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

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An inexpensive no shock from Campmor but the grips were better.

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.

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Some wierd Nepal brand

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.

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Komperdell X-Tours Anti-Shock, Leki Makalu Anti-Shock

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.

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.

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High quality
Rugged
Versatile
Worth every penny

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Cascade Designs Trek'R 3

These poles are good. Ilike how you can adjust the shock. I like these trekk9ing poles a lot. Don't bother with anything else. Igive them a 5 out of five.

Customer Service

I had to send three of the first four I bought because the sticker peeled off. They gave me my money back no prob.

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Leki, Leki, Leki, MSR, Leki, Leki

This is my first pair of trecking poles so I have no basis for comparison. Notwithstanding, they seem to be of good quality. I have not put my full confidence in them yet because I worry that the friction locks will fold under my full weight. I have short legs and their adjustments accomodate my build. I can also hand them to my hiking partner whom is 6'4" and it will adjust to him without difficulty.

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Good pole, strong tips and basket system. I have no comparison to others without the antishock system, but i do find that the pole has a tendancy to unlock while going through brush and collapse when i put my weight on it. I purchased the pole for winter use really, but i use it most year round now becaus it really helps my knees.

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this pole is actualy really good although its very expensive, a friend of mine doesn't like this pole because its not worth the money you pay for it for everyday use its ok but not for technical performance.

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