Pacer poles

[lizo]

I'm looking at pacer poles for the camino frances. Anyone have an idea on which ones are best?

 

[Jeff Crawley]

I'm looking at pacer poles for the camino frances. Anyone have an idea on which ones are best?

Do you mean Pacer Poles specifically or are you asking about hiking poles in general?
I have the basic Pacer Poles with screw locks and simply love them - didn't see the need for the cam-lock style ones. Have never regretted the investment.

 

[lizo]

Do you mean Pacer Poles specifically or are you asking about hiking poles in general?
I have the basic Pacer Poles with screw locks and simply love them - didn't see the need for the cam-lock style ones. Have never regretted the investment.

Yes. I mean pacer poles specifically. Interesting that you say basic ones are fine. Thanks for that

 

[MikeJS]

Any that don’t make that horrible click click sound as you walk along!

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Any that don’t make that horrible click click sound as you walk along!

That's not the Pacer Poles, that's my knees.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Any that don’t make that horrible click click sound as you walk along!

I think non-clicking poles have not been invented yet!...The solution has always been a good set of rubber tips!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I have both types. I prefer the carbon fiber, but remember that if you break fiber, you are down to one pole for one hand. The aluminum ones won't break, so you may have a bent pole that won't retract, but you still will have two poles. The weight difference is not a factor!

 

[PK Smit]

I have both types. I prefer the carbon fiber, but remember that if you break fiber, you are down to one pole for one hand. The aluminum ones won't break, so you may have a bent pole that won't retract, but you still will have two poles. The weight difference is not a factor!

Don't be so sure about aluminium not breaking, my wife broke hers on the San Salvador this year.

 

[Vanozza]

Any that don’t make that horrible click click sound as you walk along!

You can always buy the rubber tips in order to get rid of that annoying tapping.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

I have both types. I prefer the carbon fiber, but remember that if you break fiber, you are down to one pole for one hand. The aluminum ones won't break, so you may have a bent pole that won't retract, but you still will have two poles. The weight difference is not a factor!

The USP of Pacer Poles is the unique handle (and I can't believe these haven't been cloned yet). Interestingly the lower two sections from other, cheaper, brands may fit the PacerPole top section.
The middle section of a telescopic Pacer Pole measures 15.94mm outside diameter (it doesn't taper). I have a no-name cheapo pole whose OD is . . . 15.60mm! If you're unlucky enough to bend the lower sections of a PP a makeshift repair might be possible with something from a Chinese Bazaar. Remember that the expanding plug will take up a lot of slack so the fit doesn't have to be exact - you can even pad things out by loose wrapping the plug with some tape or thin card. Another reason for Keeping It Simple.

 

[Bill Anlyan]

I don't think non-clicking poles have not been invented yet!...The solution has always been a good set of rubber tips!

Key is finding good rubber tips. REI poles come with rubber tips that will wear out quickly on the Camino. Replacement tips are marginally better; but, not much.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

Key is finding good rubber tips. REI poles come with rubber tips that will wear out quickly on the Camino. Replacement tips are marginally better; but, not much.

Get Leki brand tips. They last and last!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Key is finding good rubber tips.

The Black Diamond tips at REI fit and are durable.

 

[JillGat]

I have the basic pacer poles and can't imagine walking wirhout them. They take a lot of stress off the joints. I always wear lightweight gloves (the kind for sun protection) so my hands dont feel sweaty. I can't carry them on the plane, because they won't fit inside the pack. (Not sure why they are considered dangerous)

 

[Chris Gi]

I'm looking at pacer poles for the camino frances. Anyone have an idea on which ones are best?

Take a look at Amazon's Koviti Trekking Poles. They collapse down to 13.3 inches and weigh just 9 ounces - great to fit in your back pack for travel or when you don't need them. They adjust for all heights and come with the usual assortment of "feet". Love them and the price of $32.

 

[malingerer]

I have the basic pacer poles and cant imagine walking wirhout them. They take a lot of stress off the joints. I always weay lightweight glove (the kind gor sun protection) so my hands dont feel sweaty. And i cant carry them on the plane, because they wont fit inside the pack. not sure why they are considered dangerous)

like BUT they are dangerous without the rubber tips. As posted I wouldn't consider going anywhere without them either.

Buen Camino

The Malingerer.

 

[dougfitz]

Key is finding good rubber tips.

Indeed. I have used Black Diamond tips now for several years, or a Swiz curved (walking) foot). Leki lose out here in Australia on price, but had pretty good wear life when last I used the brand.

 

[Mark Barnes]

I bought the “non shock absorbing” Pace maker poles on Amazon for $19.00 and used them on the Camino Frances from Pamplona to Santiago de Compostela in 2017. I loved them and am still using the same pair in 2019. Please do use the rubber tips that come with them as they do help and you will not have the annoying click click noise.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Key is finding good rubber tips. REI poles come with rubber tips that will wear out quickly on the Camino. Replacement tips are marginally better; but, not much.

