Hi Linda,

It sounds to me like you are correct about the poles being defective. I have seen that pin fail to deploy only once before, so it’s a rare problem, and I believe you would like the same poles when they are functioning properly. You might consider just getting replacement poles in the same model from BD. Good luck.

Thanks, Michael. I wonder if I have a defective product. I just tried to do as you recommended. I pulled the second section FIRMLY away from the section above the Flicklock. All of a sudden I found the cord (not the plastic wrapped cord of the lower sections that allows for folding. But just a nylon ( i think) cord). I think the button/pin that you reference does not exist. I saw that on your photo, but it is not on these poles. I think I’m going to have to send them back, and that breaks my heart because they seem so right in every other way. And I spent forever researching them. 🙁

Hi Linda, thanks for the question. I wonder whether you’re overlooking the pin because you may be failing to fully extend the lower sections of the poles. The small pin emerges and clicks into place when you hold the upper section (above the Flicklock), grab the second section, and extend the lower poles outward to lock them the way you would extend tent poles. When you fully pull them outward from the upper section, the pin should click into place. Make sense?

I’m hoping you can inform me of some miraculous cure that I’m totally missing on these poles. I hate sending things back. 🙁

Thanks for that comment, Peter, and I think you’ll like these poles. I just used them again today on an 11-mile trail run-hike in our local Boise Foothills; they’re very versatile. Enjoy your exploration of all the national parks, what a great goal!