I've used these poles for about a year now, and having used conventional walking poles before it really is noticeable how much more efficient pacerpoles are. You use conventional poles by placing them out in front of you - this means that you lean over and constrict your diaphragm and thus it's harder to walk. With pacerpoles, because you place them behind you as you walk on the level and uphill, you remain upright and thus tire less easily. They also feel much more part of the body and power you along much more than do conventional walking poles which, in my experience, feel awkward and unnatural.
(Written by: freekiedave)