I got an REI gift card for my birthday and was planning on getting some trekking poles. I have never used them before so I have a few question. I am looking at these two models. 20% off coupon is a nice thing too so I will probably be ordering tomorrow.

http://www.rei.com/product/812367/rei-traverse-powerlock-trekking-poles-pair

http://www.rei.com/product/831551/komperdell-trail-lite-cork-as-trekking-poles-pair-2011-overstock

Neither has the shock absorbing ability but both have the powerlock mechanism. Seems a bit more durable than the twistlocks. Both have cork handles, I hear that is better than the rubber. The Komperdell has a max height of 49 where the REI is 55. I am 5' 10. I was not sure if the 49 would be too short. I don't plan on using them as a shelter support, although I may use them with my hammock tarp. But that is not a huge deal. Any thoughts?

Thanks

I'm 5'9-1/2" and I hike with 120cm fixed Black Diamond poles, so the Komperdells at 124cm may be too short. Especially if you're like a lot of folks who like to lengthen their poles during downhill hikes.

well I guess that narrows it down. The REI Transverse are the only ones with a flick lock under 100 bucks that are over 49 inches. Seems the only option. Are twist locks really something that needs to be avoided at all costs?

I've only used twist locks like 8 years ago, and I remember never feeling like i could vault or actually support myself on them without sliding...i was a lot heavier then though.

I bought these on amazon for 50 last week, and they're pretty sturdy through their limited use so far. http://www.amazon.com/Black-Diamond-Trail-Back-Trekking/dp/B0019I76GI/ref=pd_sbs_sg_1

These have also gotten good reviews and are 52 dollars. http://www.amazon.com/Traverse-Pole-Pair-Black-Diamond/dp/B002LFD112

Even with your 20% at REI, those might still be cheaper. I noticed (even compared with steep and cheap) that I could find most items on amazon for either the same price or cheaper. Good luck!

I will take a look at those too. One reason I was looking at REI is I have a gift card. Got to use it on something lol

Personally, I'd get the longest poles you can. It's really nice to extend them out to max length for steep downhills. Allows for better placement of the tip before you commit your weight/momentum to the step-down. Less 'stabbing' of the ground.

Edit: I just looked at my poles, cheap carbon fiber adjustables from costco. They go to 54", which has never left me thinking they were too short, but if they went to 55 or more, I'd be even happier. FWIW, I'm 5'9"ish and set them at 48" for all-around hiking.

Edited by COHiker on 04/13/2012 08:59:50 MDT.

From REI, I would go with the BD Trail Ergo Cork poles. They are $109 but if you are using the 20% discount they will be under $100 easy.

http://www.rei.com/product/830471/black-diamond-trail-ergo-cork-trekking-poles-pair

I have some of the Leki CorkLite Aergon Speedlock poles, and they are very nice too, but more money. (Although I now use the GG LT4 poles and the Leki's are for my wife.) However, I think that the BD poles are easily on the same level as the Leki's, and some may say better. Either way though, if you get them from REI, you have the lifetime warranty...

Get the black diamond, when I first looked at poles, I went to REI, and a helpful clerk explaned to me why I should not get the komperdell/rei stuff, both made by same company. He is right. rei/comperdell uses hard cork that does not shape to your hands over time, and he noted, the rei/komper poles have a harsher jarring thing on impact with every plant.

The black diamond trail ergo cork with flick locks are very nice, I'd skip the barrel adjusters, cam flick lock is far more reliable and durable, that mechanism ( a cam with lever) is what holds on almost every decent bicycle wheel in the world, it's solid.

I also agree re length and walking down steep hills, the longer the better. And the steeper, the longer you want. Some people claim to have difficulty walking and adjusting their poles at the same time, and so prefer fixed, but it's really not hard to do with cam flick locks.

I got a friend some used komperdells with a twist adjuster and they are slipping quite badly, didn't notice that at first, hard to fix that problem, with flick locks you tighten a little screw and away you go.

However, bd trail ergo cork was recently on sale online at 50, I got mine for 70 on line. But if you get 20% off, that's about 90 or so, not that far off.

Edited by hhope on 04/13/2012 13:35:01 MDT.

I use my poles between 120+ and 130. I'm 6'3". My tent requires them to be about 130

Thanks for all the info. It helps to get opinions from people who have used the gear. One last question. Is it work the extra 10 bucks to get something with shock absorption like these?

http://www.rei.com/product/830472/black-diamond-trail-shock-trekking-poles-pair

They do not have cork in the handles though.

I'm 6'5" and my preferred pole length is 117cm (46in). Most people, *IMHO*, set their poles too long. The usual advice--forearm horizontal when pole is vertical--requires reaching too high for each plant and puts your weight on overly bent elbows, both of which are tiring and less effective. YMMV, but I seriously doubt the poles you're looking at would be too short for you.

"Is it work the extra 10 bucks to get something with shock absorption like these?"

No. If you're using the poles correctly (letting the strap carry the bulk of the load) there's plenty of shock absorption already. The sprung poles are just heavier and, much to your hiking buddies' chagrin, NOISY.

Thanks for all the info guys, I ordered up the Black Diamonds.

I have the BD Ergo Corks as well and love how easily they lock. The extra hard foam grip below the cork is nice on a quick, steep uphill where you would want the pole shorter but don't feel like readjusting it.

I was worried about length too. I am 6' 6" and started with mine set to the longest setting. Felt good for a while but then I tried going shorter. It actually felt more effective to me with the shorter pole as on flat or slightly sloping ground I use them to push off and keep up a brisk pace (I am mainly a day hiker/fitness walker).

I liked the shorter stance so much I got a pair of the Mountainsmith Nomads which are a cane/tee handle trekking pole and set them at about 46". Great for easy trails where I may need a little stability on rocky surfaces or stepping on rocks to cross a stream. The short length is just enough for a gentle push at each stride. I find I get more of an arm workout this way with shorter poles which for me is a plus.

If I was packing a lot of weight or going londg distance/multi-days I would probably want them longer and more for stability than far added exersize.