I can confirm that they come with a nice rubber tip that covers the carbide point. If you need to use it as a tent pole, just pull the rubber tip off.

Other than that, I have to totally agree with your list. I agree the compass is cheap..but better than nothing and your right, I probably wouldn't use it as my primary source of direction location.

I was surprised that after hiking 19 miles in two days and putting considerable stress on these poles, that I didn't have blisters. I did have a hot spot on my right hand, but it never blistered.

Hope you enjoy them as much as I do. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />