Nordic Walking Poles Custom Fit to Your Height. Quality 1-Piece Poles - 32 Lengths Non-Collapsible. #1 for Hiking, Trekking, Physical Therapy.

My review is primarily geared towards people who are interested in learning the Nordic walking techniques and are looking for inexpensive, appropriate walking sticks. It is also a comparison of the sticks offered here and the so-called “crappy Chinese” anti-shock, telescoping sticks. I have purchased both and am including photos below.I started Nordic walking about 3 or 4 years ago. At the time, I wasn’t sure that this was something I would continue to do and did not want to spend a small fortune on equipment that would, once again, end up unused in a closet. But I was having trouble walking even a short distance (100 ft. or so) without excruciating burning in my legs and back, so thought I needed to give this a shot. I sprang for the cheap sticks and boy, am I glad I did! Within a few weeks, I was walking a mile with very little discomfort. That distance might be laughable to some, but to me, it was a miracle!But honestly, it had less to do with the type of sticks than it did with learning the proper technique. There are many videos available that demonstrate the technique and anyone interested should spend some time watching them. It is not difficult to learn. In fact once you get the rhythm it’s like riding a bike…you don’t forget how to do it.As far as the poles go, I see little difference in them. Perhaps at a higher price difference there is, but it’s still more about learning the skills.Cheap Chinese poles (the black ones in the photos): When I bought mine I made some modifications. The rubber tips that were included wore out quickly. I replaced those with the boot type of tip which has lasted all these years and many miles. The tips are deeply grooved like snow tires and they do pick up small pieces of sand. This will make them slip some on asphalt, but it’s fairly easy to flick a grain of sand out and continue your walk. I also replaced the sponge rubber grip just below the handle (because it tore easily) with some closed cell tubing that I found online. That wasn’t entirely necessary because you never or rarely grab the poles in that area. I should have just eliminated it altogether.These poles are the twist lock telescoping type (not the clamp type), which is handy when you don’t know what length pole you need in the beginning. But once adjusted, it is a PITA to collapse or readjust them. They do have a scale on them that shows the length you’ve set them to, so if you get these, make a note or find some way of marking the length. I never collapse mine anymore, because I want to start walking immediately, not fiddle with adjustments. However, if you need to pack your walking sticks, and don’t mind messing with the twist locks, this is certainly a consideration when you buy. I have never had the twist locks fail or accidently collapse once snuggly hand tightened.These poles also have the anti-shock springs. It makes them heavier and, yes, they make a rattling noise every time the pole hits the pavement. Their extra weight does makes their footfall more forceful. I see no advantage to the springs at this point, but I’ve heard that they are helpful when going down steep terrain. Can’t say, because most of my walking is on fairly level pavement. BUT, DO NOT let the noise stop you from buying if you don’t want to spend a lot of money in the beginning. Getting you walking again is far more important than any minor rattles.The handle grips are very comfortable and include a strap for your hands to go up through. I found these straps were much more comfortable for me and more convenient to use. Just remember to insert your hand up from the bottom of the strap.Overall, these poles have a bigger diameter than the “real” ones and are slightly heavier. However, I think the few added ounces actually give you a better upper body and arm workout than the lighter poles. So, to me, the extra weight could be advantageous. Cost for these poles was 14.95 for each pole (@29.90). The Leki replacement tips cost $17.31 with tax, and I highly recommend them. I’m not including the rubber grip which is not necessary, so my actual cost was $47.21 with tax.Real Nordic walking sticks (blue in the photos): As noted above, these are somewhat lighter, thinner, nonadjustable, non-spring-loaded poles. It is important that you order the right length. They adjustable have glove like straps attached to the handle.Personally, I’m not entirely pleased with these particular straps. As you will see in the photos, their design leaves something to be desired. I have circled the points where they irritate my hands. And here, I will have to make some kind of modification if I want to use these poles for an extended time. The gloves interfere with wearing my fitness watch and the binding on some corners should be more rounded instead of squared off. Strapping your hand in or out, by means of Velcro strips, is awkward; and should you need to let go of your poles if you fall, you’re out of luck. There is a means of length adjustment (by pulling upward on the handle top) which is lacking in the Chinese poles, but it doesn’t solve the rubbing issues, since the part which cradles your hand doesn’t change position. After I have used these poles more, I may try to fashion a strap comparable to the ones on the Chinese poles.The handles themselves are thinner and (though you shouldn’t be clasping them tightly) may be more suited to smaller hands. I can’t say for sure, but they are still comfortable.I have a gut feeling that the boot tips on these sticks will wear quickly, needing to be replaced often. However, they do not have the deep tread of the Leki replacement tips and do not pick up grains of rock or sand, so that is an advantage as far as sliding on pavement goes. I will most likely replace these stock tips with the Leki ones and just deal with the rocks.The cost for these poles (before any changes I may make) is, at this writing, $77.45 including tax and/or shipping. I am, otherwise, perfectly satisfied with these “real” Nordic walking sticks. They are light, not noisy and do what they’re supposed to do.Both poles need some slight modification, but their functions are identical. Once again, it’s about technique, not one type of pole compared to another. Please do not let any hype make your decision. It’s far more important that you get out there and start walking.I'm awarding 5 stars to either kind of pole. Both work pretty much equally.

