User Review: Mountainsmith Pyrite 7075

My experience with trekking poles is relatively limited as I've only had three pairs and none have been top of the line. With some things, like backpacks, I do believe that you tend to get what you pay for. But I'm not sure if I'll be spending $100+ on trekking poles unless it comes with a motor that propels me down the trail faster. So when I ran across the Pyrites for a ridiculously low price, especially when compared to other anti-shock poles, I pulled the trigger.

These poles are relatively lightweight and appear to be decently constructed. The anti-shock works well and the adjustments are quick and easy and haven't slipped so far. Cool color too.

That said, on my first trip out with them in some hard packed snow one of the baskets snapped in two. No bueno. Also, the grip seems to be way too small for a man's hand. While I have big hands I would say these would only fit a man with small hands or a woman. I actually thought I may have been sent women's poles by mistake but that wasn't the case. Now perhaps it is just my lack of experience and most poles have small grips but that wasn't my personal case with my two previous sets. Also, when wearing low-profile gloves I found my bottom finger slipping below the grip. Just not enough room.

Unfortunately, these will end up going to a female hiking buddy who will hopefully get a lot of use from them.