Should we worry about brands, advertising hype and the like?
I am re-posting this closer to the top, as it is always an issue of interest
Should we worry about brands, advertising hype and the like?
As far as brands, most reputable companies usually manufacture well-designed, reliable products. That's why in our store at this time you will find exclusively Swix and LEKI Nordic Walking Poles.
Swix, headquartered in Lillehammer, Norway has been the undisputed leader in the cross-country skiing arena for decades and the same expertise, cutting-edge technology and quality is evident in their Nordic walking products.
LEKI - a German company is a leading manufacturer of quality hiking, skiing and trekking poles and Nordic walking poles as well. LEKI poles have certain unique features, making them very attractive indeed.
Most reputable manufacturers will not drown you in hype, so the next concern should be your body type, the kind of walking that you intend to do and the depth of your pocketbook.
Beware of unknown manufacturers and super low prices. You do want your poles to be durable, light and well-designed, don't you?
On the other hand, you can buy excellent and well-designed Nordic walking poles for just over $100. I assure you that if you decide to stick with the sport, you will be much happier with quality poles, than with some off-brand cheapos.
Also, don't believe the hype out there that adjustable poles are inferior and/or unsafe, or that Nordic walking is complicated and difficult to learn. I have taught rank beginners the basic technique in as little as 15 minutes.
Although we use and carry in our store several great one-piece Nordic walking poles models, I assure you that well-designed and built adjustable poles, such as the LEKI models that we offer are great, solid and perfectly safe poles, which offer certain undeniable advantages as well.
If you are going to have only one set of poles and if you intend to use them both for Nordic walking and for hiking, an adjustable (usually aluminum alloy, carbon, or a combination of both) model, such as the Swix CT5, or LEKI Instructor would be best. That way you could adjust it both for Nordic walking and for going up and down the mountain. If you take your poles while traveling, the LEKI Travellers are unbeatable, as they collapse down to only 26 inches.
The ideal solution would be to have at least two sets. One adjustable - used by different people and/or for targeting different parts of the body, or even as hiking poles, and a fixed-length Nordic walking-specific poles. Some quality adjustable poles, such as the LEKI Speed Pacer Varios and LEKI Instructors are really so solid and swing so well, that it is really hard to tell that they are of the adjustable variety. Adjustable poles of course must be tightened (not overtightened) properly, according to manufacturer's instructions.
But in general terms, fixed-length poles are lighter, swing better and often, but not always have better straps.
All of our poles are specifically designed for Nordic walking, unlike some others - which are often manufactured mainly in order to get on the market quickly, to take advantage of the latest fitness craze. Our Swix Nordic walking poles have ProFit straps, which comfortably transmit practically all of the force to the poles, instead of having to grip the handle with all your might. Please read our article "Using the Straps Properly" right on this site. LEKI poles in turn have a very useful quick release "trigger" strap.
The especially designed straps on Nordic Walking poles are key to good technique. I have had an opportunity to test several cheap poles, priced in catalogs for under $30 but all they have for a strap is a wrist loop - maybe fine for hiking poles but these are definitely not true Nordic walking poles. All in all, they didn't feel nearly as good as some of the Swix and LEKI models that I use on a daily basis. Being quite experienced in the sport I was able to use them for Nordic Walking, but it really wasn't the same kind of experience.
Having spent $30 on poles like that, you are probably going to end up buying proper poles fairly soon, anyway, so it does seem like false economy.
Most hiking poles tend to also be noticeably heavier than Nordic Walking poles, particularly those made from carbon fiber - something to consider, particularly on long walks.
Carbon or Aluminum Poles? Carbon is really light and strong. The more expensive the pole, generally the higher quality it is, often meaning that it has a higher carbon content. There are many composite (carbon/fiberglass) shafts, that are very good and less expensive than 100% carbon. Aluminum is fine although heavier and less resilient and there is more vibration than in the case of one - piece carbon fiber, or composite poles. LEKI Instructors would be a good compromise, as they are constructed both of carbon fibers and aluminum.
Synthetic, or cork grips? The grips on my Swix and LEKI poles are either a combination of cork and plastic, or just plastic and foam. They work very well and are super comfortable. I do have a pair of very nice hiking poles with a grip made out of synthetic foam. Highly recommended, but remember that in the case of hiking poles, you actually hold the grip much more tightly, than in the case of Nordic walking poles. In the end, though, the choice of grip type comes down to personal preference.
If you attend one of our demos, you will be able to try several types of poles, which should greatly help in making a decision as far as what to buy.
I would recommend that you take an introductory class with a qualified instructor, not only to learn the proper technique, but also in order for the instructor to help you choose the right poles.
Some of the advantages of adjustable poles are: the ability to collapse for travel and varying the length for different terrain conditions. Among the disadvantages is sometimes a certain amount of noise and vibration, because, despite usually strong locking mechanisms, the separate parts do work against each other to a certain degree. Good adjustable poles, such as the LEKIs do not seem to suffer from this problem.
As far as the length of fixed-length poles is concerned, the general rule is that the forearms should be parallel to the ground, with the pole gripped and in a vertical position. The basic formula is: Multiply your height in centimeters by 0.68 and then go to the nearest 5 cm. As an example, someone from 5'11", to 6'2" should be well-served by a 125 cm pole.
Longer poles do give a harder workout for the upper body and for people, who are in good shape and who want to get some extra upper body exercise, slightly longer (a few centimeters) poles might be a good idea.
LEKI Speed Pacer Vario poles are made from 100% carbon fibers. Speed Pacer Varios are unique, allowing a +/-5cm adjustability, not so much to allow use by different-sized people, but rather to enable small adjustments, depending on conditions and on the type of workout desired.
Not necessarily to use on a daily basis, but rather for occasional (one/two time-per week "power workout") I wouldn't recommend poles longer than those described above for beginners, as the more strenuous workout that they give might be a bit too much for and unconditioned body.
Beware of unknown manufacturers and super low prices. You do want your poles to be durable, light and well-designed, don't you?
If you have any further questions, please inquire. We will be more than happy to answer all, or at least most of your queries and help you choose the best possible Nordic walking poles for you, whether during classes and demos, or right here, on our website, or through email.
You might also want to try Tom Rutlin's Exerstrider poles. They are a bit different. Have no straps and big, comfortable handles and thousands of people are swearing by them...since 1989. Use the link on the right side of this blog to access Exerstrider.
http://www.nordicwalkingus.com/article.php/choosing_nordic_walking_poles