Montem Ultra Strong Trekking, Walking, and Hiking Poles - One Pair (2 Poles) Anti-Shock Cork Handle - Collapsible, Lightweight, Quick Locking, and Ultra Durable

I took some time looking for the perfect trekking poles, and - for me- these were the best.Believing 7075 aluminum is more durable than carbon, I looked for known and reliable companies (check); poles that were collapsible (was told long-term integrity is better than folding); poles that had good reviews (check); poles that were light (check); and shock absorbing springs to dampen the impacts to my arthritic shoulders (check).I also wanted poles that could be reduced to around 14", and these only collapse to 24". I did find a collapsible pole that reduced to (I think) 16" - But they were not shock absorbing, lacked other Montem features, and I wasn't as confident about the manufacturer. The collapsed size, however, was nowhere near as important as my other wants.In the end, these are the perfect poles for me, and have been everything that I expected.PLUS - Montem quickly, professionally, courteously, and completely addressed any and all of my questions or concerns throughout the process.

Easy to adjust. Cork handle does not seem too be high quality cork

They will not stay in the locked position. After taking just one or two steps, they always pop back into the shock absorber position, which is terrible for climbing uphill.

I used these trekking poles and one of them broke while on my trip. I contacted the company. They got back to me the next day and sent out a new set of poles very quickly. I can highly recommend their customer service, especially Carla.

Got these end of season 2019, so started using them in 2020. Probably used them around 10-15 times a year since then for some all day hikes or some quick treks. Loved the handles, and loved the shock mechanism. Went on my first trip of the year a few days ago and while crossing a river, as I went to replant the pole, it suddenly got lighter and as I looked over at my hand all that was there was the grip, the pole was just standing there in the river between a couple rocks. It was not jammed by any means, a light tug and I had the pole. Unfortunately, the spring fell out into the river, and the pole and handle wouldn't stay attached anymore after pressing them back together. Two days later the exact same thing happened to the other pole, this time the pole and the spring were lost to the river. Unfortunate as I really liked these, but I don't want to have to replace them after slightly more than three years of moderate use. Nor do I want to worry about them failing when I'm on the trek with a heavy pack.

The build quality seems good and they were easy to assemble. I would compare these to what would be $100-125 pair of poles from REI, making them a decent value.You do have to fiddle with the screw lever tension which seems less sturdy and slower then a twist lock, but I will reserve final judgement until after a few uses. They were lighter then I expected.

I have other poles that have the flick locks and I bought these because I wanted a spring shock absorbing system and they don't offer that on brands like Black Diamond and Leki. On the other poles I have there is simply the flick lock, and no adjustable wheel to tighten or loosen the locks. This wheel is totally unnecessary. The locks should just open and close. Having adjustable wheels just means the locks will eventually come loose and that could happen at the worst time. They serve no purpose as the poles are basically a uniform width along the entire shaft. There's no need to adjust the locks.

I been using this trekking poles for a little bit over 3 weeks now and they definitely help me walk up and down. I have full confidence that this guys will handle my weight going up or coming down on steep climbs. After having knee surgery, trail walking was kinda a hit or miss for me. Maybe my knee will be OK today or maybe after 40-50 ft I'll turn around because my knee isn't feeling well. This poles have definitely rejuvenated my outdoor life!