Trail Running Poles, Love Them or Hate Them – Helly & Simon Powell

Love them or hate them we all need a helping hand at some point in an ultra and poles are guaranteed to set the online forums alive with debates on ‘How, Where, Why and When.

We’ve pitched a top of the range pole with 2 other brands from across the market.  Here’s the blurb from the official websites.

First up we have:  Leki Micro trail Pro ( taken from official website)

The Micro Trail Pro is made for all trail runners who want to traverse demanding terrain and have the best equipment to do so. This light, 195 g carbon folding pole is equipped with the Trigger Shark 2.0 System and newly designed Shark Frame Strap Mesh. The strap is made from highly breathable mesh material with optimised close fit and is wider, while encompassing your hand securely. The Thermo grip extension ensures even more comfort and flexibility on steep terrain. You will always have flexibility on steep terrain thanks to the natural cork grip with extension. The Push Button lets you fold together the Micro Trail to a packing size of 37 cm in the blink of an eye. Time to go, the mountain is calling.

Second we have:  Robens Conniston T7 (taken from official Website)

Features: Very Compact size and easy to assemble.

High quality tungsten tip for safe grip on all terrain

Fast clip adjustment Ergonomic EVA handle for comfortable and safe grip

Screw on basket, detachable soft wrist support.

Rubber feet are supplied with the walking poles to prevent slipping and reduce noise when traversing hard surfaces like rock and road

Third up we have: Black Diamond trail pro trekking poles  (taken from official Website)

Combining the adjustment ease and security of our FlickLock® Pro with the quick deployment and easy collapsibility of our SmashLock technology, the Trail Pro offers amazing performance and premium features for any mountain adventure.

• 7075 Aluminum shafts
• SmashLock technology for quicker deployment and collapsibility
• FlickLock® Pro adjustability— featuring forged aluminum construction
• Soft-touch ergonomic grip top with EVA foam grip and grip extension
• Solution strap for premium performance
• Interchangeable tech tip compatible with carbide tech tips included
• 4 season flex tips with trekking baskets (snow basket compatible)

Trail Test

We took all 3 pairs of poles up into the Brecon Beacons over Mixed terrain to get a feel for how they would perform in their natural environment.  We decided to carry the poles with a Salomon Pulse waist belt with pole loops as this is easily added to most race kits.

Test No: 1 Carrying

The Lekis were by far the most packable and accessible pole from the Belt. This was due to the slimline handle and lack of Straps and levers which would have got caught in the belt. They sat nice and compact next to the body and the minimal weight made you keep checking you hadn’t dropped them.

The Robens were more problematic using them with the belt due to handle shape and straps and the black diamonds were practically impossible given the length, straps and Handle shape.

Test No.2 Deployment

The Lekis and the Robens were almost on a par regarding ease of deployment on the move and time taken. The only noticeable difference was the catch on the lekis was at the top and the Robens at the bottom meaning that the pole on the Robens had to be flipped around to lock in place. They are also easily taken down and packed in the belt when not needed.

The Lekis require the use of a specific glove that locks into the handle of the pole These gloves need to be put on prior to using the poles and are fitted to the hands with an adjustable velcro strap. The Robens and the Black Diamonds have a fixed strap that you simply slip your hands through so they rest upon your wrists.

The Black Diamonds required multiple processes to get to the right height and the catches to lock in place required a positive effort. These poles are best set up and left for the duration of the run.

Test No 3. In use

The Lekis and the glove system does take a little getting used to if you’ve previously used poles with straps. Once you get to grips with the glove system they soon start to feel like an extension of your body and the rhythm and swing you can get with the pole as your running is fluid and light. When you pick up your pace in between climbs you can comfortably hold the poles by your side on their point of balance with ease.

Ascending with the lekis does tend to lead to a bit of fatigue in the hands which you don’t seem to get with the wrist straps on the other poles. A useful feature of the poles is the extended cork grip which allows you to choke the pole when scrambling.

Descending requires you to disengage the gloves and then the pole handle feels a little bit too slim to cup in your hands to take the load before your Quads. The slight flex in the carbon shaft absorbed some of the impact making them comfortable and reduced fatigue on your wrists. The built in Mud baskets prevent the tip from going too deep in soft ground which again gives a feeling of stability and confidence on the descent.

The Robens felt very similar to the lekis in use if a little clunky at times but the straps on the wrist did not induce wrist fatigue and the larger handle shape being a positive on Descending offering more comfort and positivity in the hand but this advantage was lost when choking down the shaft whilst scrambling as the foam on the handle is not extended for comfort.

The Black Diamonds are real workmans like poles with exceptional strength but a little too rigid with no flex. Also the tip of the pole is quite a bit longer which meant it trapped a little between rocks. Descending felt the same as the Robens both in technique and comfort. Whilst the handle like the leki was a joy to use when scrambling and again the wrist strap was exceptionally comfortable.

Conclusion. If you’re new to poles then the Robens are a great entry level pole and if you’ve only got 1 or 2 events in your race calendar which require poles they are a must in your kit bag. If on the other hand your calendar is full of lung busting ascents, quad mashing descent and mile upon mile of ultra shuffling do not leave the start line without the Lekis they will become your best friend.

Poles tested by Helly and Simon Powell

Article written by Simon Powell