10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Definitely extends the distance and pleasure of my hikes. Good for rehab purposes as well., April 3, 2010
Í've owned 2 sets of Leki Makalus for over 5 years now. The first were called the premium triple shock system. The second set, the classic antishock model shown here, was purchased on a trip when I did not have my original ones along. I have been extremely happy with both sets and like the option of having one to loan to a friend joining in on a hike.
I first began using them in order to provide support for my ankles which were injured decades earlier on a fall down a flight of stairs. They never fully recovered enough to not worry about when they could unpredictable roll inward on rough terrain (or the edge of a sidewalk). However, I subsequently learned about "Nordic walking" and adapted this strategy (only slightly, carbide tip rather than the walking tip) to use for most of my local hiking. They have worked great for me. My ankles have become much stronger. These poles and a good set of hiking boots have nearly eliminated the dreaded "ankle roll". In addition, they save strain on my knees going downhil and reduce general fatigue on longer day hikes. Definitely improve my safety when having to navigate around snow (yak tracks and reasonable caution still required). Using two poles in "nordic walk" fashion has also adds to the aerobic value of the hike -- confirmed for me by wearing heart rate monitors.
These Leki poles have been an extremely reliable companiona on all my hikes. I take them nearly every time now, either locally or on occasional commerical hikes I've joined with REI, In Good Company, and to Machu Picchu. Given that in some of these areas the trail administrators rightfully have to discourage damage by metal tips to the stones (such as on the very heavily travelled Inca Trail) I have used simple round rubber walking tips when needed. On the Inca Trail in particular, these rubber tips worked very well for me, provided good traction, were readily accepted by the guides, and survived the trip in great condition. In fact there was sufficient wear left on the rubber to have completed several more rounds of the Inca trail -- but this was not matched by my own stamina. I would not have!!!
The Machu Picchu trip also required the most demanding wear and tear on the SLS of any trip I've done -- (superlock system for rapid release and relock to adjust pole height). The miles of natural stone stairs were not really created for optimal match with my shorter leg length -- either going up or down frequently and randomly exceeded my best stretch. On the first day one of our guides kindly pointed out that people my height needed to substantially shorten the poles while climbing up and lengthen them going down. Given that the trail constantly alternated between its up and down, this resulted in making significant adjustments several times a day for 4 days. I was relieved that this was quite rapidly and easily accomplished for this type of Leki poles. The locks held securely without weaking over the course of the trip -- particularly critical to me when going downhill. The poles are constructed of aluminum -- and I don't really even notice their weight. If my arms have tired, its because of getting out of shape with the motions of nordic walking or leveraging them to go uphill, rather than noticing any fatigue induced just from carrying them.
I have now recommended poles such as this to several of my patients who are not necessarily intending to do lengthy hikes, but simply need more confidence walking around their neighborhood where many of the nearest options have signficant inclines, uneven sidewalks and or may require walking on dirt roads/trails with loose gravel and rocks. The poles plus a bit of training in "nordic walking" has supported some seniors to get started back walking after an injury, a surgery or simply having gotten out of shape. Several of them have reported back feeling delighted with their increased freedom, with more time outdoors, and feeling safer while doing so.
IT IS CLEARLY BEST FOR PERSONS WITH CARDIAC, PULMONARY OR MUSCULOSKELETAL PROBLEMS to discuss the safe use of these first with their physician or physical therapist in order to obtained individualized exercise recommendations. However, in the right settings, these poles used with "nordic style" (and rubber walking tips if needed) provide a very practical way to improve stability, yield more proprioceptive feedback, support better balance over one's center of gravity and reduce unnecessary twisting of the back, hips, knees and ankles.
They do require a monetary investment, something that may seem a little odd at first for walking -- but have been well worth it. For some people regular use of the poles has reduced the need for over-the-counter pain medicines such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium or aspirin. From my point of view that is a huge side-benefit!!!
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
My Walking Has Been Reitalized!, March 15, 2010
I chose to write this review because I've been so pleased with my new trekking poles. I have a friend who has been using them for a few years and he let me borrow his for a 2 mile hike (I hadn't hiked that distance in almost 4 years). I have some issues with neurapathy in my feet as well as some arthritis in my knees. After the hike I experienced little pain (a first for me in a long time) and decided to order these Leki poles. Amazon had the best deal on this model and they showed up quickly. The only con or negative I have to say about this product is that it comes with no instruction(s) whatsoever. The poles are easy to adjust, but with no instuctions I had to rely on my friend's advice to adjust and use them properly. Once that was done I was now hiking on a regular basis (my last hike was a six miler!) with these poles and enjoying it very much. Anyone doing any serious hiking should consider poles as they contribute greatly to stabilizing you, especially when going uphill or down. I now won't hike without them.
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