[at-l] Poles, was: wrist straps

[wb4pan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Chase Davidson)]

Amy,

		Due to a Greyhound loose my pack issue I have both spring loaded and
non spring loaded Lekis. Which ones do I use? Actually I use parts
from both sets. This way I end up with poles a little bit longer and
with springs. The draw back is they do not collapse as short. If I
have to purchase new Lekis I would not pay more than a couple of
dollars extra for springs. I really do not see much difference. Some
of the newer ones have a feature that lets you turn on and off the
spring feature. Maybe there is some long term gain from the springs
preventing tennis (Leki) elbow. Perhaps or resident doctors have
opinions to share. I do not adjust my poles for different terrain. My
arms do the adjusting :-)
	I also have some mixed emotions about the use of carbide tips  versa
rubber tips. Mostly I think the earth will outlast any damage I do
with my pole tips. I would much rather poke some holes in the earth
and scratch a few rocks than to slip and hurt myself. But I am selfish
that way :-().
	I do not like the noise poles make and find that with practice I can
greatly reduce the noise. Also with practice you can reduce the damage
you do with your poles. One area that a maintainer pointed out to me
that often receives unnecessary damage is the area next to trail
steps. The steps are there because the terrain is steep and erosion
prone. So If you place your pole tips on the steps rather than beside
them in the dirt you can cause less impact. Ok, so the steps are gonna
take a beating now....
	I know folks that use rubber tips. They tell me you have to glue the
tips on or they will come off. I guess my biggest reason for not
trying rubber tips is that they do not work with my Nomad tents. Maybe
our collective brain can come up with some good way to use rubber
tipped poles in the Nomad. Then Ill sure give em a try.
	I remain open to changing ideas. I disagree with my friends often.
But they are still my friends. Keep the knowledge flowing, friends.

chase
interesting lead to netiquette.
http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc1855.txt