ARRIS 12mm Carbon Fiber Tube 12x500mm - Lightweight High Strength

In this review the ARRIS 12mm Carbon Fiber Tube is examined for hobbyists and fabricators who need a light, stiff substitute for metal tubing. The review finds these 12mm outer diameter, 500mm long tubes most compelling for RC model builders, multicopter frames, and DIY projects because they combine a plain glossy finish with a high strength-to-weight ratio. Owners will appreciate that a pack includes four tubes and that the material resists corrosion and fatigue while remaining easy to cut to exact lengths.

Key Features

• Outer and inner diameters: The 12mm outer and 10mm inner diameters give predictable fit for common RC shafts and mounts, simplifying integration into existing builds.
• Length and thickness: Each 500mm tube with 1mm wall thickness provides a long, consistent section that can be trimmed for booms, spars, or sleeves without sacrificing stiffness.
• High strength, low weight: The 3K roll wrapped carbon fibre construction delivers strength exceeding comparable aluminum sections while cutting overall weight for improved performance.
• Durable finish: The plain glossy surface looks clean and resists water and corrosion, making it suitable for boats and outdoor equipment.
• Easy to work: Tubes can be cut with abrasive chop saws or fine tooth blades and glued or sleeved for common RC and craft repairs.
• Pack value: Four identical tubes in the package offer spare material for multiple projects or backups for crash-prone builds.

Who It's For

The ARRIS 12mm carbon tube is aimed at RC modelers building multirotors up to medium frames, sailboat and small boat builders needing corrosion-resistant spars, and makers crafting lightweight structural elements. Its combination of predictable dimensions and glossy finish makes it useful where both appearance and mechanical performance matter.

It is less suitable for applications demanding thicker walls or load-bearing structural members intended to replace heavy steel shafts; users needing precise bore-mounted bearings or extremely high compressive loads should look to heavier-walled tubing or metal alternatives.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Lightweight yet stiff, offering improved performance over aluminum in many hobby applications.
• Plain glossy finish provides a neat aesthetic and good resistance to water and corrosion.
• Consistent 500mm lengths and a four-piece pack give flexibility for multiple builds or spare parts.
• Easy to cut and finish with common workshop tools for custom lengths.

Cons

• Some users report slight undersize diameter on a few tubes, so precise tolerance fits may require measurement and adjustment.
• The 1mm wall thickness limits use in very high compressive or impact loading without reinforcement.

Specifications

Outer Diameter	12mm
Inner Diameter	10mm
Wall Thickness	1mm
Length	500mm (19.68in)
Finish	Plain glossy
Pack Quantity	4 PCS
Construction	3K roll wrapped carbon fibre

Our Verdict

The ARRIS 12mm carbon fiber tube is a solid choice for hobbyists and makers who need a lightweight, corrosion-resistant tube in predictable 500mm lengths. It offers clear value for RC frames, boat spars, and DIY structural parts thanks to strong 3K roll wrapped construction and a clean glossy finish, though users requiring exact tolerance fits should measure prior to final installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can these tubes be cut to custom lengths?
Yes. They can be cut with abrasive chop saws or fine tooth blades and finished at the ends for a clean fit.

Are the tubes suitable for marine use?
Yes. The tubes resist corrosion and water exposure, making them suitable for small boats and sailboat spars when sized appropriately.

Will these tubes accept bearings or tight fittings?
They are dimensionally consistent but some tubes may be slightly undersize; measure bores and be prepared to sleeve or shim for very tight bearing fits.