Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board ski poles good enough?

I've been told that poles are indispensible, but I'm a bit shocked at the price. I have some ski poles that look similar to the untrained eye--will they be good enough?
Is there something I'm missing?

Thanks!!

half full - half empty
not worth the money - worth every cent
estimate ski poles 50% to 70%
as effective as treking poles (depending)
bought em - use em - love em

As I noted in the <A href="http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=002363">FAQ topic</A>, you can get by with a single used ski pole (like from a thrift store) if you want to start off with a low budget. It pretty much depends on whether you view hiking as "recreation" or as "work." People who hike for recreation buy the trekking poles to make the trip less work.

Thanks Fred--missed that one.

My question is why do you recommend only one pole if using ski poles, but two if trekking?
I.e. how does a ski pole change the equation to reduce it to one as the suggested?
I obviously have a pair of ski poles.

Thanks again!

I started using hiking poles a few months ago after doing without for many years. They make going downhill (especially with a weighted pack) SO much easier. Also hiking poles are height adjustable which is a nice feature and some can collapse down so they fit nicely on your pack. I got a great used pair of Leki Makalu's on ebay for a really good price.

Clkoberg,
I was not trying to equate one ski pole with two trekking poles. I was only noting that as one alternative (for other people who read the board and do not already have ski poles). If you already have two ski poles then it makes sense to use both of them if you feel comfortable with both of them.

The winter before my first trip up, an out of control skier broke my planted uphill pole, and I bought a used pole at the ski rental shop. That pole is what I used on my first trip up. I have since bought some inexpensive trekking poles and now use them instead.

Fred

short poles are not always as nice on the downhill. (they don't reach!)