Poles

[Alexandra]

I use CAMP XENON, they're as light as Raidlight ones, and cost nearly half.

In long races (50 miles +) with significant climbing, they're a big help.

Where did you get them? I can only find stockists in the USA.

[blackmagic]

UK Distributor http://www.allcord.co.uk/

Or, if you don't mind buying from the Bay, it's in Italy, but shipping cost to Uk is reasonable (15 euro)

http://cgi.ebay.it/BASTONCINI-XENON-...item1c17a32483

Otherwise Ferrino makes a similar pole. Both are very common with Italian and French Alpine Guides, which is a guarantee in itself.

[Alexandra]

UK Distributor http://www.allcord.co.uk/
Otherwise Ferrino makes a similar pole. Both are very common with Italian and French Alpine Guides, which is a guarantee in itself.

Allcord say they have never distributed Camp Xenon poles, though they do other Camp stuff. Any other suggestions for stockist for these or the Ferrino poles? I have just received a Mountain King Trail Blazer pole, and it's great except that the wrist strap is not adjustable and the padded grip is not really long enough.

[blackmagic]

Yup, the guys distribute also FIZAN, who specialize in trekking poles, it makes sense they don't keep CAMP's ones.

For FERRINO UK distributor: http://www.wildsheepdistribution.co.uk/

TOUR model is slightly heavier, but comes with a longer grip, which you might like. Still lightweight enough at 450 gr.

Otherwise EIGER is like CAMP XENON, but with the added comfort of 4 sections instead of 3 and 4 different sizes (instead of 2).

[Alexandra]

I like the look of the Camp Xenon 4 poles best, and am thinking of buying them from CHAM3S. They only charge 10 euros to send to the UK. I'm just a bit nervous about buying from abroad, especially as to possible faults or need for spare parts - I imagine the elastic band down the middle must perish eventually. Also the £ is not doing too well against the euro at present.

[Tom R]

Whats peoples thoughts on the Mountain King Trail Blaze poles?
I'm running the UTMB this year and although i've never used poles i'm thinking of trying some. The thing that has put me off so far is the getting them out and adjusted then putting them away continually during a race. The MK pole slook like they'll be less hassle?

T

[MorganW]

The thing that has put me off so far is the getting them out and adjusted then putting them away continually during a race. The MK pole slook like they'll be less hassle?

Tom, for the vast number if folk who use poles, once they are out, they stay out.

Learning to run downhill without using them but carrying them together in one hand, and swapping from time to time, is all part of the challenge.

Personally, I won't be getting mine out til late on in the CCC, then they'll be with me all the way I suspect, unless I put them back in at Flegere maybe.

IanR will have a view on this too, if he's around.

[Tom R]

Thanks. I'm hopefully out for a longish run on Friday (to get away from the wedding) so i will take a pair along and see how i go

T

[andy k]

Still lightweight enough at 450 gr.

450 doesn't count as light when MK Trailblaze come in at under 250g for the pair....

Tom, they are not too much hassle, they are fixed length so its just a case of waving them about a bit until the sections slot together.
But like Morgan says once they are out you tend to just carry them, unless you need to scramble or carry an axe instead....
Setting and collapsing isn't the so much issue its stowing them, I'm thinkingof trying to rig something on the front of the straps of my pack.

[MorganW]

its stowing them, I'm thinkingof trying to rig something on the front of the straps of my pack.

Andy

The very experienced Continental runners who use the packs with a pole sleeve on the back have perfected the art of putting both poles together back in the sleeve, points down, in one fluid motion. Then they run on with them stuck up like a couple of aerials.

Bet that takes a bit of practice!