The baskets are “snap” on. The UHMW lends itself to this, and like a ski binding, the basket is designed to “release” under load. So if your pole basket gets stuck in talus, and your hand is locked in the strap, the basket will pop off the tip, hopefully preventing injury or pole breakage. The baskets require some force to put on. This is best accomplished by removing the lower shaft, and placing the end on a piece of wood, at a table or higher height. Then “wobble” the basket while pulling it down onto the tip until it “snaps” in place. Removal is done by placing the point on the ground, while using both shoes around the large toes, to push the baskets off.
Note about UHMW, brand name Dyneema, Spectra, etc.: Not only is it extremely abrasion resistant, it has a temperature working range of -40° to 180° F. Which is why it is used by the US military for components in the snow sleds they use, that we machine(https://www.wildernessengineering.com/u-max)
The titanium points, and urethane rubber points(sold separately) can be removed and interchanged. By replacing the titanium points as they wear, the life of the tips can be extended. The points should not be over-tightened, there are lock washers to keep them in place. Tighten to approximately 20 inch pounds. While the titanium points are about half the hardness of carbide points, they have almost 3 times the surface area of contact, with a large concave(hex for allen wrench) recess in the face, that aids traction. Yes, they are off the shelf titanium bolts, that we heat treated. We could have spent 5 times more machining something that was almost identical.
Adjusting your poles: While intuitive to some, it is not so intuitive to others. Once you get a “feel” for it, you will get it. Place the lower shaft in your right hand, and the upper shaft in your left hand at the desired length. With both thumbs pointing towards each other, place some light pressure on the pole with your thumbs, like you are trying to “bow” the pole, while turning the lower shaft clockwise(looking from the bottom) inside the upper shaft. This pressure helps the internal rubber expander on the lower shaft grab the inner wall of the upper shaft. Once the expander engages and begins to tighten, no more side pressure is required. No need to over tighten, tighten until the poles don’t slip. This is another “feel” that comes with some use.