Sarissa \'Coupling Sleeve\'

[rocktupac]

I have done some crude experiments with a 16 foot (4.87m) long, 1.5 inches (3.81cm) in diameter, weighing about 7 lbs. (3.17kg), piece of pine wood (which is all I could get my hands on within reasonable cost) and I was amazed at how this 'soft' wood handled. I was able to hold this "sarissa" (it's actually a piece of railing) about a foot from the back end (measuring from my rear hand) without much strain and march/charge for a significant amount of time, raising and lowering the sarissa. There was only slight bending downward when held parallel to the ground. This amazed me considering the nature of pine and its relative softness when compared to a harder wood such as ash. Even without a coupling or center 'stabilizing' piece the sarissa was surprisingly easy to handle and aim at a given target. It was an interesting experiment, albeit not entirely scientific, and gave me some great insight. I recommend that everyone try it out.