Hammers HP9 Anti-shock Hiking Pole with Compass & Thermometer

I love this hiking pole... light weight for the price I paid, no one can bet it. The other famous hiking pole costs 3 - 4 times as much but just 2 oz. lighter. I would take the weight for this price.

While I would like to offer a useful review, I cannot due to the vendor's inability to satisfy the order.
A friend purchased this hiking pole from our wedding registry. Two months later I received a call from Lee, who worked for the vendor, demanding additional money to have the item shipped. Shipping was paid in full during the initial transaction so I refused additional payment. Lee then informed me that the order would be canceled, but the seven dollars in shipping would not be returned to our friend that purchased the item for us.
Amazon fixed the problem, but I would steer clear from buying anything from this vendor.

I have a pair of HP9 hiking poles ($40). My wife has a pair of REI hiking poles with anti-shock for $75. Compared with the REI hiking poles, HP 9 has the following shortcomings.

1. Handles and straps
HP9's handles are very hard and uncomfortable. The straps are simply nylon bands. I took them for a 4 hour hike. My hands were scratched. They could have sepnt a little bit more money to improve them. Next time I have to wear gloves to prevent any burns. REI's hiking poles' handles and straps are better-designed, soft, and fit the palms very well.

2. Carbide tips
HP9's tips are tiny and short. I don't think they are going to last long.

3. Anti-shock
HP9's springs are shorter then the REI's. I feel more shock absorbed with REI's poles.

4. Build quality
REI's again are better. But HP9's are O.K.

Basically, you get what you pay for. HP9 is not bad, but not outstanding. I would suggest you wear gloves when you use them.

I just got back from Roraima Tepuy that its one of the most olders rock formations in the Venezuelan "Gran Sabana" and the pole worked perfect. My friends poles arrived bented while this kaito did just fine... got nothing to envy to the ones in the "hundred dollars" rank. The compass and the thermometer are the same of the keychains so nothing special about them, but the pole is great.

I bought this walking stick on Amazon.com because I was going on vacation pretty soon and I needed a walking stick to help me when I was hiking on the mountains. All in all, this turned out to be an excellent walking stick. One of the nice features about it is that it folds up quite easily, thus allowing me to take it on an airplane. I also love its color and the fact that it has a compass and a thermometer on the handle strap.

All in all, a great purchase! :-)