Trekking poles

What basically is the quality difference other than construction materials between the "cheap poles" and the ones that cost 3x or 4x more?

I mentioned early in this thread that I purchased the Wenger poles on a whim. With this thread, I did a google search on them and noticed they were sold at wally world. (I purchased at Sams Club.) I have not found them lacking at all, but I don't use them more than a half dozen times during the warmer seasons of the year. They seem strong. The joints don't slip. They have nice cork handles. What's not to like? They have replaced my walking sticks.
 
Vpetrell said:
Thanks all. I'm going to look at the ski pole idea. I am looking for a collapsable pair for packing so I'll check out the other brands as well.

VP


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I got a pair by Outdoor Products for under $19 at Walmart. They have the external locks like much more expensive brands. If you heard that the locks on Black Diamond were shoddy, you probably heard wrong. Leki also uses such locks. If they slip a little, all you have to do is tighten a Phillips screw a bit to tighten the lock. But my Outdoor Products poles work fine for the money.
 
hatch said:
I got a pair by Outdoor Products for under $19 at Walmart. They have the external locks like much more expensive brands. If you heard that the locks on Black Diamond were shoddy, you probably heard wrong. Leki also uses such locks. If they slip a little, all you have to do is tighten a Phillips screw a bit to tighten the lock. But my Outdoor Products poles work fine for the money.
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Goes back to my question, just what are you paying for with the more expensive brands? Mine work just fine.
 
22-rimfire said:
Goes back to my question, just what are you paying for with the more expensive brands? Mine work just fine.
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laughing. You can go really cheap, and just cut a stick to use. They are replaceable any time you need, and they are really cost effective. :)
 
In my experience, the higher end poles are lighter and stronger due to better materials and engineering. They also offer more models and options to suit differing requirements. Lastly, they offer spare parts for the stuff that wears out more quickly.
 
Mannlicher said:
laughing. You can go really cheap, and just cut a stick to use. They are replaceable any time you need, and they are really cost effective. :)
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Yeah.... except in a National Park where you are technically not allowed to cut a stick. I doubt anymore pays much attention to that away from things, but the rule still applies. I know this is kind of funny and I'm posing a question that nobody wants to answer. :D

I might add cutting a walking sick or staff is the perfect use for the saw blade on a Vic SAK. :D

tiguy7, spare parts and more options? Wondering what options are needed? Snow web or whatever they're called, blunt end, pointy end.... You see I can't really tell much difference. I can with knives for the most part, but it gets hard sometimes. Mine are carbon fiber, the joints hold tight, cork handle, hand lanyards, the three end options.... what else is there?

Just maybe I got lucky with with the Wenger trekking poles as I feel sure there are cheaper poles around?
 
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Old ski poles at thrift stores have worked for me. the pair I currently have are some kind of graphite or carbon, very light and stiff and have threaded tips made of some kind of hardened steel.
-Josh
 
22-rimfire said:
Yeah.... except in a National Park where you are technically not allowed to cut a stick. I doubt anymore pays much attention to that away from things, but the rule still applies. I know this is kind of funny and I'm posing a question that nobody wants to answer. :D

I might add cutting a walking sick or staff is the perfect use for the saw blade on a Vic SAK. :D

tiguy7, spare parts and more options? Wondering what options are needed? Snow web or whatever they're called, blunt end, pointy end.... You see I can't really tell much difference. I can with knives for the most part, but it gets hard sometimes. Mine are carbon fiber, the joints hold tight, cork handle, hand lanyards, the three end options.... what else is there?

Just maybe I got lucky with with the Wenger trekking poles as I feel sure there are cheaper poles around?
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See post #17 above. There are more options than I listed.
 
I used a broom stick with duct tape for years lol... but the the better poles have quality handles and straps that don't break down and solid locks.
I now have Black Diamond with the flick locks and totally happy though I haven't put as many miles as guys here.

I avoided the carbon shaft ones... if you go anywhere rugged they will get scratched and nicked, and with carbon fiber you will get a fracture when you need it most. Alloy is the way to go!
 
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