I’ve got a 3 yr old 21’ Stiffy Hybrid that started to splinter pretty bad leaving my hands torn up. I contacted Stiffy and they suggested a 2 part poly paint (awlgrip…sp) anyway I took the cheaper way out and sanded with 320 and simply used a clear enamel semi gloss exterior spraypaint $4.34. I applied 3 coats and no more splinters. The pole looks brand new and should last a couple more years before repeating this process.
Just an FYI if anyone else runs into this.