cata pole question

[prueitt_r]

Hey guys, this may sound like a rhetorical question but its not. If I have a black cata pole, model #1540, does that mean that it is a 15' 140 pole? And if so, will its model# take the place of a weight label? There is no weight label but a label in the middle of the pole displays a flex # and the model #. Any experience with this kind of pole? Also, does anyone know how I might get a replacement label for old yellow cata poles that have the weight label worn off?

Thanks,

[souleman]

The black cats are just what the label says. 15 is for 15 feet and 40 is for 140 pounds. Funny thing is if they were built the same way today they'd probably come in rated 20 to 30 pounds heavier. Kevin Hanson, who is an official up here in Minnesota told me once that if that pole still has a legible 1540 written on the stenciled on label and it's 15 feet long it is still legal as long as you weigh 140 or less. This was a couple of years ago but the pole in my opinion meets the requirements. What's more is those poles never had a minimum grip on them so the top band is not necessary. One more thing. If the cork is still in the end of the pole get a cork screw and get it out of there. The cork will work it's way down in the pole and create a "hot spot" (for the lack of a better word) and that's where it will break if it's going to. Also keep in mind that it doesn't take a very big ding in the fiberglass to cause those old poles to break. So go over it really well visually and see if there are any. Frankly, I love the feel of those old black cats. One of my favorite poles is a little 1240 that was chopped at the bottom so it's now 11 feet. (I can get away with using it cause I'm an old geezer) . Good luck. I'm sorry but I can't really tell you anything about the yellow cats. Later..............Mike

[rainbowgirl28]

Yes, the pole is a 15' 140, but Mike is not up to date on the rules. All poles now have to have weight labels, a sticker on top.

Last I heard Catapoles were being manufactured by ESSX, so contact Bruce Caldwell about getting a weight label. See the sticky thread about weight labels in the Equipment forum for contact info.