@@UnsightlyOpinions Same here! I really like the constant contact on the ground because I like to feel for different drop off’s. But it sometimes annoys me from the noises the tip can make in quiet environments. I also like sweeping my cane too. (Most of the time, but if I feel it’s to loud, then I don’t put to much pressure on the cane for the less noise. But enough to where I still have a bit of tactile feedback on the ground.) I have an aluminum Ambutech white cane. (Two of them.) My shorter one is used as my spare, if my taller one I use now, breaks or whatever. I also have keychains on my cane! Growing up in my school with blind and visually impaired students, I saw everybody putting keychains on their canes to make them look nice, so I wanted to start doing that many years ago. I still have a few on the cord at the top of my grip. It’s more of just a fun thing, even though it’s not really that important, ha ha! Really great and VERY informative video Tamara!
Where I live in the UK, I find that the flex tip works best for me, so I was sad to hear you didn't like it. But I suppose it depends on the surfaces you're using it with. We have a lot of trees that make the pavement stick up and pavements made out of stones, tiles etc, so the flex tip for me is great as it gives me the tactile warning that I need when there's a change of surface without constantly jarring, and I have enough sight to require less audio feedback (this is true, it is quite a quiet tip) I think when I first started using it, I did have to slightly change how much force I used, you have to be quite light to allow it to glide over things. Great, informative video! I'll check out the rest of your channel now.
Cane users will have different preferences based on their specific needs. In my experience I have found certain criteria to be noteworthy. 1. It needs to lightweight in order to avoid repetitive strain injury. 2. Rigid canes offer two advantages to folding ones: i) there is more tactile feedback, ii) they provide more support when needed, like when on uneven terrain. 3. The tip should be able to be used for constant contact sweeping or two-point touch, depending on the surface encountered, especially outdoors. 4. Echolocation is helpful to determine walls, stairwells, hollow flooring, wet surfaces etc. 5. The handle should not get slippery when wet! 6. If possible a cane should be repairable, like replacing the tip or handle. With these criteria in mind, after trying many different canes, I now use a chin high rigid graphite cane with a golf grip and a pencil tip (would prefer a ceramic tip for echolocation but haven’t found one on rigid canes) as the best compromise I can find. The downsides are it does not fold compactly, it occasionally gets caught in cracks, and the echolocation is muted. I typically go through a cane every six months or so. Food for thought…
Very well said! I couldn't agree more. I love the golf grip and wouldn't go for anything else either. I also usually go for something collarbone to chin high. While I agree that the rigid does give much better tactile feedback, I find it to be too bulky in certain situations, especially when I'm out and about with my guide dog and want something I can quickly use to prod or feel but don't want out all the time. Whoa... you must do a ton of walking! That's a lot of canes to go through! I'll go through tips every 6-8 months, but usually my canes will last 2-3 years before I need a total overhaul. P. S. I'm not sure which specific rigid cane you have, but if it's the 8mm threaded tip, Ambutech just got a threaded version of the ceramic tip. I'll pop a link here just in case it's what you've been searching for. :) ambutech.com/collections/8mm-threaded-tips/products/8mm-threaded-ceramic-tip
I think the marshmallow and marshmallow roll tips were the ones I had most as a kid. However, I think I wasn't much of a fan of roling tips as a whole. I used the metal type tip a LOT as a teenager as the NFB type canes were foisted on me by O&M teachers. However, coming back to Ambutech as an adult, roaming all around a college campus, my go-to is a ceramic. I ordered one in 2019, and loved it! I've lost that cane and tip now, using an old NFB one as backup, but I REALLY missed both the cane and its tip so just re-ordered it two weeks ago. I also might order that Dakota Disk tip as well, since I go to the beach and a river in the summer.
Thank you for this video and sharing your thoughts and experiences with us. As a person new to a cane I didn’t know there were so many different options many blessings
Like you, I bought a variety of tips to try in the beginning and loved the ceramic tip for constant contact until I transitioned to living in a manual wheelchair propelling myself with my legs. Now that I live in an assisted living facility with a mixture of carpeted, wood, and tile floors, I find the ceramic tip adds too much friction from the rubber ring given the angle my canes meet the floor which puts a lot of strain on my fingers and wrists. I don't move very fast by any means but I've moved to metal glide tips that are easier for inside use plus they are pretty affordable compared to other tips available. I'm also in the process of trying to find the right length of cane that isn't too heavy. I have long rigid canes from NFB, a long folding fiberglass cane from NFB, a telescopic cane from NFB, and my previous graphite folding canes that I find way too heavy now. I'm considering getting a slimline cane from Ambutech and the only question is the length I should order; the shorter the cane, the lighter it will be and I don't think it will get a lot of heavy use. I've broken a LOT of canes by falling on them or falling down stairs, luckily before I started using a wheelchair. My vertigo causes a lot of challenges every day.
I like the weight of the slimline but find it bends a lot when you are using constant contact. It feels very strange. I definitely would go with a glide tip rather than a roller since the roller bends that cane even more! It’s tough. Why can’t we find strong light materiel as that can take a beating and keep on working?!
@@UnsightlyOpinions Probably because any materials that would work better would make the cost impractical. I can't remember if I mentioned that I finally settled on the two segment Ambutech telescopic cane and from the angle of sitting in a manual wheelchair, I don't have to twist to lock it. In fact, it is a lot easier on my wrist and elbow when I collide with anything because the cane just shortens to let me know I hit something instead of trying to skewer me like the folding canes do.
Not sure how well this would work for you, but there's a titaniam telescoping cane out there. I don't know much about it, but you can find it at Custom Kanes.
I use the standard marshmallow tip and constant contact. Honestly, I’ve never used a different tip, but after watching this I think I might want to try the rolling marshmallow tip. The reason I like the standard marshmallow tip though, as I usually find myself doing a hybrid style of sweeping in constant contact and two point touch more so when I’m getting close to some thing that I need to identify. Not sure if that’s normal or not, I sort of do it instinctively.
If you do more two point touch than constant contact I would stick with what you have, but if you do more constant contact than two point touch, I’d say it’s definitely worth a go!
