In reply to UKC/UKH Gear:
Good review. I've had the alu adjustable ones for nearly 4 years (didn't know the fixed ones existed). Unlike the reviewer though, I don't find I have to adjust them every time I get them out. Once I've adjusted them, they stay adjusted as you can still collapse and extend them like this. Admittedly it makes them slightly longer than they need be when collapsed but I've never had any issues stowing them on walking or running rucksacks. Perhaps I misread the review or am using older versions...
One thing to note: in nearly 4 years I have had *2 poles* snap on me (!), admittedly on some fairly rough terrain. As others have noted, BD said they were irreparable and that they wouldn't replace them for free, but they did offer to send used individual poles whenever they became available, since which 2 have, eventually. A mixed bag in terms of customer service then and certainly not terrible, although ultimately I still had to buy two pairs of the same poles in this period, which I did because I love them so much. And of course, the two broken poles had to be thrown away, which seems a shame!
As others have noted, they do flex mightily on occasion but only to a point. NB. I use some battered old poles for fellwalking when weight is less of an issue.
All in all, great poles, though I agree with others that snow baskets should come with 'em.
Post edited at 12:59