Komperdell C3 Duolock Women

VERDICT

I rarely bother to change my pole length while hiking, because I find even the simplest locking mechanisms too fiddly—but the SureLock eases on-the-fly adjustments. A unique trigger system lets you adjust this three-section aluminum pole with one hand: Holding and squeezing the handle like a syringe releases the lock and allows you to push (or pull) on the middle segment to adjust the length in five-centimeter increments. The collapsible bottom segment locks into one fixed length with a push-button mechanism. Dings: The relatively heavy swing weight gave it a sluggish feel when I was skiing downhill and the plastic grip gets slippery with sweat or rain.

BEST FOR

Hiking on terrain with frequent elevation changes

TESTER DATA

> Kelly Bastone (other tester: Kristin Hostetter)

> Duration Jan. to March

> Locales/conditions CO; 20℉ to 70℉; dry, muddy, and snowy trails

> “Just 23 inches when stowed, the TR-3 fits tidily onto a pack.”

THE SPECS

> Weight 19 oz./pair

> Price $150

> Infomsrgear.com

highest quality 100% carbon tube-especially developed for trekking – extremely light and robust
EVA Foamgrip with Neoprenestrap and G´reptile Gripzone on the upper part of the pole for a firm lower grip
STOPLOCK blocking system – the 3 sections remain one unit – for more safety and stability
DUOLOCK adjusting mechanism