Ok, just checked them out. Unfortunately the 'Alpha' name was apparently the house-brand for a wholesaler here in Victoria. I'm told their warehouse in Kensington burned down a number of years ago, after which they seem to have gotten out of the fishing-gear business and, it seems, business all together.
I'm a ham radio operator and we use these poles for antenna masts when out in the bush or beach. I do have an acquaintance who has been importing strengthened squid poles from China (I think) and selling them as antenna masts. His are a firmer fit, fewer sections and very rigid (no play in the tip). They also have no metal ring on the tip.
But he cannot source anything larger than 6.5m!
I'll keep looking around and keep everyone up to date.
I'm a ham radio operator and we use these poles for antenna masts when out in the bush or beach. I do have an acquaintance who has been importing strengthened squid poles from China (I think) and selling them as antenna masts. His are a firmer fit, fewer sections and very rigid (no play in the tip). They also have no metal ring on the tip.
But he cannot source anything larger than 6.5m!
I'll keep looking around and keep everyone up to date.
Never happier than on a quiet pier, on a cold, dark, wet night, with a bucket to sit on, pole in hand and a fully charged iPod.