Yes I have broken both of my coupling over the last couple of years and had the pole tear through the fabric. I replaced my couplings with a piece of stainless tubing that I had. Just the right size. One problem, now the fiberglass pole end snapped just above the coupling.
I would like to find a single piece of fiberglass pole that is long enough and has enough spring. I found a roadside marker fiberglass pole but it does not bend enough and snapped. I never fold my dodger. If I want it off I leave the front attached and roll the long sausage to the aka. Secure with a bungee tie.
Any ideas?