1) The Activator Handle vs. Standard Walking Pole Handle

Therapists agree that the Activator’s strapless handle is well-designed to reduce injuries. A recent study conducted on the standard walking pole handle suggests that Nordic walking is a very safe form of exercise. However, the most common injury happens when people who are strapped into their poles fall onto the handle and, as a result, strain or dislocate their thumbs. The Activator is the only strapless ergonomic handle system in the marketplace.

Source: “Nordic pole walking injuries,” K. Knobloch Sept 20, 2006. - U.S. National Library of Medicine

The ergonomic handle fits the hand like no other handle, while providing unparalleled comfort. The wide shape is perfect people with arthritis or whose work-related tasks put them at risk for repetitive strain injuries. The handle allows you to maintain the wrist in a neutral position. Clients place weight on the base of the handle -- the handle is never meant to be gripped tightly.

2) Button-lock System

The Activator poles use a button-lock system that eliminates the possibility that the poles may “shrink” while walking due to insufficient tightening of the locking mechanism. People with arthritis in their fingers usually find the twisting system used on some walking poles too difficult to manage.

3) Three Features Absorb Vibration and Noise

Vibrations created when poling on hard surfaces (like sidewalks and roads) can be stressful on joints. Noisy rattling poles also effect the overall enjoyment of using walking with poles. 

The Activator pole’s ergo handle, bell-shaped tip and ferrule were designed to minimize vibration.

4) The Bell-Shaped Rubber Tip and Carbide Steel Tip

The bell-shaped tip provides greater stability and weight-bearing capabilities than the Urban Poling boot-shape tip (found on Nordic walking poles). In addition, if the user removes the bell-shaped tip, a carbide steel tip provides additional stability in winter conditions on sidewalks and roads.

5) Telescoping System

The Activator poles telescope and can and fit clients who are up to 6 feet. Telescoping poles have many advantages: their height can be modified to suit clients of different heights and they easily collapse for travel and storage.

6) Warranty

Urban Poling Inc. stands behind its products and services. Urban Poling Inc. will repair or replace, within two years of purchase and without cost, any of its equipment, components or moving parts that fail due to defects in workmanship or materials.

This guarantee does not extend to equipment that has been damaged or rendered defective (a) as a result of vandalism, misuse or abuse, (b) by the use of parts not manufactured or sold by Urban Poling Inc., (c) by modification of the product, or (d) as a result of service by an unauthorized Urban Poling Inc. service provider. Urban Poling Inc. stands behind the products and services it provides.

7) Two- Year Extended Warranty

An two year warranty on workmanship and parts is included in the product price.