Trekking Pole?

[stevevan]

Hello: Looking to purchase a trekking pole. I see they come with either twist lock or lever lock adjustable legs. Based on experience which of the 2 choices is the most secure and easiest to use? Thanks

 

[Wyoming Hart]

I'd say that it's just a matter of preference on your part. I haven't used twist locks, so I can't give an equal comparison. The lever locks are simple to adjust as I'm sure the twist locks are. The only comparison I see with poles is brands. I know that there are some differences in pricing and quality there. I have a pair of Leki's that I got for about $50 on Camofire and they have served me well so far. I'm sure others on here have more testimonials that they could share.

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

I've owned both (Leki twist lock and Black Diamond flip lock). I snapped the aluminum Lekis and have had them slip on me when not properly tightened. With that said they are still an excellent pole.

I will go with Black Diamond flip lock carbon fiber poles in the future, like gifts for my boys.

 

[Tim McCoy]

I decided to forgo adjustments for hopefully added ruggedness. Have had slippage/ breakage issues with twist and lever models in the past, I do tend to be hard on stuff.

I found some black diamond distance Z poles, they break down, but lock into place once extended. 10 days in the Tetons last year, alls well so far and did not find the lack of adjustments was a problem.

 

[CoHiCntry]

I've never had the lever lock, only the twist lock. They are on a pair of Leki super makalu (sp?) that I've owned for probably 15 years. It's the first and only pair I've ever owned. I use them for mostly backpacking and hiking trips and occasionally snow shoeing. I paid what I thought was a ridiculous amount of money back then for hiking poles... over $150. I think with poles you get what you pay for. Have heard lots of stories about the pole breaking on a trip. Mine have been on to many trips to remember over the years and are still going strong! The twist locks work fine for me. On another note, I love the poles and wouldn't go climbing or backpacking without them!

 

[Ikeepitcold]

I have the twist locks and never had a issue. They work well. I would say just make sure they are spring loaded it help absorb a lot of the shock of the poles hitting rocks.

 

[Iron Mike]

I own the three different types - Twist lock, Flip locks and Z poles. IMO the twist locks have the best chance of slippage. Flip locks are easier to get tight but my go to poles now are a z pole style from Leki the Micro Vario Ti's. They have less adjusments then the other two but are solid with no slippage. If you are a giant or extreamly short they may not fit you. I thought about getting the Leki z pole style in carbon but the weight saving was not tremendous and I snapped a carbon pole a few years ago when it stuck in a rock. I bent an aluminium one once also but at least it was still functional! Lots of good brands out there and if you go top of the line like Leki, Black Diamond and a few others you can spend upwards of $200. Of course you can get a decent set for half that but as with most things we crave to hunt with you usually get better as the price goes up. Are the most expensive ones twice as good ones that are half the price? Probably not but they are better. Do some research and if you goggle around you can find some great side by side comparisons. Good luck!

 

[Bughalli]

Each one has pros/cons for style and material. They all break (i.e. tip gets wedged between rocks when crossing a boulder field/rock slide and you don't realize it until too late). I have had the twist locks slide when carrying a heavy pack, which spooked me little when relying on them for stability due to high pack weight. If I fell, which I didn't because it only collapsed by 3 inches, I wouldn't have been able to stop the fall/tumble until I reached the bottom. After that I really cranked them tight.

More recently I switched to the Z style and really like them. Three pieces that detach and have a cable running inside them. I think mine are Leki as well. They can't slide once assembled, but you have no height adjustment either. I bought them a little long because I typically need them more on the down hill vs the uphill. One nice benefit is that they are 5 inches shorter than the other styles when collapsed. So they fit in the pack vs strapping outside and poking everything.

I've heard the carbon twist ones at Costco are good value. I haven't used them. I bought my Z style ones on Sierra Trading Post.

 

[tdub24]

I have 2 of this and have been very happy with them.

http://www.rockymountainamblers.com/volkstaf.php