[pct-l] ski poles as trekking poles?

[veganboyjosh at hotmail.com (josh brown)]

i've never hiked with poles before, but from what i'm reading they seem to 
be something i'd find beneficial. i have enough things to spend big money 
on, with gear and food and stuff, and i'm wondering if anyone has used ski 
poles (modified or not) as hiking poles. a local thrift store has some for a 
dollar per pair, and it's totally worth it for me to try this out.

as i've never been skiing either, i have no idea what the differences are 
between hiking and skiing poles.

anyone? i would think that for the cost of the used thrift store poles and 
any mods i made to them, i'd still come under the cost of a new or used pair 
or specifically hiking poles.

thanks in advance.

josh.