LuxuryLite BigStik

Have you seen this review at BPL

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/2008_luxurylite_big_survival_stik_staff_review.html#.UmGEHhap3dk

BTW I have never used or seen one.

Thanks Roger. I did a search and . . . missed it I guess. Thanks again.

Derrick

There are no twist locks of any kind, but the fit is tight enough that the sections will never come apart accidentally. In fact, you kind of have to make a bit of an effort to get the sections apart so be sure to BoShield T9 the links so that they don't seize. The "knife" is pretty useless; some people have proposed using it as a potty trowel. I would worry that the dirt and grit would gum up the link, but they say that they have no problems.

Frankly, I prefer trekking poles so I don't really use the Stik for anything EXCEPT that with one extra segment it is the perfect length to be the center pole on my SuperMid. So when I'm in a group and we're using my SuperMid I will take it. (Usually in large groups I'm not worried about making great mileage so the extra weight and minor loss of hiking pole efficiency is trivial.) I have an older Stik without the blunt knob, so I have to slip an empty Tylenol bottle over the top so it doesn't cut my tent.

It isn't some cheap gag item, if that's what you're asking- it is actually pretty well made and incredibly sturdy. It will EASILY take you leaning all your weight on it during a stream crossing- I've done far worse than that to it. And I've come to rather like the Prusik knot wrist-strap- it's also a handy place to hang stuff in your tent if you use the Stik as a center pole. (I also made a "custom" empty Tylenol bottle, as I mentioned above, with two loops of cord to which I can clip carabiners or tie gear to keep it off the ground, away from packrats, alien facehuggers, etc.)

Thanks. That is exactly the type of informed opinion I was seeking.

Regards
Derrick

Joe Valesko from Zpacks carries one if you check out his trip links on his site.