When I took O&M in 1990, I was given a cane with a pencil tip. The marshmallow tip had just started being used. I still have my first one. Recently I bought a cane with a marshmallow rolling tip. But, now I use a much longer cane.
I had no idea the rolling tip is such a recent invention! That might be a fun thing to look into the history of white cane tips and the cane. Thanks for sharing!
Greetings: I am John McAteer, the inventor of the NO-JAB° Cane. I partnered with Ambutech and invented the best cane tip ever. "The "Pathfinder 360° 2-Inch rolling Ball cane tip" by Ambutech. It rolls in any direction. It's the same size as the present 2-Inch cane tip. Give it a try...you'll love it.
Hi John, I'd e happy to try out the Pathfinder 360, I just need to get the budget put together to do an order from Ambutech. The import fees get me every time. haha
Hi Tamara. I just found you. Personally I loved my Rollerball for everyday. The jumbo roller when I walk in the woods. Dakota Disc for the beach, woods, and on the grass in the park. I recently (last summer) found a new tip that is sold as an all terrain tip here in the UK called the Huju tip. It is designed and manufactured by Steve Holyer who designed it for his own use. It means I can use one tip on all surfaces and it works quite well, it wears away a little faster than my rollerball, but probably because on my country walk I’d swap to a different tip normally. If I know I’ll be using multiple terrains I use the Huju. It’s about the same width as a pencil tip but a lot longer and bent so that your cane looks like a thin hockey stick. If you need to shorten your cane the angle can cause it to catch which is why if I’m going shopping I use my roller ball.
Fantastic video. I love that you went over all the tips. I use the rolling marshmallow most of the time. I do keep a rolling ball tip in my purse for off-road.
Thanks Diana! Rolling marshmallow is my go-to as well and has been for well over a decade. Solid and reliable. It was so much fun playing with all the tips. I’ve never been able to compare them side-by-side and it was really educational for me to know what I love and hate about each one!
@@UnsightlyOpinions are you planning to do one on different types of canes? I am new to canes so I have been doing lots of research on the different materials and styles of canes. I have also been investigating everything that goes into getting a guide dog for down the road.
Videos like this are a little pricy to make so it may need to wait a few months, but absolutely I’m excited to talk about every different cane style as well!
best tips No ifs ands or buts, the ceramic tip, and the Metal Glide tip. coming from someone who goes hiking a good amount.. Metal glide is the best just cuz you can order one from Nfb for 2$
Love your eyeshadow! It's like a warm sunset. And such an informative video. I don't yet use a cane but I definitely feel like I've learnt about a lot of options for my future. Thank you!
Thanks! I’ve been experimenting with new colours and having some fun. I hope it gives some food for thought I’d/when you get to that point :) although don’t necessarily take my word for it, try a bunch and see what feels best to you!
Really useful reviews Tamara, thanks ♥️ I love how thorough you were with covering all terrains and using both styles of cane use. Can't wait for the Omnisense tip review. I was thinking about that one too during the video 😀
I’m constantly swapping my cane tips because I’ve found my favorites each excel at different things. I use the Rover tip for hiking, especially rocky terrain, the roller ball when I’m going to be going back and forth between urban surfaces and grass and the ceramic tip for every day use indoor and on the sidewalks. I’m mostly a constant contact user but will alternate to two point touch when I’m using the ceramic tip where the sidewalk is broken up in a familiar area. I originally used a rolling marshmallow based on it being so popular but I don’t like it. It doesn’t work with the poorly maintained sidewalks and roads and then when the sidewalks randomly end and I have to go through the clumpy grass it’s awful. I really wish there was a good all purpose tip, but I’m learning that it’s really necessary to know the terrain and plan your tip accordingly.
That's definitely a good way to get exactly what you want out of your tips. I'm just not organized enough to remember to bring all of the tips I may want. haha Something I will definitely try to incorporate more, as I use my cane. :)
Harley here. Awesome video as always, Tamara! That Dakota Disk is sure crazy. I almost feel bad for you trying some of these things out in ways they're clearly not made to just for the video. Anyway, keep in good spirits -Harley
Thanks Harley! The Dakota disk is definitely an odd one for sure! I don’t mind a few inconvenient steps to try something and see how it goes, especially if it’s going to help other people know the strengths and limitations of each tip :-)
I like the rolling marshmallow tip. But mine always seems to get jammed with hair and other debris lol. So I recently purchased a folding ambutech aluminum cane with the hook on marshmallow that doesn't roll. I am going to give it a try. Great video. There are so many cane tips out there.
@@UnsightlyOpinions Not sure. I have three new roller marshmallow tips still in their packages and they look exactly the same as the roller on my cane.
I have an AmbuTech hook-on rolling marshmallow tip, and it definitely has a plastic disk on top the same width as the marshmallow which prevents debree getting stuck in it. When I used a Revolution cane with their rolling marshmallow, stuff would constantly get stuck in it because it doesn't have that plastic disk thing like AmbuTech's rolling marshmallow tips. That disk onc their rolling marshmallow tips is an absolute godsend!!!
@@englishrider91 my ambutech roller marshmallow has the plastic disc. i think the problem stems from walking on carpet. the buildings on my college campus all have carpeted floors. somehow, even with that disc, hair from the carpet gets trapped inside the tip. outside, though, on the sidewalks, debris doesn't seem to be a problem.
I just got the Dakota Disk in the mail today. I also thought it came busted good to know its not. I did not see any sort of warning or note about how it is not meant to sit flush with the rest of the cane like other cane tips. That should note that on their website. Just so we know that and know to expect that. Thank you for the video its incredibly helpful!
Haha it definitely was. I think this video was over 14 hours of editing to put together. Marshmallow seems to be a favourite among many in the comments! It’s a solid choice for a reason. :)
Informative video and explained well. It would be of value having your opinion on various white canes. I was looking for a light weight folding cane, for light use, such as for restaurants, appointments, etc. To be used mostly with sighted guide. Without having access to try out the canes, I went with the Ambutech graphite 5 section folding cane. I'm thinking the NFB carbon fiber 7 section came is probably what I should of gotten. Well, when it comes to vision loss, any cane is a good one.
