I am going to get a pair of trekking poles, but I am wondering whether to go with anti-shock poles or not. I am looking at a pair of carbon fiber poles that come either or. I am leaning towards the ones without shocks because I am not sure I would want the pole to give when I needed it. This is only a guess though, since I have never use anything other that a hiking stick.
Jonathan: I have some with the shock feature that I can turn off if I want to but I never want to. I find them especially less jarring on descents when I put some weight on them. The actual movement is minimal as Mark mentioned. It's a nice feature and IMO worth the extra $$$$. >=))>
Do you have arthritis or carpal tunnel issues? I got rid of my anti shock poles. There were just too noisy! Either with or without the shock feature being on. I am now using a lightweight Black Diamond aluminum pole. The give and flex and therefore have some shock reduction flex. Yes, carbon fiber is cheaper, but I have read so many instances where people have broken them, and gone back to there original aluminum ones. On a recent trek in Yosemite, I took a misstep with a 60 lb. pack on my back. All the weight went on the pole ... and it bent, but was uninjured, I was able to straighten the pole quickly and I was on my way. Carbon fiber would have shattered.
Further, occasionally while walking, I get the tip caught b/t a couple rocks usually no problem. You keep walking the pole tries to stay behind (?) but would think carbon fiber would easier to break.
You are prolly doubling the cost for very little weight savings.
Leki Makulas are the ones I use. Shock is noisy, but it does it's job. Very beneficial on ascents, not so much on descending. I would recommend a grip material where it may absorb sweat as the plastic models I had used in the past were slippery once my hands got sweaty. Cork grips on the Makulas are a blessing to me!
Posted by Jim Sabiston on June 17, 2007 at 12:15 AM
Jonathan,
I am relatively new to photography, but I am a very experienced backpacker and gear tester. By way of background - I am a Test Moderator for the gear testing group Backpackgeartest.org as well as being a product development tester for Black Diamond Equipment - focusing, as luck would have it, on their trekking poles. So, with the intro out of the way, let's consider your question:
The first caveat: all such answers are subject to personal preference. As you see from the previous answers, some swear by the anti-shock mechanism, some don't. Isn't it always that way? Personally, I do not use them or care for them. Here is why:
Weight: the mechanism adds weight. Only a few ounces, but ounce shaving can make a real difference in total pack weight. This is just one place to consider saving a small bit, but those that like the anti-shock are willing to carry them. Reducing pack weight can become a very serious exercise for someone like myself who can backpack many miles and climb thousands of feet in a day. My typical pack weight is around thirty pounds - with camera equipment and several days worth of supplies.
Complexity: The mechanism is one more thing to break or maintain in the backcountry. Simplicity in your gear is your friend.
Modern technology: Carbon fiber has very good shock absorbing capabilities, making the anti-shock mechanism redundant.
My recommendation: I am biased towards Black Diamond, but not because I test for them. They simply make the best product and have what may be the brightest, most innovative design team in the market. Prior comments regarding carbon fiber vs aluminum are valid and worth considering. In my hundreds (thousands? - I never attempted to keep track and I backpack all year round, even the Catskills and Adirondacks in the winter) of miles of backpacking and trekking I have never broken a carbon fiber shaft, I have been with others when they broke aluminum shafts, but this happened when we were ski backpacking in the Dacks. Just the same, if a carbon fiber shaft does shatter, it's over. A bent aluminum shaft might be straightened, but this depends on the severity of the bend. I've seen an aluminum shaft snap while being straightened.
Black Diamond has one feature on their poles which puts them above all other choices in my opinion: the Flicklock. The shaft locking device is completely external and adjustable. The more common inner twist-lock used by other manufacturers is subject to corrosion, cracking and slipping unexpectedly. All of these failures have happened to me at one time or another. The flicklocks have never been subject to any kind of failure that I am aware of. I now use them exclusively. I have given away all my other poles except a nice pair of unusual carbon fiber/aluminum ski poles from Komperdell-but I broke the locking mechanism on them while summiting a Catskill peak in deep snow last winter. I don't think they can be saved.
My favorite all-around trekking poles are the Black Diamond Terra CF, which I consider the single best production trekking pole on the market. It has every feature I could possibly want -extended foam hand grip, ultra comfortable hand straps, carbon fiber upper shafts for light weight and vibration dampening, aluminum lower shaft for absolute durability, 3 sections for compact storage. It is expensive as trekking poles go , listing for $140, but these are worth every penny. I've got several years on my test samples and the full production model is even better.
I also use their Alpine CF poles which I tested fairly recently. These are not as rugged as the Terra CF, but they are even lighter. I use them in more moderate terrain, including Harriman State Park, which can be a rock garden in places.
Finally, all the information on trekking poles and any other hiking/backpacking gear you are likely to be interested in can be found at www.backpackgeartest.org. Yes, I am very definitely biased on this point, but then I have good reason to be!
Shoot, Jim, couldn't you have been a little more thorough?
Seriously, considered advice from someone who has seen the elephant should be listened to.
