G2 Go2gether Multipurpose Telescopic Trekking Poles - Strong Aircraft Alloy Walking Sticks with Camera Holder, Quick Flip Locks System, Easy to Take Photo (2 Poles)

I ordered 6 different poles in order to choose 2 sets (for me and the wife) for an upcoming trek to Machu Picchu. I don't want to carry a separate selfie stick, so I looked for poles with a selfie option for me. The wife can't be bothered to take photos, so a simple, light and sturdy set of poles will do for her. In the end, I chose these Foxellis for the wife and Go2Gether poles for myself. Here's why:KNEE TEST: Extend poles from 2 different manufacturers to your usable length. Get on your knees, with a pole in each hand. Then try to lift yourself up using only the poles and your arm muscles. Which pole flexed more? Did it snap and send you crashing to your knees? Did either pole slip to shorter length?PACKING: How do you intend to stow your poles on trail? The Z folders get really short really easily. But even lashed together they are unwieldy to stash on the outside of your pack. Telescoping poles are more managable in the folded state, but much longer than the Z folders. The telescoping poles may stick above your pack. All the telescoping poles I looked at will come apart and thus fit into carry-on luggage. But this is only relevant for carry-on bus and train trips because the US TSA will not allow trekking poles in carry-on luggage. For me, I do not realize the added benefit of the Z folders from a size persepective.DEPLOYMENT: When you want to whip the poles out and put them to use, you don't want your trail mates to have to wait. The Z folders really are cool here. Hold the handle high and let the rest fall straight down, pull the locking section until it clicks, and you're ready to go. If you did not release the adjustable section when you last folded them, you will not have to readjust the length upon deployment. The telescopic poles require a little more effort as you have to remember your preferred length and then dial it in on two different joints. But that's not too bad, either. The Nordic were the worst in this respect because they have 4 sections fastened by 3 clips.RESULTS:Go2Gether https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CZM45SG/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1- comes with cellphone selfie adapter (yeah!)- similar to Foxelli (except for camera screw and adapter)- 9.7 oz- sturdyFoxellihttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IC7XZ68/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1- stiffness really inspires confidence- 7.7 oz (not the lightest or the heaviest)- cork feels good, not slippery; rubber thumb cap is also nice- large snow basketsCanway Carbon Fiberhttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CWRXF3Y/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1- thinnest and bendiest, they really bowed on the knee test- 6.5 oz without rubber tip or snow baskets = lightest poles tested- camera mount is functional, but you'll need an adapter (sold separately) to get selfie angles- too skinny for my tastesYork Nordichttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GVHHFXQ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1- widest range of heights thanks to 4 sections and 3 clips- 10.7 oz (9.5 w/o screw-on head)- camera mount is functional, but you'll need an adapter to do selfie angles- slipped on knee test, twice; probably my fault as they didn't slip again after I retightened the clips. But 3 clips increases your chances of having 1 that's not quite tight enough- I couldn't embrace the unusual grip style; some people may love itParia Aluminumhttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HCL1WJC/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1- 9.6- fold super easy- no need to resize every time (if you left the top section long last time)- won't fold so easy with big snow basket- nice cork grips (like the Foxelli)- recommended, if you are into Z fold and you want something a little less bendy than the carbonParia Carbonhttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01D6GEFIM/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1- 8.3 oz- more flex than Paria Aluminum, but still sturdy- Z fold is super easy when you get used to it, but still unwieldy- no need to resize every time (if you left the top section long last time)- won't fold so easy with big snow basket- nice cork grips (like the Foxelli)- recommended, if you are into Z foldFotopro adapterhttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F6YKQHG/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1- positive grip on phone is reassuring- must carry Allen wrench (not included) in case hinge gets too loose- necessity for selfies from a straight pole- I will carry this as a backup (or primary) to the adapter that came with the Go2Gether

