I have become absolutely sold on trekking poles over the last couple years, I carry two. Usually one is in the pack and the other in my hand. If I get in a rough area or have a lot of weight to pack, I can pull out the second one.
I use some aluminum Lekis something or others I found on sale for $50 at a local outdoor store.
This is one item where they all work the same way. Not sure if (for me) I could justify the cost of top-of-the line, high $$, space age fibers etc.