I bought this because I have bad knees and I knew we were going to do a lot of hiking in Mammoth Lakes during our vacation. These are perfect walking sticks. They are sturdy and I felt stable when leaning on them going up and down steep hills. I’ve even loaned one stick to a lady who has arthritis and was nervous about a rather steep uphill trek. She liked it so much she said she’ll get one, too.These telescopes into itself so make sure its locked tight before you lean on it. Also, the rubber sole on one stick came off on the trail. Make sure that’s on tight before using. They are replaceable just in case you do lose it or when they get worn out.
Don't Let The Value Price Fool You! These poles can be used in so many different ways, but you will not find another set of poles with this high quality for this price. These are extremely high quality poles! They are very sturdy, very light, perfectly balanced, and solid, and they even look good. If you are looking at other hiking poles, close those pages down, and buy these. They are awesome! When you get them, take some time to make sure you set them up properly so they fit right. Then, just take off and enjoy. Take them with you wherever you are going. They collapse very small, and are light. Enjoy your hiking, daily walking, whatever you need them for. You will not be disappointed.
My wife and I have hiked all over the country (and in Europe) since we retired several years ago. We decided to try using hiking poles after seeing an older couple using them in Switzerland. We shopped around and were stunned at how expensive hiking poles can be. We settled on these poles because they are reasonably priced. After 5+ years of heavy use we could not be happier. I’m sure some of the super expensive poles are a little lighter but these poles are strong and durable. When we hike/climb we push off hard with the poles on uphill sections. The spring in the poles gives you some shock absorbing effect as you push off, as well as some cushioning of your knees on steep downhills.We actually ended up buying 6 pairs of these poles, not because the originals wore out, but because we keep two pair in Oregon and two pair in California where our daughters live so we don’t have to pack them in our bags when we fly there to visit. Bottom line? It’s not necessary to spend a ton of money to get good hiking poles.
I bought these in 2020 and have found overall they work well. There were a couple of times when I unscrewed them too much, or pulled them out too far, and made one of them unworkable -- it would be "tightened" (there's a click) but the length would slide under mild pressure. Later, however, I sat down with it and screwed it in carefully, somehow did the right thing and it has worked great ever since. Took them on a National Parks road trip through Colorado, Utah, and the Grand Canyon, and they got me around spectacularly. The only trouble was losing both rubber tips on that trip. Since COVID we've been taking short hikes more frequently and they are still working well. Rubber handles have not worn or gone brittle, and the wrist straps don't slip.
I am overweight. Walking 2-5 miles a day for weight loss...but, my leg/lower back don't like me very well about half way through. It's nice to have these walking sticks that just help me get a move on, and give me a little support to keep me going.
For years, I refused to use hiker poles because I thought they looked dumb. I don't know what came over me, but I decided to order some to try them out. Let me tell you, I am NEVER going hiking without them again. These make hills so much easier. It's almost like having an extra pair of legs to boost you up the hill. They also give my hands something to do. Before, my hands would either awkwardly dangle at my sides or be tucked inside my backpack straps. They're also great for keeping branches and cobwebs out of my face. I highly recommend.On a side note, I was so impressed with these, that I bought a pair for my mother. She is 70 years old, loves to walk, but can't get around as good as she used to. These have really helped her.