View Full Version : Trekking Poles
Jayboflavin04
02-07-2009, 12:34
I want to buy trekking poles. They wont keep me warm and dry. I am trying to cut costs on my gear purchase. I have owned the wally world cheapos. They are seriously junk. I am hoping that they will have the rei carbon fiber poles on sale for 50bucks for a whiles.
I want to buy trekking poles. They wont keep me warm and dry. I am trying to cut costs on my gear purchase. I have owned the wally world cheapos. They are seriously junk. I am hoping that they will have the rei carbon fiber poles on sale for 50bucks for a whiles.
Well, they are down to $53 http://www.rei.com/product/756152. I relaly like the sound of these, 11.2 oz!
Well, they are down to $53 http://www.rei.com/product/756152. I relaly like the sound of these, 11.2 oz!
YMMV. Check the reviews.
My advice is to invest in BD flicklocks. The Trail poles were on sale at rei outlet for ~$50.
Check SAC as well, they've had 'em for $38.
My experience (very limited) is that the twist locks suck and flick locks rule.
trail ronin
02-08-2009, 18:39
Although many on here will disagree, some stongly, I also recomend the Black Diamond poles.
I have the spire elliptical one with the twistlock feature, they have never collapsed with me , and I'm 260 lbs.
I like the fore and aft strength of these pole, alot less flex than my Leki's.
I should add that my only real experience with twist locks comes from Wal-mart poles, and trying the ones I saw in gear shops. I swore off twist locks after noticing that they ones I saw in gear shops rarely worked. Or I couldn't figure them out.
Hey Trail Ronin, I love your avatar I must have watched it laughing for about a minute befor I snapped out of it.
trail ronin
02-10-2009, 01:55
There's alot of truth in that avatar....
I'll tell you a story if I meet you on the trail.
trail ronin
02-10-2009, 01:56
Although many on here will disagree, some stongly, I also recomend the Black Diamond poles.
I have the spire elliptical one with the twistlock feature, they have never collapsed with me , and I'm 260 lbs.
I like the fore and aft strength of these pole, alot less flex than my Leki's.
I meant to say "Flick locks"
Greentick18d
02-10-2009, 02:37
I have the REI Peak UL poles. Don't get the shock absorber ones, the carbon fiber seems to soak it up. I had some collapsing issues at first but got in the habit of torquing em down at the first couple of breaks. Wouldn't have to mess with them for the rest of the hike. $53 rocks, especially if you live by an REI. I weigh ~215 and have got them stuck and fallen on em etc but never broke. I did snap the twist lock on one after I got my tarp tent. I sent it back to REI for repair and they sent me a brand new set.
btw, I had the shock absorbing ones initially and felt like I was loosing some oomf while digging in on up hills. YMMV.
Since buying them I have managed to cut my pack weight sufficiently that I (my knees) don't really need them any more but I still like using them.
optimator
02-10-2009, 12:05
YMMV. Check the reviews.
My advice is to invest in BD flicklocks. The Trail poles were on sale at rei outlet for ~$50.
Check SAC as well, they've had 'em for $38.
My experience (very limited) is that the twist locks suck and flick locks rule.
I agree with the Flicklocks. You can adjust them with mittens on.
Mongoose2
02-10-2009, 12:54
I have used my Coleman poles for two years now. Cheap and sturdy.
A New Convert
02-10-2009, 18:03
Another agreement with flicklocks.
BC
Ramble~On
02-10-2009, 18:06
:rolleyes: Oh, I thought this was a thread about people from Poland who hike.
camojack
02-10-2009, 22:20
Well, they are down to $53 http://www.rei.com/product/756152. I relaly like the sound of these, 11.2 oz!
I just went to REI today and got a pair of those for my girlfriend.
(Her birthday's coming up soon...)
frisbeefreek
02-15-2009, 23:51
I got a pair of the REI Carbon poles for $54 a month ago. I did a 18-mile day hike on ice with a 25# pack last week. They collapsed 2x in the first mile, but then I really torqued the twist lock down, and no problems afterward, despite some serious loads.
My previous pair are some 10-year old Leki Makalu shockabsorbers with ~5000miles of serious hard rock scrambling on them. I love them like my brother, and will continue to use them in rough conditions, but I love the light weight REI poles for trail hiking.
I was at a WalMart on thursday night. They have a new kind of trekking pole. This WMart did not have the old swiss gears pieces of crap. When I went this time they had poles that had the flick style lock. They feel lighter than the Swiss Gears and surprisingly well made. Though I didn't get to trail test them yet. These new ones are Outdoor Products, the more common wal mart brand that makes the awesome stuff sacks 3 pack that everyone has.
They were 13 a piece I think. So 26 for the set.
:rolleyes: Oh, I thought this was a thread about people from Poland who hike.