NFB folding canes are nice and light ... but in my experience they're also dang flimsy and the joints will ware away to nothing in no time. I am bias, though, because I just feel awkward with sighted guide, no matter how often I do it.
Hmmm. So I've been pondering for a couple of days on this one. I wonder why they haven't invented a 2 axis gimbaled titanium tip? It would be sturdy, light weight, hollow, and it would roll from left to right and vice versa, and forward and back. It would work for 2 point touch and/or constant contact. You could switch back and forth between the 2 methods and use which ever one works better for the terrain you are on all with the same tip. It wouldn't wear out quickly and it wouldn't get stuck. Being hollow you could even use it for a bit of echo location.
I’ve honestly been wondering the same thing! It makes total sense to me to have a tip like that but I’ve never seen one. I may try to get a titanium marble and get my partner to 3D print a prototype to try. I’ll let you know what we find out!
I like the pencil tip for two tap and some constant contact and also the marshmellow roller tip.. most generally i like the marshmellow roller because it doesn't get stuck near as much as the pencil.. but if you use constant contact with the pencil tip, on tile, you can tell when you're coming up to carpet or if there is a step next to you.
Great point. Absolutely the sound changes and it can be a great clue to use your cane tip to hear when things are near you using constant contact. It is much clearer with the pencil than the marshmallow. :) but your preference is the same as mine. I go for the marshmallow. :)
I'm a guide dog user but when I use a cane, I use constant contact and prefer fixed non-rolling tips. I have an aluminum hook style 6 piece folding cane and an aluminum hook style rigid cane. I need a lightweight tip due to joint instability and arthritis issues and I am hard of hearing in one ear and deaf in the other. The ceramic tip is my go-to. I need a very loud tip so I can actually hear some audio feedback and I rely heavily on the tactile feedback the tip gives. I actually have all the tips as well and tried them all out. I don't get snow where I live so my type of rough terrain is usually cracks or uneven surfaces and I find the ceramic tip does well but, again, with the longer cane. I think it has to do with the angle the round part is at? I like mine at least nose height canes. I use a long cane which I think is what makes a big difference as far as it not getting stuck. I find this tip just glides over things really well and rarely jabs me. If I'm not using that one I opt for the marshmallow or high mileage marshmallow tip. Metal glide is my least favorite because it sinks into cracks and needs to be lifted out of them and cant be pulled out followed by the pencil tip.
That’s interesting! I have issues with joint instability as well and I found the static tip made it harder to control! But I totally feel you on needing something light! Thanks for sharing your perspective. I can imagine the tactile feedback is even more important when you can’t always rely on your ears for that extra info!
Thanks for all the great tips! (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself, that pun was wide open) This was a fantastic video! I am a rolling marshmallow fan myself but now that I mainly use a dog, I have a ridiculously light NFB cane I keep in my backpack with a weird little metal disk tip. It’s not ideal but it is light and good to have in a bind. I tend to switch a lot between 2 point touch and constant contact and just wish the marshmallow was a bit lighter.
Lol! I love terrible puns! Marshmallow seems to be really popular amongst folks in the comments. Mine as well. With a guide having a really light one makes absolutely the most sense. :)
OMG, I LOVE your screenname, I'm going to steal it, LOL! Sorry, I'm a massive poodle lover. Anyway, it's really cool to here what people with guide dogs like to use. I haven't had one, though might consider it at some point. I could only see those NFB folding canes as sometimes canes ... mine was a sometimes cane, but the joints still wore to nothing in a year, which is why I went back to Ambutech. I know rigid canes apparently have better feedback, but I just can't be bothered with them. Plus, I take more cars than public transport and, as a taller woman using a 60 inch cane, the rigid just gets awkward.
Hi Tamara! Thank you, another great informative video, with such a variation of canes. I Love the dikota cane, that glides, on snowy surfaces, such a good idea. I have a light ID cane, it has a very small black plastic none rotating ball shaped end, very light, good for two point tapping, obsticles, such as doorways, chairs before sitting etc. Good resonance many sections, so it is easy to fold. The other cane, used for mobilitity, is made from light durable carbon fiber,It has a stainless steel rotating ball, which is for some reason, not too noisy, but gives really good Surface resonance, which I can feel in the handle. Its quite Long adaptive to my hight, works well outdoors on even surfaces, and indoors, on the tactile strips, tile differences, that run alongside hallways, and corridoors, not all but in most places, like shopping centres, hospitals, tactile paving bumps in streets, road crossings tactile strips, tactile dividing strips, on combined, walking and cycle pathways.etc. The third cane, is a telescopic locking White ID walking like cane, White a braile marking on the handle, plus a wrist strip, to make sure I don't drop it by accident. I use it for very short distances, outside mailbox etc, its a telescopic durable can, that has a stainless Steel retractable telescopic locking spike in the end, for icey and snowy weather, Good for stepping in and out of transport, where, the parking area surface, can be laced in slippery Ice, or use when I have company, to walk with. Then folds down, so I can change to my mobilty cane. I really wish there was a cane, that had, all these functions incorporated. Thank you for another enjoyable and informative video Tamara. Kind regards Tony from Scandinavia
Hi Tony! Thanks! That's really cool! It's awesome you've got so many different cane styles and tips! I'm hoping to do a comparison between an ID, telescoping, aluminum, graphite, carbon fibre, and rigid cane sometime soon! I'd love to know where you got the rotating stainless steel ball tip and locking spike. They sounds like awesome tips and something I'd love to try out!