[UPDATE - See bottom]I bought these hiking sticks for use at work when accessing and inspecting power lines. We often have to hike significant distances on uneven terrain. We use hiking sticks for safety, and I wanted the camera mount for more stability when taking pictures.As a hiking stick, these things appear perfect. Sturdy, adjustable, lightweight, with a nice handle. I was really impressed with the quality when I pulled the first one out of the package; MUCH better than a $15 pair from Walmart.Unfortunately, the camera mount is worthless for my needs so it will be returned. [UPDATE - See bottom]For me, the logical solution to putting a camera mount on top of a hiking stick would be a simple stud sticking out top. Just embed a 1/4" bolt or two-ended stud into a piece of plastic inside the top of the stick. Keep the same cap/cover. Done. Capable of holding the biggest camera you'd find on a hiking trail.But for some reason, they went with a cheap plastic thumb-screw mount. WHY? It's a single stick, not a massive tripod. Instead of just spinning the stick in your hand to attach the camera to a stud, you've got to try and squeeze your fingers in between the base of the camera and top of the stick to turn the tiny little knob.After managing to squeeze my fingers in and mounting a mini-ballhead (needed to rotate the camera to take pictures straight up) then our field camera (medium-sized point-and-shoot), it wobbled so much I was almost afraid to take my hand off it. The weight of the camera is supported by two thin strips of plastic on either side of the thumb screw (see picture). It was completely worthless for stabilizing our camera for taking pictures, and it probably would have broken within a few days of use.If you have a tiny pocket-sized point-and-shoot, or if using a cell phone camera, these sticks would work. Otherwise look elsewhere. A simple manufacturing change would make these sticks perfect for everyone.As a hiking stick with mount for tiny camera: 5 starsAs a hiking stick with mount for decent camera: 0 starsAs a hiking stick with a modified mount: 4 stars (5 for meeting my needs, -1 because I had to buy another part and make a modification)UPDATE:Just before boxing to send back I realized the flimsy thumbscrew mount could be removed. By pure luck, it turns out a 5/16-24 UNF to 1/4-20 UNC adapter happens be a standard size used to attach counterweights in archery. You can try your local archery supply store, or buy two of them here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FHIVXHS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1Those studs are just slightly too short. If you tighten the stud into the top of the stick it sits too low to mount the camera. You need some sort of spacer below the stud so it'll stick up higher. I plan on dropping in a little epoxy to raise the bottom of the hole, but you can do it with anything like a small piece of plastic, metal, or maybe even a rock. If I don't update this review you can assume it worked.

Loved that poles are lightweight & compact. Didn't like the fact that on several occasions during hikes a pole would slip and partially collapse a bit, making me stop to re-adjust height of pole.

I was looking for a strong, collapsible walking pole with a good camera mount that can be used as a mono-pod while hiking. I am tall and so I extended these poles to 50" according to the markings on the pole. These poles look nice but they start to flex when I apply any weight to them. I would not trust them to help me keep my balance on rough terrain. They may be ok for a small person if they weren't extended as far.The camera mount is plastic, very cheap and flimsy. My Canon Rebel without any lens attached would not stay stable on this mount. In fact, I didn't feel comfortable turning loose of the camera as it felt like the mount would snap right off. Having a camera mount was one of the reasons I chose this product. I does have a camera mount, it's just not functional. The poles are collapsible, somewhat lightweight, and inexpensive so that's why I gave it 2 stars. But, this is definitely a case of getting what you pay for.

gRREAT pRICE

Strong enough to lean on or catch myself on a walk, ability to add a camera mount or ‘U’ style support in the camera mount is great. Exactly the combination I needed

These are really nice, I like the flip locks and the extras, like the ability to be used as a monopod. the phone holder, and the bag to hold it all. I tried the monopod use the other night and was a little disappointed that the camera still had a little wobble when I pressed the shutter, however the next day I looked at the poles in the light and realized I could also turn the rectangle piece as well as the wheel to make it tighter and eliminate the wobble. I'm looking forward to warmer weather so I can get out and use these.