I've never trekked with poles, beyond the occasional walking stick, even though my photo/gear pack goes about 45 lbs now and I'm frequently in rocky terrain in the BWCAW. I have excellent balance, but nor am I getting any younger, or in better shape. You've got me thinking.
Sure your company doesn't need another field tester who can put the product through its paces in all seasons -- in black spruce bog, on granite cliffs, through slash in old logging cuts, on the glare ice of a windswept boreal lake -- and trekking up the sidewalks of main street in Ely after an ice storm (which is by far the most dangerous of the excursions listed here)?
Thanks to all the great responses! I will take them all into account. A special thanks to Jim! Thank you for your detailed response. I have been to backpackgeartest.org before and have forgotten to check over there.
I believe the carbon fiber poles at rei are made by Komperdell. They are very light; 12 oz for the pair. I am thinking of going with them, especially since rei has such a great return policy.
Posted by Roger Rouch on June 17, 2007 at 10:07 AM
I have the REI carbon fiber w/o shock. Matter of fact, when I got these last year the carbon fiber poles didn't come with an option to get shocks. After a season of use, I have to agree with some of Jim's comments. The lock mechanisms aren't all that dependable. I've never have them slip, but have trouble setting them up to lock tightly. Also the rubber grips aren't super comfortable and the pole is already breaking through the tops of the grips. I haven't used other poles to compare, but the carbon fiber does seem to have some give that may make and shocks redundant. I really like the light weight! Poles are nice for ups and downs, but I find it more comfortable walking on the flat to not use poles. It's nice to fold them up and only add a few extra ounce to my pack. All said, I'd probably get the same or similar poles, but have been a little disappointed the quality issues I mentioned.
Posted by Jim Sabiston on June 17, 2007 at 9:37 PM
LOL!!!!
Yeah, I tend to get carried away when I get on a gear related roll!
Anyone can be a gear tester at backpackgeartest.org. We are not a business, but an all volunteer group dedicated to finding and testing the best backpacking gear out there. All the information you need on testing is available on the web site and we actively solicit new testera as we receive far more gear than we are cabable of testing at the moment. If you can do the field time, write respectable well and can swallow a thorough editing process as you learn the ropes, please come join us.
roger - I also prefer no poles on long flat terrain, as it allows an easier more natural stride. I find the poles a huge asset on climbs and especially descents, where they really help my knees.
Your experience with the REI poles is unfortunate, but not unusual. If you really like a light weight, small packing pole, check out the black Diamond Alpine CF model. They are real beauties.
Well, it's easy to get away with this stuff. They are just fancy walking sticks, after all, and I had a hard time parting with $150 for my Leki poles when I got them years ago (I had a very persuasive friend who *guaranteed* I wouldn't regret it). There's probably several thousand miles on them now and they look like crap, but they are still holding up well and have saved my behind several times. I use them any time I carry any kind of load.
I like the anti-shock feature, not so much for shock absorption but because it saves me some leg work on steep ascents. A couple of years ago the shock system stopped working on one pole but it didn't bother me enough to fix it.
Just keep the 80/20 rule in mind here. The 80% value is in having any kind of stick in your hands to help distribute load and reduce the risk of ankle twists, knee injuries, and the like. Everything else falls into the 20% bucket: adjustability, convenient angle, shock absorption etc. So really - get what feels best in your hands and be confident that you really can't go wrong with such a simple device, no matter how many acronyms and technologies the manufacturers try to cram in to one-up the competition.
Good advice Guy. Thanks for bringing things back in perspective. I too am having a hard time spending this much money on some sticks. But I have been told by many it is worth it. I found some Black diamonds on sale, so I think I will go that route and compare them to the rei ones. Its tough being in a small town and having to order online without really having the stuff in my hands, so I really appreciate everyones input!!!
Discussion
12 repliesPlease give pros/cons for both.
Thanks!
By the way I am looking at the REI UL Peak poles.
Do you have arthritis or carpal tunnel issues? I got rid of my anti shock poles. There were just too noisy! Either with or without the shock feature being on. I am now using a lightweight Black Diamond aluminum pole. The give and flex and therefore have some shock reduction flex. Yes, carbon fiber is cheaper, but I have read so many instances where people have broken them, and gone back to there original aluminum ones. On a recent trek in Yosemite, I took a misstep with a 60 lb. pack on my back. All the weight went on the pole ... and it bent, but was uninjured, I was able to straighten the pole quickly and I was on my way. Carbon fiber would have shattered.
Further, occasionally while walking, I get the tip caught b/t a couple rocks usually no problem. You keep walking the pole tries to stay behind (?) but would think carbon fiber would easier to break.
You are prolly doubling the cost for very little weight savings.
Hope this helps.
