How Long Does A Big-Shot Last?

[Haironyourchest]

I really need a Big-Shot or Tekichu but will only use it every now and then, as I don't climb much. My question is will the tubes degrade with time, if stored dark and dry, or is it repeated duty cycles that degrades them? How long have your tubes lasted?

 

If they have a reasonable lifespan I'll buy a Tekichu head only and build the pole myself, with a trigger - have it all worked out.

 

Any thoughts appreciated. Would love to have an air-cannon but couldn't be bothered to build one at the moment.

[Haironyourchest]

A long, long, long time if used only now and again. Just don't go ape on them if you miss a shot as I've seen others do and they should last years. If anything the rubber on the catapult head will need replacing before the poles if they're used and stored correctly.

 

"Go ape" ! Been a while since I head that expression! Do you mean throwing and whacking with rage? No fear of that, I've the patience of a saint. The rubber tubes are what I was asking about really - not the telescopic pole - think I might have been slightly unclear about that - how long do the elastic tubes last, with moderate or sparing use ?

[Paul Melarange]

The rubber tubes on mine lasted about 3 and a half years before they looked like they were too perished to chance using. That was infrequent use - maybe once a month. It was kept in a garage most of the time.

[Joe Newton]

"Go ape" ! Been a while since I head that expression! Do you mean throwing and whacking with rage? No fear of that, I've the patience of a saint. The rubber tubes are what I was asking about really - not the telescopic pole - think I might have been slightly unclear about that - how long do the elastic tubes last, with moderate or sparing use ?

 

 

We have one that must be going on 9 years.

[Haironyourchest]

Thanks Matthew, Paul and Joe, looks like a good bet so, the replacement rubber tubes are affordable anyway. 9 Years is what I want to hear!