The REI Traverse Shocklight Trekking poles have a fairly basic ergonomic foam grip that was average among the lighter weight foam gripped poles we tested. It wasn't as nice as several of the other models that used cork or several of the rubber gripped models, but hey, they're $40 or more less expensive than most of those models. We thought it was comparable to the equally priced (also $80) Black Diamond Trail Back, though smaller handed users liked the Trail Back smaller diameter grip slightly better.
The locking mechanism is where we had the biggest problem with these poles. The Shocklight uses an internal twist locking mechanism, that is reliable most of the time but can get dust, dirt or just plain get stuck or be hard to get to lock sometimes. REI's twist lock mechanism was our least favorite locking mechanism among either style of twist locks or lever style mechanisms.
The Shocklight weighs only 18.5 ounces, which is the lightest shock absorbing pole in our review. Not only that, but it is one of the lighter aluminum telescoping poles we tested, with only the REI Traverse being lighter.
The REI Traverse Shocklight packs down to a longer than average 28" (74cm). The only pole that had a longer minimum length was the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork which has a compact size of 29". For most hikers, trekkers and backpackers the 28" minimum length of these poles isn't a big deal, they will still attach decently onto the sides of most medium to larger size day packs (25-35L) and nearly all overnight packs.
The shafts of the Shocklight are surprisingly tough considering its relative lightweight 18.5 ounce aluminum construction. We would even say it's among the tougher poles in our review as far as sections resistance to bending or breaking. What didn't seem super durable to us was the twist lock mechanism, it would get stuck to the point where we would struggle for a few minutes to open it (but we could always open it eventually) or we would struggle to close it. While we didn't outright break one of these twist locks, we don't think they are nearly as durable as Leki's internal twist lock mechanism or any of the external lever lock style closure systems.
This pole was the most at home on medium to warmer weather backpacking, trekking and hiking trips, though it is tough enough to handle heavier off trail hiking and snowshoeing as well. It's not great for alpine rock climbers who are looking for a more compact pole to strap to backpacks, or pack inside their rucksack.
