How to Choose a Walking Stick Handle
When it comes to picking the right walking stick for you, it is important not to look over one huge detail—the walking stick handle. Walking stick handles come in a variety of styles and shapes so finding the one that suits you the best is very crucial. The handle placement and shape can affect how your body weight is distributed when you use the stick as well as your balance.
There are nine different types of handles so testing each one out to see if it’s the right fit for you is essential. One of the more popular being the crutch handle because it is lighter and good for gripping. A handle similar to the crutch is the molded handle which is recommended for older people or people who have a hard time with balance because the grip is superior. More confident walkers might enjoy the derby handle which is similar to the first two but has a hook on it that makes it ideal to hook over your wrist or arm when you need a free hand.
Choosing a handle can be quite a task because you really need to know why you need the stick in the first place. Is it for fun? Health reasons? Balance? If your health is your main priority then an orthopedic handle might be the best fit. It has a wider surface area so your entire palm and hand can rest comfortably on the handle. This also helps distribute your weight and some people opt to get two sticks with this handle to even themselves out. In this same vain, a knob handle is made to rest in the middle of your palm, offering maximum support.
If you are more into the look of the stick then a more ornate handle is for you. Popular materials used for handles include animal bone and stag horns. This adds a unique touch to your stick. Shepherd crook and crook handles can also get elaborate in design and are popular because their rounded hooks make it easy to rest over an arm or grasp onto something. Lastly, the thumb stick handle design makes it so that you can rest your entire arm through the stick, letting your thumb grasp the sides for maximum support.
Once you have chosen the right handle for you will be able to enjoy your stick and walk with a more confident stride. Comfort is key when it comes to choosing the stick that will benefit you the most.
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