bummer, took these out for a training yesterday and bent them severely going up a snowy hill. Will be returning them tomorrow... Definitely not "sturdy".

I've backpacked for years. Thought Trekking poles were for Euros or weenies. I recently bought a pair since I needed to cross a number of snow cover passes. I fell in love with them. They saved me on the descent and increased my speed on the ascent. My girlfriend now sleeps outside the tent and I snuggle up to my beautiful, sleek and sexy Black Diamond Trekking Poles. Sorry Nadia.

Flicklock is the best, the choke down grip is nice, the leashes are comfortable, and it's super easy to take apart and clean. I use this pole for hiking and crossing rivers, skiing in the winter, setting up my fast pitch tent...it works no matter what.

All I can say is "Flicklock". I tried these out after another brand with the old twistlocks failed on me during a snowshoe trip. Try making it down a mountain with a foot of fresh powder and poles that collapse everytime you put any weight on them. When twistlocks fail, you're done as the adjustment occurs when you lock the poles and if that doesn't work, it means the hardware failed. The Flicklock systems is much simpler and exernal so you can easily adjust or diagnose any hardware problems.

Aside from the great BD locking system, these poles are light, strong, and comfortable. The handles are soft and comfy as well as the straps. I often find myself leaning into the straps to rest because its so comfortable and sturdy.

These are sweet. I love the flip releases.

These are well made and the quick flip lock system ROCKS! I returned them only because I decided to go more high-tech and get something with shock absorbers.

these poles are really strong, and i love the quick adjust. this model seems to be a really great option, especially for the price. also, thanks james cooper for answering my question.. it helped!

The Black Diamond locking mechanism makes other designs obsolete.

These poles are great for hiking!
They really help your upper body with the inclines. Get the pole tip protectors for #3.90, it will help with the traction. You will not regret getting these poles if you purchase them....

The flick locks and the handles were my main interest. They exceeded expectations..... and I am a hard-ass on engineering. Also, the handle slings are Sweet! Very soft and easy to snug up and help much when really cruiz'n!

Pros:Excelent behavior, good weight transfer, lightweight and perfect to pack even in a day backpack.
cont. the handle could be more confortable. it could have the ruber tips.

Great for both summer backpacking or winter BC skiing (comes with wider snow baskets). Very sturdy, help up great so far.

I have now used these poles in Capitol Reef National Park (Utah), Havasu Falls (Arizona) and many other trails in Utah. Zero complaints. I am 5' 10" and use these poles fully extended, which works best for me. If you are taller, the compact version of these poles may not be the best choice for you. My wife has a pair of older Black Diamond trekking poles (about 10 years old) and gives them two thumbs up.

Outstanding value for a great pair of poles. Two features I really like are the foam extended grips and quick flip locks. Easy and quick to adjust even while still walking.

I am short (5'4"), so I ordered the compact one. This one fits me well and the flick-lock works great. I used it in the Zions National park. The pole is very strong, yet light,also the grip is very comfortable. strongly recommended if you are serious about hiking and backpacking.

Bought these poles and put them to use. I am 6' 4" and weight 230lbs. I carry my 5 year old daughter in a pack on my back and these poles work great for me. I have tried others of greater value and these work as well or better. I also like how compact one can make them which makes it easy to attach them to the back of my pack.

I am 5'6" and use the compact size. They fit well on the side of my backpack and adjust to length effortlessly when needed.

These are well made and the FlickLock system ROCKS! I returned them only because I decided to go more high-tech and get something with shock absorbers.

For the weight, ease of adjusting, and all around comfort/performance, these trekking poles are more than worth their price. You won't regret your purchase, guaranteed.

I went for these cheaper poles and I was not disappointed. I had never used trekking poles but quickly fell in love with these. They saved my knees and legs. They are light weight and the flicklock is amazing. I watched friends try to fix their twistlocks while I had no problems on the 22 mile adventure with mine. Can't say enough about these poles.

I havent found anything I dont like yet. save my knees , light, strong, compact. Dont buy a twist lock. Seriously use almost everyday.

Just received 2 sets of these Trekking Poles, and, am I impressed. They are very, very lite with infinite adjustment capabilities to suit your preferences. I whole heartedly recommend these to all and I Thank You for the Great service and price, Fabulous !

A great pole for the money. The extra long grips are a treat and help to make up for the fact that these do not absorb as much shock as the high-end poles. Best buy for the casual outdoorsman or for those that want a good pole but don’t want to spend a large amount for it.

These are very durable and nicely priced pair of poles. Much better than those twisty locks that constantly break.

Found these poles to be sturdy, lightweight, easy to adjust.

Do not buy any Black Diamond poles with the binary lock system. Poles like the contour etc. have 1 of each and frankly the binary locks are terrible. They break very easily and will not last even moderate use. My Countours broke on the second hike! Anyways, black diamond does stand behind a product and will do repairs, but just go for the FLICKLOCKS, because they will not break!

I've owned a pair of trekking poles for a few years and have loved them. My wife has been a skeptic and thought I was exaggerating what a difference they made. After a vacation to Utah where we traipsed all over Bryce, Zion, and the Canyonlands, she was willing to give them a try. After a little research I selected these for her and found a great price at this site. We can't get over how light they are and I'm jealous of the flip lock design (vs. my old "twist & slip" poles) and will be asking Santa to upgrade my set for Christmas. My wife, no longer a skeptic, wonders why I didn't do more to convince her earlier .

Put the poles to a 20 mile section hike on the AT. Very pleased.

used these poles in a recent climb of half dome, as well as a four day backpacking trip and they were awesome. totally helped relieve the pounding of the knees and back. the flick locks make adjustments quick and easy even as you are walking and the compact size makes it convenient to throw them on the pack when there is not a need for them. the wrist straps and grip were very comfortable as well.

These are great!! They pack up nice and easy and extend to the length I need. Helped a lot when going down hill and my back doesn't hurt as much, because I can stand more straight. Great for backpacking and lightweight.

I also bought these poles after doing alot of information searching on the internet. Everyone pointed to these as easy to use, having quality construction and very comfortable as well as light enough. I honestly can't dispute any of it. If you're in the market.... do it! Buy these poles unless you can or want to afford carbon these will fulfill your needs.

FYI - we use them for hiking and snowshoeing.

I think the Trail Trekking Poles are a great value. They actually weigh less than some of the more expensive models. I've never really hiked with poles before, and it's been a relief on the knees and makes going down almost bearable.