If you use a walking staff under a wide varity of conditions, become aware of the dynamics of how the staff swings

The weight of the staff (hiking poles) and the location of the center of gravity (CG) of the staff makes a great difference in how it performs.

When you are walking fast, having the CG closer to the ground make the staff swing forward faster to match your gait (shorten the staff). As the CG of the staff approaches your hand (lengthen the staff), the pole does not swing forward at all. This is best when speed is near zero and balance is of prime concern.

About the only easy way to have an adjustable CG is to use a telescoping staff. I adjust the length of the pole to match the terrain.

MrLongarm.com makes two poles I like. The model 5208 is a yellow fiber glass and 1.25" dia. The model 2708 is aluminum and 1.125" dia. Both adjust from 4' to 8' and have a 3/4x5 TPI metal threaded end.


MR LONGARM 5208 - 4-8' Telescoping yellow glass pole with 3/4x5 TPI tip. One end rubber. One end with hardened carbon steel 1.5" spike.

ADD REI rubber trekking tip to threaded end.

ADD furnature rubber foot to other end - plus 1/4 x 2" drill point screw, two 1" washers, two 1/4" nuts.

ADD two hand loops of 550 cord - one to serve each end of pole.

ADD black dye to yellow pole and it turns green camo.

ADD 5" fiberglass disc on spike end in deep snow.

POLE COST with accessories - $25 new.

COMBINE with Kahtoola MICROspikes and you can cross any ice flow, slimey log or steep slippry slope.

It will keep a pack string of Llamas from passing while going down hill. It will keep an irritating trail dog at bay if you don't feel the need to dump it with your 10" Colt M16 Full Auto.

It works well for the center pole on the super tarp.

It works well to support either the Glock or the Colt if needed.

Weight of such things?

It weighs 2#.

Ponder,

These look like a very nice design. I may look into one, I love a good staff. I try to avoid walking fast :-), but the shorter staff sure makes that easier. I grip the staff high enough to make the swing suit my pace.

I like a long staff, it allows you to change the length (switchback where pole goes from high side to low, etc.) with the relaxation of the hand. I have several wood ones (which I love) but the one I use most is a Crawford Survival Staff that was custom made in 3 pcs. Breaks down to 22 inches for air travel and is a 6' pole when I get there. (airlines are a pain).

The best,

Jerry

Ponder, I cannot find the #5208 staff model number on the Longarm site's product list. Can you please provide a better ID for that modell? Thanx.

The MrLongarm site is a bit convoluted -

The model 5208 is in the Super Twist-Lok section -

http://www.mrlongarm.com/pdfs/A4%20English/A4%20SuperTwistLok.pdf

Or -

GOOGLE/FROOGLE - LONGARM 5208

One advantage of the adjustable lingth is when a crutch is needed. With "Slip & Fall" being one of the often causes of back country injuries, a make shift crutch may be of some help on the limp out.

You can screw a 1" x 1" x 3/4" Schedule 80 PVC Tee on the threaded end. Fine tune the length and you have a reasonable "CRUTCH".

I cannot find the Mr. Longarm 2708 on any website other than that of Mr. Longarm. Can you advise as to where it may be avaible, internet wise? Furthermore, these spikes and baskets, must they be modified to fit either of the Mr. Longarm models and where might they be available? Thanks for the help and the great idea. It may not have the quality or flexibility of the Crawford Survival staff but, my God, the cost difference.