I’m looking for a trekking pole suggestion for an older hiker. What’s better—aluminum or carbon? Foam vs. cork grips? Not planning on tough trails, just casual walks in the park or on flat nature paths. Thoughts?
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I’d go with aluminum poles—they’re more durable, and since you’re not doing anything too rugged, the weight difference from carbon won’t really matter. Cork grips are more comfortable, especially if you sweat a bit.
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I kinda disagree with the aluminum suggestion. My paps and I use carbon poles for walks and it’s very lightweight. It makes a big difference for seniors who don’t want to feel like they’re lugging around extra weight, even on flat ground.
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I guess comfort’s gonna be key for longer walks. How’s the durability of those carbon poles?
If you’re not doing anything extreme, I think foam grips would be better. They’re softer and great for short walks or cooler weather. Cork’s nice, but can get stiff if you’re only using them casually
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I’ve had both foam and cork grips, and honestly, cork just molds to your hand better over time. If you’re gonna be out for hours, cork’s the best choice, even for flat walks. If your hands get clammy, foam can feel kinda slippery.
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Interesting…. Do you notice a big difference between foam and cork after a long walk?
I bought a pair of aluminum poles with foam grips for my dad, he’s 70, he actually loves them. They’re simple and sturdy—nothing fancy. Plus, foam is nice in the cooler weather we get here in New England.
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I had to get adjustable poles for my uncle, he has arthritis, so finding the perfect height for him was crucial. He loves that he can make them shorter for flat terrain and longer for slight inclines. He uses carbon with cork grips too.
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Adjustable sounds smart btw, especially if the terrain changes. Does the height adjustment stay locked in, or does it shift around with use?