By Mud Hole Staff
From preparation to installation, learn how to build the MHX Carbon Push Pole
How to Set Up a Carbon Fiber Push Pole This Carbon Push Pole is another great example of the engineering excellence that comes from MHX.
The MHX push pole is 21 feet in length, yet weighs under 4lbs. Whether you spend your weekends or entire weeks poling the flats, this makes an incredible difference for your fatigue on the platform.
How is this ratio even possible?
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Well, the construction of the MHX push pole features a combination of uni-directional and off-axis carbon fibers. This engineering leads to the greatest amount of power in the push, while still maintaining excellent hoop strength even under load.
It also includes the fork, tip, and a 316 stainless steel replacement point.
The MHX push pole has been widely recognized as the best option on the market due to its lightweight mobility, incredible durability, and superior value.
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Plus, the push pole comes in 3 sections to make shipping easy and affordable!
**Don’t miss the video tutorial at the bottom!**
1. Prepare Push Pole’s Inside Sections To begin, we will prepare the inside sections of the push pole for adhesive.
These sections may have a very thin layer of release agent left from the mandrel that they were manufactured on. To remove this, take a wire brush or piece of 120-grit sand paper
After sanding, take a paper towel and wet it with 91% lsopropyl Alcohol or Denatured Alcohol to remove any final residue.
2. Mark the Center of Each Ferrule You will find that all of the pieces (tube sections) have been pre-marked with decals to show which section ends receive FERRULE and which section ends receive the FORK and the TIP.
You have 3 separate 7′ sections, the center section will be silk screened with the MHX logo then the two end sections are identical. *PLEASE NOTE* – You will notice on the two end sections there is another layer of material layed into the last 2′ of each end section for abrasion resistance and to have a slightly larger outer diameter. Those ends will be marked FORK and TIP.
Once you have properly prepped the pole, take the two Ferrules that will be used to join the pieces and put a center mark in the middle (6″ from either end) using a light colored china marker or wax marker.
3. Epoxy Ferrules into Push Pole Now you are going to glue half of each ferrule into the two end sections of push pole. These end pieces can be identified by “FERRULES” stickers at each end. The ProPaste epoxy
After mixing for 2 -3 minutes apply adhesive to the 6″ of ferrule section to be glued into the end marked FERRULES. Now do the same with the other end section and Ferrule. After fitting the ferrules into the end pieces sit on a secure surface and allow the adhesive to setup. This is usually achieved after 2-3 hours.
Be sure to clean any remaining epoxy that might have built up on the outside where the ferrule meets the pole so when it is time to glue the other section, they fit together completely and no dried epoxy gets in the way.
4. Assemble Push Pole Sections The next step will be to assemble all three pole sections. Mix another 1/4 of the supplied two part epoxy and stir well. Now you will apply this to the exposed portion of the ferrule pieces that are attached to the two end sections.
Apply the epoxy liberally to the Ferrule section and insert into the center section of the pole (with MHX Screen printing). Remember, while inserting the ferrule into the push pole, rotate the section as you are putting it in to ensure an even coat of epoxy. Try to get at least one complete revolution while inserting.
Repeat this process on the 2nd ferrule connecting the end piece with the center section. At this point, we recommend running a strip of masking tape on each side of the connection about 6″ up on each side. Then wrap a piece around the pole securing the tape, holding it tight. This will help to keep the pole sections together during the expansion of the epoxy.
5. Epoxy in the Tip and the Fork After waiting for 2-3 hours, mix up 1/4 of the epoxy adhesive and apply liberally to the Push Pole Point and Fork on the portion that is intended to fit inside the end of each pole.
As with the ferrules, be sure to rotate the fork and tip while gluing it inside the Section marked TIP and FORK. We recommend securing the TIP and FORK with tape so that the internal pressure and expansion won’t push it back out of the pole.
Remember, as you are gluing in the final piece—your push pole should be air tight and will try to force that part back out—which is why we recommend securing all sections, TIP and FORK with tape during the curing process.
After waiting for this epoxy to setup completely (generally 12 hours) your new MHX push pole is ready to rock!
Watch How to Build a Push Pole VIDEO A push pole is a true x-factor for fisherman who frequent flats and similar shallow waters. Using the 21 feet of the push pole to get up close to even the most skittish fish helps give your buddy on the front the best chance of hooking up.
The MHX push pole is an unbeatable asset because it’s lightweight, yet durable design eliminates your fatigue and boosts your boat’s mobility, so that you can maximize your odds of reaching and catching your dream fish in the flats.
