First of all, you "Poles are poles" guys are just plain ignorant. If you want bulky, unbalanced poles that you will no doubt bend or break every other odd landing, go for it. Second of all, any aluminum shaft pole will bend or break, the end. I've gone through way too many pairs of poles, cheap to expensive. The ultimate poles, unfortunately enough are no longer made. If you have some luck, you may be able to find some, ICE-USA, formely out of Park City. 100% solid carbon shafts. To my knowledge, no one else makes poles like that nowadays. I've heard some good things about the higher end K2 carbon poles, 6-speeds like was mentioned above, as well as some of the higher end Goode carbon poles. Poles are not just poles. If you ski the mountain and rely upon quality equipment, invest in some good poles that you won't have to replace annually.