Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock Trekking Poles - Lightweight Hiking Poles for Men & Women - Adjustable Carbon Fiber Walking Sticks for Backpacking, Trail Running & Outdoor Adventures

Got these in February, and one was broken before October. For a $100+ pole. that is crazy. Was used for light hiking (~30 miles per week) on mostly light trails and didn't even deal with a proper winter, but the bottom shaft section is connected with some thin light hard plastic that snapped and can't be easily fixed. A replacement shaft is available from Black Diamond, but that will be $40 plus shipping for one and will not be any more durable. Trailbuddy poles are $20 and my last pair survived for 2 years before one breaking during a slip in bad weather on a rough trail and at least lasted long enough to stop me falling over, so I guess it is back to them.Looking forward to using these on my next hike.I do a lot of Nordic walking on sidewalks and other paved surfaces, and my other trekking poles - also Black Diamond, and great for the trails - were producing so much vibration that my wrists and even thumb were beginning to hurt. The Pro Shock Trekking Pole has a sort of air cushion at the first joint of the pole that works beautifully to prevent the vibrations from traveling up the shaft and into your hands and arms. Highly recommended!The picture of the poles are not the same as the poles I received. They do not have the shock absorbers in the handles. A bit disappointed. They need to have the correct picture or send the poles shown.Also I could not screw on the snow baskets I have to these poles. Not sure why?Wonderful sticks!! The shock function makes a big difference. Just got back from hiking southern Germany and these made a huge difference. For TSA purposes, can not take these in your carry on, however they do collapse down nicely and fit in luggage.530g/pair but strong.Nice and strong, while also feeling light enough. The small amount of shock bumper is enough to feel and I think is worth it for a little hand stress reductionOk.. these are great poles ... love the new click system, however the picture shows the shocks and that's what I wanted. These are NOT THE SHOCKS!The Poles arrived considerably scratched, which was an utter disappointment. The foam handle on one of the poles had a considerable dent in it that would feel uncomfortable. Even sections of the pole that would normally be hidden when collapsed were damaged. I have included pictures so see for yourself the unacceptable way these poles arrived, they look as if someone had deliberately taken a file to them.Additionally while the packaging advertises the inclusion of snow baskets, the pair of poles came with only one basket. One pole arrived with a strange white residue on the outside, very odd and disconcerting.Away from the terrible state they arrived in the poles themselves are a mixed bag. The handles and straps feel comfortable and supportive, mysterious dents aside.The Flicklock Pro adjustment system seems very sturdy and secure, again putting aside scratches all over. While the Smashlock Mechanism rattles and jiggles around somewhat loosely, and that sort of movement in one of the thinner sections of the pole is concerning as movement means wear and abrasion, making this point one of the most likely areas to break. Personally even after seeing it for a few seconds I can say I am not a fan of the Smashlock Mechanism Black Diamond have put on these poles.Overall I cannot recommend these Poles and will be contacting the Seller immediately.These trekking poles are excellent, the build quality is spot on. Light weight and super easy to adjust to your preferred height. They are the smallest once collapsed but nothing that should bother a hiker. They look near with a great painted finish. Sturdy and firm, I would recommend to anyone thinking of buying poles. When in Cornwall last week, we encountered several people with this exact type, all said good things about them. I came home and bought two sets off Amazon. I’m very pleased. Now we’ve just got to get to The South Rim of The GC in October.A great sturdy product very easy to use and good locking mechanism, the hand grips are comfortable, not the lightest of products at around 250gms per pole but a good balance between performance and weight, I have no hesitation in recommending this product to the enthusiast, perhaps a bit pricey for the novice hiker/hill walker but that's for you to decide your budget personally I think these are good valueExcellent product as always from Black Diamond. The shock absorbers protect your wrists from impact. I also use these to prop my Hilleberg tarps and they are perfect for this also.Easy to adjust and stow.Sturdy well made poles.Used for the first time on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge. Really helped ease the pressure on the knees. Light enough to carry on or in the backpack.You have to purchase the rubber caps separately, but no big issue with that.