Straight shaft

[Sewin]

I have read that the standard 'S' shaft with some Minelab detectors does nothing for the balance and contributes to the strain one feels. 
I have a Safari and for the life of me can't understand why Minelab make it with two different materials in the shaft; fibreglass or carbon for bottom and a metal (aluminium?) for the upper shaft.  A no brainer in my book.  With the carbon/kevlar etc materials available today, and are cheap and so strong and light, what are we paying for?  Anyway, on to the topic.

Does anyone have any experience of getting rid of the heavy top section and replacing it with a straight carbon item?  I read that a straight shaft causes less strain.  True?
Is it worth getting a straight top section and swapping?  Would one need to swap the bottom section to?
Are the straight sections available in UK?
Is it easy to do the conversion?  Does straight shaft have handle?  What about a lightweight arm cuff?
I know its a lot of questions but trying to cover all bases.

[bumpyjon]

I couldn't agree more, I have an Etrac, brilliant machine but still have to swop hands every 20 min due to the weight. 

There must be someone out here who knows of a conversion