LEKI Wanderfreund Antishock DSS Trekking Pole

Very good build quality. I especially like the bit of shock absorption this model offers, which makes it comfortable with brisk walking and putting weight on it when hiking.

3.5 stars.This trekking pole does not have a spring shock absorber, so it really isn’t “anti shock”.However, I do like it.It is very light.I use it like a cane.It is easily adjustable.It is well made.The strap is minimally useful.My last Lexi trekking pole lasted 22 years. We’ll see how this one holds up.

The anti-shock mechanism in this pole is different. However, it definitely absorbs impact shock, providing a very comfortable support. I have significant low back problems that impair my left leg, so I rely heavily on the cane. It has become my all-time favorite after three months plus of steady daily use. Comfortably five stars for Leki quality and an improved anti-shock mechanism.

I've had two back surgeries, and have moderate deficit in my left leg and foot. I purchased this for an upcoming trip to a gem and mineral show, where I knew i would be walking, and standing with minimal opportunities to sit. This walking stick/cane was the thing that allowed me to make it through the entire show! I was able to use it for support while walking and standing, which is saying a lot, because I weigh 290lbs. The anti shock feature made each step effortless, and smooth. Of course, I had back pain by the end of the walk, but without the Wanderfreund, I would have been miserable, and debilitated for awhile.

I use this walking stick to assist my decrepit body. Have always had one at hand. The new version doesn't have much spring -- an element that I relied on. Otherwise, a solid product. Like latching method better than the old twisting method. Personally like cork handle better, but the composite is OK.

Bought one for my spouse a few years ago. Bought this one for me. It has the same model name, but the design has changed. The anti-shock mechanism is now a hard rubber ball vs the internal spring in the earlier version. The compression locks now have a lever versus a rotary clamp. Antishock is a little stiffer than the older version, but it works and the stiffness may change with age. (I certainly have!) The two version seem to be equally functional, although I of course tell her mine is new and improved. :) She is 5'1", while I am 6'0". Height adjustments meet both our needs well.

first let me clear the air. I'm an overweight 70 year old with bad legs and I lean on my canes and staffs HARD and have no business trying to usea collapsible. But some other potential cane abusers may find these subjective comments useful.Like many dual purpose tools this DSS cane/staff doesn't perform either of its functions very well. Used as a cane the handle is too thin and the shape is uncomfortable (for me).The bottom of the handle is flat (no hook) and the cane can't be hung on the edge of a table or bar, or a doorknob. Although the strap can keep the cane from hitting the ground when dropped its flimsy construction seem like it could break at any time.The end that loops to the handle is thin string (fidhing line?) A loop of rawhide or paracord would be better. Used as a staff the handle is fine but the tiny strap is even more useless.The worst part of this cane/staff is the shaft. If you must have a unit that can collapse to fit into a backpack than I guess you are willing to toleratethe noise, flexing and questionable support. Even compared to my old Leki Eagles this thing is FLIMSY. I pressed the cane/staff down onto the ground by the handle as in normal use and held the middle of the shaft with my free hand. I flexed (bowed) the shaft from side to side and herd a loud clacka-clacka clacka. The Eagles were much stiffer and were silent. Although the metal coil spring has been replaced with a rubber bushing in this generation shock absorber it is still noisy and ineffective. When the pole is planted during normal walking it makes a vibration plung sound with each step. It takes fairly high pressure to press the tip into the shaft- more than produced during normal walking. But perhaps it's not designed to work that way. It only needs to absorb the initial contact impulse and that doesn't need to visibly deflect the absorber. In any case I can feel no difference compared to the Eagles. With my normal canes I found that a disc cut from shock absorbing packing rubber and put under the cane tip works well. Support? Put it this way; neither the DSS nor the Eagles would be of any use should I need to hoist my fat butt up of the ground. My staff made from from a 4ft by 1-1/8 piece of hardwood broom handle has handled hoisting duty with no problem. I just don't feel secure with those collapsible poles. Although the new extension locks may be stronger than the older twist type (I didn't test this) they tend to catch on vegetation. Of course I realize that modern collapsible poles were not designed for the abuse I subject them to.On the positive side this cane is lightweight, packable and works fine if you don't lean on it and don't need a strap.Good luckfussypants

Excellent, light and the slight spring is great to reduce stress on the hand and arm.I have had Leki canes and walking sticks for over 10 years. It’s the only brand I trust, but I’m not crazy about the new locking system. The new one creates an opportunity for slip, if it’s not set right at the beginning. I never had a problem with the old rotating locking system. Once it was set, it was solid. This one takes more finesse to get right ....Still the best hiking and walking aid out there !!