@@UnsightlyOpinions Hi Tamara, I tried to send you some Links, showing the equipment mentioned, but RUclips, deleted these for some reason. Kind regards Tony from Scandinavia
I'm a constant contact user, and while I love my rolling marshmellow, and have been using it exclusively for years, it has one fatal flaw. I live in a city that is very very rainy in winter. . I'm out in all weather, and of course going through full gutters and puddles and just constant rain. And the ball bearing rusts like nobodies business, and it's near impossible to get oil in there. So a few weeks into winter my lovely smooth rolling marshmellow, turns into a jerky, stuttering, muffled feeling nightmare. And then I'm up for buying yet another new cane tip. So I've just ordered a ceramic tip, which I've tried before, and I don't love, but I figure I can put up with in rainstorms and for the worst bits of winter, because at least its better than a rusted jerky marshmellow. And hopefully in the long run, it will also save me some cash
I know the struggle! I've had that issue many times. Ice, snow, rain, sand, it all seemed to be an issue. Quick question, because I noticed once I swapped out from my old rolling marshmallow to a new rolling marshmallow with a cap it doesn't seem to lock up as much on me. It's almost like a little hat that covers the ball bearing to keep it dry. Maybe not a solution, but worth a quick check if the ceramic isn't your favourite. :)
@@UnsightlyOpinions I think I know what you mean, and I think it has one. Like, there's a flared bit that covers the top of the marshmellow to the edges. That's the kind I have, I haven't come accross one that doesn't have that, I didn't know not having that was a thing? Interesting. I can imagine without that it would be even worse. I think that because the rain hear is so heavy, and comes down sideways cos of the wind that with that, and the deep puddles, there's no real way to keep the water out. It would almost be better without the hat bit, cos at least then I could maybe get oil inside, as it is, I can't get the oil in, and I can't keep the water out. Thank you though, it was really nice of you to take the time to suggest.
Revolution makes rolling marshmallow tips for their canes that don't have a cap, and from experience, having one of those is way, way worse. I switched to a folding graphite cane from AmbuTech with a rolling marshmallow, and it's like night and day! :) We get rain in massachusetts, but I guess it's not as bad as where you live, because I haven't yet had the experience you mentioned in your comment.
@@englishrider91 Yeah, mine is an ambutech graphite folding cane too, and I love it. I'm in Wellington, New Zealand, and we're just coming out of winter cos we're in the southern hemisphere. I'm so glad your one is working well for you! I've been using the ceramic one, and its actually okay, I still would prefer the rolling marshmellow if it weren't for the rusting, but the ceramic is okay, and seems to last really well.
Can you please give your thoughts on a straight cane ? The non folding ones ? The one with the metal tip at the end . These are usually a liable through the NFB
I am definitely working on more cane videos :-) I will see what I can do about getting a straight came and reviewing it. A lot of people really like them because it improves your tactile feedback.
Hi I am not a cane user but I found comparing all of the cane tips fascinating I didn't realise they were so many 😅 I would love to see a video about service animals laws in Canada because its so hard finding them online
And since I’ve done the video, I’ve had people show me even more types! There’s so many even I didn’t know about! That’s a very good idea! Maybe I’ll do a video comparing laws in Canada to the US to the UK and that way I’ve got most of the areas my subscribers watch from covered! Thanks for the awesome suggestion
@@UnsightlyOpinions that video seems great👍 I am from the UK and planning a trip to Canada with my service dog (after covid) so that video would be amazing for me and so many others
@@LUCY.PARK.06 in case you end up travelling before I get the chance to make the video, a guide dog or service dog is allowed in any public space no exceptions. The only places service dogs are not allowed or protected under human rights laws is hospital clean rooms like operating theatres, open construction sites, and other places that would be actively harmful to handler and or dog. Other than that you’re completely allowed to take your dog anywhere you might go - restaurants, clubs, concerts, grocery store, hotels, etc. Also they are not allowed to charge a service fee for guide dog users at hotels
so i recently took my new aluminum cane with the non-rolling marshmallow tip on a trip. one of the worst experiences i've had in terms of cane tips, and i've tried several. the cane got stuck every 5 seconds. lol. i've never been so happy to switch back to my folding graphite cane with the roller marshmallow tip.
@@UnsightlyOpinions I am a constant contact user as well. I am trying to convince my friend, who is a fellow cane user, to switch to the roller marshmallow instead of a pencil tip. I feel like it would make their life so much easier lol.
My. White cane jabs me on the sidewalks that have cracks,splits,and chips in the sidewalks in my Alberta country and city,I have to walk across the complex parking lot area to avoid the area of the sidewalk that is not good to walk on
Hi great vedio I just wonder what the name of your cane u use cuz I am looking for myself I have usher syndrome myself and my disability balance too I needed your adivce too what the name of the cane y use ok hope y have a great day
I would suggest the no-jab if running into obstacles is a challenge, otherwise you can duel-wild a mobility cane and a white cane, or just go for the ID mobility cane which you can all find at Ambutech. :) It may be worth chatting with an O&M instructor if they are available to chat about the best option for you!
Hands-down my favorite is the rolling marshmallow tip.
That’s been my go to for the last 15+ years too. It’s pretty versatile and that’s why I love it! :)
@@UnsightlyOpinions Same here! I really like the constant contact on the ground because I like to feel for different drop off’s. But it sometimes annoys me from the noises the tip can make in quiet environments. I also like sweeping my cane too. (Most of the time, but if I feel it’s to loud, then I don’t put to much pressure on the cane for the less noise. But enough to where I still have a bit of tactile feedback on the ground.) I have an aluminum Ambutech white cane. (Two of them.) My shorter one is used as my spare, if my taller one I use now, breaks or whatever. I also have keychains on my cane! Growing up in my school with blind and visually impaired students, I saw everybody putting keychains on their canes to make them look nice, so I wanted to start doing that many years ago. I still have a few on the cord at the top of my grip. It’s more of just a fun thing, even though it’s not really that important, ha ha! Really great and VERY informative video Tamara!
This video should go viral. Great work. You're incredible
Thanks! :) I’m glad you think so highly of the video.
Where I live in the UK, I find that the flex tip works best for me, so I was sad to hear you didn't like it. But I suppose it depends on the surfaces you're using it with. We have a lot of trees that make the pavement stick up and pavements made out of stones, tiles etc, so the flex tip for me is great as it gives me the tactile warning that I need when there's a change of surface without constantly jarring, and I have enough sight to require less audio feedback (this is true, it is quite a quiet tip) I think when I first started using it, I did have to slightly change how much force I used, you have to be quite light to allow it to glide over things. Great, informative video! I'll check out the rest of your channel now.
This was super helpful. I'd never heard of the disc like one, seems super helpful for rougher terrain.
It was definitely the most surprising to me! I've never had a tip that easy in snow and ice! I'll be curious to try it out again in summertime
Cane users will have different preferences based on their specific needs. In my experience I have found certain criteria to be noteworthy.
