Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions we hear most often about retrievers, replacement parts, care, warranty, orders, cameras and accessories.
Getting Started
Identify your retriever and find the correct information before ordering parts.
How can I tell whether I have an XF or CF series retriever?
The XF series has a visible woven carbon-fiber pattern on the sections, a smooth outer shell, and aluminum threads at the bottom. Older CF models have a more traditional carbon-fiber appearance and a ribbed outer shell.
Because many replacement parts differ between the two series, confirm your model before ordering. See the XF vs. CF identification guide →
How do I know which retriever model or length I have?
The model number corresponds to the approximate extended length—for example, an XF20 extends to about 20 feet. If you are unsure, compare your retriever to the images on our specifications page.
Can I upgrade an older retriever instead of buying a new one?
The only current XF upgrade is XF16 to XF20 using the XF20 Upgrade Kit
Where can I buy Max Disctance products locally?
Max Disctance products are carried by disc golf retailers throughout the United States and in several international markets.
Retriever Use & Care
Proper operation and maintenance can prevent many of the problems we see in support requests.
What is the correct way to extend and collapse my carbon-fiber retriever?
Extend the retriever beginning with the smallest section closest to the ball. As you extend the sections, be sure to each section is fully extended with slight force to keep them from collapsing unintentionally. When collapsing it, reverse the process: collapse the largest-diameter section first and work toward the smallest section.
How often should I clean my retriever?
Keep the sections clean and dry after use. If you frequently use the retriever in muddy, sandy or dirty water, clean it more often because debris inside the pole can accelerate wear. For regular users, a full breakdown and cleaning every few months is a good maintenance habit, and sooner whenever grit or mud gets inside.
Why is there black residue inside my carbon-fiber retriever?
Black residue is a sign that dirt or grit has collected inside the pole and is accelerating wear. Disassemble the retriever, clean and dry the sections, and inspect them for thinning, cracking or delamination before reassembly.
Why won’t my carbon-fiber retriever stay extended or lock in place?
The sections lock by friction. Make sure you fully extend each section so the sections snug together and prevent unwanted collapsing. Please watch the How to Extend and Retract video on our Help Page.
Why is a smaller section sliding out of the end of my retriever?
If dirt and debris build up inside the retriever, they can act like sandpaper and wear down the wider base of the carbon-fiber sections. Once the base has worn enough, the smaller section may begin to slide out of the larger section. Also check the end of the larger section for cracks or other damage.
My retriever is stuck in the extended position. What should I do?
Stuck sections are commonly caused by dirt/debris or by a section being hyperextended. Do not keep forcing the complete pole. The safest approach is to break the retriever down, isolate the two stuck sections, and follow the repair procedure on our Help Page.
What should I do if I see a crack, splinter or delamination in a carbon-fiber section?
Stop using the retriever immediately. Damaged carbon fiber can create sharp splinters, so wear gloves when handling the damaged section. Inspect the surrounding sections for additional damage and replace any cracked, split, frayed, splintered or delaminated component before using the retriever again.
Should I use thread locker or glue on the suction ball?
Max Disctance retrieval attachments are designed to be removable for service and repair. On a Max Disctance retriever, secure the attachment using the included jam nut rather than permanently gluing it in place. If you are adapting an attachment to a third-party pole, a suitable locking method may be needed.
Replacement Parts & Repairs
These questions appeared repeatedly in actual customer support conversations.
How do I figure out which numbered section I need?
Count from the suction-ball end of the retriever. Section 1 is the smallest section and is the section the ball attaches to. Section 2 is the next section, Section 3 is the next, and so on.
Do not identify a section by diameter alone—the sections are very close in size and damaged pieces can be difficult to measure accurately. CF Series Parts → XF Series Parts →
Can I replace just one broken section, or do I need a whole new retriever?
Max Disctance carbon-fiber retrievers are designed to be completely repairable, and individual sections and other components are sold separately.
Are CF and XF replacement sections interchangeable?
Do not assume CF and XF parts are interchangeable. Some components differ by series and model, and the parts pages specifically identify compatibility. Confirm whether your retriever is CF or XF before ordering.
What is the “outer shell”?
The outer shell is the largest outside tube/handle assembly that stores the inner telescoping sections. Depending on the model, a complete outer-shell assembly can include the top cap, clips, bottom-cap/thread assembly and related hardware.
I lost or broke my bottom cap. Can I replace it?
Yes. Replacement bottom-cap and outer-shell components are available for supported models. Make sure you choose the correct CF or XF part, since the designs and thread assemblies are different.
What do I do if the plastic cap and threads of my CF Series retriever break?
We now offer aluminum replacement threads for CF Series retrievers. There are two options to get your retriever back up and running:
Option 1: Repair your current outer shell by installing the new aluminum threads. Follow the Outer Shell Repair video on our Help Page for instructions.
Option 2: Replace the entire outer shell with a new outer shell that already has the aluminum threads installed.
Watch the Outer Shell Repair video → Browse Carbon Fiber Parts →
My replacement ball or Section 1 has the wrong thread size. What happened?
Different retrievers and attachments can use different hardware. M5 hardware is used with metal poles, while carbon-fiber retrievers use #8-32 threads, which are easy to find at a local hardware store. If a new ball will not thread onto your Section 1, stop before forcing it and verify the ball/adapter and retriever model.
I ordered the wrong replacement part. What should I do?
Contact us as soon as possible and include your order number, retriever model, and the part you intended to order. If the order has not shipped, we may be able to correct it before fulfillment. If it has already shipped, return eligibility is determined under our current Returns Policy.
Can I send my retriever to Max Disctance for repair?
If you are not comfortable performing a repair yourself, contact us before shipping anything. We can review photos of the problem, identify the damaged parts, and let you know the best repair option for your situation.
