The Superstick Telescoping Push Pole, “It slices! It dices!”, well maybe not dice, but it claims to be next multipurpose tool for skiff owners. The Superstick is fiberglass adjustable telescoping push pole with several innovative attachments that transform it from push pole duties to a Gig, Boat Hook, Scrub Brush, Gaff, Fish Tagger, Landing Net, Squeegee, Paddle, and more. (compatible with Shurhold® , Swobbit® and many other companies’ 3/4 inch attachments)
The Superstick Push Pole comes in two sizes, a 9’-17’ model and a 6’-12’ model. The easy to use, positive locking device, allows the user to adjust the pole length for all manner of tasks. When compacted it makes the Superstick easy to stow on small skiffs, and easy to store when not on the boat, reducing the possibilities of theft.
Tipping the scales at a respectable 5lbs for the 9’-17’ model and 3 ¼ lbs for the 6’-12’ model, including the duck foot. The fiberglass pole won’t work you over after a day poling. The outer pole has a 1 1/4 inch diameter and the inner pole has a diameter of 1 inch. The textured surface makes for reliable non-slip poling even in the wettest of conditions.
A simple push button release on the foot end allows for the attachment of most common ¾ inch boat maintenance accessories. The Duck Foot features a Lure Retriever for foul casted lures or a Decoy Retriever for duck hunters to haul in decoys.
With a combination of light weight and multifunction use, the Superstick looks to be the perfect push pole… Or is it?
Much like popular multifunction tools, sometimes it may not be the best “tool in the shed”. For the hardcore angler, or guide who’s livelihood depends on a push pole, may find the Superstick awkward compared to a traditional single use high end push pole.
To test this I put in a long day of poling on hard sand, semi-hard sand and soft mud with the Superstick and found a couple gripes; The pole felt a bit unbalanced with a bias towards the footed end. Transitioning from the spike end to foot end, I caught the locking device a couple of times in my hand. Lastly, it took a little time to get used to the different diameters as I transitioned from end to end. On the positive side was the ability to stake out and adjust the length, to better match water depths. The pole was sufficiently stiff to push the skiff along with little trouble. Not as stiff as one of my high end composite push poles, but it also comes at up to 1/3 the price.
For the light duty poling person who is looking for a solid multi-use pole that stores well and won’t empty the bank, the Superstick is well worth a look.
Cheers ,
Capt. Jan