Comparison review: Comparing various types of trekking poles [For hiking, snowy mountains, trail running]

Detailed reviews of each item

Comfort and weight

There is very little doubt that "more comfortable walking" is the most important point for trekking poles. However, it may be difficult for everyone to agree on what Paul should make it comfortable.

The editorial department first breaks down the elements that make up the comfort of a trekking pole into three perspectives: the grip material and shape (easiness to grip), the strap, and how the pole fits on the ground, and has compiled the evaluations of each of them as a comfort category. Another particularly important element of comfort is "weight," which is an independent evaluation item.

The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork has a cork grip that is non-slip and fits well in your hands, a soft strap around it, and a sturdy and stable feel, making it the pole I felt was the most comfortable to use. In the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ is also the light weight of about 350g, which reduces the stress of walking to the limit. The LEKI Micro Vario Carbon AS uses ergonomics to make it the most comfortable grip and overall lightness, both of which are well-balanced. These three models are superior or inferior for convenience, but in terms of overall comfort, both are difficult to match, and in reality, each person will find their likes and dislikes depending on how they are used and their tastes.

Grip material

Although the evaluation of grip materials differed slightly from model to model, "cork" and "EVA foam" were generally favored by all testers. To repeat, the high grip and comfort of the cork have a unique charm that can only be achieved with natural materials. It is also said that corks are generally more durable and last longer than EVA, but even after using EVA grips for just over a year, there are not many scratches. I think this depends on how you use it. On the other hand, many people did not appreciate rubber because of its ease of rubbing and the discomfort when wet. However, since it does not absorb water in cold regions, there is no need to worry about freezing, so it has an advantage over other materials. Finally, although polyethylene (plastics) is inexpensive and hygienic (and there is no need to worry about freezing), it is not suitable for intense activities or for long-term use, as it generally slips quite a bit, deteriorates over time, and is not suitable for use intensive activities.

The thickness of the grip

I didn't notice it until I actually compared it, but the grip thickness of the poles varies slightly depending on the manufacturer or model. the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ , the SINANO Folder FREE 125 , the Helinox FL120, all had thin grips (23-24mm), while KOMPERDELL were thick (about 29mm) that would make them feel a bit bulky for people with small hands. It wasn't an extreme effect on the evaluation, but it seems that there will be some impact as female testers were very rated by the Helinox FL120, which I felt wasn't quite right. It's a good idea to take care when choosing.

weight

The Helinox FL120 weighs almost 300g , is undoubtedly the top lightweight rating. What's more, carbon has been considered to be advantageous in terms of lightweight properties, but it's surprising that aluminum is so light. This model, which is lightweight, compact, highly durable, and low-priced, is one of the best ways to enjoy trail running activities in this comparison. On the other hand, it seemed to have been somewhat difficult to understand overall comfort, such as the very thin and simple grip and the magnitude of vibration when thrusts with the ultra-fine shaft. An effective way to use this pole is to use it in a way that is completely unsatisfied.

Overall, there seems to be a boundary line that makes it seem "light" about whether or not it costs less than 400 grams. In that sense, the SINANO Folder FREE 125 has a strong impression of being a particularly light pole, and as it gets further, the weight difference will only be felt in the 50 gram increments.

When you line up the grips, you can see that they vary not only from material and shape, but also from thickness, vertical length, and strap texture.

Fixed and adjustable functions

As explained in Pole There are various ways to fix and adjust the pole depending on the purpose and price range Unlike the screw lock method, which requires a certain amount of grip strength each time to tighten it tightly, even those with low strength can easily and securely securely. In addition, the length can be adjusted and is less likely to break down, so the recent advanced lever locks are generally excellent for models from all manufacturers.

Among the lever locking methods of various manufacturers, the Speed ​​Lock 2 System installed in the LEKI Micro Vario Carbon AS Moreover, since it is foldable, the bottom can be pinned with just one touch, allowing for quick settings. By the way, the fixing force is also very easy to use, without the need for a screwdriver.

The screw locking system is not only a hassle to tighten, but also has a negative evaluation of the fact that it is sometimes too tight and stops moving, or the lock system breaks down and cannot be fixed. The only advantage that can be said to be the case is that the poles are not overhanging, making them easy to store, but the reality is that the recent compactness of locking systems has become a concern for mood.

The difference in locking method. The fixing force and lever operability are slightly different for each brand. There are also minor differences, such as the need for a screwdriver to adjust the hardness.

