Nordic Walking Poles Custom Fit to Your Height. Quality 1-Piece Poles - 32 Lengths Non-Collapsible. #1 for Hiking, Trekking, Physical Therapy.

Although I already have good, not-flimsy flip-lock REI 3-piece hiking poles, I wanted a pair of one-piece, no-fuss poles for walks where there's no need at all for constant height adjustments (longer for steep downhill, shorter for steep uphill, per one style of pole hiking that's popular in the San Francisco bay area).The ones that Swix sent are very light but sturdy, quality poles with comfortable, flexible wrist straps and boot-like tips. I like the Nordic style of walking with poles slightly angled back, as it tends to propel you forward and the upper arms get the exercise they rarely do in standard poleless walking, due to naturally doing a full arm extension when you plant a pole inline with the opposing foot's heel, moving forward. The printed instructions were detailed and very helpful, but the DVD video, while somewhat useful, mainly shows people jumping around with the poles in high areas.The first thing I noticed was that I'm naturally walking faster, not that I always want to -- it just happens -- and it leads to longer strides and definitely more exercise for the upper body as you put weight from the heel of your hand into the cradle of the strap. There is less strain on the knees and hips. I'm having a lot of fun with these and it's somewhat addictive.In situations where balance is more important, I'll keep the poles more perpendicular to the ground. Definitely they make downhill hiking less of an ordeal.The Swix representative, Pete, is very responsive in email and is a good communicator, and delivery was unusually fast!

Three surprises for me when I received these. First, they are phenomenally light weight and sturdy. Must be manufactured from special composite material. Also, they come with two different ends - one which is good for providing a non-slip connection between the pole and cement walks or indoor surfaces and when removed leaves a pointed end that is perfect depth for digging into trail turf. The other surprise is the well designed padded and securely sewn hand strap that makes the grip on the pole so comfortable and effortless and is an integral part of how one can choose to plant the pole or not depending on the terrain.I use these to ensure that when I take my walks and hikes that I use a proper posture. The stability of proper gait has reduced the stress on my knees and allowed me to take much more challenging outings. Using a pole of the right height encourages the forward stride that no longer felt comfortable for me as it once did when I was young. I also notice my surroundings because my posture and balance allow me to look up not at my feet. These poles are specifically sized to your height.Also ordered a pair for my 87 year-old Mom. She loves them!!! She has friends that have seen hers and are choosing the walking poles over their walkers! They love being more upright. One of many benefits is to avoid developing a stooped position.Really recommend this for people who want to build back their strength and stability after an injury or due to aging. I have used adjustable hiking sticks before with both round grip at top and handle grip. They may be okay for some purposes but now that I have experienced these walking poles, I would much prefer these light weight perfectly sized poles that have a grip that encourages an upright posture. There is no comparison with the functionality of two poles that are designed for your own height and grips that conform to your natural walking stance, instead of a hiking stick that is designed to have to lean on it in order to have it function at all.

I had a MVA which left me with balance issues before I retired. After regular physical therapy I still had balance issues and pain in my shoulders from working 40 years as a nurse. Trying to avoid surgery, improve balance issues and exercise daily, I found a You tube video about Nordic walking. The doctor and physical therapist on the video emphasized using non adjustable poles, that is one customized to your height so I searched the internet and found these wonderful poles that produced the results I needed to improve my balance, tone my core, painlessly exercise my shoulder joints, and most of all, provide me with a 30 minute daily exercise routine I have been able to maintain for the last 5 years. I purchased these pole for me, a pair for my friend, a pair for my son and a second pair I keep at our vacation home. My doctor also told me there is quite a lot of research on general health benefits for anyone because you are using both sides of your body so it maintains symmetry of all your skeletal muscles. I have replaced the asphalt “paws” tips once because the majority of walking I do is in my neighborhood and local parks. I could not be more pleased by this very beneficial STIX quality walking sticks! I am most pleased with the benefit of avoiding shoulder surgery by improving my posture and body alignment. On a final note, during my 30 minute walk daily I pray and thank God for blessing me with a way of becoming healthier than I was before I retired.