I purchase bulbous, rather huge, sturdy rubber tips from Amazon. There are several styles to choose from. One pair lasts for two+ full length Caminos.

 

[trecile]

I love my Pacer Poles. I have the dual lock carbon fiber poles.
The rubber tips that come with them last a long time - for me, at least two Caminos. I did need to buy some new tips this year, and even with shipping from England the Pacer Pole tips - which I know will last were about the same price as good quality tips that I could buy locally. They sell them as sets of two pairs, but they sent me a bonus pair! So, I'm set for the next 5 Caminos or so.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I bought the “non shock absorbing” Pace maker poles on Amazon for $19.00 and used them on the Camino Frances from Pamplona to Santiago de Compostela in 2017.

Mark, the Pacer Pole is a different beast with a strange grip. I don't think you can get them in the US. Here's a picture of the grip.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

People love pacer poles, but I've not had any problems using "run of the mill" standard poles...no hand or wrist problems at all.

 

[Beeman]

Mark, the Pacer Pole is a different beast with a strange grip. I don't think you can get them in the US. Here's a picture of the grip.
View attachment 61509

They are not available in the States. You have to buy them from England,and they are just WONDERFUL! I have tried many types of poles,but these are far and away the best!

 

[Geodoc]

I'm about 750 km into the CF with my aluminum Pacer Poles (along with a couple of hundred kilometers of training). I love them.

If you get them, be sure to order them with two sets of rubber tips. My first set lasted about 500 km, and I'm now on set two. The rubber tips work fine in all the terrain that I've encountered so far.

 

[Mike Savage]

I have the standard twist lock carbon fiber Pacer Poles and love them. I always use the rubber tips on all terrain and have thousands of miles on the poles with no issues. If I lost or damaged them I would buy the same ones immediately without question.

Good luck with your decision.

Mike

 

[CatherineAnn]

Any that don’t make that horrible click click sound as you walk along!

No, they have rubber tips. Love my pacer pokes.

 

[mick...]

I'm looking at pacer poles for the camino frances. Anyone have an idea on which ones are best?

Leki. They're expensive but light and strong, made of carbon fibre. And quiet. I've had mine four years. I love them

 

[trecile]

Leki. They're expensive but light and strong, made of carbon fibre. And quiet. I've had mine four years. I love them

Leki poles aren't Pacer Poles. I think that the OP wanted to know which Pacer Poles people like.

Shop - Pacerpole.com

shop.pacerpole.com

 

[Moorwalker]

I have the basic pacer poles and can't imagine walking wirhout them. They take a lot of stress off the joints. I always wear lightweight gloves (the kind for sun protection) so my hands dont feel sweaty. I can't carry them on the plane, because they won't fit inside the pack. (Not sure why they are considered dangerous)

Poles of any kind are a great weapon, ask anyone who has ever done anything with a quarterstaff. And the hardened tips on most poles will do an awful lot of damage. Many airlines won't permit walking sticks of any kind. However if you can dismantle your poles and they will fit entirely into your pack, most airlines will permit them on board.

 

[Moorwalker]

Pacer poles are like many other things, if possible try before you buy. Some people find them great, others get on better with straight grips. I'm in the latter group, Pacer type poles kill my wrists. Mr likes them.

For packing, most poles are easy to dismantle completely and are then considerably shorter than the telescoped length, so you can often get them into your pack that way.

 

[mick...]

Leki poles aren't Pacer Poles. I think that the OP wanted to know which Pacer Poles people like.

Shop - Pacerpole.com

shop.pacerpole.com

OIC, they're a brand. I thought it was a generic term, sorry. Take a look at Leki though, they're very good poles and the glove-handle connectors are very practical

 

[Susan Peacock]

I’ve walked 7 Camino’s with Pacer Poles and wouldn’t go without them. They were the envy of my Camino family. I have walked with various ones and the best are the carbon fiber 3 piece WITH DUAL LOCK....
For those taller than 6’2” these are not recommended check their site for the recommended ones.

 

[domigee]

This is an old thread I know but I didn’t think it was worth opening a new one?
Just to say that last week, in the snow and mud, I managed to lose the bottom part of one of my poles I only noticed when I came home and wanted to clean them (I thought, whilst walking, the pole had retracted and not wanting to stop, I only used one).
Anyway....
I sadly prepared to have to replace them (those poles had walked all the way to Jerusalem, Rome and Santiago ) but ..... you can actually buy a replacement just for the part that is missing! Yeah!
I love my Pacer poles
Ps: they’re carbon, btw.

 

[henrythedog]

Designed and supplied only by the Rhodes family just up the road from me in Windermere, Cumbria UK.

Personally I can’t get on with pacer poles, but various family and friends swear by them.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I have such good results with standard hiking poles that I have never had a reason to check out pacer poles, although they are loved by many who use them.