Hiking Polska!:banana:banana
My paternal grandma's birthplace:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Galiz20.gif
All I can say is I've tried the Komperdells with twist joints and they are weaker and liable to fail compared to a solid pole. Some times they are defective straight from the store. In normal use they might work, but it is when you fall and need a great amount of pole strength that they are liable fail on you, because they have built-in flaws (joints).
Andrew Skurka and others use solid poles for a reason. Hiking on the PCT last fall I spoke with a thru-hiker using a solid pole as well. The trade off is that you can't adjust the length.
think0075
02-22-2009, 16:06
whatever you do buy a cheap pair of poles. i broke one of my black diamonds with the flick lock 3 days into the hundred mile wilderness and 4 days into my thru hike. my buddy had the 150 leki's and one of his broke the second day of his thru hike. eventually i got my pack weight down to where i didnt need poles. but i saw alot of people with the walmart poles or other cheap ones. my buddy actually picked up a pair of ski poles from the twelve tribes in rutland, vt. and they were strong the only downside was that they didn't collapse. whatever you buy be prepared for it to break.
Chaplain
02-22-2009, 22:52
I'll stick with the Swiss ones. I bought my pair at Gander Mtn. But tonight I was at Wal-Mart and saw the new hiking trek poles they are selling. They looked swell. I think I'll get a pair of them also.
OutdoorsMan
02-22-2009, 23:53
Get the flicklocks!
le loupe
02-23-2009, 00:35
I have used my Coleman poles for two years now. Cheap and sturdy.
I use a Coleman pole, too. I weigh 250 and never had any performance issues.
The pole also switches between shock absorbing and rigid versions and can be had for $8.00.
My BD flicklocks finally broke, after 2 years and I really love them! The bottom expandable portion will not stay "locked". I've emailed BD. Anyone had any experience with sending them back to the manufacturer for repair or should I just get a new pair? I might try those new Walmarts!
I want to buy trekking poles. They wont keep me warm and dry. I am trying to cut costs on my gear purchase. I have owned the wally world cheapos. They are seriously junk. I am hoping that they will have the rei carbon fiber poles on sale for 50bucks for a whiles.
Jaybo.. that's what you get if you shop at Walmart. Go to a quality place or mail order (EMS, REI LLBEAN) and get good poles. Lekis or back Diamond perhaps. Trekking poles can be a life savor on a Thru hike. Very worth having!
David
The Weasel
02-23-2009, 15:15
I want to buy trekking poles. They wont keep me warm and dry. I am trying to cut costs on my gear purchase. I have owned the wally world cheapos. They are seriously junk. I am hoping that they will have the rei carbon fiber poles on sale for 50bucks for a whiles.
If you are really looking to cut costs, go to a used skiing equipment store and get XC poles. Not collapsible but excellent. Last year I paid $10 for almost new ones at end of season.
Tw
Frick Frack
02-23-2009, 15:25
My BD flicklocks finally broke, after 2 years and I really love them! The bottom expandable portion will not stay "locked". I've emailed BD. Anyone had any experience with sending them back to the manufacturer for repair or should I just get a new pair? I might try those new Walmarts!
My original pair had the "binary" lock on the lowers where you had to pinch two buttons together to collapse (a total PAIN!!!). The pole snapped at the binary lock during our SOBO so I contacted BD and they sent me replacements for both poles. Now the lowers are the flick locks like the top AND the aluminium bottom shaft is now carbon like the middle. If they do not warranty them you can buy replacement parts cheap. If you have the flick locks I would try adjusting the screw to tighten how hard it clamps down. Only turn in 1/4 increments until you get it right. They are an excellent company that went beyond the call of duty. I love my poles BTW.
Secret Squirrel
02-23-2009, 16:10
I've got close to 100 miles with these Black Diamond poles. I really like them.
http://www.rei.com/product/768624
I think I got them for $69.95 on sale.
I'm not especially young or thin, so they help give a little extra support and balance.
Blue Jay
02-23-2009, 18:59
Jaybo.. that's what you get if you shop at Walmart. Go to a quality place or mail order (EMS, REI LLBEAN) and get good poles. Lekis or back Diamond perhaps. Trekking poles can be a life savor on a Thru hike. Very worth having!
David
Just exactly how can "trekking" poles save your life. An extreme situation where you don't have any other type of knife, and a tracheotomy is required, is all I can come up with. This weird pole religion is getting really extreme. :eek:
Lone Wolf
02-23-2009, 19:09
Just exactly how can "trekking" poles save your life. An extreme situation where you don't have any other type of knife, and a tracheotomy is required, is all I can come up with. This weird pole religion is getting really extreme. :eek:
oh brother :rolleyes: you mean i've been risking my life all these years walking without sticks?