K2 LockJaw Aluminum Ski Poles 2012

Comments about K2 LockJaw Aluminum Ski Poles 2012:

These are a good backcountry pole. If you are used to stiffer poles that are more resort oriented, these poles will seem flexy to you. But this is no different than what you would experience using other adjustable poles from other manufacturers. I would not recommend using any adjustable poles for resort use - the wear and tear on the way down will take its toll. These poles are really designed to be most functional for the way up, which is what you will spend 80% of your time doing in the backcountry. Note that the aluminum model of this pole does not have a bubble inclinometer - there is a way to use the markings on the shaft of the two poles to estimate slope angle; however, this method will only approximate the angle. The 2012 model does have what appears to be a more durable "flick lock" mechanism, and the wrist-straps are more user friendly than the older model, so overall K2 is refining these poles to make them perform better.