Weak poles

[Ptrqc]

Started using a pair of new LEKI Quantum TS4.5 poles (after my 10 year old faithful Komperdell made Volkl poles funally snapped), and was surprised they bent really easily.
So ended up with a bent pole that I then tried to straighten.
Contacted LEKI: first reply they recommended changing the shaft (for a small fee).
Then they got back saying they were unable to replace the shaft and that I would be okay to ski with the bent pole.
Confused customer is the result.
Anyone else have similar experience? Okay to continue to ski with the pole?

 

[Analisa]

How old were they?

My boyfriend bent his in a perfect right angle after a pretty impressive fall and he bent it back as much as he could. They were 4-5 seasons old (30-40 days a piece) and held on for another season or two before the bent one finally broke.

It's not unsafe, but the bend just makes it more susceptible to durability issues down the road.

 

[Ptrqc]

How old were they.

Was maybe 3rd day I skied them.

Will keep them as backup and look for a sturdier pair.

 

[Pat AKA mustski]

My DH has bent 2 pairs of Lekis. I won't Be buying those for him again!

 

[jzmtl]

This is why I buy the cheapest pole possible, preferably $20 and under.

 

[coskigirl]

Buy some Grass Sticks! I put an incredible amount of force on them digging myself out of a fall in December and was sure they were going to snap. Nope, nothing. Plus they have an awesome warranty and customer service.

 

[Chris Walker]

Buy some Grass Sticks! I put an incredible amount of force on them digging myself out of a fall in December and was sure they were going to snap. Nope, nothing. Plus they have an awesome warranty and customer service.

+1 Bamboo is better!

 

[Philpug]

The 4.5 is an entry to mid level pole with a mid grade aluminum, most poles in this range from any manufacturer is susceptible of bending. This is why there are higher end poles that are more expensive, they are made of higher end materials. A good example is LEKI's race poles or a pole like a Scott World Cup, these poles cost over $100 (not on sale, there they are less) but they will hold up and are as durable as any pole can be. Or go the @jzmtl way and buy the cheapest poles and expect them to bend.

 

[fatbob]

$10 thrift store FTW. Burlier old alu poles, cool vintage graphics, possibility of snagging some Scott sword grips or similar. Bomberer poles plus you fon't give a crap when you do kill them.

 

[Uncle-A]

I have used expensive poles and cheap poles but have not found a lot of difference. Only the expensive ones get stolen more frequently.

 

[Core2]

I bend mine back using a vice every 10-20 days of skiing. I'm a big dude and I pole around a lot on the flats which is what does it I think.

 

[crgildart]

$10 thrift store FTW. Burlier old alu poles, cool vintage graphics, possibility of snagging some Scott sword grips or similar. Bomberer poles plus you fon't give a crap when you do kill them.

THIS. I have so many poles I've run out of room, LEKI, Goode, Scott, Carbon, Alu, sdjustable, 44"-50" assorted sizes.. Always keep a spare pair in the ski box. Last season some noob wrecked his brand new poles at the mid station while we were chatting on the way up. I handed him my poles and went down to the car and got another pair.

Actually, ski box rough jostling is the only way I've bent, very slightly bent a pole this century. I wish all my pole had breakaway straps because that will prevent them from bending/breaking when you fall on them.. And will also prevent that thigh bruise as well. How come it seems like only LEKI still do the detachable straps? I do have a pair of Goodes with removable and re attachable straps but other than that only older Kermas. Scotts have that pin that will break under duress to release the strap but then you have to get a new pin. Is the breakaway and easily re attachable strap such a profit killer that vendors stopped building it in to affordable poles??

 

[Ken_R]

Started using a pair of new LEKI Quantum TS4.5 poles (after my 10 year old faithful Komperdell made Volkl poles funally snapped), and was surprised they bent really easily.
So ended up with a bent pole that I then tried to straighten.
Contacted LEKI: first reply they recommended changing the shaft (for a small fee).
Then they got back saying they were unable to replace the shaft and that I would be okay to ski with the bent pole.
Confused customer is the result.
Anyone else have similar experience? Okay to continue to ski with the pole? View attachment 39929

I have new LEKI poles this season, the cheapo ones. Already bent one just like the one you posted, bent it back, kept using it.

I like those grass sticks! Need to get a pair.

 

[jzmtl]

I have used expensive poles and cheap poles but have not found a lot of difference. Only the expensive ones get stolen more frequently.

That too, I have a pair of carbon poles that I'm afraid to use, lots of sticky fingers at bigger hills.

 

[dusty]

Scott Team poles if you want aluminum poles that will not bend.

 

[trailtrimmer]

Goode carbons seem to last forever and parts can be acquired. Mine are 20+ years old, still doing great with new tip and basket on one.

 

[David Chaus]

+1 on Grass Sticks.

 

[oldschoolskier]

So far my 35 year old poles no bends just knicks from abuse. My newest poles same.

I find top end race poles just take abuse and come back for more. If you manage to bend one you’re likely hurt and seriously injured.

 

[DanoT]

I have had my Goode poles for so long that I have started to wear the rubber off the grips. Replacement grips from Goode are $18 plus $18 shipping to Canada, so I will visit their factory in Ogden while at the Gathering and see if I can buy direct as well as get baskets and pole tips for a friend.

OTOH, my long wearing experience with Goode poles could have something to do with my lack of pole planting.

 

[Guy in Shorts]

Most of my poles are bent from skiing tight trees and pole vaults and crazy pole recoveries. Skiing with slightly bent poles is fine IMHO.