What advantages do expensive walking poles provide over the cheap ones I can buy at wal-mart? Is it simply a matter of durability? Thanks.

No, it's more a matter of status. Kinda like having a Rolex vs. a Timex.

I have a titanium pole with a Tanzanite and Black Diamond encrusted carbon fiber handle by Prada and man I look good when I'm out on the trail. I paid $6700 for it because their other models didn't have the Prada logo big enough for people to see easily. The $12,500 model actually lights up at night so you can still see the logo. Man, I really wanted that one.

Bill

(Okay, I really use a stick from a tree, but I just couldn't resist taking a poke at high dollar "Trekking Poles" <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I use an aluminum Sherlock light staff, doesn't adjust or anything. I've had it for years. It's beat up and ugly but sort of an old friend, and it never collapses because something wore out.

Pretty much. The more expensive ones may have a shock absorber, which may or may not be a big deal for some people. Plus warranty repairs if they break and mine take snow baskets so I can use them as backcountry ski poles (not downhill, cross-country), which the cheap ones may not.

btw, pretty funny Bill.

Durability, and sometimes weight, but there ain't as much difference as you would think by the price. I *have* a set of carbon fibre poles because I trashed my old aluminum ones - through my own stupidity not the fault of the poles. Do I realisticly notice a difference? yes they are lighter,
and I can sure tell the difference between cheep aluminum ones if I hold them side by side,
but I've since aquiring them used cheepies as well - and I don't really notice. (unless the pool locks or something like that are bad, then they're annoying).

Now to be fair as well, I've busted an end on my fancy ones, and got free replacements. Ya may
not get that on the cheap ones, OTOH, I can buy three sets of cheapies for one once set of "good ones" costs. You roll the dice yourself.

Too funny, Bill!

The other posters pretty much echo my opinion. I recently purchased the Wally World poles just to try poles out. I had been a devoted wooden hiking stick user, but really wanted to try the poles. They did great and I will most likely use just them from now on, at least on overnight trips. I like that they are easier than my staff to use when tarp camping, and I can strap one to my pack when I don't want to use both. Oh, and the Wally World ones have shock absorbers - or so they claim - it's not like I would know the difference.

Now I just have to find a cool logo to stick on 'em . . . <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Now, Bill, admit it - even sticks have a pecking order: you can pick one up on the trail. Next step up (where I landed for many years) is the hoe/utility handle from the local Ace - add status by drilling a hole and threading a leather thong, and pounding in some of those fancy little trail emblems. Then you can get into the high-end stuff: the twisty, highly varnished, vaguely-Gandalfish looking things; the ash, hickory, cherry, etc., poles with the fancy brass handles and strike plates, and so forth.

Currently, I either go without or use a Sherlite collapsible staff. The only advantage over my old hoe handle is that the Sherlite will collapse down to carry on my pack when I don't really need it.

You got me, I have to admit it.

My stick is a genuine "Beaver Stick". It was a small river willow that a beaver stripped the bark and branches off of and then it floated downstream from his den.

I used it for about a year, then I drilled a hole and put a leather thong it in. After about another two years I stopped at a Forest Service office and they were selling those little trail emblems and I stood there looking at them and thought, "Those are kind of hokey", but for some reason I really wanted one for my stick. I walked away and looked at some quad maps, but then I realized that I was just hokey anyway so I went and bought one of the emblems and didn't waste any time nailing it right on my stick.

Now, I don't go in for the fancy twisty, varnished sticks, they're way too hokey. (Although I did see a pretty cool one in a little shop in Branson one time <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Bill

Weight, mostly.

I've got two sets of the walmart blue ones (with the compasses) and they've been fine for a couple years for me and my wife. The tips are worn out and once one wouldn't lock. If this happens, loosen it all the way, pull it apart into two pieces, and then slip a knife blade (or something safer like a thin stake if you have it) in the slot of the plastic lock thingy. tighten it just enough so that it will still fit back in.

My advice: buy the walmart ones. use them. if you break them, buy new ones. if you wear them out or want something lighter you'll be in a better position to know what you want.

Also, be sure you learn to loop them properly (make a loop, then stick your hand UP through it, then hold both the pole and the loops pressed against the handle). this way your weight falls on the base of your fist by way of the loops, instead of simply holding the pole and using the loops to keep them from falling if you let go.

I would think weight and durability to answer your question. I never gave them much thought till I got a pair from my kids as a b-day gift. So cause they were a gift from my girls, I was forced to use them. They were $30 a pair at target and after 40 miles on a trip this summer with them, I'm sold. I checked out the poles they have at walmart and they fell apart. Target wins...

I bought the $15 pair at Walmart for my boys. I have a pair I got at Galyan's years ago, for @ $20 each. They wanted some, just like mom, and I figure these were a good, cheap test set! (I bought the $40, 10# tent too!) I don't know if we'll just be car camping with day hikes or if they'll come to enjoy bp'ing. If they really like it, and learn to take care of gear, we'll spring for a Rainshadow 2!

Theresa in Indy

Glad to see you're carrying on in my spirit during my abscene Bill <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />..Dang meds <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> grumble...mumble..oh the pain <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Earthling - good to hear from you! How are things going?