These aluminium cork trekking poles from Silva are nothing flashy, indeed quite traditional, but the real cork grip makes them stand out from others in this review. It feels lovely and will adapt and soften even more with use. The cork only extends so far, the lower part of the extended grip is standard EVA foam with a ribbed design. It’s a shame also that the very top of the grip is rigid plastic with hard edges, unforgiving in the hand, detracting from the joy of the cork.
TGO Magazine verdict
They are easy to adjust and to lock off, and the lengths are written on the poles in both metric and imperial measurements. the poles feel sturdy even at full extension. They should last a long time.- Excellent Value
- Real cork handles
- Large baskets
- Heavier than others
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: £66.99/pair Weight: 275g each Materials: 7075 aluminium, cork, EVA foam, carbide tip Features: Real cork grip, extended foam grip, rubber tips, snow baskets, flicklock buckles, carrying bag, webbing wrist strap Size: 66-140cm Men’s version: Unisex URL: https://silvasweden.uk/ |
The Silva aluminium cork poles comes with some rubber pavement tips, and a pair of snow baskets, but no slimline trekking basket. I find that the bigger baskets, useful in snow, nevertheless get caught on heather, whilst without them, the poles sink too much into mud and bog. The basket fitting seems to be a standard one, compatible with other brands, so it will be possible to source smaller baskets that fit.
Other aspects of these poles are as you would expect for a standard telescopic trekking pole. The locking mechanism uses flicklock levers, made of plastic, with nuts on the side to tighten them easily in the field. They are easy to adjust and to lock off, and the lengths are written on the poles in both metric and imperial measurements. The poles extend to 140cm and feel sturdy even at full extension. They should last well and are excellent value.
