20g...is the difference between this and the standard size. If you're looking to take the lightest load possible without sacrificing too much, these are for you. As stated by another review these are short, I'm also 5'10" as well and use them at just about to the max extension. I put a couple miles on them yesterday for the 1st time but abused them pretty good. Had them bending a little a couple of times but held up well. Grips are very comfortable and natural. They dig in great and hold well to the ice, snow, rock/wet rock I was on. The only real complaint I have is the wrist straps are not left/right...so one hand feels a little better then the other. Not uncomfortable nor does it inhibit performance but it's annoying and seems so simple of a change I wonder why it's doesn't come that way. all in all ....good product and can't wait to put some more miles on them

The compact just barely fit me at 5 feet 10 inches! The grip contours great to ones hands and the flicklock system makes it a breeze to shrink the trekking poles so they can fit along the side of a pack. Wonderful product from Black Diamond, even better when u match it with Black Diamonds snow baskets for snowshoeing!

I have the non-shock version of these as well and I do notice the extra push these poles give while moving uphill and their absorbtion going downhill. The flick-lock are adjustable and stay locked. The handles are comfortable, even when wet or sweaty. The only tiny drawback is the adjustability of the wrist straps. They don't tighten as much as I would like and they loosen somewhat while hiking. I would definitely recommend this product!

Black Diamond poles with flicklocks are bomber. Just note that these poles only extend to 125cm, whereas the backcountry.com specs say 140cm.

Ok, I haven't really used them enough to write a complete review but I want to share some first personal impressions and correct a mistake in the specs. When I got the box I was impressed by the weight. I did not check how light but they definitely are pretty light. The compressed length is also quite nice but, and this is the mistake in the specs, the max length is 125cm not 140. For as a 6'2" guy they would work on solid flat or uphill paths (standing straight with my hand on the grip my arms are 90deg). I have not really tried yet but steep downhill is probably already borderline. In conditions, where the tip sinks in (lose gravel, mud, snow) these would not work for me (tip to basket are about 8cm). The suspension (about 13mm) is pretty strong, even for me with about 200lbs. The tip is super slip proof and the grip feels pretty comfy (but as I said I have no long term experience yet). All I can say about the stability is that they flex quite a bit if I lean on them with full force. All in all I am really impressed by these poles though I might not be the one who is going to use them. They will be great present for my mom.