1. It needs to lightweight in order to avoid repetitive strain injury.
2. Rigid canes offer two advantages to folding ones: i) there is more tactile feedback, ii) they provide more support when needed, like when on uneven terrain.
3. The tip should be able to be used for constant contact sweeping or two-point touch, depending on the surface encountered, especially outdoors.
4. Echolocation is helpful to determine walls, stairwells, hollow flooring, wet surfaces etc.
5. The handle should not get slippery when wet!
6. If possible a cane should be repairable, like replacing the tip or handle.
With these criteria in mind, after trying many different canes, I now use a chin high rigid graphite cane with a golf grip and a pencil tip (would prefer a ceramic tip for echolocation but haven’t found one on rigid canes) as the best compromise I can find. The downsides are it does not fold compactly, it occasionally gets caught in cracks, and the echolocation is muted. I typically go through a cane every six months or so.
Food for thought…
Very well said! I couldn't agree more. I love the golf grip and wouldn't go for anything else either. I also usually go for something collarbone to chin high. While I agree that the rigid does give much better tactile feedback, I find it to be too bulky in certain situations, especially when I'm out and about with my guide dog and want something I can quickly use to prod or feel but don't want out all the time.
Whoa... you must do a ton of walking! That's a lot of canes to go through! I'll go through tips every 6-8 months, but usually my canes will last 2-3 years before I need a total overhaul.
P. S. I'm not sure which specific rigid cane you have, but if it's the 8mm threaded tip, Ambutech just got a threaded version of the ceramic tip. I'll pop a link here just in case it's what you've been searching for. :)
ambutech.com/collections/8mm-threaded-tips/products/8mm-threaded-ceramic-tip
I think the marshmallow and marshmallow roll tips were the ones I had most as a kid. However, I think I wasn't much of a fan of roling tips as a whole. I used the metal type tip a LOT as a teenager as the NFB type canes were foisted on me by O&M teachers. However, coming back to Ambutech as an adult, roaming all around a college campus, my go-to is a ceramic. I ordered one in 2019, and loved it! I've lost that cane and tip now, using an old NFB one as backup, but I REALLY missed both the cane and its tip so just re-ordered it two weeks ago. I also might order that Dakota Disk tip as well, since I go to the beach and a river in the summer.
Thank you for this video and sharing your thoughts and experiences with us. As a person new to a cane I didn’t know there were so many different options many blessings
Like you, I bought a variety of tips to try in the beginning and loved the ceramic tip for constant contact until I transitioned to living in a manual wheelchair propelling myself with my legs. Now that I live in an assisted living facility with a mixture of carpeted, wood, and tile floors, I find the ceramic tip adds too much friction from the rubber ring given the angle my canes meet the floor which puts a lot of strain on my fingers and wrists. I don't move very fast by any means but I've moved to metal glide tips that are easier for inside use plus they are pretty affordable compared to other tips available. I'm also in the process of trying to find the right length of cane that isn't too heavy. I have long rigid canes from NFB, a long folding fiberglass cane from NFB, a telescopic cane from NFB, and my previous graphite folding canes that I find way too heavy now. I'm considering getting a slimline cane from Ambutech and the only question is the length I should order; the shorter the cane, the lighter it will be and I don't think it will get a lot of heavy use. I've broken a LOT of canes by falling on them or falling down stairs, luckily before I started using a wheelchair. My vertigo causes a lot of challenges every day.
I like the weight of the slimline but find it bends a lot when you are using constant contact. It feels very strange. I definitely would go with a glide tip rather than a roller since the roller bends that cane even more! It’s tough. Why can’t we find strong light materiel as that can take a beating and keep on working?!
@@UnsightlyOpinions Probably because any materials that would work better would make the cost impractical. I can't remember if I mentioned that I finally settled on the two segment Ambutech telescopic cane and from the angle of sitting in a manual wheelchair, I don't have to twist to lock it. In fact, it is a lot easier on my wrist and elbow when I collide with anything because the cane just shortens to let me know I hit something instead of trying to skewer me like the folding canes do.
Not sure how well this would work for you, but there's a titaniam telescoping cane out there. I don't know much about it, but you can find it at Custom Kanes.
I use the standard marshmallow tip and constant contact. Honestly, I’ve never used a different tip, but after watching this I think I might want to try the rolling marshmallow tip. The reason I like the standard marshmallow tip though, as I usually find myself doing a hybrid style of sweeping in constant contact and two point touch more so when I’m getting close to some thing that I need to identify. Not sure if that’s normal or not, I sort of do it instinctively.
If you do more two point touch than constant contact I would stick with what you have, but if you do more constant contact than two point touch, I’d say it’s definitely worth a go!
When I took O&M in 1990, I was given a cane with a pencil tip. The marshmallow tip had just started being used. I still have my first one. Recently I bought a cane with a marshmallow rolling tip. But, now I use a much longer cane.
I had no idea the rolling tip is such a recent invention! That might be a fun thing to look into the history of white cane tips and the cane. Thanks for sharing!
Greetings: I am John McAteer, the inventor of the NO-JAB° Cane. I partnered with Ambutech and invented the best cane tip ever. "The "Pathfinder 360° 2-Inch rolling Ball cane tip" by Ambutech. It rolls in any direction. It's the same size as the present 2-Inch cane tip. Give it a try...you'll love it.
Hi John, I'd e happy to try out the Pathfinder 360, I just need to get the budget put together to do an order from Ambutech. The import fees get me every time. haha
Hi Tamara.
I just found you. Personally I loved my Rollerball for everyday. The jumbo roller when I walk in the woods. Dakota Disc for the beach, woods, and on the grass in the park.
I recently (last summer) found a new tip that is sold as an all terrain tip here in the UK called the Huju tip. It is designed and manufactured by Steve Holyer who designed it for his own use. It means I can use one tip on all surfaces and it works quite well, it wears away a little faster than my rollerball, but probably because on my country walk I’d swap to a different tip normally. If I know I’ll be using multiple terrains I use the Huju. It’s about the same width as a pencil tip but a lot longer and bent so that your cane looks like a thin hockey stick. If you need to shorten your cane the angle can cause it to catch which is why if I’m going shopping I use my roller ball.
