Shopper Hi... I just started hiking... what trekking poles would you recommend for a beginner?
PATRICIA D Thanks for asking, the Black Diamond Alpine Cabon Cork Poles have been great for long hikes and shorter treks in the local metro parks. They are extremely light, strong and easy to use. They are not entry level , but you won't be entry level for long. They they will serve you well for many years. I live in Ohio where we get heavy winter snow. I have used them for snow shoeing and winter hikes that require improved balance. Once you hike with these great poles to won't leave home with out them.
WILLIAM J The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork poles work great. I've always been of the mind set that at times less is just that. These poles take a beating, offer great support, grip, and with baskets are multi-functional. I don't hike without them anymore. Hope this helps.
GUY F Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Poles. They are light weight and versatile. The foam below the cork is helpful. These poles are designed to be comfortable griping the cork handle or just the top portion of the handle, which is usually how I hold the pole I normally only use one pole while hiking. The edges on the top portion will need to be smoothed down a bit with an emery board. Good Hiking!
MARK T Hiking poles have come a long way. This particular pair is top rate. My son and I recently hiked Mount Rainier the last weekend the trails were open before the roads closed this fall. Steep ascents and switchbacks coming down were much more easily handled with these poles. They greatly improved our safety margin. The cork handles are a definite plus. prefer over neoprene or plastic. Also, the locking mechanism is superior to other styles - less prone to slip. They are very compact and handle airline luggage much more easily. I have leki and other black diamond poles. These are our favorite. can't go wrong looking at current sale pricing. good luck.
RONALD G These are great. Lightweight, strong and compact.
Easy to open, close and adjust.
Removable ends for either snow or hiking.
Highly recommend!
MICHAEL M if your just starting, I'd go w/ a cheaper set of Black Diamond aluminum ones- they are strong, adjustable and the BD fliplock adjusters are rock solid AND they aren't much heavier than some of the more expensive models
if you find that trekking poles are for you (not everyone falls in love w/ them); then you can look into something a little lighter (and more expensive)
MICHAEL P Black Diamond trekking poles are my favorite, I love the locking devices and length adjustment features on all their poles. I've used the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork poles, the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork poles, and the Black Diamond Trail Shock trekking poles. All of them are great. My first pair was the BD Ergo Cork poles, they are a great value for a beginner, and were highly recommended by Backpacker Magazine. The Alpine Carbon Cork Poles are also fantastic for their lighter weight, and the Trail Shock poles are great on downhills for better absorbing the shock in the wrist.
Again, I think the Trail Ergo Cork poles are a great buy for a beginner, and what I would suggest.
IVAN K I'd say figure out what handle material you prefer. The handle comfort is what you will notice most after a long trek, so make sure it works for you. Some folks like foam. Others like cork. After that, you're paying for features... weight, locking mechanism, etc. If price isn't an issue, I'd recommend the elliptical ones from black diamond with the shock ring. They're not the lightest thing in town, but they're absolutely bomber.
HENRY C Hello -
I purchased two pairs of Black Diamond Carbon Cork Poles in spring of 2010 for a hiking trek through Glacier Nat Park. I found them to be very easy to adjust to length, and the cams hold securely once adjustment tension is set. They are sturdy and provide great stability, even for a big guy. They are very light and don't contribute to any arm weariness. The cork grips did get a touch slick, but I sweat alot and it may not be an issue for others. Other than that, I'd endorse them without reservation.