The Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber trekking poles feature a “twist lock” for easy height adjustment so you can find your ideal pole length more easily than before no matter your height. The poles are made of 100% carbon fiber, making them some of the lightest trekking poles on the market. Each pole weighs right under 8oz. and extends from 23” to 53”.
Materials
The difference between the weight of a carbon fiber pole and an aluminum pole may not seem like much – after all, it’s just a few ounces – but when you’ve been walking all day, every ounce makes a difference! The grips are made of EVA foam, which attempts to combine the breathability of cork with the toughness of plastic and rubber.
Adjustability & Features
Height adjustment on the Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Hiking Poles goes from 23 to 53 inches; locking comes by way of a fast, lever-type system that is claimed to outlast twist-lock competitors. The poles are certainly engineered well, though they have a bit of a bulky feel (despite being one lightest poles we have looked at). The poles include extremely hard tungsten carbide tips and two kinds of rubber covers: standard round ones and angled ones with a tread on the bottom specifically designed for road and sidewalk use. With these trekking poles, you also get two removable basket types: one pair of baskets for mud and soft ground and the other pair for snow.
Performance
Carbon fiber hiking poles don’t give the same feedback as aluminum poles when they hit the ground. The difference is neither better nor worse; it just is. However, potential buyers should note that carbon fiber can shatter under duress. (Metal, on the other hand, is more likely to bend.) Granted, you’d have to put the Cascade poles through some severe abuse in order to break them. We put them to the test and we did manage to damage them.
Price
In terms of trekking equipment, these poles are toward the lower end of the price range. Adjustability is on par with most other poles on today’s market. The locking mechanism is the clamp type that many consumers prefer. Buyers also get a choice of rubber “feet” and two different baskets (rather than universal ones). The main difference between these poles and others is their lower weight. Saving a few ounces on each pole may not sound like a lot, until you carry them all day! There are some questions about strength; after all, carbon fiber could smash where aluminum would only bend. But a kinked aluminum tube is just as useless as a snapped carbon one, so in the end, it’s a matter of personal choice.
Ordering
You can purchase them directly from their website or at Amazon.com. It is cheaper to purchase them from Amazon.com.
Conclusion
Cascade Mountain Tech Twist Lock Trekking Poles are “just okay” poles for every outdoor enthusiast. We have concerns over their durability with longer term use. Regardless, these are perfect for beginners whether you are tall, short or somewhere in between. They are useful for hiking uphill, downhill and on flat terrain.
Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Quick Lock
Pros
- Comfortable lightweight carbon fiber
- Quick lock is easy to use
- Two rubber tips
Cons
- Can shatter with extremely rough treatment
- Strap comes off easily
