Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I prefer wooden walking staffs, but wanted something that I could fit into luggage while traveling. I took a chance on the length of this one, which isn't specified. By my own unofficial measurement, it's just a little under 26 inches fully collapsed, which will fit into a large suitcase (diagonally) or a long duffel. So that's okay for me. Don't know what the story is for bringing it in an airplane cabin as a loose item, like a cane.
As for quality, you don't get what you don't pay for. I prefer that phrasing, since you don't always get what you do pay for. Other people have commented on the compass. It's basically a non-functional decoration, not even consistent enough to apply an offset, but that's a non-issue for me. The important thing is the construction of the stick, and that seems solid enough. I pulled the bottom section out entirely to look at the locking mechanism. It's a sort of plastic expanding wedge which may or may not be reliable in the long run. Don't under-tighten it, but I'd be careful about over-tightening it too. The instructions warn not to rely on the staff to support your full weight, but it does seem pretty strong. The shock absorbing mechanism is stiff enough not to be a distraction during normal walking.
If you're going to do serious wilderness hiking, then invest some more money in a higher quality pole. If you're going to navigate by compass, then spend the money to buy a good compass. For casual walking and hiking, though, I think this is a pretty good deal, and I'm satisfied.
UPDATE on the compass. I thought it was better to have no compass than one which was totally non-functional, so I pried it out of the handle. There was a little glue holding it in, but not much. Then I noticed that it seemed to be working properly. Checked it against a better compass, and the two agreed with each other. Popped it back in the handle, and it wouldn't work again. Took it out, it worked as well as you can expect for a cheap little micro compass. So something in the handle is slightly magnetized, or there's just too much metal around it. I'll leave it in, friction from the rubber handle should hold it in there, and just remember that I'd need to take it out to use it! Not what was intended, I'm sure.
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Telescopic Walking StickTelescopic Walking Stick W/ Antishock MechanismReduce strain on your back, knees, legs and feet while walking or hiking with the Telescopic Walking Stick. It provides better balance, traction and posture. Designed for all different types of walks. The Telescopic Walking Stick is constructed of extra-light yet strong aluminum alloy. Increase hill climbing power and endurance. The antishock mechanism has a built in spring that reduces strain on your hands and wrists when descending on hard and rocky terrain.
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