SitePro 11-SPR17-T 17-foot SPR Type Fiberglass Grade Rod - Measurement in TENTHS

The SitePro 11-SPR17-T is a professional-grade 17-foot SPR (spring-loaded) fiberglass grade rod graduated in feet and tenths — the preferred measurement format for surveyors, civil engineers, and construction professionals working from decimal-foot plans. Engineered for demanding vertical control and topographic work, this rod delivers the height capacity, reading clarity, and field durability that serious rod work demands.

Overview & Jobsite Applications

When your project plans are dimensioned in decimal feet, reading a rod graduated in feet-inches-eighths introduces unnecessary conversion errors. The 11-SPR17-T eliminates that risk with clean, unambiguous feet-and-tenths graduations that match your plans directly. The spring-loaded SPR joint design locks each section firmly without manual clamps, allowing fast one-hand extension even when wearing gloves. The rectangular-oval cross-section keeps the rod from rolling off a grade stake or truck bed and gives the rod person a natural, stable grip during extended setups. At 17 feet of extended height, this rod handles deep cut situations, tall embankment shots, and multi-story elevation work that shorter rods simply cannot reach.

Key Specifications

• Model: SitePro 11-SPR17-T
• Extended Length: 17 feet
Graduation: Feet and Tenths (decimal feet)
• Joint Type: SPR — spring-loaded snap sections
• Material: Fiberglass composite
• Cross-Section: Rectangular-oval (anti-roll profile)
• Graduation Visibility: High-contrast printing for optical and digital level reading
• Use Case: Optical levels, digital levels, laser levels (with target)

Key Features

• Spring-Loaded SPR Joints: Each section snaps positively into place for fast, reliable extension and collapse without fumbling with clamp hardware
• Feet & Tenths Graduations: Direct decimal-foot readings eliminate conversion math and reduce booking errors on plans dimensioned in decimal feet
• Rectangular-Oval Profile: Prevents rolling on sloped or uneven ground and provides a secure, ergonomic grip for the rod person during long setups
• Fiberglass Construction: Dimensionally stable in temperature and humidity swings; non-conductive for safe work near overhead utilities
• High-Contrast Markings: Bold graduation printing maximizes readability through optical levels and digital level cameras at long sight distances
• 17-Foot Capacity: Handles deep cut shots, tall embankment profiles, and multi-floor elevation checks beyond the reach of standard 13-foot rods

Job Applications

Topographic & Control Surveys: The 17-foot reach and feet-tenths graduations make this rod the go-to choice for topographic surveys where elevations are recorded in decimal feet and shot distances vary widely across open terrain.

Road & Highway Construction: Civil grading crews working from plan sheets in decimal feet use this rod to confirm subgrade, base, and finish elevations without unit conversion, reducing staking errors and re-work.

Site Grading & Earthwork: Deep cut-and-fill operations require rod height that shorter rods cannot provide. The SPR17-T's 17-foot capacity ensures the instrument operator has clear line of sight even at maximum cut elevations.

Structural & Floor Elevation Surveys: Multi-story differential leveling and floor-flatness surveys benefit from the stable rectangular-oval grip and precise tenths graduations when documenting slab elevations against architectural drawings.

Compatible Accessories

• SitePro Rod Level Bubble — Ensure plumb rod holds for accurate readings
• SitePro Rod Target / Offset Target — Improves visibility for laser level and long-range optical shots
• SitePro Rod Bag / Carrying Case — Protects rod during transport and storage
• SitePro Aluminum Tripod — Pairs with your level instrument for stable setups

Related Guides

• How to Read a Feet & Tenths Grade Rod
• SPR vs. Clamp-Lock Grade Rods: Which Is Right for Your Crew?
• Setting Up for Vertical Control Surveys: Equipment Checklist
• Grade Rod Care & Storage Best Practices

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "feet and tenths" mean on a grade rod?

Feet and tenths means the rod is graduated in decimal feet — each foot is divided into 10 equal increments of 0.1 ft rather than into inches and fractions. This matches the unit system used on most civil engineering and survey plans, allowing direct readings without conversion math.

What is an SPR-type grade rod?

SPR stands for spring-loaded rod. Instead of threaded clamps or friction sleeves, each rod section is held extended by an internal spring mechanism that snaps the section into a locked position. This allows faster one-handed setup and collapse, and the positive lock reduces the chance of a section slipping during a shot.

Can this rod be used with a laser level?

Yes, with an appropriate rod target or laser detector mounted to the rod. The 11-SPR17-T's rectangular-oval profile provides a stable grip while holding a detector, and the 17-foot height is particularly useful when shooting grades across large sites where instrument height requires a taller rod.

How does the rectangular-oval shape help on the jobsite?

Unlike round rods that roll freely on any sloped surface, the rectangular-oval cross-section creates a stable flat face that rests securely on grade stakes, truck beds, and sloped ground. It also gives the rod person a natural, non-rotating grip that helps maintain consistent plumb holds across a long day of rod work.