What walking poles to get??

[SteveJ]

OK after a few years of making do with fly rod tubes and natures walking poles (ie sticks) I have decided to buy a set of real walking poles. Any tips on what to look for in a set of walking poles?? I am not so budget consciuos, would like them to be light, colapsable and not pink. Any brands, models to consider (or avoid) or experience you'd like to share would be great as I am starting from a knowledge base of zero....
Thanks
Steve

[GPSGuided]

Can certainly recommend BlackDiamond's CF Ultra Distance z-poles. They are just great. Super light and compacts very nicely for storage. It's like downhill skiing poles, the bit of weight change is very noticeable and makes a difference functionally. Of course, CF may be a little more prone to damage than a strong and heavy metal pole, but only you know what kind of user you are and how rough you are on equipments. They come with rubber tips along with a spare pair of carbide tips. I note the replacement cost of their rubber tips are around $3 in local shops.

[Julies]

Hmmm.... I too am looking for new poles, eyeing off the helinox FL120's, which seem a reasonable price for weight and durability. Does anyone here have any experience with them?

[Strider]

Hmmm.... I too am looking for new poles, eyeing off the helinox FL120's, which seem a reasonable price for weight and durability. Does anyone here have any experience with them?

Just keep in mind these may be too short if you are tall. Google trekking pole length as there are a few sites out there explaining how to work out the correct length.

[peter-robinson]

I have the Helinox TL fixed length poles and they have been great. They fold into a smallish package and are light enough without feeling flimsy.
I've walked about 1000 km with them and actually using them for maybe half of that.

[South_Aussie_Hiker]

I can also highly recommend the Black Diamond Ultra Distance.

Apart from making sure you choose the right size, they are better in practically every other way than traditional metal poles.

[DarrenM]

Whatever you do Steve, don't get twist locks! IMO flick locks are the go and work with cold and or tired fingers.

[SteveJ]

Hey thanks for the tips thus far, that gives me a start and some homework for tonight

[Strider]

By the way, Black Diamond Contour Elliptics here.

[DarrenM]

Probably should clarify twist locks Steve...Anything with the push and twist style like the one below. Pain in the proverbial.

[Strider]

That's not a twist lock Darren. Looks like the Black Diamond Binary system

[DarrenM]

Marketed as a twist lock pole and sold as such...you push and twist. Thanks for clearing that up strider. This type has probably even ceased production due to the sheer number of complaints.

[Ellobuddha]

Got the Black Diamond Carbon Corks. Vey comfortable. Definitely better for the knees and saved my neck a few times. I think the flick lock system on the BD is the best.

[Strider]

The new BD flicklocks (stainless) look to be even better than the traditional plastic model.

[Strider]

Twist locks to me are the type with the internal screw/expander system.

[DarrenM]

Ok mate. The ones in the pic were sold by a BD dealer to my wife as twist locks. They were commonly referred to as twist locks by most people in the outdoor world when they came out. The point being (missed again) is if you see them hanging on a rack or in the bargain bin....think about not buying them. I have worn through two or three set of Black diamond poles and will always buy them. Just not with the system above. I have done thousands of K's with BD poles and would highly recommend them.

I am interested in the stainless flick locks you mention as I have replaced 4-5 plastic ones after heavy use. I work my gear hard and am only interested in things that work.

One of my old field repaired BD poles.

[Strider]

Have a look at the BD Ultra Mountain poles for an example of the new Flicklocks

[Strider]

http://www.trailspace.com/articles/2012 ... k-pro.html

[DarrenM]

Thanks for the link mate, they look good! I'm due for a new set too.

[Gusto]

I have a pair of BD elipitical poles. I think they're great

They appeared to me as the toughest I could find in the shops when I was hunting about last year.

[Turfa]

I'll put in a vote for Leki poles. I have a pair of Makalu Ti poles I bought in about 2006. They must have over 6,000km on them now. I have replaced the tips several times but other than that they have not given me one problem. They are a twist lock style & have been super reliable. This model is way out of production, but the general quality of the Leki product has been fantastic.

[Franco]

I have a pair of BD pole with that push mechanism illustrated above.
(it works most of the time, eventually)

I believe that the official term was "push button lock"
looks like it was an in-house invention :
United States Patent 6749227
Adjustable pole and lock
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/6749227.html

Gipron where the original inventors of the Flick Lock.

never had a problem with the Flick Lock.

[ninjapuppet]

My mate broke my brand new poles last week, before I even got to use them! such a bummer, but
so i'm now in the market for new poles. Very Keen to hear what else others are using.
they were these corklite speedlock:


Ive got the ultra distance Z Poles and they're great for walking except in the snow. they sink in too far and i cant change the baskets.

[TerraMer]

I like my carbon Pacer Poles

[Mark F]

I'll put in a plug for Ruta Locura CF poles. Extremely light (240-260 g per pair), they come in either a 2 or 3 piece version. I use the 2 piece version locally but later bought the 3 piece for trips where I use airline travel (pack to 53cm so I can fit them inside my pack). I have used these for well over 150 days including the AAWT and HRP in the Pyrenees. I will add that I think these sort of lightweight poles are not for everyone especially if you are hard on your gear, but they have endured many heavy loadings and stresses and come through unscathed.

[roysta]

We're big fans of the Helinox poles in this household.
Either FL120 or FL135.

[icefest]

I'll put in a plug for Ruta Locura CF poles. Extremely light (240-260 g per pair), they come in either a 2 or 3 piece version. I use the 2 piece version locally but later bought the 3 piece for trips where I use airline travel (pack to 53cm so I can fit them inside my pack). I have used these for well over 150 days including the AAWT and HRP in the Pyrenees. I will add that I think these sort of lightweight poles are not for everyone especially if you are hard on your gear, but they have endured many heavy loadings and stresses and come through unscathed.

I like the sound of that. 250g. there goes my gear budget again.

[Strider]

I like the sound of that. 250g. there goes my gear budget again.

These aren't your only option in that weight range. Gossamer Gear LT4's and BD Ultra Distance are two others that spring to mind.

[GPSGuided]

I like the sound of that. 250g. there goes my gear budget again.

These aren't your only option in that weight range. Gossamer Gear LT4's and BD Ultra Distance are two others that spring to mind.

BD Ultra Distance CF Z-poles are 290g, but has a nicer grip and decently solid compared to some even lighter CF poles. At 290g, it's already feather light and a delight to swing with each footstep.

[climberman]

I looked at those BD poles today in the local shop. Very foxy !