Hi all, just wondering what people are buying these days, when they don't have the $170 to spend on LT4's+shipping.

Lighter = better

Thanks!

Edited by ChrisMorgan on 06/23/2011 17:37:44 MDT.

Is adjustable length a necessary characteristic of a trekking pole for you?

My solution was making my own, but they are fixed-length (made from golf club shafts).

Very inexpensive, relatively simple to make, and quite light at around 4oz each.

http://www.titaniumgoat.com/poles.html

Although I have heard good things about the many carbon fiber poles, I know my early model Ti-goats crumbled after less than a hundred miles.

I will admit to being a bit rough on poles:-) So I go for the slightly heavier/cheaper aluminum ones.

Thanks, I should clarify -

If I can't do better than $100 total and 8oz each, I'm going to bite the bullet.

Adjustable is nice, but not necessary. Though if forced to pick between the LT3s and LT4s, I'd probably spend the extra money.

I don't care which locking system, so long as it works.

Edited by ChrisMorgan on 06/23/2011 17:57:11 MDT.

We use much stronger upper and lower shafts now, versus what was used in our early models. The upper shafts have a warranty against breakage.

http://ww2.sierratradingpost.com/s/featherlight-poles/
With the most recent deal flyer ad from STP (EB062311B), they are $70.

These are the same as what the most recent version of the BPL Stix were. BPL no longer carries them, but I absolutely love my STIX. I'd contemplate replacing my Stix in the future with these poles, but I'm also a big fan of myog golf shaft poles.

My graphite poles + hot glued leki tips + some 5" fishing grips weigh just over 3oz apiece. Depending on what shaft you select they will have more or less flex. AND they only cost $20-30 total if you scrounge around garage sales and thrift stores!

I haven't seen myself missing adjustable either over the last 3 years after switching from an old REI Peak UL set.

How about these:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/4683,1761X_Komperdell-Bamboo-Carbon-Ski-Poles.html

Non-adjustable carbon with "retro bamboo finish". Lists at 11oz/pair but can remove straps + baskets.

If I do not have the $170 to shell out for LT4s I just keep saving until I do :-D

Thanks all, I think I'm gonna try the BD Distances - 5.5oz each no straps and $70 on sale!

http://www.argear.com/camp-xenon-4-trekking-poles.html

I like my collapsible altus light ascents. 8.5 oz each and i paid less than $50 for the pair.

Fizan Compact poles weigh less then 12 oz for a pair, are adjustable and cost about 80 USD. They're quite rare though. I imported mine from the UK.

wally mart poles for el cheapo ...

plenty of people use em fine ...

$170 will buy me stuff i need more ... like beers for many days

with today's STP 45% off coupon, $54.97

I'd nab those Featherlites, but they no longer have any 130cms.

I also have a pair of walmart poles, which are great as a backup, but they weigh 10.5 oz each! Once you've used 4 oz poles, it almost feels like a workout to lift those things!

SunnySports.com has the Black Diamond "Distance" poles on sale for $69.95. These are aluminum. The 130cm is 12.7oz for the pair. (The "Ultra Distance", which are the carbon fiber version, weigh 9.7oz for the 130cm pair.)

I tried both in person and I thought the aluminum ones were light enough for me (11.7oz for the 100cm pair for me). Got mine at Moosejaw; they price matched sunnysports.

Edited by DetroitTigerFan on 06/27/2011 05:27:48 MDT.

Be aware that ultralight trekking poles do not handle the abuse that heavier ones can.

If you tend to use your poles for full support in a fall, you can break them. I have broke many, but I use my poles much harder than most.

The ultralights are good for people who don't put all their weight on there poles and maybe only use them as extra legs on slopes or stream crossings

I have had very good luck with the least expensive Campmor/Komperdel poles. They are as light as most $100 poles and have proven to be very durable.
They do slip out of adjustment from time to time, but it is a gradual slip over several hours, so not a problem at all.

I do not recommend the inexpensive Campmor/Leki poles. The tips are tempered steel and wear out much quicker than carbide. Also, the click lock joints make an annoying clatter when you walk. This is probably good when you don't want to surprise any bears on the trail:-)

Edited by brooklynkayak on 06/27/2011 14:34:44 MDT.

+1 on making your own out of golf club shafts. The only problem I can see is sourcing the eva grips ala gossamergear's and that the shafts may not be long enough for taller people (+120cm)

I use some old fashioned BD's. They're heavy but tough and take all of my 190ish pounds regularly with only a slight give.

If I were buying new poles today I'd seriously consider the new collapsible BD poles that are made using avalanche probe technology. I'd go with the non-adjustable ones since I never adjust my poles anyway once they're deployed (I move my hands instead).

I've seen Komperdell poles take some serious abuse too. They were picked up for under $40 off of Sierra Trading Post.

Edited by veriest1 on 06/27/2011 14:41:48 MDT.