I think their are more likely things to worry about killing you then Lighting. Like getting hit by a train or killed in a air plane crash, On your way to the trail head.

I had never used hiking poles before last summer, a hiking stick once in a while, but not a pair of poles. I LOVE MY POLES!!! Best thing for getting my big rear up or down a switch back with a bunch of steps. I also think I hike faster with the poles then I do with out them. Not sure why, probably something to do wit the movement of your arms and legs together.

Wolfman