Kevlar/Fiberglass Lower Rod Thread (Steve's Detector Rods)

[steveg]

Hi all.

I wanted to offer the first update regarding the Kevlar and/or fiberglass lower rods, that I plan to offer through Steve's Detector Rods (www.stevesdetectorrods.com).  Some here are familiar with the back story, with respect to my decision to produce/offer a non-conductive lower rod option, for those whose specific detecting needs may warrant consideration for such a lower rod.

In time, I hope to offer these new lowers for many of the shafts I offer, including:

Minelab Manticore

Minelab Equinox series (600, 700, 800, 900)

Minelab Gold Monster 1000

Minelab GPX 4500/4800/5000

Minelab GPX 6000

XP Deus II

Initially, I am prototyping lower rods for the Manticore, and wanted to offer an update as to where the project stands.

I received the first samples from one of my two suppliers through whom I've requested them.  This order included two Kevlar tubes, and two glass-fiber tubes.  From preliminary testing, at the wall thicknesses that are required, the Kevlar tubes appear to have too much "flex" to be a reasonable option.  A thicker-walled tube would likely mitigate this to a large degree, but given that all of my cam locks, lower rod yokes, etc., are designed for certain tube sizes, I need to find a material that "works" at the same sizes as my carbon-fiber tubes.  At this point -- at least from this supplier -- the Kevlar tubes are too "low modulus" to be optimal.

However, the glass-fiber tubes appear to be a very good option at this point.  The negative is that, as expected, they are heavier than both carbon-fiber tubes, and Kevlar tubes.  However, they are a much higher-modulus tube than the Kevlar tubes.  Compared to a carbon-fiber tube of the same length and wall thickness, the flex/stiffness of the glass fiber tube is SLIGHTLY greater, but I believe the difference is small enough so as not to be a negative in that regard.  Overall, I am actually very pleased with the glass tubes. 

I received one in a black, slightly "ribbed" surface -- nearly identical to a stock Minelab Equinox 600/800 lower rod, and one in a silver "twill" pattern, that looks similiar to my silver carbon-fiber tubes (see the attached picture).  I plan to make two prototypes, from these two tubes, and send them out for testing.  I am pretty confident that they will prove to be a very good option.

I will wait for the samples from the second supplier, which should arrive in the next 7 to 10 days, and will report back.  Meanwhile, if anyone has any thoughts or questions, I'll be happy to answer.

 

Specs (17.65mm x 16mm x 535mm tube -- standard Manticore size/length)

carbon fiber -- 1.13 oz. (32g)
kevlar -- .95 oz. (27g)
glass fiber -- 1.55 oz. (44g)

Thanks!

Steve

[phrunt]

That's fantastic Steve, thank you so much for doing this, it's very much appreciated.

I always liked the idea of fiberglass best, that little amount of weight won't change my life that's for sure, and in most instances gold prospecting is done with the smaller coils so the detectors already light as a feather.    I certainly wouldn't care about 12 grams difference in weight, I would not even notice it.

Both fiberglass options look great, I'd personally probably just stick with plain black, I'm not concerned about my detector looking pretty 🙂

 

[Jeff McClendon]

I will be using the M8 or M9 coil for gold prospecting with your fiber glass rod. Those lighter weight smaller coils will mitigate any added lower shaft weight. So don't worry about 10 or so grams of extra weight between the carbon fiber and fiber glass lower rods.

[Tony]

Great work Steve and to be honest, the weight difference isn't that bad. And remember you only need a certain length of lower rod to be housed inside the upper....no point in having 18" of excess lower when half that is enough and this depends somewhat on your personal height. Sometimes less inches is better 🤔

[steveg]

11 hours ago, phrunt said:

That's fantastic Steve, thank you so much for doing this, it's very much appreciated.

I always liked the idea of fiberglass best, that little amount of weight won't change my life that's for sure, and in most instances gold prospecting is done with the smaller coils so the detectors already light as a feather.    I certainly wouldn't care about 12 grams difference in weight, I would not even notice it.

Both fiberglass options look great, I'd personally probably just stick with plain black, I'm not concerned about my detector looking pretty 🙂

 

phrunt --

You are welcome.  

Thanks for your thoughts on the weight, and on the color.  Duly noted.

Thanks!

Steve

[steveg]

11 hours ago, Jeff McClendon said:

I will be using the M8 or M9 coil for gold prospecting with your fiber glass rod. Those lighter weight smaller coils will mitigate any added lower shaft weight. So don't worry about 10 or so grams of extra weight between the carbon fiber and fiber glass lower rods.

Jeff,

Sounds good.  Apprerciate the thoughts!

Steve

[steveg]

6 hours ago, Tony said:

Great work Steve and to be honest, the weight difference isn't that bad. And remember you only need a certain length of lower rod to be housed inside the upper....no point in having 18" of excess lower when half that is enough and this depends somewhat on your personal height. Sometimes less inches is better 🤔

Tony,

Yes, the weight difference is not too extreme.  I like to keep things at the "coil end" of the shaft as light as possible, as physics (leverage) arguments are such that any extra weight near the coil end of the unit are multiplied (i.e. having more effect than would otherwise be expected).  But, it is a matter of weighing the positives and negatives, and certainly for some, the positives (non-conductive) will outweigh (no pun intended) the negatives (heavier).

Thanks!

Steve

[Gerry in Idaho]

Glad to hear and see of the update and options so far.  Wise of you to get different materials being presented, as there is always the possibility of one not working as hoped.  It seems, you have already found the 1st attempt of Kevlar to not work as desired.  In the end, the extra time and desire to provide us (customers) the best possible options is Tops.

Thanks again for the update and pics so far.  I look forward to getting my hands on one to swing the stock 11" coil, as I enjoy the hunt for Bigger Gold.

[steveg]

Gerry,

Thanks for the kind words.  If I recall correctly, you were interested in "testing" one of these initial ones, correct?

They both will be ready to ship in the next couple of days...

Thanks,

Steve