I put a LOT of weight on my poles when on rough ground, and without the straps my carpal tunnel syndrome flares up. With the straps, the point with most weight on it is very close to my wrist (under the heel of my hand) and I'm not gripping anything.

I waited what seemed like forever for the long-promised GG Lighttrek poles with straps to come out or for the Ti Goat poles (with straps as an add-on) to get back in stock. Finally I found a pair of Leki carbonlite poles on sale (regular price is far too much for my budget) for about the same price as the Lighttreks without straps. Several ounces heavier than the Lighttreks, but far lighter than my old poles. And I had them about 9 months sooner.
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey