Shortening the pole.

[fischer550]

I have read people shortening the pole both ways, from the top and from the bottom. Which should I do? I read something about if I shorten from the bottom it will look stupid?

Also how short would you reccomend cutting it. I do flatwater freestyle, but like to cruise around too. I am 5'10.

 

[txsuperjetfreak96]

From the bottom cut my rn pole -4 and it was perfect for both.

 

[fischer550]

So I should go -2 then since fx1 pole is 2" shorter than rn pole?

 

[txsuperjetfreak96]

Probably I ended up doing mine twice.

 

[just joe]

I prefer shortening from top, the shorter pole fits the hood countour much better. I am 5'11' and shortened mine 3" total. Good balance between rec/surf/flat. I think stock fx1 pole length is a little long even for surf riding.

 

[fischer550]

Your'e able to shorten the pole 3" from the top? Do I have to take my pole off to do this?

 

[just joe]

Yes. There's about 1-1.5" of the pole inside the top bracket. It's possible to keep the pole on the ski, watch the cables.

 

[fischer550]

how do I know when I am going too far to where the bracket wont fit anymore?

 

[jackmarcus]

Definitely go from the top

 

[JMew03]

Ive always cut my poles from the bottom. I had a fx1 pole on my squarenose and chopped it about 5 inches. It is actually shorter than the xscream comp length pole at the shortest setting. Lol

The bad thing about cutting the top is the pole gets bigger after a little bit and the bracket wont fit.

 

[JMew03]

This is the best picture I have of it.

 

[fischer550]

I already started cutting from the top. I have chopped the bracket off, and I still need to cut the pole and fit the bracket on, which I will do tomorrow. Can I use short screws instead of rivets, and thickened epoxy?

 

[JMew03]

Another reason to do the bottom. Can use bolt with locking nut.

 

[just joe]

Use epoxy and stainless rivets.

 

[mk1]

I cut 2 inches from the top , then decided I needed more off so I cut 2 inches off the bottom... now I wish I had only cut 3 inches off in total.... !

 

[fischer550]

ya I'm just doing 3in at top

 

[TLR67]

Ha..I just did mine last night...-4 from the bottom.... I did it without removing it... Measure Measure Measure... Take time.... Drink Beer and repeat... I used a hacksaw, Filed all edges... Dug the 4" out of the bracket and cleaned it out and scuffed good... Used Marine JB Weld... Inserted.... Moved to position and let sit over night... This AM I drilled the new holes and re riveted... I dont ride surf so I think this will hold fine... I also tightened the Pole a little and put a foam block under it for more cushion... Cant wait to try her out.... I am 6:2 and this was long over due.... Went from YAMAHA to YAMA!

 

[TLR67]

That is not the same Blue Tape BTW.... I was going to put a layer of glass on but decided not to yet...

 

[CRJ]

just did the pole on my RN. I used 1/4" screws and washers with lock nuts. Feels much stronger than rivets. Taking it out of the bottom is much simpler, did it without taking the wires/cables out.

Took out 2.5" but i have a feeling ill go shorter over the summer.

 

[fischer550]

dig the blue on that fx1!!!