I use Black Diamond Poles in all four seasons. The patented flick-locks are the best and easiest to use. More great German engineering. The elliptics are the strongest. That strength is needed in winter when slips and falls are more common. The shock aspect is new for me, and I was surprised to find it a definite improvement over the non-shock contour elliptics. It really does reduce vibration
This review was written in the old system and had content requirements that are different than reviews written today.