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Author Topic: OLD VS NEW  (Read 5721 times)

Mourneman

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OLD VS NEW
« on: October 22, 2011 »
just wondered what you guys made of these fancy high-tech trekking poles ,are they really worth the money.recently i bought one to see what i'am missing,anybody any thought about them?
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Dowser

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Re: OLD VS NEW
« Reply #1 on: October 23, 2011 »
I don't go into the hills without one.  Tried leaving it in the car a couple of times and really regretted it.

It's great for balance on trickier terrain or descending a steep mountain side.  Why I would opt for "New" over "Old" would be comfort, weight and versatility.

Comfort
The modern handles are ergonomically designed and spreads the contact with the hand evenly.  Older style sticks tend to concentrate the contact/weight in one or two places leading to rubbing, or worse, blisters!!!

The modern walking pole also has a wrist strap which is useful in wet conditions so that your pole can't slip out of your hand and disappear of down the mountainside.

Weight
At 320g I'm guessing the modern walking pole is a lot lighter than its old style counterpart which would normally be made of solid wood.

Versatility
Now, to me, this is were the modern pole wins hands down and is another reason why I never go into the hills without one. 

The length is fully adjustable and I would change mine regularly whilst going over different terrain.  When ascending a hill I would normally have in much shorter than when descending.

If short whilst ascending a steep hill, it can actually be used as a third point (or fourth point, if carrying two) of contact on the ground and definitely takes some of the strain of the calf muscles in the legs.

When descending I would have it set quite long and is great for balance on very steep hills.

My modern pole is also not just used as a walking pole but is a vital part of my kit.  Its second main use is as a support pole for my Tarp which is always in my Ruck.

Again, the fact that it is adjustable is very very useful.  In extreme weather conditions the pole is set at it's lowest setting keeping my tarp low to the ground.  In hot sunny conditions it is set at its max and turns my tarp into a sun shade for dining  or sleeping under.

I have heard of one unfortunate on here (MikeD) who has broken a few but I personally have had the same pole for over three years and it has been subjected to some very severe conditions and survived.  I'm guessing an old style walking stick made from solid wood would be virtually indestructible.

Well, that's my thoughts on Old vs New.  I'll be interested to hear what others have to say.

 8) 
« Last Edit: October 23, 2011 by Dowser »
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Mourneman

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Re: OLD VS NEW
« Reply #2 on: October 23, 2011 »
flip me that's a really good review man,thanks very much,i've used them for a few months now & i must say i've found them very good,my set cost around £40 which i think is a fair price.
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Dowser

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Re: OLD VS NEW
« Reply #3 on: October 23, 2011 »
Quote from: jsurginor on October 23, 2011
flip me that's a really good review man,thanks very much,i've used them for a few months now & i must say i've found them very good,my set cost around £40 which i think is a fair price.

No worries bud... Glad you found it useful.  £40 well spent I'd say  :)
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RedLeader

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Re: OLD VS NEW
« Reply #4 on: October 24, 2011 »
I've oddly found the opposite to Dowser. I used to always take a modern walking pole but never thought they helped me much (apart from river crossing and occasional very steep ascent). If anything I oddly found myself stumbling a bit more, probably from controlling the extra "leg". The pole was extra useful for propping the tarp up but these days I just take 2 lengths carbon fibre tent pole which does the same thing.

Might dig the poles out again and take them for a spin incase I'll find a new love for them.
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LandyLiam

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Re: OLD VS NEW
« Reply #5 on: October 24, 2011 »
i often forget to bring mine, usually leaving them on the car windscreen  ::) but i don't miss them, i do try and bring them if planning to go across boggy ground as handy to check bog depth or use as a pole vault  :) i can fly downhill when using 2 poles, almost skiing!
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mt goat russell

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Re: OLD VS NEW
« Reply #6 on: October 24, 2011 »
Well I think poles r a wast off time thats y god give u feet.. I've never used them never seen the need for them i've seen to mant accedents with ppl trippng on them the pole slipping... NA not my thing but as they say every 1 to there own....
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