Product Recommendations

Ordering thru this site directs you to reliable vendors that carry current quality gear. Selecting the poles that optimally fit you enables you to achieve your goals and helps prevent injury.

Price is only one of many factors to consider. Forego one dinner out for the price difference on a pair of poles that will serve you well for a lifetime.

Make the best decision the first time and learn optimal use so you can form a deep and lasting connection to your poles.

Check our Pole Buyer’s Guide Page to learn about pole features & benefits.

Check our Blog to learn what optimal pole fit means (and to get DVD updates).

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Our Top Picks listed by your primary goal:

Your Primary Goal	Start by checking out:
Mobility & Balance	1) Exerstrider (the strapless option) 2, 3, 4) LEKI Speedlock (for ease of adjusting) 7) Black Diamond Contour Elliptic
Hiking	2, 3, 4, 5) LEKI – any model listed 6) Black Diamond Trail Ergo
Exercise & Fitness Walking	8) LEKI Nordic Walking 1) Exerstrider

FREE Pole Purchase Consultation

If you know which poles you want to purchase, please click on the poles purchase button which will take you to a quality internet resource that carries the model you've selected.

If you don't know which poles suit you best, click the consultation button to fill out a form with information that will help us assist you. We will contact you with some feedback and ideas. Any feedback we provide will be done in the spirit of helping you to make your own decision on which poles fit and suit you best.

Exerstrider: Fitness Walking Poles

Price:	$89.95, including fitness rubber tips.
Features:	19 oz. No straps. Uniquely-designed grips are designed to be comfortable for use without a strap.
Length	OS2 (fitness)–Max: 52”, Min: 30” Activator (balance) – Max: 51”, Min: 29”
Grip	Ergonomic grip’s “orthotic” design allows the hand to rest on the flared bottom of the grip. Using a relaxed hand position helps to maintains a more neutral wrist . Flared design above and below hand allows for weight bearing without the need for a strap.
Adjustability	Comes in 2 recommended styles: 1) Fitness/Nordic walking pole version (OS2) uses easy-twist adjustability 2) Balance walking version (Activator) uses spring loaded button-in-hole safety adjustment. Do not order one piece poles. Adjustability is an important aspect of learning and progressing. See either DVD to learn how adjustability helps you achieve optimal use on a variety of terrain (like curbs, stairs and ramps).
Basket	Accepts optional small/trekking and large/snow baskets.
Tips	Concave carbide tip and come standard with rubber boot-shaped fitness tip Optional bell-shaped balance tip ($10) strongly recommended for balance and mobility use.
Warranty	Lifetime warranty against defects.
Pros:	A good choice for people who want to try poles but are unsure about using straps. For Balance issues, the bell shaped balance tip adds stability.
Note:	These are not hiking poles. Exerstriders are excellent for exercise walking and for people with balance and mobility issues. The website accessed thru the purchase button gives much more info.

LEKI: Thermolite Aergon XL SpeedLock

Retail Price	$139.95
Weight	16.8 oz
Usable Range	67-135 cm
Grip Size	Suitable for small & medium hands
Grip Type	Foam, Extra Long 10 degree positive angle
Strap	Locking, Most comfortable with gloves on, Suitable for small hands
Anti-shock	None
Adjustability	SpeedLock
Tip	Concave flex tip (we like this tip), LEKI rubber tip accessory recommended
Basket	Medium size, removable
Pros	Great pole for people under approx 5’6” with smaller hands. LEKI straps have Right & Left which adds to comfort. Lightweight
Cons	Twist type adjusting, requires finesse to learn and use. Read the instructions so you know how to troubleshoot if poles fail to tighten.
Warranty	Lifetime warranty against shaft breakage

