All I needed was the
"All I needed was the trekking pole tip, but it made more sense to buy the entire lower pole assembly for a number of reasons. A new tip does not always mate perfectly with an old lower pole segment. Sometimes the old pole segment will not slide to the bottom of the new tip. When this is the case there is a void inside the tip, which can cause the tip to buckle under the weight of a hiker. This can happen at a bad time, when the hiker puts all their weight on the pole, like in a situation of trying to avoid going down in a fall. Buying an entire lower pole assembly gives you a tip that is married perfectly with the pole segment. It also gives you a new pole segment, replacing the old segment which might be stressed from use. An added bonus is that you receive a new pole basket as well. Note to Black Diamond: if I win the $100, please donate this to a deserving BD employee."
