They will all break. It's not worth worrying about. Costco sells a decent pair from time to time - - carbon and about $40. At that rate they are consumable. The good aluminum ones are so close in weight to carbon it's a wash, IMO. Cork handles and flick locks are good things to have. If you frequent Goodwill stores regularly you will find a decent pair for cheap, in may places. That's probably double true here in Phoenix, as many retirees ditch their cold weather gear when they move here, thus trekkers they've been using to snowshoe. I think we have 3 or 4 sets laying around.
What's surprising is the stuff they will do without breaking.
