Speaking of poles

[Felicia V]

Most of the threads regarding poles mention quite expensive ones. Am I being naive in thinking cheap Walmart ones ( along with some duct tape) can do the trick too.
Has anyone had experiences with non- super ones? Thanks

 

[Viva Terlingua]

They'll work just fine.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

You do get what you pay for. Cheap poles will not be as strong or durable as better quality ones. Really expensive ones may not be worth it.

 

[Hiawatha]

Far better than no poles at all . I introduced four separate walkers to walking poles over the past 6 weeks . Each went to the nearest village and bought a pair afterwards.
One often un noticed advantage is that they keep your posture upright when ascending. This frees you from leaning forward and cramping your diaphragm' s range of movement and consequent respiration .
Only saw one pole bend in the last six weeks , a 'Quencha' ( spelling may be off ) a Spanish brand . It went into a metal grate and got stuck as the walker kept moving . A good pole by all accounts but still bent like a banana.
Cheaper poles are generally a little heavier but as long as the locking mechanisms are ok then they will suit the purpose.

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

Most of the threads regarding poles mention quite expensive ones. Am I being naive in thinking cheap Walmart ones ( along with some duct tape) can do the trick too.
Has anyone had experiences with non- super ones? Thanks

I bought my poles 4 years ago. They have maybe 1,800 km on them and still going strong. They cost $15.00 here at Canadian Tire. And they have several choices of basket and point. They have great grips and are spring loaded, and I usually use them with special rubber feet and have always taken aboard every plane trip, never refused. And they are collapsible so they double as a camera boom and a tent pole.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I own a pair of expensive Leki poles, but do not take them on Caminos. Thankfully I brought a cheap pair on my first Camino as I was not allowed to bring them back home on the plane even being collapsible and with rubber "boots". Second Camino I brought another cheap pair and they were allowed in the cabin on the way home. (Go figure.) My third Camino I purchased a rather inexpensive pair in SJPdP for 36 euro. I wanted to purchase them right away for going over the Pyranees, but later on saw the exact same pair in Viana for only 15 euro. They were confiscated at the security checkpoint. I would have been allowed to go all the way back to check in and wrap and send them as checked luggage, but I didn't want to go back and wait in a long line again.

The poles all served their purpose and held up well. Although slightly heavier, because Camino pack weights are relatively light (no tent or food), it is not necessary to invest in an expensive ultralight pair.