 

[trecile]

I have such good results with standard hiking poles that I have never had a reason to check out pacer poles, although they are loved by many who use them.

I had never used poles (or a backpack) before I started researching the Camino on the forum. It seemed to me that Pacer Poles were idiot proof, so I figured that they were for me! They are the only poles that I have ever used.

 

[gerardcarey]

I had never used poles (or a backpack) before I started researching the Camino on the forum. It seemed to me that Pacer Poles were idiot proof, so I figured that they were for me! They are the only poles that I have ever used.

So being an idiot helps then.
How lucky am I?
My carbon fibre Pacer Poles have never looked like breaking.
But then I've never met anyone who has broken a pole.
What possible experience have I got to draw on in advising someone?
None.
And they call me a Veteran!
Ah.....Got it now....Im a Veteran Idiot.

 

[OZAJ]

What about tungsten carbide tips? Anybody worn these out?

I have.

Rubber tips?

Yes, worn these out in no time at all.

Nevertheless I love my Pacer poles.

I have to wonder whether I am using the poles incorrectly in order to suffer such wear and tear.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

This is an old thread I know but I didn’t think it was worth opening a new one?
Just to say that last week, in the snow and mud, I managed to lose the bottom part of one of my poles I only noticed when I came home and wanted to clean them (I thought, whilst walking, the pole had retracted and not wanting to stop, I only used one).
Anyway....
I sadly prepared to have to replace them (those poles had walked all the way to Jerusalem, Rome and Santiago ) but ..... you can actually buy a replacement just for the part that is missing! Yeah!
I love my Pacer poles
Ps: they’re carbon, btw.

I think I've mentioned this before (maybe further up this topic than I care to explore) but if you "lose" the bottom section of a PP while out on the Camino (really Dom?) you'll find the bottom section of an El Cheapo pole from the nearest Bazaar will probably fit - don't forget there has to be a bit of tolerance for the expander to work so you don't want a tight fit.
Without digging around for my micrometer the diameter of the expander on my PP measures 15mm while that on the cheapo pole somebody left me when they stole my LEKI is 14.5mm but tightens up without a problem in the PP mid-section
That's the old style screw lock version of course, I've no experience of the cam-lock type.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

The only real downside to Pacer Poles is they are expensive, and people notice them, and they "liberate" them.
In all my years of Camino, I have only been robbed twice. Both times, it was my Pacer poles they took.

 

[domigee]

I think I've mentioned this before (maybe further up this topic than I care to explore) but if you "lose" the bottom section of a PP while out on the Camino (really Dom?) you'll find the bottom section of an El Cheapo pole from the nearest Bazaar will probably fit - don't forget there has to be a bit of tolerance for the expander to work so you don't want a tight fit.
Without digging around for my micrometer the diameter of the expander on my PP measures 15mm while that on the cheapo pole somebody left me when they stole my LEKI is 14.5mm but tightens up without a problem in the PP mid-section
That's the old style screw lock version of course, I've no experience of the cam-lock type.

Thanks, I’ll remember that should it happen on camino.

 

[nidarosa]

I type for a living so Pacerpoles are a godsend for me. I didn't really think I needed poles at all, but decided to try it, and now I wouldn't dream of going for any long walk without them. I have had the alloys, carbons and now the dual lock version. Yes, they are on the expensive side but I really think you get what you pay for. The only other poles I have found that have angled handles are the Black Diamond Trail Ergo with cork handles, so I tried them but they were not for me - they felt rattly and sweaty-grippy and not angled enough to make any real difference. The Pacers feel so much sturdier and just fit my hands perfectly, and they also make decent hand brakes on steep downhills. Well worth a try, they used to have a good return policy if you were not happy with them after a certain time.
In fact, I don't even count the weight of them into my From Skin Out packing list, as I always have them in my hands!

 

[domigee]

The only real downside to Pacer Poles is they are expensive, and people notice them, and they "liberate" them.
In all my years of Camino, I have only been robbed twice. Both times, it was my Pacer poles they took.

Yes, I’d heard that it happened. I fold them and keep them with me. The only things I had ‘disappeared’ (so far!) were my towel and ... my sleeping bag liner!

 

[domigee]

I had never used poles (or a backpack) before I started researching the Camino on the forum. It seemed to me that Pacer Poles were idiot proof, so I figured that they were for me! They are the only poles that I have ever used.

My first poles were from Lidl - like you I had never used poles before but was scared when reading posts so felt I had to have some....
They were brilliant! (And very cheap!)
I bought the Pacer poles when planning for my long pilgrimage - again, fear talking! ‘I-have-to-get- the- best- equipment-cos-this-will-be-a-very-difficult-journey ‘. Rubbish, I bet my Lidl poles would have been just as good
But now I am used to them, I cannot possibly go without them Love them!