MSR

DynaLock Ascent Carbon Poles

Great Poles, but >>> NO WARRANTY <<<

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Size Bought:

120 (small)

Height:

5' 10"

Weight:

174

I've had these poles 9 months now and love them. However, I have a warranty issue with one of them (the red sleeve won't move or collapse down without Herculean effort). Something internally is wrong with the pole. I've submitted 2 service requests from the Cascade Designs website, in 3 weeks, and I get NO RESPONSE. I call their customer support line, navigate to the warranty and repair department, and they say "We don't take inquiries over the phone" and HANG UP. Go to their website and try the "Contact Us" page? Yeah, it's literally EMPTY! I understand in late 2024 or early 2025, Cascade Designs (who own MSR) closed their Seattle WA operation, moved to Reno NV, and laid off most of the employees. So, these are great poles, but they're frickin' expensive, and THEY COME WITH NO WARRANTY WHATSOEVER. Caveat emptor!

The best fastpacking poles

The perfect, lightweight poles for mountain runs and fastpacking. Easy and efficient to break down and strap them to my pack when I don't need them. Been using these all summer for backpacking trips and mountain trail runs. My running friend was jealous of how small they strapped to my pack on the flat sections (Poles on left side in photo).

Search no more…

These have every feature I wanted! I prefer the contoured grip (vs other brand’s straight grip). They’re incredibly light weight and very sturdy. They easily collapse for packing. Highly recommend - worth the price, great hiking companion!

Exciting!

My recently angry spine convinced me to try these poles and I can't wait to get started! I want to practice good technique from the start, though, and how-to videos for beginners straight from the horse's mouth (that's you, MSR) on your website would be good. I'll find some but would rather hear it from you. Also, I agree that those little baskets are impossible to push on until they're flush with the flange. Even my 30-something son gave up.

Essential

I love them. Quick and easy to set up. Simple, strong, and dependable.

I’m going to order another set

These poles are great, they set up and break down very easy and are very solid. Any negative reviews are likely someone that doesnt know how to use them, watch the videos…….

My third set of poles….and by far the best set

I purchased one set for me and used them hiking and was so impressed with the comfort and “swing-ability” that I purchased another set to give my wife for Christmas. We are both on the short side at 5’-4” and 5’ so we purchased the smaller size. Very packable into our airline carry on travel packs. These babies snap open quickly and pack up nearly as fast.

over complicated

Just received these today. They are sadly very over complicated and have far too many ways to break down. I just wanted simple adjustable poles for hiking. I am turning and pushing the baskets with all my strength and can not get them past the section with raised lines. I guess I will be returning these for some simplified poles without all the unnecessary bells and whistles that will just work.

Fantastic poles. They are very

Fantastic poles. They are very lightweight and balanced. I use them for hiking and snow sports.