K2 Lock Jaw Adjustable Carbon/Alu Probe Ski Pole - 2009 - 2009 BCS

Pretty much these are best used for touring. Not for mogul skiing by any means. The carbon shaft helps lighten them up. Still would carry a real probe, haven't seen any 2 piece system be enough pole to compare to a probe. Really these are nice for the extension for crossing long flats and deep snow.

The first time I used the clamp it broke. The area where the scew is on the clamp is just a weak piece of plastic. Luckily these broke in my living room and not in the back country. I'll be going back to my reliable $25 ten year old REI poles.

I looked at a lot of adjustable poles and it boiled down to this pole and the BD carbon probe pole. I wanted a carbon lower section because of the light swing weight, strength, and a little more "give" when planting hard. These poles rock in that respect. The carbon flexes just a little, but not so much that they seem wobbly like my non-adjustable Scott carbon poles. I have fallen on them pretty hard, but they are still straight. I read reviews of the Life Link poles slipping and haven't had any slippage at all. The main reason I bought these instead of the BD poles was the length. I am 6'2" and I feel 140cm is just a little short for uphill or long traverses. I can pull these out another 5cm and they still seem super strong.

Pros: Light, strong, and long

Cons: I am not a big fan of the colors, but that is only personal taste. Also, the probe feature is cool, but you really should cary a longer probe as well. Also, they don't colapse very small, but if that is important to you, get a 3 section pole.