Trekking poles for ultra races ???? - Ultra / Adventure racing

*Jimmy*

14/06/2011 at 13:47

Hi
I am torn between 3 types of pole:
Black Diamond Distance poles
http://www.completeoutdoors.co.uk/Black-Diamond-Distance-Trekking-Pole

Black Diamond Ultra distance poles
http://www.completeoutdoors.co.uk/Black-Diamond-Ultra-Distance-Trekking-Pole-(Pair)

Mountain King Trail Blaze
http://shop.packyourbags.com/acatalog/mountain-king-trail-blaze-poles.html?utm_source=Froogle&utm_medium=organic

From what I can see the only difference in the top two is ones carbon and not aluminium, now is that worth the added cost ????

I am drawn towards the mountain king ones due to them being lighter than both the black diamond ones.

Does anyone have a set of the above or could advise me on any ???

Many thanks

seren nos

pirate

14/06/2011 at 14:51

i did the lakeland 50 last year and by the end I was so jealous of those with poles that after the event I bought some............i bought the mountain king trail Blaze from Likeys and used them on a few races...............really pleased with them................will be taking them again with me to the lakeland 50 this year..................

can't comment on the other two................

good luck

*Jimmy*

14/06/2011 at 16:31

Thanks
I also did the 50 last year but borrowed some poles, which were long when stored on my pack.
I have only just looked into them and the mountain kings seem to be getting a good review.
If you don't mind me asking, are the handles comfy and also do the poles flex much when you apply weight to them (like climbing the hill). My concern is the feelin that the pole will snap as it's that thin ???
Many thanks

seren nos

pirate

14/06/2011 at 16:41

the handles are comfortable and good on the hills........

My only problem is to keep them taut when I set them up........not sure if i missed something..........sorted out by tying a knot part where up the string and hooking it over...........takes a while to get it in the right place...........someone else might know a knack to it...........

they fold up and fit nicely into the rucksac.very light as well.....

*Jimmy*

14/06/2011 at 16:48

Yep from what I read a knot should already be tied in the line and you just pull it through to lock them out, maybe you have to tie your own.
there the lightest poles around and would easily fit in my rucksack.
Thanks for your advice, would you say they are sturdy or flimsy ???
Might have to place an order

I dont use poles very often so probably can't justify the more expensive ones.
Thanks

cougie

pirate

14/06/2011 at 16:55

Oh this is interesting - I did the Nokia Scottish Coast to Coast last year and I couldn't stay on my feet on wet slate steps and then down a quagmire of a hillside. I was thinking of getting some poles - so I'll have a look at these.

*Jimmy*

14/06/2011 at 16:57

Let me know which you are drawn towards pls

seren nos

pirate

14/06/2011 at 16:58

hard for me to say if they are sturdy or flimsy as I haven't tried any others.......but they were definitely sturdy enough for me......

*Jimmy*

14/06/2011 at 17:10

Brilliant thanks, it's not like I'm going to be putting all my weight on them just if I slipped and put the pole out that it would take it (if that makes sense lol)
Thanks for the swift replies, see you in Coniston

*Jimmy*

14/06/2011 at 22:06

Right......

I have ordered both the trail blaze and the black diamond ultra distance poles, will just send the ones I don't like back, but I just couldn't decide which to go for.

Will keep you posted if anyone's interested

frenchy232 (www.mightcontainnuts.com)

14/06/2011 at 22:38

The Mountain Kings do already have a knot you have to pull further than you think you should before it appears but it is not a problem I have been using the same pair for nearly two years. Here is a review I first wrote a few years ago before we had any concept of being a retail outlet

Trail Blaze Poles

Edited: 14/06/2011 at 22:42

*Jimmy*

14/06/2011 at 22:55

Great review, made for an interesting read thanks

I have only really used poles for uphill, never even thought about running with them, I will have to give it a go. Does it really make that much of a difference ??

Many thanks

Too Much Water

15/06/2011 at 06:27

also known as cheating sticks, banned from a number of events.

seren nos

pirate

15/06/2011 at 06:30

and if they were banned from a race I wouldn't ever use them..........but the lakeland allows them.........even some of the first to finish used them

*Jimmy*

15/06/2011 at 07:16

Didn't realise they were banned at some events, I only ever used them for the ascent but when these new ones arrive I will try running with them as it looks like they make a huge difference.

frenchy232 (www.mightcontainnuts.com)

15/06/2011 at 13:07

I have only really used poles for uphill, never even thought about running with them, I will have to give it a go. Does it really make that much of a difference ??

hhmm, well not to speed no, I find that they will cut down on wear and tear and therefore keep your legs feeling fresher, longer. On flater, technical ground your joints. tendons, etc. have to work to keep you upright and moving forward, using poles reduces these stresses hence why I believe they will help on longer events.

That said I would be hard pressed to think of a flatter event where I would consider poles, probably getting in to 100 mile plus region then I may be swayed.

We have been slow in the UK to catch on but they are widely used elsewhere, looking forward to hearing how you get on.

Frenchy.

AndrewSmith pirate

pirate

16/06/2011 at 10:05

Here's a good link for those interested in using cheating sticks!

*Jimmy*

16/06/2011 at 10:25

Lol
I sense some bad feelings towards the poles

seren nos

pirate

16/06/2011 at 12:53

cheating sticks are just as much cheating as wearing shoes or taking energy gels etc.............its only cheating if the rules of the race state do not use

AndrewSmith pirate

pirate

16/06/2011 at 16:01

Actually Nosh, they are not the same, they distribute some of the work through the upper body, thus making it easier on the legs. An obvious advantage for longer ultras