Review of some poles from Anaconda

I dropped into Anaconda at Box Hill South recently and had a look at some of the trekking poles there.  They look interesting and reasonably priced:

1. Mountain Designs Tread Carbon Trekking Poles,
2. Mountain Designs Tread Tri-Fold Carbon Walking Poles Black, and 
3. Leki Khumbu Lite Walking Poles Pair Anthracite & Mango.

Note that I had only check out the poles at this Anaconda store and the information on the web.  I have not used any of these poles personally, and I am not comparing these poles with poles from other stores.  My comments should be considered as suggestions only.

1. Mountain Designs Tread Carbon Trekking Poles

Pole - Carbon fibre 

Grip - EVA foam

Strap - Nylon

Weight - 360 g (pair)

Price: Reg. $179.99, Club $99

Comments: The wrist strap felt smooth.  EVA foam grip is not as comfortable as cork grip but softer than rubber grip.  The poles felt quite light.  It has the speed-lock system which allows quicker adjustment than the screw type system.  Extending the poles required a firm force. It retracts to 67 cm which is reasonable.  The price at $99 for club members, membership of which is free, is very attractive.  The reviews at the Anaconda site gave the poles a good rating.

        For further information:  https://www.anacondastores.com/

2. Mountain Designs Tread Tri-Fold Carbon Walking Poles Black

Pole - Carbon fibre 

Grip - EVA foam

Strap - Nylon

Weight - 435 g (pair)

Price:  Reg. $249.99, Club $149

Comments: The grip and strap looked similar to the pole above. It retracts to 39 cm which is quite handy.  The tri-fold locked into place with a pop-out pin.  These poles allow speed-lock length adjustment.  Some of reviews at the Anaconda site complained about the durability of the product.

          For further information:  https://www.anacondastores.com/

3. Leki Khumbu Lite Walking Poles Pair Anthracite & Mango

Pole - Aluminium

Grip - Aergon Cortec

Strap - not stated

Weight - 490 g (pair)

Price: $219.99

Comments:  According to Bogong at bogong.com.au,  "LEKI CorTec grips are made of a unique combination of natural cork and synthetic rubber, which gives a natural easy-on-the-hands feel."  Note that rubber tip is not provided.  Leki is a well known brand for walking poles but their poles are more expensive.

You might consider the slightly cheaper model of the Leki poles, the Leki Legacy Walking Pole Anthracite & Petrol, at $179.99, which is also available at Anaconda.

For further information:  https://www.anacondastores.com/ and  

https://www.bogong.com.au/

Conclusions

The Mountain Designs Tread Carbon Trekking Poles is reasonably priced and have good reviews.  As a pair of basic poles,  I would consider this a reasonable option.

The Mountain Design tri-fold poles look really fun to have.  The durability is a bit of a concern though.  For Christmas, and for a bit of fun, I might gamble and try the tri-fold poles.  

If you want a well known brand, and don't mind paying more, you could consider the Leki poles. 

If you have used any of these poles or have particular insight into some features of these poles, please let me know.  Your feedback will be most welcome.