Customer Reviews
A lot of features for a small price 
2008-02-13
I found the product description accurate, and the other reviews spot-on. At the risk of repeating what they've said, this is a great hiking pole for a low price. The anti-shock mechanism is easy to turn off and on, the locking mechanism provides a positive stop, and the pole is sturdy without being "stiff."
I am planning to hike, and to take landscape photos, so a hiking pole with a camera stud seemed like a good idea. It adjusts high enough to be useful as a monopod.
The cons? The handle and strap are not "ergonomic." The pole's collapsed length of 29" is not exactly "packable." Nobody's going to mistake you for Indiana Jones.
Light and Rugged 
2007-06-29
For such a light hiking pole, it is incredibly rugged and built very well. I like the spring-loaded shock absorber and the detachable top post, so that it can also be used as a camera monopod. At this price, I bought two and it's still 50% less than a pair of name-brand poles. This is a must-have piece of equipment for outdoor photographers.
New to hiking 2007-06-01
I took up hiking for health reasons. I'm a weekend hiker and found after hiking with and without a pole I would never hike without one. Even on short treks. Great for balance i.e., creeks, streams, switch backs. Gives a better full range workout to your upper body. I find myself getting into a rhythm, helping me keep my heart pumping for my cardio workout. I love the boost this pole gives me going up mild to steep grades. I find this pole strong enough for my 200 lb. frame with no problems. The only small negative is the rubber tip wore out quickly. I replaced it with a better one from the local sporting goods store and off to the trails again. For the price I paid and the use I've been getting from this pole it has paid itself off ten fold. I can buy 5 of these for what my friend paid for his one REI pole.
ok for the price 
2007-01-18
This is an OK pole for limited, occasional recreational use. I don't think it would stand up over time. It is however a good pole to take on vacation for a dayhike here and there.
Great hiking pole at a great price 2006-07-09
I was looking for a hiking pole, but didn't want to spend $50 for one and then find out I didn't like it. Saw the Kaito, saw some good reviews, and figured it was worth a try. Glad I did! Has served me well so far (25 miles of hiking since I got it) in rocky New England terrain and would buy it again.
Nice Hiking Pole - Good Buy for the money! 2008-06-27
This pole is a good starter pole for hikers that venture out every once in a while and take on vacation. It is very similar to many of the higher priced poles that cost 4 to 5 times the amount of money. I worry about the longevity of this product, but for my uses, it is an excellence find. Highly recommended for the casual hiker or beginner.
Great Stick , Great Service ! 2008-06-17
I bought this from Kaito, it works very well, I like the shock proof, and the Kaito Shipped out the same day when I orderd.
Great job, thumb up!
Okay, but tricky to start out with 2008-06-04
This is my first "walking stick" and I don't know if I will get used to using one, or not. These seem okay - the straps are fairly soft and look durable, the extension works and the anti-shock works - it gives about an inch under strong pressure. The anti-shock can be locked out. The monopod is what sold me on these.
However, I found it difficult to set this up the first time out. Here's why:
1) The Arrows marked "lock" and "unlock" do not refer to the direction in which the poles lock and unlock - it is the opposite.
2) To start with, you need to twist the upper segment many times in the direction marked "Unlock" to finally lock it. This confused me - I twisted and twisted in the wrong direction and nothing ever happened.
3) After finally getting the upper segment locked, I tried to unlock it by twisting in the wrong direction. You twist it in the direction marked "Lock" to unlock it.
4) The Arrows marked "lock" and "unlock" refer to locking and unlocking the SHOCK ABSORBER - which requires just a small twist either way.
Simple instructions would have helped greatly, but none were supplied.
Greay hiking staff 2008-03-19
This is one great staff, you can easily store it when not in use, A stable stick for your camera and you can find your way if you get lost, by using the compass.
Pretty good, but not the brand advertised 2008-02-15
This pole worked great during a hiking trip to Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica. But it is not a Kaito pole, it is made by another company (I don't remember the name right now, I already tossed it into the closet). It did have the termometer and compass though. I give it 4 stars because it is not the brand that I purchased.
