Went to Aspen to try these "top of the line" poles out. My buddy there had the same ones as well. Both pairs were brand new. We skinned up, skied down, and tore it up for three days. After day 2 of normal skiing, (no big wipe outs or misuse)both of our poles had bent. Just a little bend, you could definitely see it. It made it hard to adjust the length and to get them to collapse back down. We bent them back on the bus rails. I'm not upset with them, but not overwhelmed. They need to be more solid. Too expensive for the failure. Come on Black Diamond, I love your gear.