We were digging at thrift stores all over, too. Inconsistent price and supply drove us to pursue other measures.

Ben actually called the Scott ski mfg co to ask about buying nos aluminum poles. They weren't into it, but they did tell us a little about their manufacturing process. If you can find a scott, or scott sub-brand pole with a "series 1,2,3, or 4" label amongst its graphics, you've found a good 'un. Apparently, "series" represents an alloy that is stronger and more durable than other aluminum poles. 1-4 is in order of improvement over time. 4 is the best/most recent development.

The guy at the resort said that the rental stuff is a thicker walled, slightly heavier and softer aluminum, so that the poles will bend instead of break, and they can be straightened and re-rented instead of replaced. For our purposes, I think that's fine.

Happy hunting.