BarryP and BearPaw pretty much covered the bases as far as pole usage goes IME. I'd have to concur with their experiences as it matches up with my own pretty well.

After I backpacked across America the first time in 1986 with one hiking staff, I thought there could be another technique <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> I was missing out on. So saunter I did into my favorite place to jack up a charge card, Campmor; where I proceeded to grill my favorite guru of gear (Eric) a long time staffer (who's STILL there <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />). Eric proposed I try a PAIR of hiking poles, which, at the time seemed a 'novel idea' to me; since hiking with one seemed cumbersome, how could another possibly help <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> But, to his credit Eric insisted that a pair would be my Holy grail, and I whipped out the plastic and whistled out of the store with a pair in hand. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Fast foward to 1990 when the stars aligned and I had another opportunity to backpack across America and I took it <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> The pair of poles really seemed to help my pace and kept my body from cursing my brain over the torturous miles I put it through daily (I averaged 29 miles a day, not bad considering all the yakkin' I tend to do with folks I meet along the way <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />).

I still use those poles today, sometimes showing interested folks out day hiking the benefits by letting them try mine for a few minutes down a trail. And, yes, poles do take some getting used to for most everyone. Once you use them with a heavier pack though I found it hard to leave them home....Just like my Clark Jungle Hammock <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

I think WD and OM had some pertinent comments regarding store help, and the products. Surely it'll find it's way up to the ears that need to 'hear' about it if the manufacturers reps' and store folks have their ears to the trail.....