Of all the pieces of gear that I've purchased in the last six years, my Leki Lhasa Lite AS Trekking Poles are by far one of the best purchases I ever made. The story of how they came into my hiking life is, like many others, tied to the day I agreed to be an adult leader for my son's Scout trip to Philmont Scout Ranch. Please take a moment to read the review on my blog and let me know if you've got questions.
Ruth's Blue Marble Blog : Gear Review
P.S. I know that these poles are no longer sold, but I will stand by the Leki brand. They've made some great upgrades to the product. For those looking for a sturdy pole, I recommend the aluminum options. If you are looking to shave weight and are ok with a bit more chance of breakage, go for the carbon options.