Black Diamond Spire Elliptic

I've got a pair of these poles, and I use them in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range in California. Before I state my principle comment, I want to say that the pricing for trekking poles are too high and the… marketing is over-hyped, so be careful about your choice. Look closely and understand the manufacturer's warranty, and I strongly recommend to start at the lowest price range, and ask yourself why you need to pay more than seventy dollars for a set. This particular model is made of an aluminum tube that has a cross-section in the shape of a teardrop, sort of a pinched oval. This design makes it very resistant to bending and breaking along the long-axis of the cross-section. But this design makes it very weak in the short-axis of the cross-section. One afternoon, my poles were extended, and I was holding them at their middle-point because I was covering some flat terrain. There was a dip in the terrain that was covered with pine needles, my foot slipped-out, and I caught my gentle fall with my hand that was holding the pole, so I landed on the pole. The pole snapped like a toothpick. Not what I expected for a very expensive set of poles. Consider buying a pole that has a circular cross-section, and those having a tapper along its length. I think such a simple design is stronger.

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I've got a pair of these poles, and I use them in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range in California. Before I state my principle comment, I want to say that the pricing for trekking poles are too high and the… marketing is over-hyped, so be careful about your choice. Look closely and understand the manufacturer's warranty, and I strongly recommend to start at the lowest price range, and ask yourself why you need to pay more than seventy dollars for a set. This particular model is made of an aluminum tube that has a cross-section in the shape of a teardrop, sort of a pinched oval. This design makes it very resistant to bending and breaking along the long-axis of the cross-section. But this design makes it very weak in the short-axis of the cross-section. One afternoon, my poles were extended, and I was holding them at their middle-point because I was covering some flat terrain. There was a dip in the terrain that was covered with pine needles, my foot slipped-out, and I caught my gentle fall with my hand that was holding the pole, so I landed on the pole. The pole snapped like a toothpick. Not what I expected for a very expensive set of poles. Consider buying a pole that has a circular cross-section, and those having a tapper along its length. I think such a simple design is stronger.

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Getting older, 66, and wishing I had appreciated the benefits of walking poles earlier even though I started 30 years ago. Strong and healthy and can walk fine without poles. Regardless of age, start… using walking, aka trekking, poles and you will add miles and or hours to your endurance. Walking on two legs gets you forward but many muscles are constantly flexing for balance. Poles relieve the balancing muscle effort. Try standing still for five or ten minutes without and with poles. Leaning on one or two poles relaxes those muscles that balance you. Add a forty or fifty pound pack on you back and try again if you are a sceptic. One whole day at the state fair of your choice where you walk in 100 degrees all day and you will appreciate how those last few hours will be less a grind. Over the years of backpacking I have bought and made several poles. These are by far the best. That is not a glittering generalty. They could be a little lighter but they are not heavy. Grip and adjustable strap fit well without rubbing your hand uncomfortably. BIG difference with these trekkors is the length adjustment. Quick and easy and infinite. I added a rubber tip for indoor use that works well outside too. When set to minimum length for travel they could be a little shorter to fit in a suitcase but they adjust short enough to fit in car trunks, etc. Walking up or down hill is the time to adjust to shorter or longer for slope compensation. Short for up hill etc. Just a few seconds does it and it does NOT slip or get tight when you want to change again. Personally I usually use just one unless carrying a big load. Friends often want to use the other. A little costly but after years of good service they are seem cheap. Any walking pole is good. These are the best I have used.

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