Rollerballs are definitely one of my favourites too. Very cool! I will definitely need to check out the Huju tip and see how it works!
My fav is the rolling ball tip.
Fantastic video. I love that you went over all the tips. I use the rolling marshmallow most of the time. I do keep a rolling ball tip in my purse for off-road.
Thanks Diana! Rolling marshmallow is my go-to as well and has been for well over a decade. Solid and reliable. It was so much fun playing with all the tips. I’ve never been able to compare them side-by-side and it was really educational for me to know what I love and hate about each one!
@@UnsightlyOpinions are you planning to do one on different types of canes? I am new to canes so I have been doing lots of research on the different materials and styles of canes. I have also been investigating everything that goes into getting a guide dog for down the road.
Videos like this are a little pricy to make so it may need to wait a few months, but absolutely I’m excited to talk about every different cane style as well!
I use a roller ball cane tip on my white cane which I have to replace and buy new ones every 6 or 7 months
best tips No ifs ands or buts, the ceramic tip, and the Metal Glide tip. coming from someone who goes hiking a good amount.. Metal glide is the best just cuz you can order one from Nfb for 2$
Love your eyeshadow! It's like a warm sunset. And such an informative video. I don't yet use a cane but I definitely feel like I've learnt about a lot of options for my future. Thank you!
Thanks! I’ve been experimenting with new colours and having some fun.
I hope it gives some food for thought I’d/when you get to that point :) although don’t necessarily take my word for it, try a bunch and see what feels best to you!
I love the rolling marshmallow tip.
Really useful reviews Tamara, thanks ♥️ I love how thorough you were with covering all terrains and using both styles of cane use. Can't wait for the Omnisense tip review. I was thinking about that one too during the video 😀
Thanks Samantha! I’m glad you found it comprehensive! You can be sure I’ll try out the omnisense as soon as it arrives!
i definitely want to try the ceramic tip now.
I’m constantly swapping my cane tips because I’ve found my favorites each excel at different things. I use the Rover tip for hiking, especially rocky terrain, the roller ball when I’m going to be going back and forth between urban surfaces and grass and the ceramic tip for every day use indoor and on the sidewalks. I’m mostly a constant contact user but will alternate to two point touch when I’m using the ceramic tip where the sidewalk is broken up in a familiar area. I originally used a rolling marshmallow based on it being so popular but I don’t like it. It doesn’t work with the poorly maintained sidewalks and roads and then when the sidewalks randomly end and I have to go through the clumpy grass it’s awful. I really wish there was a good all purpose tip, but I’m learning that it’s really necessary to know the terrain and plan your tip accordingly.
That's definitely a good way to get exactly what you want out of your tips. I'm just not organized enough to remember to bring all of the tips I may want. haha Something I will definitely try to incorporate more, as I use my cane. :)
Harley here. Awesome video as always, Tamara! That Dakota Disk is sure crazy. I almost feel bad for you trying some of these things out in ways they're clearly not made to just for the video. Anyway, keep in good spirits
-Harley
Thanks Harley! The Dakota disk is definitely an odd one for sure! I don’t mind a few inconvenient steps to try something and see how it goes, especially if it’s going to help other people know the strengths and limitations of each tip :-)
I like the rolling marshmallow tip. But mine always seems to get jammed with hair and other debris lol. So I recently purchased a folding ambutech aluminum cane with the hook on marshmallow that doesn't roll. I am going to give it a try. Great video. There are so many cane tips out there.
Sure are! Have you tried the rolling marshmallow with a cap. I find those get jammed less. :)
@@UnsightlyOpinions Not sure. I have three new roller marshmallow tips still in their packages and they look exactly the same as the roller on my cane.
I have an AmbuTech hook-on rolling marshmallow tip, and it definitely has a plastic disk on top the same width as the marshmallow which prevents debree getting stuck in it. When I used a Revolution cane with their rolling marshmallow, stuff would constantly get stuck in it because it doesn't have that plastic disk thing like AmbuTech's rolling marshmallow tips. That disk onc their rolling marshmallow tips is an absolute godsend!!!
@@englishrider91 my ambutech roller marshmallow has the plastic disc. i think the problem stems from walking on carpet. the buildings on my college campus all have carpeted floors. somehow, even with that disc, hair from the carpet gets trapped inside the tip. outside, though, on the sidewalks, debris doesn't seem to be a problem.
I just got the Dakota Disk in the mail today. I also thought it came busted good to know its not. I did not see any sort of warning or note about how it is not meant to sit flush with the rest of the cane like other cane tips. That should note that on their website. Just so we know that and know to expect that. Thank you for the video its incredibly helpful!
I felt the exact same thing when I got mine haha. A warning would have been very nice. Glad you found the video helpful :)
@@UnsightlyOpinions Honestly, I subbed because I found it so helpful. Looking forward to future videos!
thank you so much this had to be a lot of work- i really do like my rolling marsgmallow tip
Haha it definitely was. I think this video was over 14 hours of editing to put together. Marshmallow seems to be a favourite among many in the comments! It’s a solid choice for a reason. :)
I like the rolling ball tip the best
I solid choice for sure :)
Informative video and explained well. It would be of value having your opinion on various white canes. I was looking for a light weight folding cane, for light use, such as for restaurants, appointments, etc. To be used mostly with sighted guide. Without having access to try out the canes, I went with the Ambutech graphite 5 section folding cane. I'm thinking the NFB carbon fiber 7 section came is probably what I should of gotten. Well, when it comes to vision loss, any cane is a good one.
NFB folding canes are nice and light ... but in my experience they're also dang flimsy and the joints will ware away to nothing in no time. I am bias, though, because I just feel awkward with sighted guide, no matter how often I do it.
@@seamarie3111 You had the same experience with a NFB folding cane. OK, then I’m glad I went with the Ambutech.
Hmmm. So I've been pondering for a couple of days on this one. I wonder why they haven't invented a 2 axis gimbaled titanium tip? It would be sturdy, light weight, hollow, and it would roll from left to right and vice versa, and forward and back. It would work for 2 point touch and/or constant contact. You could switch back and forth between the 2 methods and use which ever one works better for the terrain you are on all with the same tip. It wouldn't wear out quickly and it wouldn't get stuck. Being hollow you could even use it for a bit of echo location.
