Joined: 06/8/2004 Diamond Member 
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Normally, I would say go for fibre for touring. They are generally much better than aluminium but not as strong as steel. The trouble with steel is that it is heavy - particularly important when you are travelling around and counting the pounds. Fibre poles are nicer to handle too and are adequate for nearly all sorts of weather, although I have to admit, I've never used fibre poles in heavy snow. If you are going to leave your van in one place, with the awning permanently errected for the whole year, I then I think I would go for steel.
After saying that, we have had four full awnings with fibre poles: a Telt Laarsen, a Bradcot, a Dorema and a Eurovent. The Dorema poles were the only ones we had problems with. We had one split pole and the thin down poles (the bottom end of the telescopic poles that touched the floor) never looked very substantial and were a bit bendy. The poles on our other awnings were all of the same type, but the Dorema poles were slightly lighter in colour and were not as substantial IMHO. This was the main reason why we went away from Dorema. After saying that, I know there are plenty on here who really like Dorema, and indeed, Dorema may have changed their supplier for fibre poles since we bought ours (2-4 years ago).
Don't know if this if helpful, but at least it is a view to put by the side of the viws of others.
Best wishes,
------------- David
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