Bought these in 2018 and they are still going strong. Well-made and replacement parts are available. Now that I am officially “old” I also use my trekking poles to relieve my painful ankle while I walk for exercise. Worth the extra bit of money, as they are very sturdy and comfortable for walking.

I had a MVA which left me with balance issues before I retired. After regular physical therapy I still had balance issues and pain in my shoulders from working 40 years as a nurse. Trying to avoid surgery, improve balance issues and exercise daily, I found a You tube video about Nordic walking. The doctor and physical therapist on the video emphasized using non adjustable poles, that is one customized to your height so I searched the internet and found these wonderful poles that produced the results I needed to improve my balance, tone my core, painlessly exercise my shoulder joints, and most of all, provide me with a 30 minute daily exercise routine I have been able to maintain for the last 5 years. I purchased these pole for me, a pair for my friend, a pair for my son and a second pair I keep at our vacation home. My doctor also told me there is quite a lot of research on general health benefits for anyone because you are using both sides of your body so it maintains symmetry of all your skeletal muscles. I have replaced the asphalt “paws” tips once because the majority of walking I do is in my neighborhood and local parks. I could not be more pleased by this very beneficial STIX quality walking sticks! I am most pleased with the benefit of avoiding shoulder surgery by improving my posture and body alignment. On a final note, during my 30 minute walk daily I pray and thank God for blessing me with a way of becoming healthier than I was before I retired.

Three surprises for me when I received these. First, they are phenomenally light weight and sturdy. Must be manufactured from special composite material. Also, they come with two different ends - one which is good for providing a non-slip connection between the pole and cement walks or indoor surfaces and when removed leaves a pointed end that is perfect depth for digging into trail turf. The other surprise is the well designed padded and securely sewn hand strap that makes the grip on the pole so comfortable and effortless and is an integral part of how one can choose to plant the pole or not depending on the terrain.I use these to ensure that when I take my walks and hikes that I use a proper posture. The stability of proper gait has reduced the stress on my knees and allowed me to take much more challenging outings. Using a pole of the right height encourages the forward stride that no longer felt comfortable for me as it once did when I was young. I also notice my surroundings because my posture and balance allow me to look up not at my feet. These poles are specifically sized to your height.Also ordered a pair for my 87 year-old Mom. She loves them!!! She has friends that have seen hers and are choosing the walking poles over their walkers! They love being more upright. One of many benefits is to avoid developing a stooped position.Really recommend this for people who want to build back their strength and stability after an injury or due to aging. I have used adjustable hiking sticks before with both round grip at top and handle grip. They may be okay for some purposes but now that I have experienced these walking poles, I would much prefer these light weight perfectly sized poles that have a grip that encourages an upright posture. There is no comparison with the functionality of two poles that are designed for your own height and grips that conform to your natural walking stance, instead of a hiking stick that is designed to have to lean on it in order to have it function at all.