LEKI: Corklite & Cressida – 4 Models

Leki Corklite Aergon SpeedLock Trekking Poles - Pair

Leki Corklite Aergon Antishock SpeedLock Trekking Poles - Pair

Leki Cressida Aergon SpeedLock Women's Trekking Poles - Pair

Leki Cressida Aergon Antishock SpeedLock Women's Trekking Poles - Pair

Retail Prices	Corklite Aergon Speedlock: $119.95 Corklite Aergon Speedlock A/S (Antishock): $139.95 Cressida Aergon Speedlock $119.95 Cressida Aergon Speedlock A/S (Antishock): $139.95
Weights	16.6 18.6 15.8 17.4
Lengths	26.4 to 53.1 26.75" to 53" 22.4 to 49.2 25.5 to 49.25
Grip Size	Grip suitable for medium and smaller hands
Grip Type	Cork composite (comfortable) Contoured to 10 degree positive angle, more comfortable than straight grip
Strap	Locking style (pull up on top strap to unlock – see strap video on our blog) R & L straps add to comfort
Adjustability	SpeedLock System for the middle section (which is where most of your adjusting is done – see either DVD to learn about easy adjusting) Super Lock System on lower section
Anti-shock	Air shock on bottom section of A/S models
Tip	Concave flex tip (we like this tip), rubber tip accessory recommended
Basket	Medium size, interchangeable
Bottom Section	Corklite: Extends to 135 Cressida: Extends to 125
Pros	If you use poles as we recommend, then this configuration is the best of all worlds. Easy, fast adjusting with the spiffy SpeedLock system with the quiet air shock absorption on the bottom section. SpeedLock system is easy to use and quick to adjust Excellent price for this quality of pole Bottom section adjusts to 135 – great for people 5’6” and under. Taller people will need to use middle section for baseline. Comfortable rounded top
Cons	This dual system model does not come with the long foam grip - yet.
Warranty	Lifetime warranty against shaft breakage
Cressida Model And Travel Note	LEKI makes a model similar to the Corklite, called the Cressida It’s also available in dual SpeedLock AND SpeedLock with Anti-shock Bottom section extends only to 125, so this model is suitable for shorter people This model is called “Women’s” poles. Select poles that FIT you, not poles that are titled for you.

LEKI: Khumbu - 2 Models

Leki Khumbu Aergon SpeedLock Trekking Poles - Pair

Leki Khumbu Aergon Antishock SpeedLock Trekking Poles - Pair

Retail Prices	Khumbu Speedlock $99.95 Khumbu Speedlock with Antishock (A/S) $119.95
Weights	19.4 20.4 oz
Length	27.6 to 57.1 28 to 57
Grip Size	Standard, smaller hands will need to use gloves for optimal fit
Grip Type	Rubber, Contoured to positive angle, more comfortable than straight grip
Strap	Locking style (pull up on top strap to unlock – see strap video on our blog) R & L straps add to comfort
Adjustability	SpeedLock System
Tip	Concave flex tip (we like this tip), rubber tip accessory recommended
Basket	Medium size, interchangeable
Bottom Section	Extends to 145
Pros	Bottom section extends to 145, suitable for taller people. LEKI straps have Right & Left which adds to comfort. SpeedLock system is easy to use and quick to adjust Excellent price for this quality of pole Comfortable rounded top (Aergon style)
Cons	No anti-shock with this positive lock system. Pole sections can slip if not secured properly
Warranty	Lifetime warranty against shaft breakage

LEKI: Summit Antishock

Retail Price	$99.95
Weight	21.3 oz.
Length	27.2" to 55.1"
Grip Size	Standard, smaller hands will need to use gloves for optimal fit
Grip Type	Cork, Contoured to positive angle, more comfortable than straight grip Rounded top
Strap	Locking style (pull up on top strap to unlock – see strap video on our blog) R & L straps add to comfort
Adjustability	Triple Spring system, adjustable in 3 positions of antishockability
Tip	Concave flex tip (we like this tip), rubber tip accessory recommended
Basket	Medium size, interchangeable
Bottom Section	Extends to 140
Pros	LEKI straps have Right & Left which adds to comfort. SpeedLock system is easy to use and quick to adjust Excellent price for this quality of pole Comfortable rounded top (Aergon style)
Cons	Pole sections can slip if not secured properly
Warranty	Lifetime warranty against shaft breakage

