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:

I was shown a pair of Pacer poles by an enthusiast & they were both heavy & bulky. Maybe there are other better models, but do check.

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Originally Posted by Derby Tup

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:

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Good timing. I desire some of those Black Diamond Z poles greatly ..... :D

I suppose this one is partly my fault too. :-)

I've got an old pair of Lekis but one was jammed when I dug them out to use with the tarp. Stef's dad has fixed it now and I'll be having a run with them soon :w00t:

I bought THESE from this website following a reccommendation on the Forum. I like them much better than other similar poles because (a) the loops are adjustable to fit thin/no gloves in Summer and thick mitts in Winter (b) the grippy cushioned stuff at the top of the handle goes much further down than on other poles, so you can change your grip and you don't have the discomfort of your hand slipping down onto the shaped bit of the grip, as with my Lekis (there is no shaped bit).

Sadly, as far as I know there is no UK stockist. I ordered them from the above website & had them delivered to my holiday address in France. I think delivery in France was 5E, in the UK 10E, and of course I didn't have the hassle of transporting them to France myself. They appear still to be reasonably priced.

I have a pair of MK Trailblaze which I really like. Not a perfect design by any stretch but simple and it works.

What (if any) are the technical differences between walking poles and running poles?

I 'ran' the first 1/3 (or so) of the 15 Peaks with my Leki Makalu (that I use for walking), because I had seen UTMB footage of entrants using poles (the first time I'd seen them being used in trail/mountain running), and I knew I'd appreciate them on the walky uphill bits.

Whilst walking, I have been in the habit of slipping my wrists out of the straps whilst descending steep technical ground - I had visions of snapped wrists.

Moley, if I EVER see you with poles, I shall weep first before removing them from your velvety grip and gently inserting them where the sun don't shine and the pineapple chunks never arrived!!!!!

Just back from 2 weeks hols and find this old thread resurrected, and even worse - Wheeze has found it :o.
Haven't bought any YET, but think a pair may have a place in my armoury, if they work for Wendy Dodds on the DB, then they must have some beneficial purpose.

Matt, despite posts to the contrary on here, the Pacer poles appear to be the clear leaders in back to back tests by staff journo's in TGO magazine.
I've only used poles once. Had a go with my brother's set when we were crossing the Lairig Leacach in deep snow. Just couldn't get the co-ordination right and handed them back after less than 100 yds. Probably a tough situation for an introduction to such kit. Maybe should try again in a more benign situation.

Ian.

Cheers for that, I'm going to start having a proper look at some now. The very lightweight multi-section ones used by many ultra distance guys seem to be more for balance rather than having a bloody good shove to get up a hill, so not so sure about them now, maybe need something more substantial?
But not as substantial as Caz's ash pole on his Meiri round :w00t:

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Originally Posted by wheezing donkey

Matt, despite posts to the contrary on here, the Pacer poles appear to be the clear leaders in back to back tests by staff journo's in TGO magazine.
I've only used poles once. Had a go with my brother's set when we were crossing the Lairig Leacach in deep snow. Just couldn't get the co-ordination right and handed them back after less than 100 yds. Probably a tough situation for an introduction to such kit. Maybe should try again in a more benign situation.

Ian.

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I've been having a good squint at all the pole reviews too. I think my mind is made up, it's going to be the Black Diamond UltraTrek "Z" poles .... they're a bit on the expensive side (I found a pair for 89.99) but from what I can tell they're worth it. I was talking to someone who used these on this year's UTMB and he said that they helped enormously and also keep your posture aligned. Anyone else used these?

Well. How about that? I ordered a pair of these just this lunchtime. (and paid 89.99, not the RRP of £120).
Having used Leki Makulu Titanium ones many times over the years mostly when backpacking, I've bought the Black Diamond ones to assist on the L100.
Before buying I had to decide which size. Using my Lekis on three long days on the route, and switching between 110 and 120cm, I finally plumped for the 110cm. It was a difficult decision to make as for backpacking I usually have them set at 120cm.
My advice to anyone thinking about buying is, experiment first to assess correct length and to think about stowage.
If you've never used poles before, get them sooner rather than later to allow your arms and shoulders to get strong enough to be useful. And..
You may also find they cause a slightly different gait thus using muscles not used to being so used.

So my poles arrived and when I got them out of the packet and went to use them I found the wrist straps were too small ( inside they are marked S/M ) and I hadn't been asked to specify size.
I emailed the seller and they said to return them in 100% re-saleable condition. I had thrown some of the packaging away so I can't.
According to the manual, straps are easily replaceable but nowhere seems to sell them. Ugh!
Fortunately,using a packaging strap that came with them, I can extend the velcro with a little bit of home sewing (well the wife will).
Very frustrating.

Raid Light poles for me. I've used these over quite a few Continental ultras these last 3 years or so. Tried, tested and trusted.

I did try out the BD Z poles but didn't get on with the handles generally; so sold these on to someone locally. Suspect I had them too long also at 130 cms.

The big pluses for the RLs are the handle material which absorbs sweat for hours on end no problem (which the BD handles don't) and the angle that the grip is set at. It tilts slightly forward and seems to lessen the wrist strain for me over long periods of use.

Easy to get up and down and to carry.

As ever, each to their own.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by keswicksimon

So my poles arrived and when I got them out of the packet and went to use them I found the wrist straps were too small ( inside they are marked S/M ) and I hadn't been asked to specify size.
I emailed the seller and they said to return them in 100% re-saleable condition. I had thrown some of the packaging away so I can't.
According to the manual, straps are easily replaceable but nowhere seems to sell them. Ugh!
Fortunately,using a packaging strap that came with them, I can extend the velcro with a little bit of home sewing (well the wife will).
Very frustrating.

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This is one way the Xenon Trek Camp poles I posted about above are superior, with their adjustable wrist loops.

S/M wrist straps... are you sure that you've actually bought walking poles and not something more 'specialised'?!

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Originally Posted by molehill

But not as substantial as Caz's ash pole on his Meiri round :w00t:

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I'm not sure what you mean Moley?:thumbup: I think Sam did an excellent job of whittling my walking pole. You could pay hunderds for a custom made pole these days!!! In fact I still have it safe and sound....... for the next meiri contender!:w00t:

Keswicksimon - worth contacting First Ascent at Matlock http://www.firstascent.co.uk/ - they're the Black Diamond UK distributor and I've found them to be a really good set of guys. If they can help you out I bet they will.

Jules.