Leki Corklite Aergon Speedlock

These are great to use to assist when you have knee issues or if steep descents are problematic for you. They are good for long trekking excursions, taking pressure of the knee joints and enabling day after day hiking to be far more enjoyable.

I bought these about two years ago from Amazon.com. I am a big girl and have knee issues. I was starting hiking again after years off and worried that my knees would need more support.

I live in Las Vegas and my hikes are in the hills around the Vegas Valley, Mt. Charleston area, and Red Rock Canyon. Lots of scrambling as I rock climb now too.

These poles have been very very good and support me well. Early on, it seemed the locks gave a bit a few times but that may have been user error because in the last year or more, no more slipping and I use them a lot! I also put all my weight on them often!

I took them to Nepal and used them on the Everest Base Camp trek and they performed EXCELLENTLY. They never failed me once despite some rigorous used and the fact I often leaned all of my weight into them and even used them almost as crutches to help get up steep terrain.

The baskets have never budged and are durable. I have not had to replace them yet after lots of use. The tips grip well, though when on slippery rock I tend to be a little more careful in case of unanticipated slippage.

This model does not have shocks, but the flexibility of the pole seems to be helpful in that regard. I did get a small blister on each palm after 8 days of all day use and sometimes my hands would tingle from the pressure I placed on the grips.

I would have gone 5 stars but the slippage in the beginning knocked 'em down a half.

They are light, sturdy, good support, and the cork handles are really refreshing! They absorb hand sweat well and there is no residue or slough off of any kind. I feel like they sort of break in to my hand like a treasured glove!

There are adjustable straps, but I just use them in case I lose grip so cannot comment on their technical usefulness. I have used these on rock and in dirt and have had no slip issues, though I am quite careful about rock.

^^ Leki Poles at Everest Base Camp^^