"Jotaro Yoshida speaks very good English. Just email him. He'll be more than glad to help."

Thanks, Miguel.

"I use these poles. Though they are heavier than the GG poles, they are also considerably stronger.I use them over the GG's mainly because they can collapse to a much shorter length and thereby are safer and more convenient on the crowded trains."

I don't worry about crowded trains, but for the shorter length, extra strength, and bombproof locking mechanism, I 'll gladly eat the extra 2 ounces or so. This sounds to me like the answer to a lot of dreams. Now, if the Yen would just take a dive...... ;0)

Anyone try these new flick lock poles yet?