In reply to Charlie Boscoe:
> I can't say I noticed a huge difference in practical breathability (but no doubt the statistics would say otherwise). I tend to get the side zips open pretty quickly when I'm getting too hot so it can be tough to tell.
I've found assessing breathability really hard too, and like you say design plays a big part because if ventilation is easy and works well, the difference in the materials may not matter too much. It's good to know though as it means people don't need to write off the lower priced options not made out of the newest versions of fabrics.
> Got a really good rubber grip that extends a long way down (really good for different slope angles when skinning) and a metal cap on top so that you can turn it upside down and jab it into the snow if you want some security or a temporary anchor.
I saw for the first time last year in Lyngen a couple of guys literally running up Holmbuktind on SkiMo race gear using what to me looked like XC poles (and they passed us coming back down as we were still plodding upwards!). Their poles looked weird enough, but I shall be on the look out for your type this Easter. I guess I'll keep on with my twenty year old Lekis, which resolutely fail to break or misbehave in anyway despite my rubbish technique!