Trekking Poles

“I'm looking to buy a pair of trekking poles. Can any one make any recommendations?

Thanks!”

“Something more to carry cross-country?

I have Komperrdels bought from Sierra Trading Post. I love them.

Bbinkley might be able to help you. At least give him a holler.”

“Actually, I was thinling of getting some for myself before the Cats trip next weekend, so I will follow this one with ya, Twinks...”

“How much were they?”

“I have a pair of Kommperdell snow shoe poles that have treated me very well since I got them at a REI garage sale for ten bucks. Twinnks - check out yer local REI to see when there sale might be. The pair I bought had to be fixed, as teh expansion nut on one of them was blown (I'm sure there's innuindo here some where :) ). Kommperdell mailed out a replacement, free of charge :)
I would suggest looking at maybe getting a pair witt the cork grips on them. That's the only thing I don't like about mine. I think the you'll need to go with any fancy anti-shock stuff. Anyone use anti-shock poles?”

“I got the Komperrdels on sale for $39 and change for the pair. I don't think they have the same deal right now. The other option is to buy a cheap pair at Wally World and toss 'em after they get beat to crap.

If you look around, I'd guess you could get a pair for around $50.”

“ohhh tree, does that mean there could be a road trip to campmor in our future????



um like maybe this weekend???”

“Yes, but your bank account has been frozen by the Bush Administration...”

“However, Ashcroft has allowed me access to it...”

“I like my Leki poles they are not cheap but the warranty is great! Sirpete fell on his and broke it. Not exactly Leki's problem and they replaced a section for free.
I have the Ultralite Titanium model, no shocks, no angled bend. I like them alot. You might not think that weight matters in a hiking pole but there is a thing called swing weight. SW is something more from skiing, the lighter the swing weight the easier it is it swing them, making it quicker to place a pole.
I have used the shock poles for skiing and didn't like them, the mushie feel just didn't inspire confidence. As far as the angle I think that having a straight line support is better when really leaning on them.
Three sections verses two, 3 sections makes the pole smaller when you have it strapped to your pack. Also if you use the poles for a tarp it lets them get shorter.
Grips, cork or foam works better than a hard plastic or Rubber that might get slippery when sweatie. Although I have noted some wear on mine from rubbing on rocks.
Make sure the poles have a Carbide tip, they grip rock better.
These are all just my opinions and probable aren't worth a #&%!$.”

“I have Leki 2 section poles with a cork grip and I love them. I’d prefer 3 section poles but I got these cheap and I couldn’t pass up the price. I was sure glad I had them when I screwed up my knee and had to make it back to my car.”

“I still get occasional problems with this heel problem I have been plagued with since early 2002. So, I think I should get a pair. three sections is something advisable, I am surmising? As well as the SW factor?”

“I also would love to get some. I have a bad knee that I try to baby when im out on the trail.

as a matter of fact, tree you should get a pair for this trip. its a little steep coming down.

”

“I have the REI Summit trekking poles. They are not the fanciest pair nor the most expensive. But, they work just fine.

I don't have anti-shock. I've tried out a couple pair w/ it and haven't found the benefit.

I agree w/ Q in that trekking poles w/ a cork grip would be better than the rubber on mine poles. My hands tend to sweat and it makes the grip slippery. Of course, from my experience, they work better if you let your wrist and the strap do most of the work and don't hold too tight on the grips.”

“Some are on sale. Note that they offer single and double poles. Get the doubles.

Link”

“Definately get a pair! 2 poles are better than one. Check out Leki.com”

“I love my komperdell poles! THey help so much on the uphills, and ease the knees on the downhills.”

“Artex bought his Komperdells just before I did and vastly influenced my decision. I have not had cause to regret it at all.

I bought the rubber tips and like them over the carbide tips. Less damage to the trail and still gets a grip on rocks.”

“Since mine usually only last one or two seasons after getting bent (not in the good way) or getting caught between boulders, Itherefore get whatever is on sale at the local EMS. So far so good.”

“Big question is do you want shock absorbers - they will protect your knees a bit more on the downhill, but they are a nuisance to turn on and off.

Otherwise, try to go lightweight and cheap.”

“I have a pair of $10 ski poles i found at a yard sale. They work just fine.”

“I have a pair of Leki Makalus and they're great. Using them is like shifting into four wheel drive. You get extra forward momentum, great for long uphills, insurance against falling, ankle sprain etc., less overall muscle use in your legs for balance, leaving more for forward power, and you can keep your toes out of the deep footbox on steep downhills.

Although the main benefit comes from just having two poles, not from any special feature of one brand or model, I like the precision of placement the lightweight Leki's give me, and I especially like the grip the tip gives me...steeply angled rock, loose dirt, whatever...it looks like it won't hold and then it sticks like glue.

Get a pair of something, you won't be sorry.”

“Leki 3-section poles are your best bet. However, if you want to save some coin, wait until you move to Seattle and buy REI brand poles. They suck. I've bent or broken the tips off 3 pair. The beauty of REI brand is that whenever you ruin a pair, you just exchange them for a new pair at no additional cost to you. Also, I believe Komperdell makes REI's poles for them.”

“Trekking poles are great! I don't go on a hike without them (if I can help it).

REI Brand are made by Komperdell, and contrary to what Bent says, they don't suck. They suffer the same plagues that every pole can. They can jam, tips can break, etc, etc, etc. He is right about one thing...REI'll replace at no charge...but of course, they'll do this with anything they carry...that's how they maintain a great name for customer service.

I'm definitly of the opinion to get a pair as opposed to just one. Collapsible poles are best because you can adjust them for length depending on the terrain (if you want to fuss with them that often). I usually lengthen for going downhill, and shorten for uphill. You can also stow collapsible poles easier than a plain rigid pair.

Shock absorbing or not? I don't have shock absorbing ones, my wife does. I don't see any benefit personally, she finds shock absorbing less jarring on her arms and shoulders, as well as on the knees.

Leki seems to be the leading brand, followed by Komperdell. Leki is the marquee name. Komperdell's just as functional. If you bounce between snowshoing and hiking, and change the baskets, go w/ the Leki over any Komperdell...those Komperdell snowshoe baskets are a pain in the neck to change.

Also look at Black Diamond flicklocks. I've heard a lot of good about them.”