Pole Buyer's Guide

Comfort and fit of the grip is dependent upon several factors, including material, size and shape.

Plastic: (Not Recommended) Least expensive, uncomfortable and can be slippery when wet.

Rubber: Some new rubbers (like LEKI Khumbu) are comfortable, especially when you use gloves. Exerstrider rubber grips are textured in a very subtle way that provide a comfortable “touch” (more like foam).
Cork: Absorbent & more comfortable than rubber or plastic.
Foam: Comfortable and surprisingly durable.

Grips vary in size. Hold the grip and see what best fits your hand. Too small feels uncomfortable. Too large can cause hand fatigue.

Foam extends down the top section from the grip. We show how to use it to improve performance on both DVD's.
It is useful for mobility (as shown in DVD) as well as for hikers (Grand Canyon practice segment on using long foam grip for hiking in POLES for Hiking, Trekking & Walking DVD .)

Long foam grips significantly improve performance and stability on the trail on tricky terrain like rocky desert canyons or when we encounter frequently changing terrain or when we don't want to use the straps.

Grips shapes vary. Trekking poles can be straight or canted (slanted) at an angle of either 10 or 15 degrees. Exerstrider's flared grip is designed for comfort without the use of straps.

For hikers, the positive/slanted angle of trekking poles allows the hand and wrist to be in a more neutral position which adds to comfort.

We recommend comfortable grips especially if you have any hand, wrist or shoulder issues.

Straps are an option and vary in size, type and adjustability.
Use: See DVD for proper use of the strap. Correct use is absolutely essential for avoiding strain in hands, wrists, forearms, elbows, shoulders – even your neck.

Fit: Check to make sure the strap fits your hand. As you progress, you’re looking for a relatively snug fit. If strap is too big, try gloves (see DVD) or another model of poles.

Adjusting: Make sure you can adjust the strap of the pole to fit your hand. (check the directions that come with your poles)

LEKI poles have right & left straps; other models do not.

Locking LEKI straps: pull up on the top strap to unlock. Press down to lock or pull top strap down to secure. Click for strap tutorial video.

Strapless option: An excellent starting point for people with mobility challenges. Click here for more info. On the products tab, click standard features to learn more about the strapless design.

Buckle straps: Straps that have a buckle are generally found on less expensive models. They're uncomfortable and do not provide optimal performance for anyone.

Models adjust differently - read the instructions that come with your poles.

Both DVD’s detail how to adjust your poles for your height, your use and your concerns. Adjusting pole length is an important aspect of using your poles optimally and achieving the many benefits.

Twist style: There are several styles of twist poles. These poles have an expander that opens as you twist to the R and loosens as you twist the section to the L. It's important to read the directions that come with your poles so you understand the best way to adjust your poles.

SpeedLock: LEKI poles. This system is easy, fast and intuitive. Read the instructions and adjust to suit your needs. Knob can be adjusted with your hands or straight screwdriver or even a dime. Do not overloosen the knob.

FlickLock: Black Diamond's method of adjusting. Use a phillips screwdriver to adjust. Do not overloosen. Make sure you close in the proper position/angle - do not force this mechanism. It's easy to make the mistake of not closing this mechanism completely. If it's not closed, it's OPEN.

Button: Exerstrider's Activator model is an option for people with mobility challenges. It features a spring loaded button-in-hole adjusting system like that commonly used on canes and walkers.

Section Shapes: All LEKI and Exerstrider poles are round.

Some Black Diamond models we list on our Recommendations page are elliptical which can feel more substantial especially for people with challenged balance.

Baskets prevent pole tips from sinking into the ground – very useful for hiking. They’re removable and interchangeable (larger baskets for snow shoeing).

If using poles exclusively for mobility and balance, you'll probably not want baskets.

• The tip of the pole is sharp and designed to grip the dirt.
• Some models we recommend have concave flex tips which are superior for gripping the ground while hiking.
• Use caution and good etiquette when using poles – NO stabbing or sudden stops with pole tips angled back!
• Many poles come with travel tips. Remove them before using poles.
• When on pavement, concrete or indoors, use rubber tips. Using bare pole tips on these surfaces can damage the pole tips as well as the surface.

• Rubber tips are an essential accessory for many reasons.
• Use rubber tips for pavement and indoors.
• Carry your rubber tips with you at all times. Using poles on pavement without rubber tips is noisy and can dull your hiking tips.
• Remove rubber tips for trails, dirt or hiking.
• See DVD to learn how to put on and take off rubber tips.
• When putting new tips onto new poles use a bit of powder to make them easy to remove. Once your pole tips get dirty, you won't have to repeat this.
• Watch the Mobility DVD Tips section for info on using tips on wet surfaces.
• For general use, we recommend LEKI or Black Diamond tips. Some people like Exerstrider's boot style tip as it provides a bit more cushion on pavement.
• Choose the shape that suits your goals. Standard rounded for general purpose, wavey foot style for Nordic Walking.
• For increased balance for people with mobility challenges, we highly recommend Bell Tips. Click here for more info on Bell Tips. From the products tab, click on accessories. These bell tips fit on LEKI, Black Diamond and Exerstrider poles.

• Anti-shock is a personal preference and an option with some poles. Anti-shock can absorb the impact, but this can be compensated for with optimal technique and pole length.
• It is a feature that increases the pole cost, but can increase your comfort. Some hikers feel the anti-shock feature wastes energy.
• Anti-shock is currently available as of April 2011 on two LEKI SpeedLock models, See Product Recommendations Page.

See either DVD for detailed pole care.
Take good care of your poles and they’ll take good care of you.

This page is designed to help you understand the basics of poles. Both DVD’s have detailed descriptions of poles and their parts.

Feel free to contact us if you have equipment questions, but please watch the DVD first because MANY of your questions will be answered there.

If you’re a hiker, walker or athlete, contact us to order the DVD: POLES for Hiking, Trekking & Walking.

If you have balance, walking or mobility issues and challenges, watch POLES for Balance & Mobility.