Running poles ?

I'm thinking about purchasing some running poles, not for races (I don't race), but for long distance days or multi days out on long distance paths, probably carrying tent etc. mountain marathon style. Their specific purpose would be to help me up a few steep climbs, on grass or tracks, not rough boulders obviously. I don't plan using them for descents, but maybe if they help?

So looking at lightweight and multi section, easy to access and stow away quickly when needed. And not silly, silly money!

Anyone have experience of the Mountain King Trailblaze or the Raidlight ones (around the £70 mark)? Is there anything else suitable? Will these stand a bit of grunt when ascending as I need them to help me, not just for balance.

I have had a number of Leki poles - can't fault them.

HI,
I had a pair of EXPED Backcountry poles that folded up v. small (had 4 sections).
Used them only 4 times (including on 2009 OMM) before they seized up tight!.
Always dried them carefully etc. No luck from EXPED after-sales despite numerous emails/phone calls. So had to bin them.

Got a pair of cheap ones (£40 a pair) from Go Outdoors with external clip fastenings (Trekmates I think) which have lasted 2 yrs and are still going strong!

Good luck

Go with Leki. 3 year guarantee- if you break one, they'll replace it. (doesnt cout if you bend it, strangely enough- so if you only bend one, break it)
Maybe slightly heavier than raidlights, but they are solid and dependable.

Not sure what you mean by silly money, but you can get a really decent lightweight pair (non-carbon - thats silly money) for £80-90

I used the Mountain Kings for a 60km/4000m race in the French Alps and they bore my 80kg frame fine... Likeys have them on for £69.99 at the moment
http://www.likeys.com/acatalog/Mountain_King_2.html

I've used the Raid Light poles regularly in ultras and on long training runs over here and on the Continent.

Very light, easy to assemble, easy to carry, good to use.

Build quality isn't suspect, but they are of such a light construction that they do break if you misuse them. The absence of baskets to stop the tips falling between the cracks (can't remember the technical expression) is a downside too, depending on the type of trail or path you use them on. I have retro-fitted baskets to them borrowed from the Mountain Kings.

I didn't get on with the MKs. The RL has a handle that is tilted slightly forward which seems to suit me well. The MK grips were straight up and gave me serious wrist ache.

Camp also produce a similar pole which seems to get good reviews.

It is worth looking at the Black Diamond Z pole if you can stretch to a little more price-wise. I found a set for just under £100 on the internet so shop around. Carbon fibre, great build quality, the best putting up and taking down system I have come across, very comfortable to use and easy to pack.

I am just getting used to these but expect they will take over from the RLs as my trail pole of choice:

http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com...trekking-pole/

I'm 6'0" and the 130 cms version suits me fine; various other lengths available.

These Pacer Poles are just the best (if Carlsberg made walking/running poles this is what they would make) - the unique handles transform the poles into a virtual extension of your arm and because they prevent your wrist from rotating they allow you to transmit a greater load when climbing. I have no relationship with them other than being a very happy customer.


Pacer Poles

Cheers for the info so far, all very positive and just a matter of making my mind up. I may pop down to Likeys sometime (not far from me, very helpfull people) and have a look at the Raidlight and Mountain Kings and take it from there. Expect to spend around £70, certainly not £100. Pacer poles look interesting as well, all food for thought.

http://www.pzla.pl/ ?;)

If we're talking openly about about Hokas and apparently without shame it must be about time to fire up the poles thread too :thumbup: