Fiberglass
Fiberglass usually refers to solid fiberglass rods, which are not pultruded or blended with carbon fiber (see kitespar). They are generally round, but occasionally square or rectangular, and are commonly used as 3/8" and 1/2" round rods (for blues and min reds), 5/8" (for short reds), and the same sizes (3/8" & 1/2") square, or 1/2"x3/4" rectangular bars (available from specialty suppliers).
Sizes
A single 3/8" rod can be used up to a core length of about 30", before it can become likely to fail for flex. 1/2" rods are safe out to approximately 48". Thinner fiberglass rods can be bundled together to form a stiffer core, the origin of the term Double Core. A double core of 3/8" rods is stiff out to 48" or longer. 5/8" or 11/16" can be used for weapons greater than 48" long.
Sources of Fiberglass
Online:
- Edhellen - specifically, here.
- Gorg the Blacksmith
- Goodwinds has become a good go-to source for fiberglass & kitespar.
- Max Gain Systems
- Depending on shipping, Kencove might be a option.
Action Armouries - now defunct and offline, formerly a common source for various sizes of fiberglass.warlord sports- for polearms
Offline:
- Farm supply stores and granges. Sold as electric fence posts. Some farm supply stores known to carry fiberglass are Farm & Fleet, Fleet Farm, Farm & Tractor, Wilco in WA & OR, Agway, and the Tractor Supply Company, the latter of which is the most geographically widespread.
- Garden centers at most big box stores. 3/8" is commonly available; 1/2" more rarely available. Miracle Grow has started selling a green fiberglass pole that appears to be the same except for its color.
- Hardware stores, in the garden center, or as driveway markers (many are too skinny) look in the signs section they usually come in red and yellow the red ones are slight more ridged and are good for making a dual core weapon.
- Specialty fiberglass producers. Often the most expensive option (because it's not mass produced as a fence post), but sometimes the only local option. Two xamples are Goodwinds and TAP Plastics.