Cascade Designs Tracks Sherlock Travel Staff

I've used the earlier version Trax Sherlock Staff (2 sections not 3) for at least 25 years hiking the NH woods late Spring, Winter and late Fall. It's 2 section design is simple strong and durable. I give it 5 stars. Sadly I lost my trusted companion. The problem is they don't make that version any more.This version is 3 sections. The bottom section is essentially the same as the original but the upper section is now 2 pieces which thread together. The advantage is that when disassembled in 3 pieces it packs down to 22". 9" less than the original.The disadvantage is the threaded connection. When disassembled the lower section exposes an aluminum post 7/16" dia. by 5/8" long with 3/8" female threads in the center. The upper section sleeves over aluminum post and contains a threaded stud to screw into the lower. It's well engineered and seems robust. Trax makes a good product but this joint is not to my liking. It's potentially a weak spot if the aluminum inserts slip or shift, female aluminum threads age, dirt or heaven forbid sand jam the joint. Will it hold up for 25 years?A TIP: When I first assembled the joint it's a tight fit and the aluminum sleeve on the aluminum post galled and seized when partly seated to the point where I couldn't unscrew it. With penetrating oil and some grunt I got it apart. I then put a couple of drops of oil on the post and female threads and worked in gradually, tighten loosen, tighten loosen. It's OK now, still a little sticky. With use I'm sure it would free up but i would keep those parts lightly oiled.

The picture of "Tracks Sherlock Travel Staff" informs me that issomething like a ski pole but it really is not. The instructionsfor operation or use of the features of the "Staff" are not to be found. A tag attached tells me it can be used in many ways but nothow to do them: Like shorting, lengthing or dismantling etc.I don't think the rubber tip is going to last very far on rocky trails.It's as good as many I have checked out and better than some.To compare an orchestra conductor's baton to a baseball bat is tocmpare Sherlock's Staff to my image of a genuine Trekking Pole.

This is a fantastic product. The only edit/suggestion I would make to those considering buying it is that if you want to collapse it often--make a mark (like with chalk) along the bottom most piece so you know the length you like it at so you can reconstruct it consistently, and add a little WD-40 to the joint where it comes apart. It will work like a charm!

This walking stick is very handy for me. I often use a cane, but this stick has some nice advantages, including the nice foam grip on the upper part of the shaft, the cool walnut knob, the ability to remove the rubber tip and expose the sharp steel spike for dicey situations and the rigid steel shaft. All materials are first class.

Bought for my dad as his old Tracks Sherlock was just too big to fit in a suitcase. Tried several "travel" walking sticks before finding Tracks made a Travel version of the Sherlock. By far stronger and more stable than the other equal or more expensive walking sticks we tried and returned. This one is a keeper.

Very sturdy, perfect length, the knob on top is perfect. The spike on the bottom is very sturdy and feels quite strong, I can see this doubling as a weapon. Could be better if there were better options for things to screw on the spike, maybe a narrower tungsten carbide tip like most trekking poles have.

length adjustment mechanism is awkward, certainly not intuitive.Have to return it for defective camera mount screw.

I have looked at all brands of hiking staffs and this is the best. I recommend it.