Newbie: First Post: Need Walking Stick/Pole

[atwnsw]

First, I don't believe that this is the correct forum for posting a question about hiking in Hawaii, but would appreciate somebody directing me to a board where I could find this information.

I am leaving for Hawaii next Friday and would like to order a walking stick/pole for both myself and my wife. We would only like one pole each. I have no idea on which to get and how much to spend. I have read that antishock are the best and would like to have a compact/telescoping pole/stick. This is a one time deal as I live in Florida and don't hike but maybe once a year so I really don't want to spend a lot on a passing whim....

There are some on fleabay, and I have no idea which to get unless they are complete junk.

Can somebody point/direct me to a good inexpensive website and which model to buy?

Thanks in advance.

Anthony

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=23809&item=5174890559&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=23809&item=5173655261&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=23809&item=5174965429&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=23809&item=5174965507&rd=1

[oldsmores]

Try here:
Sierra Trading Post
Pretty good selection, pretty good prices...

[redhawk]

If you are just using a single pole, then you really don't want any of th hi-tech stuff that we use for backpacking.

Before I started using treking poles, I used to just find me a nice long limb layingon the ground that had not been dead for too long, and cut it to size.

I still have a single pole that I carved and used from time to time.

If you decide to buy a telescoping pole anyway, with a single pole the antishock is definately a waste of money and from all I can see. most people will tell you that they really don't make any difference period, other then to relieve your wallet of a little more money. I can't verify or deny that because I have never used an anti shock pole.


I

[Rik]

I used to hike with a stick as well before I started using trekking poles. I agree that anti-shock seems like overkill for what you describe you will use it for. I'm wondering about whether you need anything at all for just one trip or if finding a stick there wouldn't meet your needs. If you plan to travel with it then having something collapsable would certainly be easier to pack but why purchase something for just one trip. Save your money for sunscreen!

[Tom McG]

If you are looking for a metal hiking pole, the one I would recommend is the Masters Telemark. The advantages of this one over other makes is that is very sturdy, the baskets are interchangeable (it comes with 3 different size baskets) and the tip is longer then the other brands out there. I have tried, and broken 3 sets of Leki and 2 sets of Black Diamond. It took me 6 years of hard hiking and skiing to finally break a Masters. The locking system on the Masters seems to hold better then the Leki. The Black Diamond has a very good locking system, they call it the "thumb flick" the problem with the BD's is that the poles are very thin where the sections connect. I've tried the shock absorber types and I think they are very overrated and over priced. This also gives you one more thing to break.
Finally, if you are just going to need it for one or two trips, then I agree with Redhawk... pick up a stick when you get there.

Tom

[atwnsw]

Thanks everybody............ Great Board!!!!!!

Aloha