WilliamC
Thru Hiker
I don't know if they still are, but Karrimor carbon poles used to be carbon fibre and fibreglass. I don't know how that would affect the strength.
Walking poles
- Thread starter Lang pack
- Start date
Graham
Thru Hiker
As I was looking anyway....quite impressed with those 7075 poles and flicklocks 
can confirm Karrimor 'Carbon' poles are 50/50 Carbon/Fibreglass https://www.karrimor.com/karrimor-carbon-walking-poles-784002?colcode=78400290
can confirm Karrimor 'Carbon' poles are 50/50 Carbon/Fibreglass https://www.karrimor.com/karrimor-carbon-walking-poles-784002?colcode=78400290
el manana
Thru Hiker
Tis True..Wouldnt collapse without more work to straighten...i couldnt be @rsed... £16.00 inc delivery to replace.
edh
Thru Hiker
dovidola
Thru Hiker
People vary in weight, build and clumsiness. If you're to the 'fuller' end on that spectrum then I'd steer clear of carbon (for the reasons others have stated) and stick to aluminium alloy in the 18/16/14 mm combo diameter tubing (not the 16/14/12). I've just used my new Lexi Sherpa XL antishocks for the first time and I'm pleased. I got them to replace my old Leki Makalus, which have served well for 7 years but the twist locks are now terminally b*****red. Flick locks are certainly more user friendly, and they've made my mid (Hexpeak) easier to adjust, but only time will tell when it comes to reliability/durability.
WilliamC
Thru Hiker
+1 to the C3 carbons. I've found them to me very strong. They've been through several versions; the ones I have have aluminium lower sections, which suits the rocky terrain we usually hike in.
Teepee
Thru Hiker
I used Leki Makalu's very happily for years with AS. Carbon and Titanium Leki's didn't have any where near enough 'guts' and failed quickly.
I parted company with the aging Leki's after having them pinched 2 years or so ago and went with BD Trails. Good poles but annoyingly bouncy with a grip that doesn't endear.
Now back with Leki Sherpas. Much prefer them to the BD poles; the grip and handle is a much better shape, tips much stronger, straps are comfier and quicker drying. The flicklocks aren't great, but haven't slipped and work fine.
I parted company with the aging Leki's after having them pinched 2 years or so ago and went with BD Trails. Good poles but annoyingly bouncy with a grip that doesn't endear.
Now back with Leki Sherpas. Much prefer them to the BD poles; the grip and handle is a much better shape, tips much stronger, straps are comfier and quicker drying. The flicklocks aren't great, but haven't slipped and work fine.
Teepee
Thru Hiker
Were they the same 12/14/16mm diameter?
Teepee
Thru Hiker
That is a little strange Mole, I could put all my weight on the old Makalus when vaulting and the new Sherpas feel about as stiff. BD's have always felt less secure for me.
Thinking about it, the feel is going to be affected not just by the inherent stiffness of the tubing and grip shape, but the also the tolerances on the union. With flicklocks, there is more noticable play between the tubes. The BD's felt fine at maximium extension, the Sherpa's like an extra 5cm overlap.
Thinking about it, the feel is going to be affected not just by the inherent stiffness of the tubing and grip shape, but the also the tolerances on the union. With flicklocks, there is more noticable play between the tubes. The BD's felt fine at maximium extension, the Sherpa's like an extra 5cm overlap.
Mole
Thru Hiker
I'm guessing the Sherpas a more solid build than standard Makalus? My lekis were both pre 2008 if that's relevant, and often slipped unless really tightened up. ( And often seized without maintenance to the threads and collets). The BDs rarely slipped if the fls adjusted up properly.
If I remember correctly, Ed always reckoned his lekis to be more "sproingy" than BDs too.
Also, I don't really grip my pole handles much - the straps take most of my weight the majority of the time - or hands on the top of the ends if very steep.
I really don't know how folks hold onto their grips all day long. I'm primarily a manual worker and have RSIs from gripping tools for 25 years.
If I remember correctly, Ed always reckoned his lekis to be more "sproingy" than BDs too.
Also, I don't really grip my pole handles much - the straps take most of my weight the majority of the time - or hands on the top of the ends if very steep.
I really don't know how folks hold onto their grips all day long. I'm primarily a manual worker and have RSIs from gripping tools for 25 years.
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jj1
Summit Camper
My poor man's three-section karrimor carbon poles both separated where the top third of the pole joins the other sections while crossing bogs. I stuck them together with zinc oxide tape, which held them in place for the next 12 days. Only problem then was I'd worn the tips right down