Arch ,

My wife has a pair. Weight/strength (lightest/strongest is considered
best) is a huge factor. Also, they adjust in length (longer when
descending, shorter when climbing) and when not in use compress down
to around 2 feet. One additional thing, many contain a shock absorber
system that can be locked out (I forget if the locked is for climbing
or descent). Those are pretty tall spec's for something made of wood.
It would be pretty tough to compete with titanium.

Larry