barbaravan
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- Time of past OR future Camino
- Le Puy en Velay, Arles, Future plans Vezelay
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Thanks so much for your post. I was in REI today, looking at poles. Couldn't make a decision, so I plan to return. This info will help.Please be aware that the REI Carbon Power Lock Women's Trekking Poles are packaged with a message hidden under the rubber basket that says that the locking mechanism must be tightened with a screwdriver and re-tighted over time. Since the message is unreadable (hidden) and since my Black Diamond poles had lasted for over 2000 miles and never needed tightening and never collapsed, I did not carry a screw driver on my last long distance walk. My REI poles collapsed on me and I ended up with a concussion. I tried to state this on the REI website but they won't allow me to post a criticism of their poles.…I am not saying not to buy these trekking poles only that they need tightening and re-tightening with a screw driver along the way. (REI poles are made by Komperdell in Austria)
When I posted this on other sites people commented that some flip lock poles do need tightening (and re-tightening). My poles were fine for about 150 miles. These poles should have been checked and rechecked probably once a week and I would have needed to carry a screwdriver.
I do not know which brand of poles have the most durable flip lock mechanism (my Black Diamonds have been fantastic but I don't have other data) -- maybe somebody else knows? Obviously for long distance walkers flip lock trekking poles that maintain their lock over time are very important.
Sorry to hear about your injury!
I had similar poles (REI Carbon Composite Men's Power Lock Trekking Poles). I was quite happy with them - my favorite salesperson at REI showed me how to adjust them and recommended carrying a US Dime for this purpose (I did and it was the perfect tool). I found this important enough to include in my equipment review at (time marker 10:45):
Buen camino!
I don't know of any mechanical locking mechanism like the flick lock that won't require some adjustment over its life to maintain its effectiveness.Obviously for long distance walkers flip lock trekking poles that maintain their lock over time are very important.
Have you tried to email REI about this issue as it could easily present a problem for someone else? Companies can be a bit precious at times but if it's something that could cause injury and could be rectified with better labelling and staff advice they would want to know. You bought the poles in good faith as being fit for purpose.I wish my REI person had warned me. He did not. I wish the packaging had not hid this information but it does. Foolish as it sounds since my Black Diamond poles had always been so dependable, I never considered the REI poles loosening up after 150 or so miles.
Have you tried to email REI about this issue as it could easily present a problem for someone else? Companies can be a bit precious at times but if it's something that could cause injury and could be rectified with better labelling and staff advice they would want to know. You bought the poles in good faith as being fit for purpose.
As for carrying a screwdriver, here's a credit card version of a Swiss Army knife that travels with me everywhere (check-in on planes). The multi screwdriver has many tales to tell of its adventures and rescues. The dime though is a great tool.
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So what is it about the words 'feature a lightweight design and reliable, easily adjusted locking mechanisms', which I have just copied from the REI online product description, do you consider misleading? Clearly I cannot tell when those words were first used just by accessing the current site contents, but they are there now, and indicate to me that you might be expected to adjust the flick locks.... I wish in their on-line product description they simply stated that the poles need to tightened. All I can do now is post on various sites so that people like me who do not know that flip lock mechanism durability varies by manufacturer will know that with certain poles continual tightening is necessary.
Given all your efforts that's really disappointing.Yes I have contacted REI many times. I have sent them pictures of the way the packaging hides the message. I have written a review which they have refused to post. I have explained that I have spent a year recovering from my concussion. I wish in their on-line product description they simply stated that the poles need to be tightened. All I can do now is post on various sites so that people like me who do not know that flip lock mechanism durability varies by manufacturer will know that with certain poles continual tightening is necessary.
Thanks for sharing your story. I have these poles as well, but have only just started using them in training for the Camino. They have collapsed (one at a time) a few times and not after very many miles. So far, the collapsing has only been an annoyance for me; it never occurred to me that it could lead to a major injury. Thanks for the warning!Please be aware that the REI Carbon Power Lock Women's Trekking Poles are packaged with a message hidden under the rubber basket that says that the locking mechanism must be tightened with a screwdriver and re-tighted over time. Since the message is unreadable (hidden) and since my Black Diamond poles had lasted for over 2000 miles and never needed tightening and never collapsed, I did not carry a screw driver on my last long distance walk. My REI poles collapsed on me and I ended up with a concussion...
Given all your efforts that's really disappointing.
Having some experience in writing operating procedures and instructions, they are meant to be written so that they can be understood. Any safety issues are usually highlighted separately.
Many people buying trekking/walking poles are truly beginners and have no experience with their care or maintenance. Unless told about this at the time of purchase or by an experienced user, wrapping with its copious advertising is usually discarded. I know, I know but who reads instructions? Confession: I do but we have a saying in Australia if all else fails, read the instructions!
Then there's the issue of whether you are mechanically minded - or not. I know to maintain and adjust trekking poles only because I'm pedantic about reading instructions and fineprint. My husband knows because (in his own words) I'm a boy!
I'm grateful for the heads up and timely reminder to check on my own collection of trekking poles.
PS I have a pair of pacer poles which come with detailed and copious instructions on use, maintenance and adjustment.
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