Had only one hike w/ the poles, but they are nice looking, relatively easy to adjust, very comfortable to hold, and have a lower grip extension that saves you the time to adjust when you climb a moderate slope. The only problem I found is under high load you hear an annoying buzz every time the pole hits the ground. Not as strong as my other poles, but not something you'd expect in that price range.

www.backpackgeartest.org - Rockies veteran - Richard Lyon - Excerpts For some reason I can't explain the clasps seem to shed dust and grit. I do give the poles a rubdown after each use but the towel or cloth almost always comes away with very little residue. Everything else remains in very good shape. The straps are easy to adjust and after adjustment hold their size, and I've adjusted them frequently; I like them relatively tight when fishing, relatively loose when hiking. The woven fabric has no fraying. The cork on the rubber grips has darkened slightly from a summer's use without gloves, but the surface remains sticky enough to give a firm, non-slip grip. I haven't cleaned these other than a quick towel rub. While the shaft sections do show some scratches from wear and tear the silver length markings remain as visible as ever, and the surface isn't even slightly dented. After switching the poles over for snow use I applied a light oil to prevent possible rust or corrosion. My first impression was accurate, these poles standout feature is their remarkably light weight, thanks to the carbon fiber. Yet they have proven very stout, never having bent under 200+ pounds' [91+ kg] direct pressure. The Tiger Paws are not inexpensive poles. They illustrate the old adage that you get what you pay for. Stout and reliable when in use, easy to adjust, durable, low-maintenance, high quality materials, wonderfully detailed design - overall, a great set of trekking poles......

www.backpackgeartest.org - Rockies veteran - Richard Lyon - Excerpts For some reason I can't explain the clasps seem to shed dust and grit. I do give the poles a rubdown after each use but the towel or cloth almost always comes away with very little residue. Everything else remains in very good shape. The straps are easy to adjust and after adjustment hold their size, and I've adjusted them frequently; I like them relatively tight when fishing, relatively loose when hiking. The woven fabric has no fraying. The cork on the rubber grips has darkened slightly from a summer's use without gloves, but the surface remains sticky enough to give a firm, non-slip grip. I haven't cleaned these other than a quick towel rub. While the shaft sections do show some scratches from wear and tear the silver length markings remain as visible as ever, and the surface isn't even slightly dented. After switching the poles over for snow use I applied a light oil to prevent possible rust or corrosion. My first impression was accurate, these poles standout feature is their remarkably light weight, thanks to the carbon fiber. Yet they have proven very stout, never having bent under 200+ pounds' [91+ kg] direct pressure. The Tiger Paws are not inexpensive poles. They illustrate the old adage that you get what you pay for. Stout and reliable when in use, easy to adjust, durable, low-maintenance, high quality materials, wonderfully detailed design - overall, a great set of trekking poles......