How to Replace Sections on Freevane Panther Folding Carbon Trekking Poles

Freevane Panther Folding Carbon Trekking Poles are built with a multi-section folding structure, making them compact, lightweight, and easy to carry. In some cases, if one section is damaged, it may be possible to replace the affected section instead of replacing the entire pole.

This guide explains how to identify each section of the Panther pole and how to replace the sections that are designed for straightforward replacement.

If your pole is damaged and you are unsure which section needs replacing, please contact Freevane Support(support@freevane.com) before attempting the repair.

What This Guide Is For

This guide is designed to help Panther users:

• identify Sections 1–5 of the pole;
• understand which sections can be replaced individually;
• replace Section 1, Section 4, or Section 5;
• understand when the full lower assembly should be replaced instead.

Please only perform these steps with genuine Freevane replacement parts. Do not continue using a pole if any carbon fiber tube is cracked, split, or visibly damaged.

Understanding the Five Sections of the Panther Pole

The Panther pole is divided into five main sections:

Section	Location	Function	Replacement Note
Section 1	Handle section	Grip, upper shaft, and upper adjustment area	Easy to replace
Section 2	Upper locking/adjustment section	Part of the locking and adjustment system	Not recommended for separate replacement
Section 3	Middle locking/connection section	Works with the locking mechanism and folding structure	Not recommended for separate replacement
Section 4	Lower folding section	Connects the lower pole assembly	Replaceable
Section 5	Tip section	Lower tip section that contacts the ground	Replaceable

Sections 1, 4, and 5 can be replaced relatively easily. Sections 2 and 3 include locking and alignment components, so if either of these sections is damaged, we recommend replacing the full Section 2–5 assembly instead of replacing the individual section.

Before You Start

Before replacing any section, make sure the pole is clean, dry, and fully folded on a flat surface.

You may need:

• the correct Freevane replacement section;
• small pliers or a similar tool;
• a clean cloth;
• good lighting.

Please do not use excessive force when removing caps or pulling the internal cord. The internal cord keeps the folding sections connected and should not be cut.

Replacing Section 1: The Handle Section

Section 1 is the handle section and is the easiest part to replace.

To replace Section 1:

1. Open the external flip lock.
2. Pull Section 1 out carefully.
3. Insert the replacement Section 1.
4. Adjust the pole to the correct height.
5. Close the flip lock firmly.
6. Check that the section does not slip under normal hand pressure.

If needed, the entire Section 1–4 assembly can also be replaced as one unit.

Replacing Section 5: The Tip Section

Section 5 is the lower tip section. To replace it, first unscrew the cap at the top of Section 5.

To replace Section 5:

1. Locate the cap at the top of Section 5.
2. Hold the pole securely.
3. Using pliers if needed, rotate the cap counterclockwise to loosen it.
4. Remove the cap carefully.

After opening the cap, you will see the spring and the Dyneema connection cord inside the folding structure.

5. Remove the damaged Section 5.
6. Slide the replacement Section 5 into position.
7. Make sure the internal cord remains properly aligned and is not twisted.
8. Reinstall the cap and tighten it securely.

Before using the pole again, fold and unfold it several times to confirm that all sections connect smoothly.

Replacing Section 4: The Lower Folding Section

To replace Section 4, you first need to remove Section 5 by following the steps above.

Once Section 5 is removed, Section 4 can be taken out by loosening the internal Dyneema connection cord.

To replace Section 4:

1. Remove Section 5 by following the steps in the previous section.
2. Locate the knot at the end of the Dyneema connection cord.
3. Carefully untie the knot.
4. Open the cap at the top of Section 4.
5. Remove the damaged Section 4.
6. Thread the Dyneema connection cord through the replacement Section 4.
7. Re-tie a secure knot at the end of the cord.
8. Reinstall Section 5.
9. Screw the cap back onto Section 5.
10. Fully assemble the pole and check that all sections are correctly tensioned.

The knot must be secure. If the knot is too loose or the cord is not properly tensioned, the folding sections may not lock together correctly.

After reassembly, open and fold the pole several times to confirm that the sections connect smoothly and stay properly tensioned.

When to Contact Freevane Support

Please contact Freevane Support before attempting a repair if:

• Section 2 or Section 3 is damaged;
• the locking mechanism does not hold securely;
• the internal cord is cut, frayed, or significantly stretched;
• the pole still feels loose after reassembly;
• you are unsure which section needs replacing.

If Section 2 or Section 3 is damaged, we generally recommend replacing the complete Section 2–5 assembly because these sections include locking and alignment components.

Final Safety Check

Before using the pole outdoors again, complete the following checks:

• All sections are fully connected.
• The internal cord has proper tension.
• The caps are tightened securely.
• The flip lock closes firmly.
• The pole does not slip, twist, or feel loose under normal hand pressure.
• There are no visible cracks or splits in any carbon fiber section.

Do not use the pole if any carbon fiber section is cracked, split, or splintered.

A Note About Carbon Fiber Pole Use

Carbon fiber offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, which is why Panther poles are lightweight, compact, and strong for hiking, travel, and long-distance use.

However, carbon fiber behaves differently from aluminum. It is strong under normal hiking loads, but it is less forgiving under sharp side loads, twisting force, or point-loading between rocks.

When hiking on rocky terrain, avoid forcing the pole sideways if the tip becomes trapped between rocks. If the pole tip catches, lift the pole out rather than twisting or levering it free.

This helps protect the carbon fiber structure and extends the life of the pole.

Need Help?

If you are replacing a section and need help, please contact Freevane Support(support@freevane.com) with your order number, a photo of the damaged section, and a short description of what happened.

We’ll help you identify the correct replacement part and guide you through the next steps.