LEKI Makalu Antishock

Review Date
April 18, 2009

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: NoYouDont ,  Day Hiker

Price Paid:  $85.00 at Grand Canyon Gift Sh

Summary:
We picked these up because my wife left her poles on the trail at the last hike. We used these in and out of the Grand Canyon. Good pols but she has really long fingers and the grips are just a little to small for her.

These are great stick but I'd be surprised if this small grip is right for a lager percentage of the population. Since holding is so important I can not rate them as high as everything but the grip should be rated

Similar Products Used:
An inexpensive no shock from Campmor but the grips were better.

Review Date
October 28, 2005

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Cosmic-tourist ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $120.00 at Australia

Summary:
These really are good things, I love them to death. I used to get around just like others, seeing people with these poles and thinking them faintly wierd. I mean, why not just pick up a stick? Over time I got a little bit persuaded, then they came on special, then I bought them, then my eyes were opened. They really make hiking so much more comfortable. Obviously they take weight off the knees, which is a good thing but they also help to carry a heavy load differently, and more naturally. In addition they are good for balance which is great when you're tired, the way is dark, or downhill, or all three. And its more fun to dig a pole in, lean on it, and scramble over something that may have required a bit of thought before. The tips really bite in, I dont know how. You can plant them on the side of a smooth rock, lean in on them and they wont budge. The shock absorbing I wasnt convinced about early, but after a while, and trying non shock ones, I feel they are pretty good, and take stress off the wrists and elbows which otherwise suck the shock. They really are worth getting.

Similar Products Used:
Some wierd Nepal brand

Review Date
April 25, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: ckishlar(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $75.00 at REI

Summary:
I've been using trekking poles for the past 5 yrs. and don't know how I got along without them before. When one of my Komperdell poles "froze" and would not extend, I took it to REI to see if they could help. They couldn't get it to extend, so I decided it was time for a new pair of poles.

I bought the REI Ultralite Anti-Shock poles (made for REI by Komperdell) because of the 4 good years I had gotten out of the old ones -- BIG mistake!

The REI poles consisted of two "left handed" poles based upon the pole straps (a lot of poles come with left and right poles). The thicker part of the strap should be on the outside of the hand for support and to prevent chafing. I returned the poles to REI to see if they could reverse the strap on one of the poles to fit my right hand. Try as they would, they couldn't adjust it.

The end result was that all of the REI Ultralite Anti-Shock poles in the store -- all 22 prs. -- were left handed poles.

I returned these poles and bought the Leki Makalu Anti-Shock poles. I LOVE THESE POLES!!! I should have bought them in the first place. Comparing apples to apples, there's obviously more quality and thought put into the construction of the Leki's. They rule!! Also, they were on sale for $75.00 from $109.95!

P.S. If any of you out there are considering REI poles, please check first to make sure you have a right and left handed pole!

Customer Service:
Awesome customer service from REI.

Similar Products Used:
Komperdell X-Tours Anti-Shock, Leki Makalu Anti-Shock

Review Date
January 12, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: thorcp12(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from charlotte nc usa

Price Paid:  $99.00 at alanbies

Summary:
Have used these poles for three years and have had nothing but praise for them I still have the same carbide tips I have feet problems and these poles have put me back on the trail again

Customer Service:
quick response to a product search ,rubber tips for sidewalk.

Review Date
May 18, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Kyle R. Hess(Unregistered User) ,  Day Hiker , from Riverside, RI, USA

Summary:
Like the others, I have never used trekking poles before, so I can't compare them to other brands. What I can say is that these poles have made hiking a much more enjoyable experience. They are extremely durable and relieve much of the knee fatigue when descending a mountain. The shock absorption eliminates the potential stress on hands and arms. The poles have never come unlocked or failed in any way. I highly recommend them, but would recommend shopping around for a good price on the Super Makalu's. I think the angled hand grip would provide even better comfort.

Similar Products Used:
None