Monsieur Pidgeon and I were once involved in an Alpine rescue where a walker had slipped off an icy path and used an alloy Leki to self-arrest, bending said pole through ninety degrees. She survived and gratefully plied moi et mon ami with mucho Bier and vino in the hut. Don't expect Denis remembers. Pole was well knackered, of course, but lady survived.

I have to agree with Humphrey when carbon fiber breaks its end of the line. I have had aluminium poles break on me I managed to cut of the bent part of the centre section and still had a serviceable pole, aluminium for me (say what John )

Cheers & Beers

If anyone is interested in trying some carbon fibre poles F&T have an offer on Karrimore poles at £30 per pair. At this amount of money even I'm prepared to give them a try!