Yes this it the real me. I'm currently holding in the picture a ten foot pole, I use this for martial arts training. I thought i might as well get back into my staff work again, I'm not the greatest at it but hey I love the staff for it's many uses. And yes this was taken on a cell phone so don't blame me for bad quality. it's perfect;ly weighted for me, my staff and I might paint it but I don't know,. I just love it thought, My pole.