Pultruded Hybrid Tubes

Pultruded Hybrid Tubes

$6.00
/
Diameter (Outer x Inner)
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Pyltruded hybrid tubes strike a middle ground between fiberglass and carbon in both weight and flexibility. They’re engineered with a skin of unidirectional carbon fibers running the length of the tube, surrounding an inner core of fiberglass.

The carbon layer increases stiffness while the fiberglass interior adds resilience. They’re tougher than pure carbon tubes hut a bit heavier. A smart compromise when you want stiffness approaching carbon but don’t mind a bit more weight.

Available in 2 diameters, both at 36" (91.5 cm) in length.

Comparing Materials

Rods and tubes are available in several materials, each with a different balance of flexibility, weight, cost, and durability. Below is a quick overview to help DIY makers choose the right material for their build.

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Wrapped Carbon (tubes only) is the most expensive option and offers the highest stiffness-to-weight ratio. Each tube is built by hand from epoxy prepreg wrapped around a polished mandrel. Wrapped tubes are exceptionally stiff and lightweight, making them ideal for applications where performance is critical. However, their relatively thin walls make them more brittle than pultruded carbon or fiberglass. Under excessive stress, they are more likely to break than bend.

Pultruded Carbon tubes and rods are engineered with unidirectional carbon fibers running the length of the tube. They’re lightweight and extremely stiff for their weight, but more durable and a little heaver than thinner-walled wrapped carbon tubes. They’re stiffer than fiberglass or hybrid options, which can improve performance but reduces crash tolerance. Best suited for applications where light weight and rigidity outweighs the need for impact resistance.

Pultruded Fiberglass is the most economical material option. Compared to carbon, fiberglass fibers have lower tensile strength, which allows the rod or tube to flex more under load. That added flexibility makes fiberglass more forgiving and more resilient, as it is less likely to fail catastrophically when overstressed. But fiberglass is 25-40% heavier than carbon so it will deliver less performance when light weight and stiffness is the priority.

Pultruded Hybrid tubes and rods made with a fiberglass core under a carbon sheath combine the properties of both materials. While not as light as pure carbon they offer a compromise between the stiffness of carbon and the durability of fiberglass, making them a versatile choice for many applications.


Comparing Profiles

In addition to choosing a material, you can also choose between a solid or hollow profile to find the ideal balance of weight and flexibility for your project. Here's what you should know about each:

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Solid rods are heavier than tubes, but the solid internal fill makes them stiffer and more resistant to breakage. Because there is no hollow core, solid rods do not collapse when flexed too far, making them more durable under extreme bending or impact.

Hollow tubes are lighter and more flexible than solid rods. While still quite tough, their hollow profile makes them more susceptible to damage when overstressed. Tubes can fail by collapsing and snapping if flexed too far - something that does not occur with solid rods.

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