Hikers: Walking Poles?

[andygates]

Quick question for the hikers 'n' climbers out there: what's the deal with walking poles?  I generally take my Excellent Stick - a twisty ash jobbie with a brass knob on the end - when going hiking.  It's profoundly non-optimal but I don't care.  Are these telescopickal sprung ergonomic efforts significantly better?

Comments

[flitljm.livejournal.com]

i. It folds up and fits in my rucksack
ii. It has a very pointy tip that sticks into the ground a bit for added not-falling-off-hills.