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

I would forget about the anti-shock feature. It adds weight and makes the poles very noisy. It's amazing how much quieter poles without the anti-shock feature are--no more click, click, click that I'm sure scares away wildlife for miles! I certainly haven't noticed any difference in the comfort factor.

Some people find that the Leki poles twist-lock tends to slip and prefer Black Diamond's flick-lock feature. I have found that I have a big problem with the BD flick-locks because I don't have enough strength in my fingers to operate them. BD poles, even the carbon fiber ones, are also a lot heavier. I have no problem with the Leki twist locks.

I bought a pair of Leki Carbonlite poles a year ago and find that they work just fine for me. They are a bit heavier than the Gossamer Gear or Titanium Goat poles, but the straps and handgrips are so comfortable that I'm not tempted to go lighter. However, it's a lot more comfortable having poles that are 6 oz. per pair lighter than my old Leki poles!

I use Lekis and love them. I have never tried the flick lock black diamond, but I can work the Leki's twist mechanism pretty well.

My only issue has been snow. Seems that I twist the poles a lot in the snow and they come loose alot. Never happens on hard ground, but snow does me in every time.

One piece of advice. I have had my Leki's for at least 7 years. Buy what you want. Even if they are pricier, you will probably have them for a long time.

TV

I've been using a pair of Leki Al/Ti poles for 5 years with nary a problem.

Keep the shafts clean and slipping won't be a problem.

For the price, go with the one's from REI.

If you use the Peter Clinch's "Scottish" method (for lack of a better term, since Pete is a Scot), you won't use the grip much of the time, as the straps carry most of the weight, keeping your hands from getting tired and allowing the weight of the pole to naturally swing forward.

Before "discovering" this method here on the forum, I grabbed the grip with my full hand as 99.9% of pole users do. After a few minutes with the Scottish method, it felt far more natural. I'll never go back to the full grip (except when technical pole tip placement is needed). Read everything you want to know about hiking poles, how to use them and take care of them on Pete's website: Pete's Pole Pages