My carbon pole has the d rings in the middle with no issue and we have had the chute up in 25+ with no flex. I highly doubt Forte would build a pole like this if it would not hold up. The pole is only 6 1/2 feet from the center - that would have to be a hell of a lot of load to snap off - particularly with the guy twinged down really hard.
The D rings are MUCH easier to handle and the pole will stand up to anything we sail in week in and week out. I would never messing up that sexy carbon with an old school bridal (-:
DB
