How to choose between aluminum or carbon trail poles?

You are a trail running enthusiast and you are looking for a pole suited to your practice. How to choose between carbon and aluminum trail pole.

Why use trail running poles?

Using trail running poles can offer many benefits for trail runners in races or training. Trail running poles help take the strain off your legs during exercise and save your effort on climbs and descents. On technical terrain, the poles will provide you with stability.

Manufacturers offer two materials for running poles in their range,carbon or aluminum.

Carbon Trail Poles

Carbon trail poles are lighter and ideal for long-distance trails. Carbon fiber provides better shock absorption on trails. More responsive, these poles are designed for performance and to save you time on your races or training sessions without weighing you down.

Carbon poles are generally more expensive than aluminum poles because of their manufacturing technique, which makes the pole more impact resistant. The system Flashlock® Modulo from Guidetti allows to change strands depending on the trails you are going to run on. Changing strands can be done in quickly at home or just before your trail.

Aluminum trail poles

Less fragile than carbon, the aluminum trail pole has a longer lifespan. These poles allow you to use them more flexibly, both for trail running and hiking. Aluminum has another advantage: its price is more affordable than carbon.

This pole will be more suitable for recreational use because it is a little less efficient in terms of weight and shock absorption than the carbon trail pole.

Other criteria for choosing a running pole

For a more global vision, go to the choice of a type of trail pole, there are many criteria to consider, the number of strands, the handles, the straps and the size.

How to make the right choice?

The choice between aluminum and carbon trail poles will depend on your specific needs and personal preferences. If you're looking for lightweight and better shock absorption, carbon poles are probably the better choice. If you prefer durability and a lower cost, aluminum poles might be a better fit.

To help you find the right pole size for you, don't hesitate to read "Trail poles: which size should you choose?"

Find our range of trail poles made in France.