[pct-l] Suggestions on considering the use of hiking poles

[Mary T Moynihan]

I have been back and forth on the idea of using hiking poles. I didn't use
them on my AT thru hike and with the exception for the few river fords and
occassional rocky downs in the north, I really don't think I missed out. I
like having free hands far too much. However, I have a rather bad knee and
another thru hike will surely add to the injury. I am also thinking poles
will be a great advantage to any snow covered sections of the trail. So,
suggestions?
Here's something else I am wondering. In order to avoid ordering a pair of
poles and then determining that I just do not wish to use them as I am
hiking, would going out on some hikes with ski poles(which I have in my
closet) be able to help me decide if I should trek the 2600 miles with some
additional support to my poor knees. Let me know if anyone has some advice
on this and perhaps if anyone has some cheap(by good ones) hiking poles for
sale.

~Spirit