Running poles ?

[Alexandra]

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.

[Martyn P]

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:

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

[MorganW]

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

[Derby Tup]

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:

[Alexandra]

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.

[matthew]

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

[Joester]

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.

[Wheeze]

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!!!!!

[molehill]

Just back from 2 weeks hols and find this old thread resurrected, and even worse - Wheeze has found it .
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.

[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.