[pct-l] trekking poles

[Tortoise]

I haven't hiked near as many miles as Chuck, but I do have some 
experience over 10+ years of using poles.

I agree with Chuck that anti-shock. When I plant a pole I want the pole 
to stop moving; and if it doesn't it's because of what the pole is 
planted in, not some dam spring. Obviously the AS adds weight and 
something more to go wrong.

I have Leki Titanium PA trekking poles bought back in 2000 and I don't 
know how many miles I've on them, most of it just hiking, not 
backpacking. Typically I swing the poles forward with each swing good 
for about 2 steps and I have no problem with shock. I use the wrist 
straps all the time and grip the poles loosely. This plus the 15° 
ergonomic slant of the grips is kind to my wrists -- variously diagnosed 
as carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis. The straps are also handy for 
preventing the occasional pole drop. If/when I buy another set of poles, 
they will have the slanted ergonomic grips.

Just checking the Leki site and I did not see any titanium poles -- all 
aluminum or carbon fiber. Even the new aluminum poles are lighter than 
my titaniums.

Tortoise

<> He who finishes last, wins! <>



CHUCK CHELIN wrote:
> Good afternoon, Neil,
>
>
>
> I only use poles uphill, downhill, side hill, on the flat, through sand and
> mud, across rocks, over snow, while fording, when pitching my tarp, and when
> flicking sticks -- or snakes -- off the trail.  I don't use them when walking
> on pavement.  I sometimes tell people that I'm getting so old and feeble
> that not only do I have to walk with a cane, I have to walk with two of
> them.
>
>
>
> I've used Leki and Komperdell/REI, and they all seem to work OK.  I rather
> like the Leki cork-type grips.  I've used rubber but it seems to make my
> hands black.  Plastic is kind of slick and DEET does strange things to
> it.  I've
> used foam grips but after a few days of DEET the foam unbounded from the
> shaft, slid around, and wouldn't stay in place.  The Komperdells are usually
> less expensive, while replacement tips are much more readily available for
> the Lekis.
>
>
>
> I buy the light-weight titanium alloy model -- not as light as the carbon
> fiber, but OK.  I like to see them under 16 oz., and believe me I don't
> commit to carrying another pound of anything without having given it much
> thought and trial.
>
>
>
> To reduce weight and eliminate the aggravation of something I don't use I
> remove the wrist straps.  Sometimes I slip on a very light bungee tether
> around my wrist so if I happen to lose my grip the pole won't disappear down
> the river or down the mountain.
>
>
>
> I do not use the anti-shock models, and I would pay more for sticks without
> the springs.  I don't like the rattles so often associated with the springs.
> I don't like the squishy feel when the anti-shock is engaged, and I don't
> agree that springs are significant in reducing shock.  The bone and muscle
> structure of human arms and shoulders can attenuate force over a distance of
> up to 18".  The little springs in anti-shock poles can attenuate force over
> about 0.5".  The longer the distance the less the average force must be to
> absorb the energy.  The shorter the distance the greater the average force
> must be.  It is my opinion that anti-shock is a marketing effort to sell a
> $1 feature for $20 by creative advertising.
>
>
>
> Steel-Eye
>
> Hiking the Pct since before it was the PCT -- 1965
>
> http://www.trailjournals.com/steel-eye
>
>
> On Wed, Feb 25, 2009 at 2:38 PM, neil petersen <neildpetersen at gmail.com>wrote:
>
>   
>> hey folks interested in any thoughts on trekking poles. i have never used
>> them before but after knee surgery this last summer (meniscus repair) i am
>> thinking that they would be great for me on the downhills etc. i was
>> looking
>> at some leki poles, campmor.com has a sale and i was comparing the leki
>> makalu (20.6oz) vs the leki voyager (19.4oz) and was wondering what people
>> think of either of these poles. the makalu is heavier due to triple spring
>> shock absorber and i am wondering if people think the extra weight is worth
>> the improved performance. thanks for the time
>> -neil
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>>     
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