There is a great diversity of walking sticks. It can sometimes be difficult to navigate. Let's take a closer look at the specifics to take into account before getting a pair of sticks.
Nordic walking and hiking are two sports that are practiced on different terrains, so it is necessary to have adapted sticks because they do not meet the same needs.
In Nordic walking, you practice on flat ground and / or with slight slopes. The sticks help you propel yourself and work your upper body. When hiking, you practice on steep terrain with significant unevenness. The sticks help you to take support uphill and you avoid slipping during your descents.
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In Nordic walking, the sticks are made of thumbs that allow you to let go and catch up with your poles, which is the main movement of the sport.
Hiking poles consist of a simple strap (strap type) that slips around the wrist because you never lose your sticks during practice.
So, we must remember that we can not practice the technique of Nordic walking with trekking poles.
Adjustable telescopic sticks vs sticks of fixed size
There are telescopic Nordic Walking poles. These are designed for occasional Nordic walking or learning, as you can adjust their size. Nevertheless, they are more fragile than Nordic walking sticks (in one part) and they bear less vibration because they are in two parts. However, the higher the carbon level, the more vibration will be absorbed.
Aluminum or carbon
One element that should guide the choice of your Nordic walking poles is its composition. This will modify the behavior of the stick and will have an impact on the comfort of use. Start by avoiding only aluminum sticks. Although cheap, they should be avoided because they do not absorb vibrations. Aluminum transmits all vibrations to the joints. This repeated discomfort, step by step, day after day, could cause you to develop tendonitis in your elbow.
What is commonly referred to as carbon is, in fact, a composite composed of epoxy resin, carbon fiber, and glass? Sticks can have between 0 and 100% carbon. The longer a stick has carbon, the more rigid, light and durable it is, and the more expensive it is.
Carbon fiber, for its part, offers a great lightness to the baton and guarantees a very good comfort of use, by strongly reducing the vibrations. There are models with more or less carbon. The higher the carbon level, the more the sticks have the advantage of absorbing vibrations while providing flexibility and less impact on the elbow.
Cork handles
This adherent material allows a good grip on the sticks. In addition, it absorbs perspiration because it limits humidity. These handles are ideal for Nordic walking because cork is one of the materials that best suit your needs.
Foam handles
This material, which is widely used in Nordic walking poles, prevents your hands from sliding on the handles and gives you increased comfort.
Plastic handles
The plastic material being more slippery, these handles are therefore not preferred.
Which straps to choose?
It is essential to have Nordic walking poles that have thumb-waving straps, as they allow you to let go and catch up on your poles, the main movement of Nordic walking which must be smooth and steady.
The straps can be fixed and not detachable (Gymstick model) or removable (Leki model).
The main difference between the removable wrist strap is that it allows you to release your hands faster.
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