Nordic Walking has yet to be enthusiastically embraced here in the USA . However, those of us that are aware of the many benefits of using Nordic Walking Poles couldn’t be more enthusiastic about this wonderful fitness activity with Scandinavian roots. Unfortunately the US market is being flooded by cheap and flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece twist-lock and flip-lock poles and rubber tips from China. Many of these poles are equipped with a thin rubber or plastic cap (basically to prevent the metal tips from poking a hole in your car seat or luggage), but sold as Nordic Walking Tips and barely last a mile or two. Some of these cheap twist-lock and flip-lock poles come with what look like authentic Nordic Walking Tip/Asphalt Rubber Tips, but prove to wear out with-in a week or two. I have had numerous students in my Nordic Classes show me the short life span of their tips. They always appreciate the improved grip and cushion of the SWIX and EXEL Nordic Walking Tips/Asphalt Paws equipped on my Nordic Walking Poles.
I love Nordic Walking and cross country skiing because they are silent sports. Cheap and flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece poles tend to rattle, vibrate and/or collapse unexpectedly. And when the rubber tips wear out on these cheap poles the clank of the metal tip is annoying as well. I like to do my skiing and Nordic Walking in stealth mode and couldn’t tolerate the rattle, clicking and vibration coming from cheap poles from China.
Every day we hear from new customers who opted to purchase cheap twist-lock or flip-lock poles from other sources by mistake, or received them as gifts, and found that the tips wore out quickly and the twist-locks and/or flip-locks were noisy, uncooperative and annoying. New customers tell us that their original poles from EMS, REI, MC Sports, Cabala’s, L.L. Bean, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sports Authority, Target, Wal-Mart, misc. websites, …… did not perform as they had hoped and ended up being returned or sent directly to the landfill.
A recent email from a happy customer reads like this about her old cheap poles:
Thanks for your help Pete. I poked through the Sportline pole tip in less than 20 miles. I like to walk at least 5 miles a day with the poles. The Sportline poles rattle quite a bit, too.
Thanks for the quick reply and the info.
Lynne
We have received feedback from hundreds of individuals that had problems with the cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece twist-lock and flip-lock poles from China that they didn’t get from us. Every day we receive happy customer feedback from current customers in regard to their quality and hassle-free one-piece poles. Our 100% positive customer satisfaction ratings indicate that we are doing something right by promoting user-friendly one-piece poles that are sized correctly to each individual’s height and backed with a Perfect Length Guarantee. Quality one-piece poles that are sized correctly prove to be safer, lighter and much more durable than cheap collapsible poles from China.
And when it comes to Nordic Walking tips/asphalt paws we always recommend EXEL, LEKI and SWIX Tips.
When looking for Nordic Walking Poles here are some questions you should ask the seller:
1. Are these poles made in China?
* don’t get scammed by cheap/flimsy 2-piece and 3-piece poles. If the retailer doesn't know where the poles are made assume they are the cheap twist-lock and/or flip-lock poles from China.
2. Are these poles equipped with Salomon Patented Nordic Walking Straps?
* you can’t beat the comfortable and patented Nordic Walking Straps from the Salomon Ski Company
3. Do you carry replacement tips incase I misplace one or wear them out?
* many of the cheap Nordic Walking Poles from China do not have replacement parts available. A reputable retailer will size you into the correct length poles and have a stash of rubber Nordic Walking Tips/Paws.
4. How many different lengths of poles do you carry?
* seniors and individuals with balance issues should never get conned into cheap 2-piece or 3-piece collapsible poles that may collapse unexpectedly. Demand quality one-piece poles that are sized correctly.
At the American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM we carry 14 different lengths and can custom build poles for those over 6’ 6” at no extra charge – ensuring a perfect fit that is backed up by a Perfect Length Guarantee!
For additional info about quality Nordic Walking Poles and natural rubber Nordic Walking Tips/Asphalt Paws contact:
Swix Nordic Walking: http://www.swixnordicwalking.com/
Exel Nordic Walking: http://www.exelnordicwalking.com/
Nordic Walking Blog: http://nordicwalkingusa.blogspot.com/
Nordic Walking Blog USA: http://nordicwalkingusa.wordpress.com/
Nordic Walking Blog: http://nordicwalking.typepad.com/
Nordic Sports Blog: http://nordicsportsusa.blogspot.com/
Email: getfit@SkiWalking.com
Toll Free: 877-SKIWALKING or 877-754-9255
