Poles trekking, skiing

[pulverschwein]

What's the difference tween trek poles and ski poles? Is there one other than maybe baskets, tips? Always see deals on lekis and other hi-end trek poles on SAC and dunno whether to buy em.

Need me some nice 3 section telescopin' poles (BDs'ld be nice), maybe wit whippet(s) for boarding - my two section telescopers are dangerous on fast descents through tight trees when they's on me pack.

Mucho gusto.

[RR]

The older three-section Whippets may be better suited for boarders as they can pack down shorter.

Strength-wise the two-section poles are often stronger and are more for skiing than treking.

Real trekking poles may have "ski" baskets that fit, but they aren't as able to resist impact shortening or breakage as well as ski poles. In fact, big expeditions usually like to see seperate sets for the various functions. That way there is a full set of back-ups.

[boardman]

I busted one of my old BD trekking poles a month ago coming down the GOS trail. Didn't have the ski baskets on them, so when one poked through deep while I was racing around a corner, it snapped. Of course, these were the old BDs that didn't have the FlikLok mechanism in the lower tier; the little spring-loaded pin had worn out last season, so I permanently fixed the lower section with screws and wingnuts. Worked fine until I broke it. So I bought a new pair of BD's, now with the FlikLok mechanism on the upper and lower telescoping portions. Nice thing is it allows you to not extend the lower part so much, thus keeping it stronger. Of course, first day out with them, I bent one slightly . . . :doh:

[cms829]

lifelink..... guide ultra lights. pack down pretty small. I love mine. top quality. climb, hike, and ski with em.

[cbcbd]

Ski poles are stronger.
Ski poles generally have breakaway straps, trekking poles do not.

[PWDR8S]

Two words..... Flick Lock.... or Click Lock. Avoid the twist locks.

twist locks tend to slip when they get wet. I've gone through 2 pairs of Leki's with twists and hated them and now have Komperdell's Carbon Fiber poles with half baskets with Flick Locks/Click Locks... you know... the tab you can adjust tightness and flick er shut and tight.

I have trekking poles and they do have wrist straps.