The ends are glass filled nylon with a point at one end for staking the boat out or poling across hard bottom or shell. The other end is a Y shape with a mud bar that gives a good footing when poling in mud or any other soft bottom. The STIFFY floats so if it falls into the water you can retrieve it. If you want a push pole that will last longer than your boat, give the STIFFY Fiberglass pole a try.