Black Diamond Trail Shock

Summary

These poles have held up over many many hikes and collapse short enough to attach to pack when not in use.

These poles are great! I use them in all seasons (baskets for the winter). I've used the poles where you twist to adjust and these seem to loosen easily. Have not had any issues with the Flicklock system. Once they are adjusted and clicked into place you are good to go.

The wrist strap is easily adjusted and has a bit of padding, a nice touch. I find the hand grips very comfortable with or without gloves.

As far as the anti-shock — you have to put quite a bit of weight on them to feel it.

I'm not alone in loving these poles as my friends all bought them too, as seen in the photo below at Galehead Hut in New Hampshire.

I have been very happy with these poles.  they were a significant step up from my previous poles for the following reasons:

1. Grip - these have a firm rubber/foam grip. The grips have some 'give' but are nicely contoured. I debated quite a bit about rubber vs. cork grips, but no regrets so far. The straps are pretty easy to adjust and pretty comfortable. So far, neither has worn appreciably. (My former poles had hard plastic grips, which were less comfortable.)
2. Length adjustment - this is a three-section pole with two 'flik locks.'  the length is marked on each section of the pole. The flik locks are firm; one of the four required a slight adjustment because it slipped on my first hike; after that brief adjustment, with a screwdriver, slippage hasn't been an issue.
   
   My main debate was whether to get this or fixed-length poles that collapse into three sections, much like a tent pole. The fixed-length collapsible poles are lighter, but I like the ability to adjust the length depending on conditions. (The poles I replaced had twist locks that slipped regularly.)
3. Shock absorbers — my old poles didn't have this, and it noticeably reduces impact. 
4. Durability has been quite good. I hung up the carbide tips in cracks a few times and gave the poles a pretty good wrenching jolt. No damage. 

This is the first set of trekking poles I've ever owned, so I can't compare them to any others but I am so glad I finally bought a set.

Grips are comfortable and poles are very sturdy, Got them hung up a couple of times between rocks and they flexed with out bending or breaking. Locks held firm, once set they never moved. Tips grip on anything, would almost bet money they would get a bite on greased glass!   

Would most definitly recomend these poles.

I have used these poles on several occasions in the AT and they have saved me from serious pain that I would experience if I didn't use them. That alone warrants five stars IMO.

These are high quality poles. The grips are comfortable, and the shock system is firm. The carbide tips help to keep the poles from slipping on rocks. I have not had any problems with the locking mechanism slipping.

If anything, get poles to save your knees. Plus they open up the option of using shelters rather than carrying a heavy tent. (Another bonus to the knees!)

The Black Diamond Trail Shock Poles are very strong and supportive. The best feature is the flick locks. The flick locks are very stable and don't loosen up. I have leaned on these over and over again and they don't slip. I have used these poles on uneven trails, rocks, mud and crossing creeks. These poles hold up without fail. I highly recommend these poles!!!