I’ve honestly been wondering the same thing! It makes total sense to me to have a tip like that but I’ve never seen one. I may try to get a titanium marble and get my partner to 3D print a prototype to try. I’ll let you know what we find out!
I like the pencil tip for two tap and some constant contact and also the marshmellow roller tip.. most generally i like the marshmellow roller because it doesn't get stuck near as much as the pencil.. but if you use constant contact with the pencil tip, on tile, you can tell when you're coming up to carpet or if there is a step next to you.
Great point. Absolutely the sound changes and it can be a great clue to use your cane tip to hear when things are near you using constant contact. It is much clearer with the pencil than the marshmallow. :) but your preference is the same as mine. I go for the marshmallow. :)
I'm a guide dog user but when I use a cane, I use constant contact and prefer fixed non-rolling tips. I have an aluminum hook style 6 piece folding cane and an aluminum hook style rigid cane. I need a lightweight tip due to joint instability and arthritis issues and I am hard of hearing in one ear and deaf in the other. The ceramic tip is my go-to. I need a very loud tip so I can actually hear some audio feedback and I rely heavily on the tactile feedback the tip gives. I actually have all the tips as well and tried them all out. I don't get snow where I live so my type of rough terrain is usually cracks or uneven surfaces and I find the ceramic tip does well but, again, with the longer cane. I think it has to do with the angle the round part is at? I like mine at least nose height canes. I use a long cane which I think is what makes a big difference as far as it not getting stuck. I find this tip just glides over things really well and rarely jabs me. If I'm not using that one I opt for the marshmallow or high mileage marshmallow tip. Metal glide is my least favorite because it sinks into cracks and needs to be lifted out of them and cant be pulled out followed by the pencil tip.
That’s interesting! I have issues with joint instability as well and I found the static tip made it harder to control! But I totally feel you on needing something light! Thanks for sharing your perspective. I can imagine the tactile feedback is even more important when you can’t always rely on your ears for that extra info!
I stay off the grass on my walks because of uneven grass holes that have caught me and I fell down and sprained my ankle in bc canada many years ago
Thanks for all the great tips! (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself, that pun was wide open)
This was a fantastic video! I am a rolling marshmallow fan myself but now that I mainly use a dog, I have a ridiculously light NFB cane I keep in my backpack with a weird little metal disk tip. It’s not ideal but it is light and good to have in a bind. I tend to switch a lot between 2 point touch and constant contact and just wish the marshmallow was a bit lighter.
Lol! I love terrible puns!
Marshmallow seems to be really popular amongst folks in the comments. Mine as well. With a guide having a really light one makes absolutely the most sense. :)
OMG, I LOVE your screenname, I'm going to steal it, LOL! Sorry, I'm a massive poodle lover. Anyway, it's really cool to here what people with guide dogs like to use. I haven't had one, though might consider it at some point. I could only see those NFB folding canes as sometimes canes ... mine was a sometimes cane, but the joints still wore to nothing in a year, which is why I went back to Ambutech. I know rigid canes apparently have better feedback, but I just can't be bothered with them. Plus, I take more cars than public transport and, as a taller woman using a 60 inch cane, the rigid just gets awkward.
Hi Tamara!
Thank you, another great informative video, with such a variation of canes. I Love the dikota cane, that glides, on snowy surfaces, such a good idea. I have a light ID cane, it has a very small black plastic none rotating ball shaped end, very light, good for two point tapping, obsticles, such as doorways, chairs before sitting etc. Good resonance many sections, so it is easy to fold. The other cane, used for mobilitity, is made from light durable carbon fiber,It has a stainless steel rotating ball, which is for some reason, not too noisy, but gives really good Surface resonance, which I can feel in the handle. Its quite Long adaptive to my hight, works well outdoors on even surfaces, and indoors, on the tactile strips, tile differences, that run alongside hallways, and corridoors, not all but in most places, like shopping centres, hospitals, tactile paving bumps in streets, road crossings tactile strips, tactile dividing strips, on combined, walking and cycle pathways.etc. The third cane, is a telescopic locking White ID walking like cane, White a braile marking on the handle, plus a wrist strip, to make sure I don't drop it by accident. I use it for very short distances, outside mailbox etc, its a telescopic durable can, that has a stainless Steel retractable telescopic locking spike in the end, for icey and snowy weather, Good for stepping in and out of transport, where, the parking area surface, can be laced in slippery Ice, or use when I have company, to walk with. Then folds down, so I can change to my mobilty cane. I really wish there was a cane, that had, all these functions incorporated. Thank you for another enjoyable and informative video Tamara.
Kind regards Tony from Scandinavia
Hi Tony!
Thanks! That's really cool! It's awesome you've got so many different cane styles and tips! I'm hoping to do a comparison between an ID, telescoping, aluminum, graphite, carbon fibre, and rigid cane sometime soon! I'd love to know where you got the rotating stainless steel ball tip and locking spike. They sounds like awesome tips and something I'd love to try out!
@@UnsightlyOpinions Hi Tamara, I tried to send you some Links, showing the equipment mentioned, but RUclips, deleted these for some reason. Kind regards Tony from Scandinavia
@@tofu3802 Darn! that must be the auto mod deleting them! Would you mind emailing them to unsightlyopinion@gmail.com?
