I'm looking at getting a new set of trekking poles and the Leki's seem nice. I end up tearing up a pair of Wal-Mart poles (they fall apart) just about everytime I hike, so I figured I'd bite the bullet on some nice poles.

I've looked at the "Leki Aergon Thermolite XL Anti-Shock" and at the "Leki Thermolite XL Anti-Shock". Certainly the only difference is the grip (I guess). The non-Aergon model is the older one and is onsale at REI for $99.00. I can get the newer model with the Aergon grip for $120.00 at Moosejaw. On the surface one might say, "pay $20.00 and get the newest model". However I've got a $50.00 REI gift certificate and that makes it a $70.00 difference...

Do any of you have any experience with the new model versus the old model poles? Can you tell a difference? Is it worth $20.00? Is it worth $70.00?

Thank ya'll,

NitroSteel