Choosing the right trail poles
The use of poles in running and trail running is fairly recent, and not all trail runners are convinced of the benefits they can bring. However, they allow you to gain speed when walking fast on climbs and to stabilize yourself on descents.
A quick overview of the points to consider when choosing the right trail poles!
the number of strands and the folding system of trail poles
There are two main types of trail running poles:
- 3-section folding trail running poles: Foldable and unfoldable in seconds, they can be easily stored in a backpack or on a belt. They are ideal for trail running or ultra-trail running.
The folding system is most often a "Z-fold," with a cable system running through the tubes. At Guidetti, we have patented our own technology: Flashlock Modulo, which allows for ultra-fast and safe deployment while combining comfort and compactness.
- Single-section trail poles: generally made of 100% carbon, ultralight, more dynamic, they are designed for short races or vertical kilometers.
A single-section trail pole is more suitable for use throughout the course. A folding trail pole will be more practical for occasional use during your races.
These two types of poles are not adjustable and must therefore be chosen according to size.
Foldable Carbon Trail Poles - NEO PLATINUM
Ultralight, modular, foldable carbon trail poles in a few seconds, with detachable gauntlets -...
the materials of trail poles
Trail running poles are generally made of 100% carbon composite, mixed carbon and fiberglass composite, or aluminum.
Full carbon trail running poles are ultra-light and more responsive with less vibration than aluminum.
Aluminum trail running poles are more durable but a little heavier. Thanks to the significant progress made by 7075 aluminum, it is possible to find very good, lightweight, and reliable aluminum trail running poles.
If you are unsure or have a wide variety of practices, opt for modular trail running poles that adapt to all your practices and desires (terrain, use, etc.). Low aluminum strands for technical terrain, low carbon strands for smoother terrain, switching from a fixed handle to a handle with a detachable gauntlet...
Custom-made and guaranteed repairability made possible thanks to the Flashlock Modulo system which equips the Guidetti Performance 2022 collection: the strands are completely removable and modular, effortlessly and without tools.
the dragonnes and gauntlets
The basic wrist straps allow you to place your hand in different places on the pole depending on the terrain or your own feeling: on the pommel, under the handle, etc.
The gauntlets, on the other hand, are a slightly more technical innovation. This hybrid format, between a wrist strap and a glove, is either fixed or detachable. In its detachable version, it clips and reclips to the pole in a fraction of a second, allowing you to never remove the gauntlet during a break, a refreshment stop, or when you are not using your poles for part of the course. The time saving is undeniable!
What size trail pole should I choose?
You can easily determine the size of your poles using the following formula:
0.68 x your height in cm = pole size
At the start, on the flat, your elbow should form a 90° angle and your forearm should be in a horizontal position.
Measurement of Guidetti trail poles (see diagram below):
- for models with fixed handles (Aéro Perf, Aéro Pulse, Silver): measure from the tip to the top of the pommel
- for models with detachable handles (Néo Perf, Néo Pulse, Flexo): measure from the tip to the gauntlet attachment (at the screw, under the clip), i.e. 5 cm less than the total height of the pole.
Testimony of Joey Bellanger, member of the Guidetti Performance Team: "Personally, I rely more on my feelings. In theory, The ideal size for me would be a pair of 125 cm poles since I am 1.81 m tall. But in the end, I prefer to choose them in 120, I am much more comfortable with them and I have the impression that they "cumber me" less. Fortunately, in most cases, the classic formulas work!
We hope that these tips have helped you know how to choose your trail poles.
To find out more, do not hesitate to consult our articles Trail running poles: useful or not? and Trail running poles: which size to choose?
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