Trekking Poles

[spotly]

I had my poles (wife's actually) stolen on a recent trip and now I'm looking for replacements. I'd like something UL, easy and sturdy locking mechanism and that collapses to a short length.

 

I've had poles that use the twist lock and they're always getting debris inside (or something) and locking up. The pin locks on my BDs suck - can't get them to unlock, especially when it's very cold out. I do like the flick locks though.

 

The poles I have (and had) don't collapse far enough and seem to get caught too often when ducking under rocks and trees. Is there a way to get the carbon fiber shafts shortened maybe, or perhaps a brand that comes in a shorter version?

 

Ergo cork handles are the bomb but I'm not too picky there.

[t_rutl]

i like BD's stuff...they all weigh in about the same...whether carbon or not...i use the spire eliptic (1 lb 4oz reg, 1 lb 3oz carbon)

 

they also have their Alpine Carbon Cork model...3 section so collapses down tight...all FlickLocks...full carbon shafts and cork handles...might fit your bill perfect...plus they come in at a pound even per pair

 

http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/mountain/trekking-poles/alpine-carbon-cork

[spotly]

Pricey, but you're right - just what I was looking for. Thanks.

[t_rutl]

on sale...one left

 

http://www.moontrail.com/black-diamond-alpine-carbon-cork.php

[Bishopp66]

I have these poles, they are great. I do have a small beef though... it seemd like the wrist straps could be better. They just kinda loosen up and need to be retightened about every 5 or 10 minutes. Has anyone else noticed that with these?

[Kletterhund]

Black Diamond Contour Elliptic Carbon ...

 

Light, strong, collapse short.

 

Dual Flicklocks and a CF upper section.

 

These are SPENDY but these have stood up as well as their Expedition Poles which are quite a bit heavier.

 

http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/mountain/trekking-poles/contour-elliptic-carbon

[Le Piston]

Maybe not ultralight, but the Black Diamond Flicklock Expedition poles are great. They are totally bomber, collapse down very short, and come in two lengths. They are a lot less spendy than other poles also. I've only seen them in a few places though (Feathered Friends, Marmot).

[tvashtarkatena]

I finally got tired of spending real money on what is essentially a disposable item.

 

Fred Meyer has decent poles (not UL, necessarily): cork handles, nice strap, stout locking mech. for $25.

 

The lightest poles you can get are REI kiddie poles (2 section) for $40...but the ultra cheezy locking mech. will break right away and they don't extend far enough for non Celts.

Edited August 22, 2009 by tvashtarkatena

[ivan]

The lightest poles you can get are REI kiddie poles (2 section) for $40...but the ultra cheezy locking mech. will break right away and they don't extend far enough for non Celts.

au contrare my good man - i'm a 6'7" corn beef n' cabbage eating motherfucker and only buy the rei junior poles - i had one pair sustain regular beatings for 2 years - the bottom line is, all poles disintegrate on a regular basis if you're actually using them, so you might as well get the cheapest thing that still does the job (kinda like sunglasses)

[superB]

on sale...one left

 

http://www.moontrail.com/black-diamond-alpine-carbon-cork.php

 

marmots eat cork. they like the salt from ur sweat. bears too

[tvashtarkatena]

You just need to learn how to share more....

 

[video:youtube]z80vlqiJJ44

[chirp]

That video always kills me!

It sofa king rocks!

[Dhamma]

black diamond flick locks. period.