| The most important thing when choosing a | | | | This is a very practical question you need to ask |
| walking stick is to get the correct height. | | | | yourself to save you money and to get the |
| The easiest way to discover what height stick | | | | perfect stick for you. If a stick is for occasional |
| you need is to stand up straight with your arms | | | | use (for instance, you may need something to |
| to your side and measure the distance from your | | | | lean on when in a queue) a foldable or telescopic |
| wrist to the ground, then this is the height you | | | | stick is probably best. It is best to have a |
| need. | | | | lightweight stick that folds or collapses down to a |
| It is important to find out more about the | | | | small size that can be kept in a handbag or |
| measurements of a walking stick on a website | | | | rucksack when it is not needed so that you don't |
| before you buy because sometimes the | | | | need to unneccessarily carry around a walking |
| measurements shown describe the total height (i.e | | | | stick. |
| to the top of the handle) and sometimes it is the | | | | A flip stick or foldaway seat is a good option if |
| height from the ground to the underneath of the | | | | you need a seat when out and about when there |
| handle. This could mean a difference of up to a | | | | might not be any available (i.e at an outdoor |
| inch, depending on the handle type. Some sticks | | | | event such as a fair or in an airport). Flip sticks |
| are sold as a one piece, fixed length item and | | | | usually incorporate a seat and a walking stick |
| others are adjustable. | | | | (with handle)in one, so you have the choice of a |
| The second consideration is the TYPE of handle | | | | quick seat or stick as required. |
| that will best suit your needs. | | | | If a walking stick is going to be used for frequent |
| There are generally quite a few different styles | | | | use, then a lightweight stick with a comfortable |
| to choose from, all with their own special | | | | handle is the best thing, or perhaps even two |
| purposes. Derby walking canes are popular | | | | sticks to evenly distribute your weight and the |
| because the Derby style handle is designed to | | | | pressure on your hands. |
| hook over the wrist to free up the hands when | | | | The fifth point to consider is where the walking |
| required. Crook handles offer the same benefit, | | | | stick will be used.Will it be used around the house, |
| hooking over the wrist or arm. | | | | for going to the shops and out and about, for |
| Anatomical shaped handles, i.e handles made of a | | | | walks in the countryside or to take away on |
| resin or moulded plastic which fit the shape of the | | | | holidays? |
| palms are the most comfortable handle type. | | | | For use around the home, you will a stick with a |
| These types of sticks are usually sold in a right | | | | rubber ferrule (tip) which provides a better grip on |
| and a left hand model and usually bought as a pair. | | | | slippery surfaces than steel or brass ferrules. For |
| They are best appreciated by people who rely | | | | general use around town, things to consider are |
| heavily on a walking stick (or two). | | | | the same as the previous points already |
| Crutch handles provide a reassuring grip, | | | | mentioned. |
| promoting confidence in the user. Crutch handles | | | | For country walkers and hikers; lightweight hiking |
| are also lighter and generally smaller than other | | | | polesare an excellent choice as they are strong, |
| handle types. | | | | lightweight and most importantly, adjustable. |
| The third thing to find out about a stick is the | | | | Usually sold as a pair, hiking poles can be easily |
| maximum weight it has beentested to | | | | and quickly adjusted in height. This is particularly |
| support.Some sticks are stronger than others | | | | useful for hill walking because you can shorten |
| depending on the materials used to make the | | | | both sticks to ascend, lengthen to descend or |
| shaft. Carbide Walking Sticks are the strongest | | | | have them at different heights for walking across |
| (and most lightweight) that money can buy. Other | | | | a hill on a steep slope to help keep your balance. |
| materials used are usually: Aluminium (for hiking | | | | There is a large choice of walking sticks on the |
| poles, collapsible canes and folding sticks), wood ( | | | | market suitable for holiday makers. Any sticks |
| Chestnut, Hazel, Beech, Ash and Hardwoods) or | | | | that are foldable or collapsible compact down to a |
| Bamboo. Aluminium is strong and lightweight, | | | | small size for luggage. |
| wood used for stick making is carefully selected, | | | | To summarize, the five most important points to |
| dried for a year and treated so is a reliable source | | | | consider when choosing a walking stick for |
| for stick making and bamboo is flexible and | | | | yourself or for someone else are; the height |
| strong. | | | | needed, the best handle type to buy, strength |
| Number four. Will the stick be for occasional or | | | | and weight designed to support, how often the |
| frequent use? | | | | stick will be used and where. |