Hey chester - when I did the UTMB in 2007 I was also drawn into the pole v no pole debate.

I'd never used poles before and generally didn't like the idea. However, a couple of weeks before the race Aldi did some at 4.99 each so I bought a pair and decided to take them. My plan was to give them a whirl and if they were rubbish I'd chuck them in the nearest bin.

I didn't get them off my pack for the first 30 miles but then decided to give them a try - once they were out they never went back - they were absolutely fantastic. As they were cheapies they were pretty done in at the finish and I've never used them since but I honestly believe they improve your stability, make climbing and descending easier and save your quads on UTMB type terrain / distance.