[pct-l] Pole noise and other comments...

[Stephen]

Yes, when there is stuff loose inside, re: anti-shock spitngs, or falling apart a little bit like junky aluminum types, you will get bonus rattle.  None of these locks seem all too sturdy to me.  I reiterate from a previous post, it wouldn't hurt to get your pole length set comfortably and then wrap the locks with some electrical tape.  This has held my slipping twist locks for many many rough trips hauling camera gear.  I keep extra tape wrapped just below the grips and rarely need it.  Now that I hike with a tarp I do re-tape occassionally because I sometimes shorten a pole at the footend in adverse weather.  Iset the head end pole on an angle so I don't have to keep chaging the length.  It has been my experience that constant use of the locks is the main cause of failure.  One of my poles has a small hose clamp on it which has never bothered me, and they arestillgoing well...
Clamp locks I have only on my carbon tripod, but I think they are similar in that you can adjust them.  I think if you use your poles a lot and intend to hike through with them, get proven strong one's and avoid the anti-shock, this is a gimick, and may or may not be advantageous for back country skiers bombing hard down the slopes.  Ever bomb down a slope and wipeout with a 35lb pack driving you into the snow?  Right, gimick.  

When I use my poles I ussualy have my hand on the top of the handles palm down over them with the thumb hooked under the straps, but not in them.  In this way I am holding them loosely and if they get caught I wont be tripped, the pole wont break, and it is quite relaxed and comfortable.  I only put my hands in and use the strength of the straps grinding up steep hills.  Decending, same thing. Keep palms on top.  If you fall with your hand in the strap and the pole is caught or wedged you can get hurt or break the pole.  Trust and depend on feet first.  I would much rather loose a pole than be tripped up by it, which is very common.  When plowing along on rocky Sierrra trails and the pole gets stuck in rock etc I will make a quick snatch backwards but if it starts to bend I litterally let go, stop and take a step back for the dropped pole.  Be careful with them and practice a relaxed technique.  If hiking in sandals consider carrying them on your pack rather than poking a hole in youre foot by accident until you replace your shoes.  And either use poles very carefully and don't depend on them much crossing streams and never in rock hopping talus.  It is far safer to place the two feet god gave you rather than try and hop around like a four pointed cat and fail.  just carry poles loosely in one hand or put on pack. Trust me on this.  I've seen the blood spill.  And if you fall, you don't want to be stabbed by a pole, or concerned with them in any way.