@@UnsightlyOpinions ok, No problem. Tony
I'm a constant contact user, and while I love my rolling marshmellow, and have been using it exclusively for years, it has one fatal flaw. I live in a city that is very very rainy in winter. . I'm out in all weather, and of course going through full gutters and puddles and just constant rain. And the ball bearing rusts like nobodies business, and it's near impossible to get oil in there. So a few weeks into winter my lovely smooth rolling marshmellow, turns into a jerky, stuttering, muffled feeling nightmare. And then I'm up for buying yet another new cane tip. So I've just ordered a ceramic tip, which I've tried before, and I don't love, but I figure I can put up with in rainstorms and for the worst bits of winter, because at least its better than a rusted jerky marshmellow. And hopefully in the long run, it will also save me some cash
I know the struggle! I've had that issue many times. Ice, snow, rain, sand, it all seemed to be an issue. Quick question, because I noticed once I swapped out from my old rolling marshmallow to a new rolling marshmallow with a cap it doesn't seem to lock up as much on me. It's almost like a little hat that covers the ball bearing to keep it dry. Maybe not a solution, but worth a quick check if the ceramic isn't your favourite. :)
@@UnsightlyOpinions I think I know what you mean, and I think it has one. Like, there's a flared bit that covers the top of the marshmellow to the edges. That's the kind I have, I haven't come accross one that doesn't have that, I didn't know not having that was a thing? Interesting. I can imagine without that it would be even worse. I think that because the rain hear is so heavy, and comes down sideways cos of the wind that with that, and the deep puddles, there's no real way to keep the water out. It would almost be better without the hat bit, cos at least then I could maybe get oil inside, as it is, I can't get the oil in, and I can't keep the water out.
Thank you though, it was really nice of you to take the time to suggest.
Revolution makes rolling marshmallow tips for their canes that don't have a cap, and from experience, having one of those is way, way worse. I switched to a folding graphite cane from AmbuTech with a rolling marshmallow, and it's like night and day! :) We get rain in massachusetts, but I guess it's not as bad as where you live, because I haven't yet had the experience you mentioned in your comment.
@@englishrider91 Yeah, mine is an ambutech graphite folding cane too, and I love it. I'm in Wellington, New Zealand, and we're just coming out of winter cos we're in the southern hemisphere.
I'm so glad your one is working well for you!
I've been using the ceramic one, and its actually okay, I still would prefer the rolling marshmellow if it weren't for the rusting, but the ceramic is okay, and seems to last really well.
Hi! It would have been great, if you have shared the buying link of the respective cane tips.
Here's a link to where I bout all of the tips :)
ambutech.com/pages/cane-tips
No tips is perfect but they look good.
Agreed. They definitely all have their strengths and drawbacks.
I’m curious of your thoughts on a Omni sense cane tip. I’ve been thinking about one of those.
I’ve been thinking of picking one up myself. Stay tuned there may be another video coming on that one soon :)
I'd be very interested to see your thoughts on the Omni Sense as well, especially now with these recent in your (and my) mind for comparison.
@@beeb6730 Since there's lots of interest, I've just placed an order, so you can expect a video as soon as it arrives. :)
@@UnsightlyOpinions awesome! Looking forward to it.
Can you please give your thoughts on a straight cane ? The non folding ones ? The one with the metal tip at the end . These are usually a liable through the NFB
I am definitely working on more cane videos :-) I will see what I can do about getting a straight came and reviewing it. A lot of people really like them because it improves your tactile feedback.
Hi I am not a cane user but I found comparing all of the cane tips fascinating I didn't realise they were so many 😅 I would love to see a video about service animals laws in Canada because its so hard finding them online
And since I’ve done the video, I’ve had people show me even more types! There’s so many even I didn’t know about! That’s a very good idea! Maybe I’ll do a video comparing laws in Canada to the US to the UK and that way I’ve got most of the areas my subscribers watch from covered! Thanks for the awesome suggestion
@@UnsightlyOpinions that video seems great👍 I am from the UK and planning a trip to Canada with my service dog (after covid) so that video would be amazing for me and so many others
@@LUCY.PARK.06 in case you end up travelling before I get the chance to make the video, a guide dog or service dog is allowed in any public space no exceptions. The only places service dogs are not allowed or protected under human rights laws is hospital clean rooms like operating theatres, open construction sites, and other places that would be actively harmful to handler and or dog. Other than that you’re completely allowed to take your dog anywhere you might go - restaurants, clubs, concerts, grocery store, hotels, etc. Also they are not allowed to charge a service fee for guide dog users at hotels
@@UnsightlyOpinions oh thank you 😊
why didn't you cover Rectangular AMD - Adult (MR)
Thanks for all the tips! (Pun intended!). Exhausting post!
Haha yeah it was a long one for sure. The edit on this one took me several weeks. :)
Do you know of any cane tips that lasts longer than 6 months that doesn't wesr out and break?
so i recently took my new aluminum cane with the non-rolling marshmallow tip on a trip. one of the worst experiences i've had in terms of cane tips, and i've tried several. the cane got stuck every 5 seconds. lol. i've never been so happy to switch back to my folding graphite cane with the roller marshmallow tip.
Haha I know exactly what you mean. It’s supposed to be the best hybrid tip but since I’m more constant contact user it doesn’t work well for me!
@@UnsightlyOpinions I am a constant contact user as well. I am trying to convince my friend, who is a fellow cane user, to switch to the roller marshmallow instead of a pencil tip. I feel like it would make their life so much easier lol.
I love youe video and I enjoyed watching it
This is an awesome video
Thanks! So glad you enjoyed!
My. White cane jabs me on the sidewalks that have cracks,splits,and chips in the sidewalks in my Alberta country and city,I have to walk across the complex parking lot area to avoid the area of the sidewalk that is not good to walk on
I have the rolling marshmallow it’s more durable for me.
I’m a cane user from the uk. When I’m using my cane I find that people don’t take any notice of my cane they just step over it.
That seems very dangerous having people step over your cane! I wish people would pay attention it keeps us all more safe. :)
Has anyone here used the Bundu Basher cane tip?
Hi great vedio I just wonder what the name of your cane u use cuz I am looking for myself I have usher syndrome myself and my disability balance too I needed your adivce too what the name of the cane y use ok hope y have a great day
I would suggest the no-jab if running into obstacles is a challenge, otherwise you can duel-wild a mobility cane and a white cane, or just go for the ID mobility cane which you can all find at Ambutech. :) It may be worth chatting with an O&M instructor if they are available to chat about the best option for you!
I am legally blind with limited vision with ongoing eye problems that stablized then cause me problems
Omg girl are you okay your fingertips are extremely red
Ummm I’m really not sure why… It could be from working in the kitchen with maraschino cherries.
@@UnsightlyOpinions oh no wonder 🤣😅😆😂🤣