Pole Buyer's Guide

Comfort 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 are not so bad especially when you use gloves.
Cork: (Recommended) Absorbent & more comfortable than rubber or plastic
Foam: (Recommended) Most comfortable and surprisingly durable - our choice for optimal comfort and performance

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

This feature is often available on higher quality poles and well worth the extra money.

Foam extends down the top section from the grip. 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 2008 version of POLES for Hiking, Trekking & Walking DVD .)

Long foam grips improve our performance and stability when we hike desert canyons or anytime we encounter frequently changing terrain.

Grips are either straight or canted (slanted) at an angle of either 10 or 15 degrees.

The positive/slanted angle allows the hand and wrist to be in a more neutral position which can be more comfortable.

We strongly recommend this option if you have any hand or wrist issues - it's what we use - exclusively.

Straps vary in size, type and adjustability.
Use: See DVD for proper use of the strap. This 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.

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 to your best length is an important aspect of using your poles optimally.

Twist style: Take your poles apart and learn how to properly adjust. Read the directions that come with your poles so you understand the best way to use your poles.

SpeedLock: 2010 models of some LEKI poles. This new system is easy, fast and intuitive. Read the instructions and adjust to suit your needs. Do not overloosen the knob.

FlickLock: Black Diamond's method of adjusting. Use phillips screwdriver to enable adjusting. Do not overloosen.

Section Shapes: All LEKI 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).

• The tip of the pole is sharp and designed to grip the dirt.
• Most models we recommend have concave flex tips which are superior for gripping the ground.
• 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 tips as well as the surface.

• Use rubber tips for pavement and indoors.
• Carry your rubber tips with you at all times. Hiking 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.
• The only rubber tips we recommend are the LEKI tips!

Anti-shock is a personal preference and an option with some poles (not SpeedLock). Anti-shock absorbs the impact, not your hands.

It is a feature that increases the pole cost, but can increase your comfort. Some hikers feel the anti-shock feature wastes energy.

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.

If you’re a hiker, walker or athlete, watch POLES for Hiking, Trekking & Walking.

If you have mobility issues, watch POLES for Balance & Mobility.