Still the best poles I've had.
Before these I'd been through a pair each of BD's z-poles & Expedition. They were ok, but within a season something or other would break.
I spend about 40 days a season in the Japanese backcountry, so that means very deep pow, to very crusty mornings in spring.
When I got the Jones Talons (3 years ago) I immediately sourced the bigger deep snow baskets from their supplier (Komperdell) for the winter. The Claw 1.0 has been fine for spring and hard conditions.
Unfortunately, I didn't know how to best adjust the clamps so I've beaten them up some, but they are still solid and hold. The pole sections have paid the price, but again, still doing their jobs.
I recently made the mistake of ordering some hyped-up poles made by a famous Canadian backcountry splitboarding guide and guess what? They are basically the talons with fixed (and way too soft) baskets and a less comfortable top grip (bruises in my palms as I type this after a long climb yesterday). If Jones just made the baskets nest as well as those do, they'd be best you can get.
By the way, the floating baskets are no gimmick. They increase the odds of a solid grip when hiking on inclines and keep the poles upright when planting them, which can prevent a lot of frustations with poles suddenly slipping out or tipping over (which can lead to various scenarios, including falls and loss).
So, 3 years later… I don't need new poles. And when I will, I'll be reaching for these, no doubt.
