Does anyone out there know where I can purchase 9.5mm alloy sleeved tent poles.

My Vango Equinox 450 decided it didn't like the winds in N Wales last weekend and I have ended up with 12 bent or broken pole sections.

Vango have directed me to a web site that want to charge £6 a section which I then have to cut to size but I'm sure that I could get them cheaper than that.

Vango have also suggested that I return the tent to the retailer to get the poles repaired, however as the tent is described as a mountain tent on the Vango web site then I might return it and ask for a refund as I don't think the tent is fit for purpose if, as a mountain tent, it can't stand winds of 40mph

Frank, I think you'd have a chance of getting a refund from a customer-focused shop and it's worth asking if you're not happy, but do be aware that 40 mph wind is a Force 8 gale.  "Mountain tent" doesn't really mean much, and it's not entirely unreasonable to say that mountains don't guarantee that sort of wind, a bit like a "3 season tent" can get blown down in the middle of summer and not really breach the Trades Descriptions Act.

I've had a pole bent in a Force 8 a couple of times on light Saunders tents and it's just been a case of accepting it as it was very windy.  In the circumstances I was just happy they stayed up!

Pete. 

try the link below, i think they do poles made to measure.

http://www.scottishmountaingear.com/

from Vango (AMG) website:

Vango 'Lifetime' Guarantee

All Vango products are designed and manufactured to exacting standards and are guaranteed for the end purpose intended. As part of our ongoing commitment we guarantee for the lifetime of the product, that should it fail during normal usage as a result of a component, material or manufacturing fault, excluding fair wear and tear* , then the product will be repaired or replaced at our expense and discretion.

This guarantee is only valid when used for recreational purposes, not includingcommercial usage i.e. hiring, use by outdoor centres etc. Repairs to damage caused by accident, use in inappropriate conditions, normal wear and tear will be carried out where possible at a reasonable charge. Please ensure that all products are clean and dry prior to being returned.

No consequential loss may be claimed under this guarantee. This guarantee in no way affects your statutory rights. If you think your product is faulty  you should first contact the stockist from whom the product was purchased. They should then consult with us, to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.

* this excludes poles and colour fading, due to over exposure to the sun

...try (as a retailer, which I thankfully am no longer) explaining that one to customers!

"Lifetime" is expressly for the product's lifetime, it doesn't mean it will last for your lifetime!  The exception is for wear and tear: things will deteriorate with use, so it's hardly unreasonable.  It's also the case that you'd often expect the tent to get through the odd pole in its lifetime while otherwise surviving okay.

Pete. 

Hi Frank, I've had problems with my Vango poles in the past and had really good service from them, I usually contant a guy called Andrew from Customer Services at the AMG Group Ltd, Kelburn Business Park, Port Glasgow, PA14 6TD, 01475 746 000. He is usually really good and will send poles out. I'd definitely not pay a single penny to replace anything or get anything posted as its not your fault the tent advertised as a Mountain Tent has damaged parts. I have a 450 myself and wouldn't be happy if it didn't stand up to really strong winds as you pay the extra money for a the strength and ability to use it four season as it is sold.

I have been in contact with Andrew ref where and how the poles got damaged and he has asked me to send the poles back to Vango for inspection via the retailers.

Wait out and see what happens next 

Frank.......If they fail to replace or refund Hampton works will be your best bet, I'd estimate that they will want circa £25 per pole based on my previous pole purchases over the past 6 years.

P.S gimme a text soon so we can sort out a bimble in the Lakes or somat with a summit wild camp and a bottle of 15 year old, bet Matt would be up for it too.