THUMBS UP for the Red Traveller Carbon Nordic Walking Poles and also for my little dog TyVeeJ I have had some time to go Nordic Walking with my NEW Product No. TONW 2604: TRAVELLER CARBON (RED) Nordic Walking Poles. Bottom line the Travellers win, hands down, over non Carbon poles. • They JUST FEEL GOOD from the first few steps, and more importantly, even after walking miles. • They seem to absorb shock better than non Carbon poles. • They seem to give a added boost--to push one ahead a little more with each push off than non carbon poles. • The Loop strap arrangement is wonderful. It is a great improvement over the old non release strap I was used to. The new glove/strap arrangement seems just right for my hands and feels good after many miles of walking. They also look good. • I appreciate the three section adjustability, especially having the option of making them short enough to take anywhere. • I think I am becoming a Carbon Junkie now, in noticing the difference between the Travellers 100% HM Carbon, and other non carbon poles. • The Red Travelers LOOK special, they draw attention to themselves, people ask questions about them. • One just FEELS better Nordic Walking with these FLAMING RED and YELLOW flashy Traveller poles. • The Red Travellers Make a definite Statement. • The Red Travellers make another wise ho hum walk into an adventure, as one tries to increase their normal walking pulse rate, at least 10 to 20 beats per minute or more, and hold it there for a few miles. This is not easy, and requires good Nordic Walking technique. I try to picture Nordic Skiing and the form required to be successful at that. Traveller poles lend themselves to this better than my other Nordic Walking Poles. I think it might be the carbon that enhances the push off, generating a touch of extra energy release. • Needless to say I really love the Travellers, even though they are a bit costly, BUT I would, now, after using them, and feeling the difference, be glad to pay the extra money for the Carbon Travellers than to use non carbon Nordic Walking Poles. I am sold on these carbon poles--wow… oldron