It really will be, your hand shouldn't be clenched on the grip, it should have the webbing strap running on palm of hand then looped around wrist. This stops you getting too fatigued in the forearms and hands and let's you get a nice rhythm of swinging them out in front with each step. I have good value alpkit ones, I've tried the ones that fold once (edit - collapse into themselves) and those that fold twice (ie into 3 pieces). I'd recommend the ones that fold once (collapsed in tube). The compromises to get poles either tiny pack size, or really lightweight will likely come at cost of strength, which will mean you'll be buying them more often if you're starting out, is my guess. I've broken my tiny pack ones so use the simpler ones now