Product Recommendations

Ordering thru this site directs you to reliable vendors that carry quality gear.

Note: Some links are in the process of being updated as new gear arrives for 2012. Contact us for updated info and a personal recommendation that will help you decide which poles will best suit you.

Our Top Picks are listed by your primary goal:

Your Primary Goal	Start by checking out:
Mobility & Balance (start with Bell Tip that fits on all models suggested)	- Exerstrider (the best strapless option) - LEKI Speedlock (for ease of adjusting) - Black Diamond Contour Elliptic (reg or compact)
Hiking	- LEKI Trekking Poles are our first choice; we can help pick the optimal size for you! - Black Diamond Trail Ergo
Exercise & Fitness Walking	- LEKI Nordic Walking poles provide peak performance - Exerstrider

FREE Pole Purchase Consultation: POLE Fitting 101

We can help determine which poles will fit you so that you can achieve your goals and help prevent injury. Price is only one of many factors to consider. You really do get what you pay for. If you DO know which poles you want to purchase, simply click on the poles purchase button which will take you to a quality internet resource that carries the model you've selected.

If you'd like guidance, click the consultation button to fill out a form with basic information that will help us assist you.

We will contact you - any feedback we provide will be done in the spirit of helping you to make your own decision on which poles fit and suit you best.

Comfort, performance & confidence improve with poles that fit your body and goals. Make the best decision the first time and learn optimal use so you can form a deep and lifelong connection to your poles - really!

Check our Pole Buyer’s Guide Page to learn about pole features & benefits. Check our Blog to learn what optimal pole fit means (and to get DVD updates).

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Exerstrider: Fitness Walking Poles

Price:	$89.95, including fitness rubber tips.
Features:	19 oz. No straps. Uniquely-designed grips are designed to be comfortable for use without a strap.
Length	OS2 (fitness)–Max: 52”, Min: 30” Activator (balance) – Max: 51”, Min: 29”
Grip	Ergonomic grip’s “orthotic” design allows the hand to rest on the flared bottom of the grip. Using a relaxed hand position helps to maintains a more neutral wrist . Flared design above and below hand allows for weight bearing without the need for a strap.
Adjustability	Comes in 2 recommended styles: 1) Fitness/Nordic walking pole version (OS2) uses easy-twist adjustability 2) Balance walking version (Activator) uses spring loaded button-in-hole safety adjustment. Do not order one piece poles. Adjustability is an important aspect of learning and progressing. See either DVD to learn how adjustability helps you achieve optimal use on a variety of terrain (like curbs, stairs and ramps).
Basket	Accepts optional small/trekking and large/snow baskets.
Tips	Concave carbide tip and come standard with rubber boot-shaped fitness tip Optional bell-shaped balance tip ($10) strongly recommended for balance and mobility use.
Warranty	Lifetime warranty against defects.
Pros:	A good choice for people who want to try poles but are unsure about using straps. For Balance issues, the bell shaped balance tip adds stability.
Note:	These are not hiking poles. Exerstriders are excellent for exercise walking and for people with balance and mobility issues. The website accessed thru the purchase button gives much more info.

LEKI: Cressida

LEKI: Thermolite XL Speedlock

LEKI: Khumbu

Black Diamond: Trail Ergo Cork

Retail Price	$109.95 pair
Weight	18 oz.
Length	Max: 55", Min: 29"
Grip Size	Regular: Suitable for med or large size hands
Grip Type	15 degree Positive Angle Grip Long foam grip extends down the top section, great for hikers
Strap	Adjustable nu-buck strap, comfortable even without gloves
Anti-shock	No
Adjustability	Flicklock
Sections	Round
Tip	Concave steel tip (we like this tip)
Rubber Tip	LEKI rubber tip accessory recommended. Do not purchase the Black Diamond Rubber Tip.
Basket	Small, removable & interchangeable with snow basket
Bottom Section	Extends to 140
Pros	Bottom section extends to 140, suitable for taller people. Positive Angle Grip can be more comfortable for people with hand and/or wrist issues.
Cons	Pole sections can slip if not secured properly. Strap, although very comfortable, can loosen. Flicklock system can be difficult for people with arthritis in their hands.
Warranty	One year against defects

Black Diamond: Contour Elliptic REGULAR

Black Diamond: Contour Elliptic COMPACT

Retail Price	$129.95 pair
Weight	Compact: 18 oz Regular: 20 oz
Length	Compact: Max: 49”, Min: 27.5” Regular: Max: 55”, Min: 30”
Grip Size	Compact: Suitable for small or med size hands Regular: Suitable for med or large size hands
Grip Type	15 degree Positive Angle Grip
Strap	Adjustable nu-buck strap, comfortable even without gloves
Anti-shock	No
Adjustability	Flicklock
Sections	Elliptic Shape (more fore & aft stiffness – people with serious mobility issues might feel this shape to be more secure)
Tip	Concave steel tip (we like this tip)
Rubber Tip	LEKI rubber tip accessory recommended. Do not purchase the Black Diamond Rubber Tip.
Basket	Small, removable & interchangeable with snow basket
Bottom Section	Compact: Extends to 125 Regular: Extends to 140
Pros	Positive Angle Grip can be more comfortable for people with hand and/or wrist issues. Compact model better for travel and shorter people.
Cons	Pole sections can slip if not secured properly. Strap, although very comfortable, can loosen. Flicklock system can be difficult for people with arthritis in their hands.
Warranty	One year against defects
Special Notes:	Compact bottom section extends to 125. Regular bottom section extends to 140. This link takes you to the site of a wonderful company that offers free shipping. Be sure to select the size you want; both sizes are represented on this page. The compact poles have gray grips and the regular poles have black grips.

LEKI Nordic Walking Poles: Traveller

Retail Price	$139.95
Weight	16.6 oz
Usable Range	80-130 cm
Collapsed Length	26"
Grip Type	Nordic Trigger
Strap	R & L straps are adjustable and releasable Velcro closure for good wrist and hand support
Anti-shock	No
Adjustability	Twist type, SLS locking system
Tip	Concave flex tip (we like this tip)
Pros	Yes, you can Nordic Walk with Trekking Poles Please do not hike with Nordic Walking Poles HOWEVER, if you are going to do Nordic Walking as a regular activity, using poles specifically designed adds to your comfort and performance. We prefer the $200 carbon poles (either 2 or 3 piece), but these poles are our #1 recommendation for anyone starting with Nordic Walking. They’re reasonably priced and fit into your suitcase. LEKI poles are our #1 choice for Nordic Walking poles.
Cons	Twist type adjusting, requires finesse to learn and use. Read the instructions so you know how to troubleshoot if poles fail to tighten.
Warranty	Lifetime warranty against shaft breakage
Rubber Tip	Our favorite, specially-designed tip for Nordic Walking:

Rubber Tips are an essential accessory for your poles. Be sure to order them when you order your poles.

For Improved Balance & Mobility, order the Bell Tips from Exerstrider or email us.

For Hiking, order the basic rubber tips shown below.

For Nordic Walking poles, we like the "wavey" fitness traction tips.

When putting your tips on the first time, put a little baby powder in the tips for easy removal. Make sure you get the tips all the way on. Many more tips on tips in both our videos.