I am relatively new to photography, but I am a very experienced backpacker and gear tester. By way of background - I am a Test Moderator for the gear testing group Backpackgeartest.org as well as being a product development tester for Black Diamond Equipment - focusing, as luck would have it, on their trekking poles. So, with the intro out of the way, let's consider your question:
The first caveat: all such answers are subject to personal preference. As you see from the previous answers, some swear by the anti-shock mechanism, some don't. Isn't it always that way? Personally, I do not use them or care for them. Here is why:
Weight: the mechanism adds weight. Only a few ounces, but ounce shaving can make a real difference in total pack weight. This is just one place to consider saving a small bit, but those that like the anti-shock are willing to carry them. Reducing pack weight can become a very serious exercise for someone like myself who can backpack many miles and climb thousands of feet in a day. My typical pack weight is around thirty pounds - with camera equipment and several days worth of supplies.
Complexity: The mechanism is one more thing to break or maintain in the backcountry. Simplicity in your gear is your friend.
Modern technology: Carbon fiber has very good shock absorbing capabilities, making the anti-shock mechanism redundant.
My recommendation: I am biased towards Black Diamond, but not because I test for them. They simply make the best product and have what may be the brightest, most innovative design team in the market. Prior comments regarding carbon fiber vs aluminum are valid and worth considering. In my hundreds (thousands? - I never attempted to keep track and I backpack all year round, even the Catskills and Adirondacks in the winter) of miles of backpacking and trekking I have never broken a carbon fiber shaft, I have been with others when they broke aluminum shafts, but this happened when we were ski backpacking in the Dacks. Just the same, if a carbon fiber shaft does shatter, it's over. A bent aluminum shaft might be straightened, but this depends on the severity of the bend. I've seen an aluminum shaft snap while being straightened.
Black Diamond has one feature on their poles which puts them above all other choices in my opinion: the Flicklock. The shaft locking device is completely external and adjustable. The more common inner twist-lock used by other manufacturers is subject to corrosion, cracking and slipping unexpectedly. All of these failures have happened to me at one time or another. The flicklocks have never been subject to any kind of failure that I am aware of. I now use them exclusively. I have given away all my other poles except a nice pair of unusual carbon fiber/aluminum ski poles from Komperdell-but I broke the locking mechanism on them while summiting a Catskill peak in deep snow last winter. I don't think they can be saved.
My favorite all-around trekking poles are the Black Diamond Terra CF, which I consider the single best production trekking pole on the market. It has every feature I could possibly want -extended foam hand grip, ultra comfortable hand straps, carbon fiber upper shafts for light weight and vibration dampening, aluminum lower shaft for absolute durability, 3 sections for compact storage. It is expensive as trekking poles go , listing for $140, but these are worth every penny. I've got several years on my test samples and the full production model is even better.
I also use their Alpine CF poles which I tested fairly recently. These are not as rugged as the Terra CF, but they are even lighter. I use them in more moderate terrain, including Harriman State Park, which can be a rock garden in places.
Finally, all the information on trekking poles and any other hiking/backpacking gear you are likely to be interested in can be found at www.backpackgeartest.org. Yes, I am very definitely biased on this point, but then I have good reason to be!
Good luck with your research and purchase.
Seriously, considered advice from someone who has seen the elephant should be listened to.
I've never trekked with poles, beyond the occasional walking stick, even though my photo/gear pack goes about 45 lbs now and I'm frequently in rocky terrain in the BWCAW. I have excellent balance, but nor am I getting any younger, or in better shape. You've got me thinking.
Sure your company doesn't need another field tester who can put the product through its paces in all seasons -- in black spruce bog, on granite cliffs, through slash in old logging cuts, on the glare ice of a windswept boreal lake -- and trekking up the sidewalks of main street in Ely after an ice storm (which is by far the most dangerous of the excursions listed here)?
I believe the carbon fiber poles at rei are made by Komperdell. They are very light; 12 oz for the pair. I am thinking of going with them, especially since rei has such a great return policy.
Yeah, I tend to get carried away when I get on a gear related roll!
Anyone can be a gear tester at backpackgeartest.org. We are not a business, but an all volunteer group dedicated to finding and testing the best backpacking gear out there. All the information you need on testing is available on the web site and we actively solicit new testera as we receive far more gear than we are cabable of testing at the moment. If you can do the field time, write respectable well and can swallow a thorough editing process as you learn the ropes, please come join us.
roger - I also prefer no poles on long flat terrain, as it allows an easier more natural stride. I find the poles a huge asset on climbs and especially descents, where they really help my knees.
Your experience with the REI poles is unfortunate, but not unusual. If you really like a light weight, small packing pole, check out the black Diamond Alpine CF model. They are real beauties.
I like the anti-shock feature, not so much for shock absorption but because it saves me some leg work on steep ascents. A couple of years ago the shock system stopped working on one pole but it didn't bother me enough to fix it.
Just keep the 80/20 rule in mind here. The 80% value is in having any kind of stick in your hands to help distribute load and reduce the risk of ankle twists, knee injuries, and the like. Everything else falls into the 20% bucket: adjustability, convenient angle, shock absorption etc. So really - get what feels best in your hands and be confident that you really can't go wrong with such a simple device, no matter how many acronyms and technologies the manufacturers try to cram in to one-up the competition.
Guy