User Review: Leki Thermolite Aergon XL Antishock

First I would like to say that I used to be opposed to trekking poles. To me they seemed like a waste of time, weight, and money. I wouldn't even consider buying a cheapo $20 pair from Wal-Mart let alone blow $150 on some supposedly lightweight, aircraft grade carbon shafted, anti-shock poles or whatever they say to sell poles these days.

Whatever the reason, one day I saw the Thermolite Aergon XL Antishocks in my local outdoor gear shop and I was drawn to them. I don't know why. They had one on display and I grabbed it. It fit my hand like a glove. It was perfect. I walked to the counter, dished out 150 smackers, and left the store in a daze.

I got outside and realized, "I hate trekking poles. Why did I just drop $150 dollars on a pair?" Well, I can tell you that these poles are worth every stinking penny.

I recently took these poles with me on a trip in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Colorado and they made the hike up the mountain seem like a breeze. I only used one and my girlfriend used the other. The carbide tips grabbed rocks like glue and never slid, even in the continued downpour. Once we got to our destination they made setting up my MSR E-Wing shelter so much easier.

On the way down I used both poles as my girlfriend didn't want to use one. They made the trip down so much easier on the body. My balance was greater and I felt like a mountain goat hopping down the rocky trail. The grips offer plenty of airflow and I didn't get sweaty palms the entire trip.

The antishock is a great feature that helps when you're constantly slamming poles into the ground up and down mountains. Leki knows what they are doing. These are great poles and I would definitely buy these poles again. Not a doubt in my mind.