GG LT4S & Ruta Locura/TiGoat poles. Which are easier to adjust? Other thoughts welcome too.

I love my LT4s. The problem I have with them (and pretty much all twist lock) is that as the temperature changes the expanding rubber piece can start doing all sorts of weird things. I've never had the poles collapse on me, but when I try to adjust them, the LT4s often refuse to tighten again. I've diagnosed the issue as the rubber isn't wide enough to catch on the inside of the tube, so as I twist it never expands and locks. I'm sure this could be fixed by wrapping a few layers of electrical tape around the rubber bit to make it a bit bulkier but I've been lazy on that front.

Dustin

When that happens to me (I have the TGs) I pull out the bottom section and twist the plastic piece a half turn. After putting them back together they will tighten.

I'm pleased with my LT4 (just one) as well. I made some modifications to the tip, to make it more versatile for tarp pitching. In my use so far I've found the length adjustment to be convenient and secure. I've heard from others that the Ti Goat/Ruta Locura poles bend more easily than the LT4s. I don't know about breaking strength numbers, but it stands to reason (given the difference in rigidity and weight) that the LT4s might be a bit stronger, too.

I own the Ti Goat poles and I have had zero problems. They are easy to adjust and fix in the field (never had to though). The grip is really nice even though it looks worthless.

I have these poles and have had to replace the expander in one of them. I carry an extra set of expanders just in case. Also have the camera mount which fits in the handle end of the pole and a stick pick. I go strapless and find the handles comfortable. So far a great set of poles.

I own both and find the TG a little easier to deal with for adjusting and staying locked in place,and +1 on what Gabe said about if it does happen.

Thanks, everyone.

Another question. Due to some knee issues, I find myself using my poles as a crutch of sorts, often times bearing most of my weight (150lbs + ~8-10lbs in pack) on them during descents. Can these poles handle this type of usage?

Lastly, I just found the Japanese cottage company Locus Gear. Though they're about 1.5 ounces heavier for a pair, they too have some nice looking carbon poles…with egro grips and a price tag between that of the TG and GG poles. Shipping costs might be a killer though…..

EDIT…question. Anna, thanks for your insight. Generally speaking, do you prefer one over the other? What's your feelings on the TG grips compared to the GG grip?

I own the TG and have had plenty of problems with them. I find they are plenty strong but in the conditions I hike in I go through a set of expanders (4 so far) each overnight hike I have done with them. I do use poles very aggressively but not sure if I am doing something fundamentally wrong with them?

Rusty,

I don't see any glaring advantages to the Ruta Locura/TiGoat poles over the GG LT4's, especially now that they adapted the LT4's to couple with the Tenkara (Clarkii) rod attachment which was the only "bonus" to the TiGoat poles until recently.

I own the TiGoat AGP poles and I've been very pleased with them, going on 3 years with them now. My reason for going with these over the LT4's was price, bought them dirt cheap, but had I been in a position where I was going to buy one or the other I would still go with the TiPoles simply because they're so minimal in design/appearance w/ the streamlined handle and smooth faced carbon surface. Replacement parts on the RL/TiGoat poles are a few dollars less in the event you snap a segment.

Comes down to price, function, and design.

Ruta Locura Yani poles- 7oz. pair- $140

GG LT4's-7.5oz. pair- $160

Is the design of the LT4's worth the additional $20? I don't think so, but that's up to you and your wallet book.

I have some special Ruta Locura poles but I still need to try them on a trip.

Josh hasn't decided if he's going to sell them or not, but I'd definitely like to see them go in to production. The protos I have are 4 oz per pole without straps.

What's the advantage of them being 3 piece? Just easier to store if you're not using them? Or am I missing something?

Primarily air travel. These break down small enough to where I can put them in a pack and carry it on. Technically, they don't allow it, but I've found if stuff is buried in your pack they usually overlook or ignore it.

I'm pretty sure they also extend longer which will be good for supporting a 'mid without needing a pole jack. I'll try to get measurements, more photos, etc. this week.

I have been using the LT4's for the last couple of years. I have had the same issue with the rubber slipping when tightening but as others have said that is easily fixed. As far as three section vs. two, I generally fly to where I backpack and the two section poles have to get creatively placed into a very large bag to fit and not get damaged. I often use a shipping tube. But I will take the minor inconvenience any day of the week to cut in the half the number of adjustment points and potential failure areas. In fact if I was only traveling local I would likely get single piece because I don't normally adjust my poles on the fly.

The issue with larger poles is they pretty much have to be checked. Complete waste of money IMO.

I've had my TG AGP poles for quite a long time. Two issues came up with the orginals:

1.The upper poles were very thin and split very easily if overtightened. The new upper poles are REALLY beefy and now come with a lifetime warranty. Break or split them and they replace them for free. (Someone please correct me if I am wrong on this now that the namesake has changed)
2. The rubber grippers inside do strange things depending on weather, humidity and tightening. Sometimes it seems they don't grip when tightened (see above for a fix) or they don't loosen up at all. A little more effort is needed to loosen sometimes.

TG's customer service is excellent with replacements and very speedy.