Suction Ball & Attachments
My suction cups are not gripping the disc very well. What should I try?
Lightly wetting the suction cups can improve grip. Dirt and debris also reduce performance, so periodically clean the cups by hand using warm water, mild dish soap and a soft scrub brush. Make sure both the cups and the disc surface are free of heavy dirt or grit.
One or more suction cups fell off. Do I need a new ball?
Not necessarily. If the plastic stem that holds the suction cup is still intact, the Suction Cup Repair Kit includes replacement cups and adhesive. If the plastic stem itself is broken or missing, the repair kit will not work and the ball may need to be replaced. However, if the plastic stem is broken off from the top side of the ball, you can remove the screw from the ball and flip the ball over so the missing suction cups are now on the bottom.
My suction ball keeps coming loose. How should it be secured?
Before each use, verify that the retrieval attachment is fully threaded on and secured with the jam nut. The ball is intentionally removable, so it is not permanently bonded to the pole. A loose jam nut can allow the attachment to rotate or come off during use.
The suction ball is extremely difficult to remove. What should I do?
Do not keep twisting the carbon-fiber section if the ball will not come free. Our Help Page includes a dedicated Difficult Ball Removal video and M5 ball-removal instructions.
Can I use other attachments with my Max Disctance retriever?
Max Disctance offers multiple attachment and adapter options, including hook adapters and an M5 adapter for carbon-fiber retrievers. Compatibility depends on the attachment and pole, so verify the thread/adapter type before ordering. Our carbon-fiber poles use #8-32 threads, and our metal poles use M5 threads.
Warranty
How long is the warranty on a Max Disctance retriever?
Max Disctance retrievers and retriever attachments include a limited 90-day warranty against defects in materials and workmanship from the original purchase date. Qualifying carbon-fiber retrievers can receive extended coverage when registered on time.
How do I extend my carbon-fiber retriever warranty to 180 days?
Complete the Warranty Registration within 30 days of purchase, provide proof of purchase, and complete the required How-To Video acknowledgement. Qualifying carbon-fiber retrievers then receive coverage through 180 days from the original purchase date.
What does the retriever warranty cover?
The warranty covers manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship that occur during normal, intended use. It does not cover normal wear, misuse, excessive force, improper collapsing, poor maintenance, accidental damage, unauthorized modifications, or loss of components.
My carbon-fiber section broke. Is it automatically covered by warranty?
No. A broken section can result from a manufacturing defect, but it can also result from excessive force, impact, improper collapsing, hyperextension or prior damage. Warranty claims are reviewed individually based on the product condition, proof of purchase and how the damage occurred.
What do I need to send with a warranty claim?
Please provide your name, shipping address, phone number, order number or other proof of purchase, and clear photos showing the problem. A short description of what happened is also very helpful and can reduce back-and-forth emails.
I bought my retriever from a retailer. Can I still contact Max Disctance for help?
Yes. Keep your retailer receipt or other proof of purchase and contact us with photos and details of the issue. Warranty coverage applies to the original purchaser and proof of purchase is required.
What is the warranty on Max Disctance cameras?
Max Disctance cameras include a limited 90-day warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Damage from misuse, impact, water intrusion, damaged cables, improper installation or unauthorized modification is not covered.
Orders, Shipping & Returns
How quickly will my order ship?
Orders are generally shipped within 3 business days after they are received. During high-volume restocks or special releases, processing may take longer.
I did not receive an order confirmation. What should I do?
First check your spam/junk folder and confirm that the email address entered at checkout was correct. If you still cannot find the confirmation, contact us with your name and approximate order date so we can look it up.
Can I change my shipping address, add an item, or combine two orders?
Contact us immediately. We ship quickly, so changes are only possible if the order has not already been processed or handed to the carrier. Include your order number and the exact change you need.
My tracking has not updated or my package appears delayed. What should I do?
Carrier scans can occasionally be delayed even after a shipment leaves our facility. Review the tracking page first; if the package stops moving for an unusual amount of time or appears lost, contact us with your order number and tracking number so we can help determine the next step.
My order arrived with a missing, damaged or incorrect item. What should I send you?
Please contact us with your order number and a clear description of what is missing, damaged or incorrect. For damaged items, include photos of the product and packaging when possible. This helps us resolve the issue faster and can also help with carrier claims.
What is the return policy?
Return eligibility depends on the condition of the item and the timing of the request. Under the current policy, eligible goods generally must have been purchased within the last 14 days, remain unused and undamaged, and be in the original packaging. Contact us before sending a return.
Are international customers responsible for customs, duties or brokerage fees?
Yes. International shipments may be subject to duties, taxes, customs charges or carrier brokerage fees that are separate from the shipping charge paid to Max Disctance. These charges are determined by the destination country and/or carrier.
Camera & Accessories
Where can I find instructions for the camera system?
Our Camera Instructions page includes assembly and use videos for the camera combo and phone-mount system.
My camera connects briefly and then disconnects. What should I check?
Inspect the cable, adapter and connectors for looseness, pinching or physical damage, then reconnect each component firmly and test again. If the problem continues, contact us with your order number, phone type and a description of what happens when you connect the camera.
My camera kit appears to be missing a connector or mounting piece. What should I do?
Compare the contents to the assembly video first. If a required component is missing, contact us with your order number and a photo of everything that was included in the package so we can identify the missing part.
How do I know which cart or bag clip fits my retriever?
Clip fit can vary by retriever series and the cart/bag it is being mounted to. Check the product description for your specific clip before ordering, and confirm whether you have a CF or XF retriever when compatibility matters.
Still Need Help?
Check the Retriever Help Page for repair videos and troubleshooting, or contact our support team. Include your order number and photos whenever they are relevant.