Trekking poles for daytrips - need recommendations

[billski]

Looking for a set of trekking poles to put on my holiday wish list.

I don't need anything fancy and have no interest in high end. I'm a day tripper, with a moderately heavy pack (exploring gear.) I get out several times a year tops. I'm mostly interested in using them on the downslope when things get slippery and the legs are burning. I have a pack with straps to hold them, so they have to fit. Pole weight is not a big concern, but they should be durable and I don't want them collapsing on me, and should be able to last several years. I was thinking about Lekkis. There are so many models. I am probably not going to the stores to look at them, no time.

Any suggestions? Please keep it under $80.
Thanks!

 

[thetrailboss]

Not in your budget, but the Leki Super Makalu Cor Tec (about $130) with the cork handle, gold colored shafts, spring rebound, and angled handles are a standard. I have them and I see many, many of them. They are great. Very light, compact, the springs are nice (I would not suggest this model for snowshoeing as the internal components are not suited for lots of snow).

You just missed a sale that EMS ran on Leki Poles...they were like 25% off or something...except for storewide sales, they almost never go on sale regrettably.

 

[skibum9995]

I'd definitely recommend a cork grip. Leki has a great warranty on their poles, if you break a section they will replace it for free. I'd personally stay away from the expensive titanium and carbon fiber poles as they seem to bend/break easier than the steel alloy poles. I used these on my thru-hike and they lasted the whole trip, only bending once and I was able to bend it back into shape.

 

[thetrailboss]

I forgot to say that my Leki poles are great. I have had them for seven years of tough use and they are still great. They have been on hikes in the Greens, Whites, 'dacks, Katahdin, and in the Scottish Highlands. They are very common...I see them on every trek.

 

[MichaelJ]

Cork handles are really nice - avoid the hard plastic. Also, I find that I prefer a triple-segment instead of just a double. The triples close down a lot shorter and so you can put them up on your pack if you don't need them, and not constantly be snared on trees.

Final bit of advice is that I prefer the clip-lock style to the screw style. If you're out in cold weather the latter can freeze and then you can't adjust the pole at all. Or in wet weather or even over time, the screw style just lose their efficacy.