A or B...which one, and why

[nrh6.7]

I'm curious what others think the pros and cons are of each style, thanks.

 

[RyanC]

A.....because B wasn't an option yet when I bought my trekking poles. My telescoping Black Diamonds still work so haven't felt the need to upgrade.

 

[S.Clancy]

A, but aluminum. Lightweight trekking poles really have low utility for packing heavy packs over shitty terrain. I would have no problem using lightweight B-type poles for backpacking tho.

 

[TheM1DoesMyTalking]

A, but aluminum. Lightweight trekking poles really have low utility for packing heavy packs over shitty terrain. I would have no problem using lightweight B-type poles for backpacking tho.

I have A style aluminum poles and have considered "upgrading" to lightweight carbon. What is it about these that you don't like for heavy loads? Do they flex, break, etc?

 

[nrh6.7]

Does anyone know if using quick-stix is a problem with the B style poles? I'm not sure if they are compact enough when assembled.

 

[Dos Perros]

I use A, although the difference between A and B doesn't matter much to me. I would probably use A, assuming the length of A collapsed is less than the height of my pack (with some margin). Additional considerations if flying.

 

[Blackdog317]

I use "A" in aluminum. More durable, less expensive, still only 16 oz. I have lever locks on mine. Not sure what locks are on the "B" poles... But, I have heard the twist locks apply less force and are more prone to slipping.

 

[Blackdog317]

I would use the "B" poles if I needed something more compact. But my pack will accommodate the longer style without any issues.

 

[S.Clancy]

I have A style aluminum poles and have considered "upgrading" to lightweight carbon. What is it about these that you don't like for heavy loads? Do they flex, break, etc?

They break way more often than is acceptable.

 

[dreamingWest]

B.
I use the Z-style from Leki. I'm not sure why I would ever switch. I'm surprised by the poll results so far.

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

A: Less likely to break overall but does not compact as much.
B: Packs up nice and compact but can break if not careful.

My Lekis (option A) have been bulletproof. My Black Diamond FLZs (option B) one of them broke when I pulled up a bit too much to tighten everything.

So now I just use budget friendly trekking poles for AZ/NM/MX and reserver my Lekis for AK and other more "serious" hunts.

 

[Carrot Farmer]

I'm curious what others think the pros and cons are of each style, thanks.

View attachment 589889View attachment 589890

i dont trust shock cord

 

[nrh6.7]

B.
I use the Z-style from Leki. I'm not sure why I would ever switch. I'm surprised by the poll results so far.

I am also curious about the numbers. Way more for option A than I expected.

I'd like to know why. If you voted but didn't post, I'd like to know why you picked A.

Is it mainly a strength issue or are there other benefits? Or maybe that you just didn't like the B style?

 

[dreamingWest]

I believe these are the poles I use:
Leki Micro Vario (Aluminum)
I'm not sure they're still available. I really like them. They seem just a durable as Type A models regarding bending/breaking. I guess the shock cord could get damaged when it's exposed in collapsed mode. I keep them in their travel bag in a side pocket of my pack.

I gave a pair or S&S Archery CL Backcountry Trekking Poles to a WW2 veteran. He loved them. They were type A. Very nice carbon poles.

 

[LongWayAround]

A. I have very similar looking Leki's. They are a little long when collapsed but it does not bother me.

B does not appear to be trustworthy for hunting, to me. They look like they're for an ultralight trail hiker type.

 

[lmeyer]

i dont trust shock cord

I have some B style and they have cable run through the middle, leki I think. No shock cord

 

[BDRam16]

A because I use it for my shelter and wouldn’t trust B for the support in the wind.

 

[TaperPin]

So style B goes together with friction only? If it gets planted in mud or catches between two rocks, it just comes apart? Hmmm…. It would have to be free and half the weight to make that compromise.

 

[Jethro]

I'm one of the B votes. I like the smaller fold up for storing in my pack. I've had A type and they fit in, but when pack gets full and tight, they poked a hole in the bag.

Black Diamond Carbon Z is what I have.

 

[Jethro]

So style B goes together with friction only? If it gets planted in mud or catches between two rocks, it just comes apart? Hmmm…. It would have to be free and half the weight to make that compromise.

Not friction only. Once assembled there is a lock tab that pulls inner cord tight and holds them together.