Locust Gear CP3 poles or MLD Vario poles?

I have neither, so I can't answer your question directly. Do note, though, that the poles on MLD's site are made by Komperdell. You may be able to find them at a lower price elsewhere.

I can vouch for the Locus Gear CP3 poles. My wife and I just used them on a rough 5-day trek and they performed flawlessly, especially for a ~5oz weight. I don't have bad knees, but I do use the poles heavily to prevent damage to them, and I put a lot of weight on the poles going downhill with a 30lb pack. I am 185#, and I never felt that the poles were too weak or might break. They serve double duty for my pyramid shelter.

I really like my LG CP2 poles. They're the ideal balance between robustness and lightweight.

Thanks, everyone.

Dan – I don't see the CP2 poles listed on the Locust Gear site. Do you mean CP3….or am I missing something?

It’s funny you don’t know what the CP2 is since you posted a link to them in THIS THREAD

Nothing funny about not remembering. That was nearly 3 yrs ago. I only come here sporadically….and I have many other interests outside of backpacking. And my memory on certain things isn't the best. Did I mention that I don't remember everything?

What's funny is that you found that thread! haha ;)

I hear ya on the not remembering, my mom has onset dementia and it makes me wary when I can't remember something :0

My father and uncle had Alzheimers. I'm 47 now and though I try not to worry about it, I do. I just do the best I can….

"Sadly, and I'm ashamed to say, the cheap Outdoor Products alum poles I can rely on…fully! However, they are not overly light."

The poles arent that heavy, the rubber grips are.
People have replaced the grips and ended up with a ~14oz set of poles I believe.

I wonder how these two carbon options compare to the aluminum Fizan poles? About the same weight but I think they are considerably cheaper?

Probably the biggest difference (other than the material itself) is that the Fizans have twist locks. Reviewers say they are very tough poles with a good locking mechanism, but I still just prefer flip locks.

Ive used Fizan for 800 miles or so.
For me, they are the best pole out there.

Fizan twist locks work.

They are light, and strong, tough, and collapse for packing.

Ive had cracks around expander on one, it didnt fail or anything. for a while I carried a small hose clamp to reinforce the area if it happened again on a long hike. My son broke one totally in a fall on wet boulders when the pole went down and jammed between two big rocks, and his feet slipped out from under him. I think it would have snapped any pole.

I ordered extra pair for parts replacement. You wont get parts, or warranty service. You are on your own with these poles.

I dont give a hoot about cost for gear. I buy the best gear that suits my purposes. Someone elses purposes will be different.

CP2's are a generation back from the CP3's, and a generation ahead of LG's original poles.