Probably more useful in mountain areas than down here on flat and boggy Dartmoor. Never used them myself, but I can see how they would be handy for walkers for steep descents/river crossings. They're all the rage down here at the moment - another bit of kit to add to all the other unneccessary clobber you see folk lugging around. Even worse in the winter!
[QUOTE=Alexandra;362218] Now I want to remove mine, but Leki baskets seem very firmly fixed. Suggstions?[QUOTE]
Stanley Knife and concentration!
As for using poles, I never have and can't really see the point especially for running. Although I did hear they allegedly take up to 30% of the pressure off the knees when walking.
Nearly got taken out on Saturday by some numpty who decided to stow his poles horizontally across his pack!
We used to take them off by applying alittle bit of soapy water then steaming.Hold the lower part of the shaft(the bit that the basket is attached to)Originally Posted by foxy
sometimes they came off easy. if still not coming off wrap a dish cloth around shaft to prevent damage, trap in a loose vice or a door way with door shut. A quick tug used to get them off. Good luck.
I have a set that I carry to hand out to walkers in my groups who are struggleign, I use them in the big mountains to steady myself with a big pack and preserve the knees(I thought it was 40%) but would NEVER use them in a race.
They aren't allowed in UK races are they? I know Scottish Athletics deemed them 'mechanical aids', hence why they are banned for the WHW.
I think they have a time and a place. But you pay for what you get. Its worth paying more..
I've seen them just the once in one of the Lakeland classics this summer. They do tend to obstruct other runners on narrow paths.
Even in some French mountain races you are not allowed to use them, and the French do love a pair of batons.
The main usefulness of poles appears to be for reducing strain on knees, especially on steep descents. However, in my experience, the strain on your knees is mostly caused by having your ankles strapped in huge great boots. I used to have knee problems when walking (before I started running) and found they vanished when running in trainers (and reappeared whenever I wore boots). As soon as I dumped walking boots for trainers, all my knee problems vanished. I'll even carry a huge rucksack with trainers now (carrying my three year old) and have no problems with knees or ankles. I don't know how much of the problem with boots is their inflexible soles, how much their shear weight, but I think it's probably the restricted movement of your ankles.
That's an interesting point actually, I'd never thought of it before. I have a couple of pairs of Scarpa boots that I hill walk in and have always been of the belief that my ankles need that support when carrying the extra load (and when not moving as swiftly as when running), but having said that I've never really tried without boots. I've got a pair of Scarpa Mantas (B2 boots) and love the nice stiff sole they have.
However, I don't really have problems with my knees when walking so never really thought twice about it - I'll have to give trainers a go.
I agree that boots cause more problems than they resolve. It seems to me that their famed ankle support is a myth. A boot that was close-fitting enough to provide support would surely be agonising to wear for long. If someone really needs ankle support, I think some kind of puttee is a better bet, though of course strong muscles are always the best.
For me, the benefit of poles when walking is that they prevent wobble, which upsets my knees. Long term, I need to develop much stronger muscles, but short term it is hard to do this without the exercises intended to strengthen actually causing the discomfort they are meant to prevent.
I haven't worn proper boots for years, even when carrying a huge heavy Bergen, trainers seem fine. I do sometimes appreciate the protection my NHS orthotics give me from stones underfoot. However, if anyone is happy walking in boots, why should they change? One advantage of wearing boots: you will not be upbraided by boots enthusiasts who think it immoral to court disaster by wearing trainers in the mountains.
Years ago I changed my work boots for a calf high pair and within a few weeks of wearing them my descending ability deteriorated significantly - the extra support had weakened the muscles around my ankles and lower legs. So I think boots provide support at the expense of weakening the natural structures that were intended to provide that support on their own, especially when not load carrying (or for lightly laden runners).
Back on the original thread I found an earlier thread on the same subject where the person who I mentioned being behind in a race had posted to explain why he was using them - his conclusion seemed to be that they were not worth using for our type of running.
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