish measuring/ weight-indicator strip attached. I use a heavy zinger on my left breast and the current holds it out of the way behind my left leg when not in use. Perfect ..... and safe. I use an automatic wading vest too, on water I don't know well or on a rocky bottom. Rash not too. Think of your family if not yourself, it doesn't get in the way if you buy the right one.

Didn't cost me 115 squids either

[crispin]

Originally Posted by evilunclejoe

Didn't cost me 115 squids either

Nor did my Simms

[andyjaffs]

I had a Snowbee collapsible staff, I had to ditch it and buy a wooden one. Mine had a spike and a foot, the foot got wedged between two rocks in the Finn and when I lifted the elastic inside stretched and the bloody thing collapsed, I lost my footing and ended up in the Finn last March.
I haven't seen the Simms one, but I'd imagine it might lock some way.
Surprisingly my wooden one seems so less obtrusive than the one that used to hang from my wading belt, it used to annoy me.

[Espresso]

I have own this Simms staff for second year now, Beware it second staff i got at moment (Replace under G'ee) The 1st one was snapped (wire) by fold too tight on top section you see the gold/brass colour tip where wire start from........ Ensure don't bend this too tight/too near the gold/brass tip just give a little loop when fold and if you not use i would leave one piece and store rather than fold, and about Rubber stopper i got from Aberlour Fishing Tackle (Spey water) and it perfect size however still look bulky and unable get in the staff bag (you need removed each time)....

.........And best option is (I haven't done yet but will one day) that the Rubber Thimbles (not sure which size possible try for smallest which is size 00 or 1 look at ebay for vary size) and put in boil water then plug in the bottom staff and i am sure this would able get in Simms Staff Bag no problem but of course it will worn sooner so buy few !!

and sorry if i give daft idea!!