The poles are light, and inexpensive...depending. There are some really expensive ones out there, but I have a cheapie and it has lasted 3 yrs. It allows me to walk more normally IMO. The rubber tips wear out and you have to buy replacements tho.
I started with mine for icy weather (it has a hard carbide type tip for ice).

Mine cost $15.00 each. I don't need to put alot of weight on a pole. The poles help me with stairs especially, where canes don't work well at all. (we have alot of stairs) I've walked on and off with canes for over 20 yrs. And I like my pole 1000% better. Walking with a hiking pole also uses more calories and works the upper body quite well.
Using left handed is easier too. I like the vertical hold rather than the other angles canes require. I find the poles even help take pressure off the discs in the back, which canes never did for me.

I don't get stared at as much either. Mine is green. I have a blue one upNorth, I left up there.

To each his own.