Storageability

The storage capacity of a pole can be said to be almost the same as the connecting method of the pole. From this perspective, three models the SINANO Folder FREE 125 , LEKI Micro Vario Carbon AS , and Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ All of these are less than 40cm in storage size, so you can safely store them in your backpack. In particular, the SINANO Folder FREE 125 is 36cm tall, so it's hard to find a pole that can be stored so compactly even when looking around the world.

However, there was one thing to note about this storage capacity. Folding poles are great for storing in the main compartment or side of a backpack, but the compactness of the pole attachments that are attached to the front of the backpack, or the active pole attachments that come with the pack, such as Osprey, can cause the compactness of the pole attachments that can't be installed (or is difficult to install). I hope that backpack manufacturers will soon be able to deal with this issue, but at the moment, we need to be careful.

Different storage sizes. Generally, foldables are compact, but the lengths are slightly different between foldables and telescopes.

Durability

When it comes to pole durability, you tend to focus on the material of the shaft. However, although aluminum generally has the characteristic of being easy to bending but not easily folding, carbon is easy to break but is less likely to bend, the reality is that it is not possible to make a simple comparison of which material is stronger. For this reason, we do not evaluate the differences in strength depending on the material in detail here, but rather compare the durability of the entire item, mainly the shaft thickness (weight), the connection structure, and the ease of breaking of each part.

As a result of comparison, the KOMPERDELL Explorer Compact Power Lock has a larger shaft diameter than other poles, and each part is also sturdy. As a result, there are no very clever parts and it is a very basic construction. Other Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork has also been found to have the highest overall durability, with a thick shaft diameter and cork used for the grip. However, despite its relatively lightweight carbon, it is so heavy that it loses the goodness of the carbon of about 500g.

The strength and weight vary not only depending on the material but also the thickness (thickness) of the shaft. In general, the thicker the stronger the stronger.

Versatility

Not only can trekking poles be adapted to a wide range of activities, seasons and terrain by attaching (replacing) optional parts, but this item evaluates the wide range of options. Specifically, there are size adjustments, whether or not there is a basket option for snow surfaces, whether or not there is an anti-slip cap for paved roads and wooden roads, and whether or not there is an extension grip for steep slopes.

These abundance of options are three : the LEKI Micro Vario Carbon AS , the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork , and the SINANO Folder FREE 125 All of these models are top-notch in terms of price. On the other hand, the lowest priced KOMPERDELL Wild Rambler has no options other than size adjustment and snow basket options, so it may be a bit difficult to use on any course other than a typical one. This also shows that the higher-end models have a wide range of options and are easier to use all-around.

An extension grip for temporarily holding the pole shorter on steep slopes. Non-slip designs like KOMPERDELL are highly practical.

Various baskets, stone thrust caps. Baskets are not necessary in the snowy season, but for snow surfaces, you will need a wider item (second from left). The cap is also better with a non-slip construction.

summary

Judging from the overall rating alone, we once again learned through the test that trekking poles are either cheap or bad to a very high degree, meaning that the price and ranking are generally proportional. Due to the nature of the items, there are no differences in design, so it seems that functions (performance) and price are inevitably linked directly.

However, if you have a specific purpose you want to prioritize, it is best to use it in detail accordingly. distance carbon FLZ for hiking in three seasons , Helinox FL120 Micro Vario Carbon AS for full-scale climbing Alpine Carbon Cork for snowy mountains . On the other hand, even for models in the mid-price range, it has been discovered that manufacturers have strengths and weaknesses in terms of the type of grip, durability, and ease of use. are LEKI or KOMPERDELL for comfort , Helinox LEKI for locking mechanism KOMPERDELL for durability Montbell for cost performance , so these trends are useful when choosing a model that suits your taste.

For better or worse, this time the test focuses on classic trekking pole models. It is true that there are many better (pointed) models that were not included in this test. We will also be covering these in future reviews, but if you look at them from the same perspective, it will help you decide whether the model is the right choice for you, so please take a look at it.

We also recommend this article about trekking poles.

• How to choose a trekking pole that you won't regret
• weight? function? price? 7 recommended trekking poles by type
• Review: Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ

Read more

How to choose a trekking pole that you won't regret

weight? function? price? 7 recommended trekking poles by type

Recommended trekking poles and clever ways to choose from mountain lovers who have compared over 50 of them [Complete Guide]

Review: Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