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Choosing the Right CaneThere are loads of opinions on this topic. I’m going to share my experiences and the advantages and disadvantages of different types of canes.
LengthI have found that a cane that comes to somewhere in the range of my nose or just below works the best. It reaches far enough ahead so that I can walk at a pretty good clip, with enough advance notice of curbs or obstacles that I have enough time to react. I’d say I have about three steps of space between my feet and where the tip of the cane falls.
MaterialsThe most popular long white canes are made of aluminum, fiberglass and carbon fiber. Canes are almost always hollow tapered tubes. There are tons of new composite materials, which I think will begin to show up in the near future. I’ve also heard of a titanium model. I’m eagerly anticipating trying that one out!Aluminum is reasonably priced. However it isn’t very forgiving. Once it bends it has forever lost its shape and usefulness. Time to buy a new one. Fiberglass is also reasonably priced. It will bend somewhat and return to its rightful shape. It can be a little on the heavy side. Although the newer types of fiberglass are very nice and lightweight. Over time the fiberglass can become discolored, taking on a slight yellow color. This is totally cosmetic. Carbon fiber is the most recent innovation in cane material. It is a little more expensive, but extremely light weight. It will bend a little, but not as much as the fiberglass. It will break more easily than either the aluminum or fiberglass.
StyleNow… collapsible or solid? I have both. It really depends on the situation and what I am doing. A hike on a mountain trail really requires a solid cane. A short trip to a local movie theater where the floor has a thick layer of spilt soda might go better with a collapsible model. I also often carry a collapsible cane with me when I am working with my guide dog.There are two basic styles of collapsible canes, telescopic and elastic cord. Telescopic canes are made of short sections that nest inside each other. Each section is tapered, so that when the cane is extended the large end of one section fits snugly into the small end of the above section. They are convenient and work pretty well. If you twist as you extend the cane it seems to stay extended longer. The other type of collapsible cane has an elastic cord in the center. You pull the sections apart and fold to collapse the cane. The collapsed and folded sections are held into place by an elastic loop. When you want to extend the cane, you simply hold the handle and let the rest of the sections drop into place.
Cane TipsThere are also many different cane tips available. Everything from small metal tips to large round nylon tips. Tips that are meant to roll, keeping in constant contact with the ground Large marshmallow type tips and loads more. I use a small metal tip because it is lightweight, easy to replace, inexpensive, has a smooth feel when it touches the ground and provides a crisp sound. Check out more about canes For more about how to use sound cues.There are loads of different canes available. Ask around and see what other blind people are using. If you are just learning to use a cane, I highly recommend a one-piece, fiberglass with a metal tip. It is the most economical and forgiving.
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