I was wondering how many folks use nordic walking poles vs the larger more traditional grip type poles.
I've maily only used the nordic style grips; a hold over from the days when I just grabbed my cross country ski poles and used them for hiking.
The newer nordic pole sets have quick release hand cradles that are interesting. I have not used them.
I did make myself a set of CF ski poles a few years back I like. Beefy CF straght shafts, Leki flex tips and a traditional cork covered XC style ski handle and leash. About 4oz ea (long ones-I'm tall) that I use now.
Similar ones with similar weights are widely avialble as XC ski racing poles- so not much of a possibility MLD would market them.
I now see big racks of the Leki Nordic poles in the mainstream big box sports stores, Dicks, etc. Guessing the weights of the lighter sets at Dicks about 6-7oz per pole. The high end racing sets are closer to 4-5 oz per pole.
Anyone used both types very much on trails? Your experiences/comparissions?
Are they catching on?
