Black Diamond  Trail Trekking Poles - Pair

This was my first experience with poles, but to save my knees, I took bought these for a long trip. At first, they were awkward to get used to (I suppose becuase I was new at poles) but after a few days, I realized that these are very very useful. They are strong for they're being so lightweight, and have very comfortable grips. my one qualm with them is that on more than on occasion, I would see that the clasps were opening (not of my doing) which of course has the potential of an end falling out or collapsing when you are trying to support yourself, which could be dangerous... I have only had these for a season, but so far, they are incredible.

I've had these poles for only a year now but they've been through quite a lot. They spent 65 days in the field with me backpacking through the Himalayas over steep terrain and were extremely valuable when I injured my ankle. I put a lot of weight on these poles and they never once collapsed - I've got a lot of weight to throw around too! I finally bent one slightly when I nearly fell into a box canyon in Arizona and used it to stop my fall when my knees were already about level with my head. I was amazed that it didn't break under my full weight (200 lb) plus my pack (50 lb). Never had any blisters or discomfort with grips.

I've borrowed poles from family and friends before and must admit that the idea is nice, so I asked my fiance for these for Christmas. I'm not a big fan of the twist lock mechanism. When I read that these had a lever locking mechanism I new I had to try them. They are so easy to expand it's great. While other people are messing with the twist lock, I'm already all set to go. I looked at the trail back poles as well, but didn't like the grip at all. I also tried the compact but they weren't long enough. The shock ones were nice, but didn't feel quite as solid, so I went with these are am extremely satisfied.

I bought these early in the summer for hiking, and they have served me well. I hadn't ever used poles until last winter went I took up snowshoeing, and now I wonder why I didn't start using them years ago! The poles I rented last winter screwed together to adjust and they kept coming apart. I LOVE the flip-lock on these things. They don't budge for anything. They're comfortable, lightweight, and I feel secure using them. I don't have great knees, so I put a lot of weight on these (I'm 145 lbs) and they've always felt very solid. I can't wait to take them with me when the snow falls and I can get out and go snowshoeing again. For the price, I would definitely recommend them to others.

I use this treking poles as walking sticks. After removing the pointed bottom and replace with a cane type of bottom, I am able to adjust them to shoulder height and walk with a straight posture. I have used of these treking poles to recover from an ankle replacement, knee replacement and now I am preparing for hip surgery by strengthing the muscles around my hip. My recovery will be easier. They are great before and after and in general my overall wellness. The ease of adjusting them is great. I carry a screw driver, and adjust when necessary. Currently, I am walking 1.5 miles every three days and walk to the swimming pool for Senior Arobics and lap swim. I do recommend them for everyone expecially for Seniors that what to remain healthy and independent.

I bought these poles about a year ago and have used them many many times on the trail. I live in Virginia just a few miles from the AT. I hike on it often spending a few days on the trail at a time. There have been many occasions where steep slopes and rocks have made it difficult to climb up or down a mountain, but these poles hold up really well. I am a pretty big guy, about 6'3" and about 260 lbs. These poles hold up my weight without collapsing or breaking. I have at times had to put almost all of my weight onto these poles to keep from falling and they have not failed me yet! The straps are very comfortable as well and the handle grips really well. I am a minimalist so one big thing for me is that these are very light. In my opinion, these are much better than the Leki poles.

I have had these poles for about a year and they have been very good to me. I have been up winter and summer mountains with them, as well as day hikes. I have yet to bend one or witness serious damage to one. The only complaint is now when ever I use them I end up with black residue from the grips on my hands. Not very attractive when it comes time to eat or rally back at the car. Looking back I would have spent the extra money for a cork or rubberized handle versus the foam.

On my first extended trip with these, I broke one pole and bent the other. First, the left pole went between two rocks on a descent and snapped below the adjusting point. The following day, I stumbled and my knee hit the pole, bending it below the adjusting point. I was able to bend it straight barehanded, showing just how tenuous the metal is. The are easy to adjust to length, but the hand loops jam easily. Maybe I just got a bad pair, but I won't be buying them again.

I used these Black Diamond trail trekking poles for a couple hundred miles and they are holding up perfect. I love the flick locks and the markings which make adjusting them quick and easy. They are very sturdy, I have dropped them, slipped and fell, and still no bends. The tips are very sturdy also, even though miles of scree there are no substantial marks or wearing. The grips are really long which make it nice when crossing streams or steep ascents where you don't have to adjust the length of the poles. I really don't have anything bad at all to say. A side note, my friend that was hiking with me in Montana had some serious blisters and when they broke he went into a full rage. He was using these trekking poles, and after multiple swats at trees and slams to the ground the poles did bend. His temper tantrums just reinforced how sturdy these are, for the amount of abuse and minimal damage!

Hiked the grand canyon a couple of weeks back. Decided to get this pair of poles a week before the trip. My old pole broke miserably during one of my hike in the Tetons. Won't name the brand though but I would say don't abuse your pole and be prepared to have a breakdown anywhere along the trail. This pair of poles are light, and very stable. Like the grips a lot, [$] is totally worth the difference which doesn't cause any blister even after hiking for 10 hours without gloves. Couple of things that could be improved: 1) metal tip provides quite a lot shock to the hand/arm, and it's painful to switch back n' forth between the rubber cap and naked on a mixture of dirt and rock.2) along the same line, the awesome locking mechanism came with its own drawbacks, absolutely no shock absorption. Overall I enjoyed it a lot and I highly encourage you to bend down and rest your shoulders on the pole to give them a break.