The only difference now with the new uppers is the direction of the grips. Older versions had the larger side on top and now the larger side is down. I'm still out on which direction I prefer them in, but so far no complaints. Weight bearing is a whole different issue. I can say I have put my poles through a LOT of madness and they never had any issues other than breakage due to overtightening which was my own fault.

Thanks for the additional replies, all. Still not sure what to do though. I can't seem to get my mind to accept the funky grips on the Ruta Locuras. However, do the grips on the GG LT4's make them worth that much more? I don't know….

(Eugene, it's actually $30 difference – $145 & $175)

Top + middle = 38" (96.5 cm) (fixed)

Bottom + middle = 23.25" (60 cm) – 35.5" (90 cm)

Top + middle + top = 56.25" (143 cm) (fixed)

Top + middle + bottom = 41.25" (105 cm) – 55" (140 cm)

Top + top + middle + bottom = 59.5" (151 cm) – 73.25" (186 cm)

Bottom + top + middle + bottom = 44.5" (113 cm) – 72" (183 cm)

Note: Adjustable measurements are rough as I tried to leave enough overlap for reasonable strength.

I love the grips of my GG LT4.

Unfortunatley I broke the tip of one pole. It would cost me $ 85 (including shipping) to fix this.
I can almost buy some new poles for that.

Just out of curiosity, does anyone know if the GG LT 4 handles would fit on the TT ones?

I get blisters on the foam or neoprene grips after extensive use.

With the tips breaking, as I'm reading this and another thread that just got revitalized, I'm beginning to wonder if the LT4's are for me.

As far as the grips, when you say TT, I assume you mean the TiGoat (now Ruta Locura). Is that correct, Wander Lust? If so, I would like to know the answer as well. I posed the question a while back and it sounds like they will not fit….at least without some retrofitting. Seems like it should be a fairly easy retro but then again, I've said that about things I've tried to block from my mind too!

I'd be surprised if someone hasn't put GG grips on the TG/RL poles….and even more surprised if someone hasn't taken a serious look as to what it would take.

So how about it…can anyone chime in?

Get the GG Custom fixed length poles…No Fuss..

The grips on my LT4's on both poles failed. The middle cork button came out and eventually were lost, the top of the carbon fiber would poke up and ride on the palm of my hand when going down hill. I suppose it was my style of using them while descending that caused this but failure still occurred. Also one of the handles began a to tear about an inch long at the top as well. Not a big deal just had to callus my palms up a bit!

That sad I love the poles just wish there was a different capping system to the top of the poles.

Sometimes the inside of the poles need to be cleaned and the screw adjusted to get a good lock, never had to mess with it to long to get it to work properly. Mine lasted me 2000miles till i slipped and came down with my foot right on to the lower section of one of the poles. Rather then pay the money to fix it I just went back to my leki's.

I’ve seen a few people post in the forums with trouble getting the expander to work in their poles as environmental conditions change. I’ve been able to fix this problem with my LT4s with regular success using a few techniques:

1. Keep your gear clean and dry when stored. Dirt and gunk built up on the inside of the upper segment will cause problems. This true of any pole that uses expanders.

2. Make sure the expander rotates freely on the threads. The design relies on lower friction between the expander and threads than the expander and upper pole ID. If you let the threads corrode or get dirty you won’t be able to get the threads to expand. If you let the threads corrode you can clean them with a wire brush and cleaner. I’ve used WD40 because that was handy but I was careful to clean the rubber expander thoroughly afterwards.

3. Scuff the expander with sandpaper a bit to increase friction. Don’t go crazy and remove a lot of material… just make sure the surface is scuffed.

4. If its cold out and you can’t get the expander to bite and expand there are a few tricks.
a. Flex the lower pole a bit inside the upper to effectively press the expander a little harder on the upper pole ID. Be gentle here – if you over do this one you could break the pole but they’re pretty robust so its a safe first effort.
b. Slide the lower section up and down in the upper quickly several times. Friction = heat. Heating up the expander will allow it to expand and soften enough to bite and expand.
c. Remove the lower section completely. Check to make sure the expander is dry and clean. Thread the expander all the way down to the point that it is expanding just a touch. Carefully re-insert the lower into the upper and tighten away. Usually one of these three does the trick.
d. If its a really extreme case (I’ve never had to do this) warm the expander with body temperature or CAREFULLY with a lighter. CAREFULLY! :D

Don Meredith
lightpack.blogspot.com

yeah, I meant Tigoat or that know company with that weird name.

Note that my pole broke in a situation where any other pole would have failed too.

I slipped on some snow grass on a really steep slope and still had my poles in my hand and bent one too much. Nothing lasts in such a situation. At least I stopped fast enough and didn't hurt myself.

The GG LT4 are great poles, they have there limits, but I have used them in some though situations and always trust them. It is all up to the user.
If you feel that they get stuck do not bend them, drop them. The snow baskets should always be used the prevent the poles from falling into holes.

I probably end up buying the replacemnet tip and suck up the hugh delivery costs.

Thanks for the additional replies, everyone. Good stuff! Now if I could just find a set of good used poles (either brand), I'd give'em a whirl.