Black Diamond: Trail Ergo Cork

Retail Price	$99.95 pair
Weight	18 oz.
Length	Max: 55", Min: 29"
Grip Size	Regular: Suitable for med or large size hands
Grip Type	15 degree Positive Angle Grip Long foam grip extends down the top section, great for hikers
Strap	Adjustable nu-buck strap, comfortable even without gloves
Anti-shock	No
Adjustability	Flicklock
Sections	Round
Tip	Concave steel tip (we like this tip)
Rubber Tip	LEKI rubber tip accessory recommended. Do not purchase the Black Diamond Rubber Tip.
Basket	Small, removable & interchangeable with snow basket
Bottom Section	Extends to 140
Pros	Bottom section extends to 140, suitable for taller people. Positive Angle Grip can be more comfortable for people with hand and/or wrist issues.
Cons	Pole sections can slip if not secured properly. Strap, although very comfortable, can loosen. Flicklock system can be difficult for people with arthritis in their hands.
Warranty	One year against defects

Black Diamond: Contour Elliptic REGULAR & COMPACT

Retail Price	$119.95 pair
Weight	Compact: 18 oz Regular: 20 oz
Length	Compact: Max: 49”, Min: 27.5” Regular: Max: 55”, Min: 30”
Grip Size	Compact: Suitable for small or med size hands Regular: Suitable for med or large size hands
Grip Type	15 degree Positive Angle Grip
Strap	Adjustable nu-buck strap, comfortable even without gloves
Anti-shock	No
Adjustability	Flicklock
Sections	Elliptic Shape (more fore & aft stiffness – people with serious mobility issues might feel this shape to be more secure)
Tip	Concave steel tip (we like this tip)
Rubber Tip	LEKI rubber tip accessory recommended. Do not purchase the Black Diamond Rubber Tip.
Basket	Small, removable & interchangeable with snow basket
Bottom Section	Compact: Extends to 125 Regular: Extends to 140
Pros	Positive Angle Grip can be more comfortable for people with hand and/or wrist issues. Compact model better for travel and shorter people.
Cons	Pole sections can slip if not secured properly. Strap, although very comfortable, can loosen. Flicklock system can be difficult for people with arthritis in their hands.
Warranty	One year against defects
Special Notes:	Compact bottom section extends to 125. Regular bottom section extends to 140. This link takes you to the site of a wonderful company that offers free shipping. Be sure to select the size you want; both sizes are represented on this page. The compact poles have gray grips and the regular poles have black grips.

LEKI Nordic Walking Poles: Traveller

Retail Price	$139.95
Weight	16.6 oz
Usable Range	80-130 cm
Collapsed Length	26"
Grip Type	Nordic Trigger
Strap	R & L straps are adjustable and releasable Velcro closure for good wrist and hand support
Anti-shock	No
Adjustability	Twist type, SLS locking system
Tip	Concave flex tip (we like this tip)
Pros	Yes, you can Nordic Walk with Trekking Poles Please do not hike with Nordic Walking Poles HOWEVER, if you are going to do Nordic Walking as a regular activity, using poles specifically designed adds to your comfort and performance. We prefer the $200 carbon poles (either 2 or 3 piece), but these poles are our #1 recommendation for anyone starting with Nordic Walking. They’re reasonably priced and fit into your suitcase. LEKI poles are our #1 choice for Nordic Walking poles.
Cons	Twist type adjusting, requires finesse to learn and use. Read the instructions so you know how to troubleshoot if poles fail to tighten.
Warranty	Lifetime warranty against shaft breakage
Rubber Tip	Our favorite, specially-designed tip for Nordic Walking:

Rubber Tips are an essential accessory for your poles. Be sure to order them when you order your poles.

For Improved Balance & Mobility, order the Bell Tips from Exerstrider or email us.

For Hiking, order the basic rubber tips shown below.

For Nordic Walking poles, we like the "wavey" fitness traction tips.

When putting your tips on the first time, put a little baby powder in the tips for easy removal. Make sure you get the tips all the way on. Many more tips on tips in both our videos.