A great value, with a very simple design. The flick-lock (sp?) system is nice -- you can't overtighten it and it NEVER slips. I took these on a 5-day 50-mile trek to Isle Royale NP -- lots of rocky trails and rough use, and they came back in great shape. It would be nice to have antishock, but the simplicity and durability can't be beat. I wear cycling glove when I hike, so I can't comment on the comfort when used barehanded. One nice feature is the rubber tip covers are a little larger than most, with a cross-hatched pattern on them. I use them almost all the time. Saved a lot of wear and tear on the wooden bog pathways as IRNP. At $35, the value cannot be beat -- they make me a faster, safer, more confident hiker.

Customer Service

No need to use it :)

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I had a pair of REI Transverse poles -- returned them because they made too much noise (something internal to the pole was clunking) as I hiked.

Good Poles, The flip locks give a bit under stress and must be tightened. Good news though is I fell on one pole on day 5 of the West Coast Trail and broke it in 2 places. I was able to remove the flip locks, take out the busted sections of pole and reinstall the flip locks to get the pole working again, Repair - 30 minutes in the field. Awesome. People fall and things break, trully great products are repairable in the field.

Customer Service

Phoned Black Diamond expressing concern early on about the flip locks loosening up. They sent me 4 new ones within 7 days. Awesome service.

This trekking pole does not come with a shock absorber system. That's the way I like it. Simple and sturdy. The patented 'flik lock' system is fast and easy to use. The pole is fully adjustable and has never collapsed under stress. I also like the moulded ergonomic grip and strap system - very comfortable.

Customer Service

None required.

Used these poles in Kentucky''s Red River Gorge for 3 days and 2 nights. As a rookie hiker, this being only my 3rd multiday hike, I REALLY appreciated the strngth, design, and ruggedness (is that a word?) of these poles. I loved the flip-locks and couldn''t imagine using a 3 section twist adjustment set. I also really liked the fact that they were static and not "shock absorbant", meaning no springs, becasue if there were springs in these things I probably would have taken more than one nasty spill. Overall... I loved them!

After a dismal experience with the Komperdell Rover poles I decided to ditch the anti-shock feature and get back to basics. Picked up a pair of BD Approach poles and couldn''t be happier. Lightweight, strong and comfortable grip. I definitely prefer the flip-lock adjustment to the traditional twist pole adjustment. Couldn''t find snow baskets in my area for the winter, so improvised with a couple of downhill ski baskets.. they fit the poles perfectly. Been using these poles for over a year now, with great results. The flip-lock mechanism has held fast on some pretty steep decents.

Customer Service

n/a

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Komperdell