Posted by Roger Rouch on June 23, 2006 at 11:06 AM
Campmor currently has some good sale prices on Leki trekking poles. I recall from a discussion a while ago that several of you guys like to use these. I've wanted to give them a try to help out my creaking old knees. Are there any particular features that you would especially want or not want? About the biggest item I see that are in the more costly poles are a spring loaded shock absorber system of some sort. Unfortunately the sale poles don't have this, but are lightweight, adjustable and compact.
Roger, I'm a big fan of them. I've had a pair of Lek poles for almost 10 years. I bought them more for snowshoeing, but that carried over into summer hiking too. Only issue I really have with them is when I want to carry a tripod too. Not too big a deal
My only advice is too look for the poles with the angled grip as opposed to the straight up and down grip. Leads to a more natural hand position and smoother movement in my opinion. Good luck!
Posted by Brent Murphy on June 23, 2006 at 12:40 PM
I use some REI Traverse poles, with the springy shock absorbers. I love the poles, and I had the same pair for about 8 years now with never a problem. REI brand poles are just re-branded Komperdell's from what I understand, so they're really good quality, and a lot cheaper than Leki's. Of course, I know Leki poles are supposed to be the best, but I've never used any, so my poles could be terrible compared to them and I wouldn't have any idea.
I use the poles year-round, switching to different baskets, or removing them altogether, as needed. I think poles are a huge advantage when hiking, especially if you're carrying a pack.
After having used standard ski poles when hiking, and telescoping trekking poles with shock absorbers, I'd definitely recommend getting poles with shock absorbers.
I forgot to mention that mine are the shock type too, and love that feature! I believe they will come with winter baskets and smaller summer ones too. One more thing to do get some of the rubber tips for summer hiking. It'll be quieter when hiking on rocks, and won't scratch things up as much either. Word of advice, duct tape the rubber tips on, as one good, deep spot of mud will suck those things right off! I speak from experience!
Posted by Brent Murphy on June 23, 2006 at 2:26 PM
Mine only came with small baskets, which I never use. I bought big snow baskets for snowshoing, and just take them off for summer hiking. As for rubber tips, I've gone through so many, I just gave up and now I just deal with the scraping noise on rocks. I could never find a good way to keep them on.
Posted by Arthur Lund on June 23, 2006 at 10:03 PM
I have a pair with the REI brand on them. They are made by Komperdell in Austria.
They have carbon fiber shafts plus air shocks. I like them very well. Model: Peak UL
Thanks for all of the good advice. Your positive endorsements of the poles encouraged me to spend a little more than I'd hoped. It was hard to find all of the qualities together, but I was swayed by the light weight of the REI Peak UL, which weigh about 12 ounces. So yesterday I went down to REI and picked up a pair. So thanks for the help.
Discussion
6 repliesMy only advice is too look for the poles with the angled grip as opposed to the straight up and down grip. Leads to a more natural hand position and smoother movement in my opinion. Good luck!
I use the poles year-round, switching to different baskets, or removing them altogether, as needed. I think poles are a huge advantage when hiking, especially if you're carrying a pack.
After having used standard ski poles when hiking, and telescoping trekking poles with shock absorbers, I'd definitely recommend getting poles with shock absorbers.
They have carbon fiber shafts plus air shocks. I like them very well. Model: Peak UL
Art Lund