Customer Reviews

Collapsible Aluminum Shock-Absorbing Hiking Pole - Walking Stick with Camera Mono-Pod (Colors may vary)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

After reading the previous reviews that didn't have the specifics I wanted, I took a chance, and here's what I have so far: total weight is 10 oz. Extended this trekking pole measures 54" (a bit short for a monopod), collapsed it is 27". It telescopes at two points, both which use twist/friction locks. Once locked, I could put considerable weight on the pole without any slipping, the pole bowing some instead. The grip is foam rubber (a plus in the rain) and the wrist strap is both adjustable and removable. The teeth on the carbide tip are not as deep as other treking poles I have used. The cap for the tip is push on, not screw or twist on, so there is some risk of losing it. The baskets are threaded, reducing the risk of losing them. The woodem knob unscrews to reveal a camera mounting screw. The compass doesn't work on mine.

Overall it is what I'm looking for, but I will post an update after I actually take it backpacking.

The quality seemed to be OK but the locking cam broke after playing around with it. Some thing came loose inside the handle. I am returning this and already ordered a Manfrotto-Bogen, which has locking tabs instead. I was told by a sales person at REI that the tabs are more dependable and stronger than the cams. I should have listened.

I made the mistake of attempting to buy a walking stick that could be used as a monopod. This item isn't even an adequate walking stick. When I received it I extended it to the correct height and leaned on it. Slightly. It collapsed. There was no way that I could tighten this thing enough that it would even begin to bear my weight. I returned it and purchased a monopod that could be used as a walking stick. Maybe I got a bad model, but I wasn't willing to give it a second chance.

I struggled a lot in deciding to buy this. I needed it mainly for the monopod feature, but wanted the shock-absorption for future hiking. Some reviews indicated it was really cheap in quality, but most other products were either ONLY monopods, or walking sticks. The next one's up in price that did both were much higher price. Price was a factor for me, so I finally decided I would get it and mainly use it for monopod. It arrived quickly, was a good color for me, and seemed pretty nice. As a monopod, it worked well, I have no complaints. I figured it would break down quick as a walking stick, but it actually has held up surprisingly well (and I didn't baby it too much). The shock absorber works, the assembly holds reasonable weight, tightens OK, and I like the wood cap w/ compass. I actually recommend.

A very handy and attractive light walking stick to steady one's self on moderately rough terrain. It is easy to extend and collapse and when extended the joints tighten sufficiently to provide a fairly sturdy stick. It looks and feels a little flimsy but is steady enough for a light walking stick. You wouldn't want to put anything like your whole weight on it, though. The little plastic thing that supposed to provide some traction on rock or ice seems to me to be worthless. It's dull plastic teeth wouldn't provide any grip. The stick might work as a monopod for a small camera; I haven't tried it, but I wouldn't trust a heavier camera, e.g. a DSLR, to it.

I first tightened up the pole and tried it out and it seemed pretty good for the price. I then tried unscrewing the nob to reveal the "camera monopod screw" but it was lose and then I notcied the screw was broke in half inside the nob; thus, making this useless for either hiking or using as a monopod. The only way to get the nob back on is to screw it; well, I'm not taking a chance on this screw breaking in my SLR. It's one thing if the pole was weak (untested for longer than 1 minute so unsure of its long term stability), but for the screw to break means it could easily break on my SLR, something that would be very difficult to fix without a drill and a risk to the equipment...

When it comes to high end cameras, if that's what you are interested in this for, I would recomend paying more for something that's stable, and will not break within 5 minutes of opening the box as this did for me.

This stick met my objective of collapsing to a size that would fit in a rolling duffel bag and support weight on the trail. After the first use, a spring got lost inside. Back at home, we were able to get it out, and the stick is back in working order.

This product is almost exactly what I was looking for. We are going on a trip that will include a good deal of walking. We needed to be able to pack a hiking pole. This one does not collapse as far as I'd hoped, but it is ok and will fit in my our suitcases. I've not yet used it for walking/hiking.

This is the third type of aluminum hiking pole/monopod I've tried. It was the cheapest and the least satisfying. The pole seems slightly more flexible than other models and the foam handle doesn't feel as "strong" or dense. I do kind of like the wooden knob with built-in compass, but one of the two poles ordered came with a cracked compass lens and the fluid had leaked out.

The biggest gripe is the camera mounting screw is too long so that the base of the camera does not rest against the mounting plate. The mounting screw is made of aluminum and could easily break off with camera attached. Other poles had mounts made of steel.

Otherwise, as a hiking pole it works fine for my use - mostly balance aid, poker and deflector.

Next purchase will be the similar "deluxe" model costing $10 more.

This is a great product. We took it on our trip to Hawaii and it proved to be invaluable because my wife hurt her foot before we left. This handy little stick supported her through many very long hikes.

Doubling as a camera pole was also great. We were able to take our pictures in our wedding outfits by ourselves on a deserted beach.
You can't beat it for the money.

We ordered another one when we got back.