Simon Deniel, field tester for Guidetti
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Meeting with Simon Deniel, high mountain guide
Published : 07/28/2022
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A high mountain guide, Simon Deniel is one of the Guidetti testers. Find out what this involves and how Guidetti capitalizes on this field feedback!
6 years ago, Patrick Gabarrou, a great mountaineer and tester for Guidetti, told me about the tests he was doing for the brand. He sort of sponsored me so that I too could become a tester for Guidetti poles!
Maelys, an R&D engineer, contacted me to let me test prototypes. She sent me explanatory photos, prototypes, sometimes 3D printed (for the baskets in particular), tips, handles... Sometimes, there was just a small part to change, to clip on like for the tips or baskets. Sometimes, it involves testing complete poles.
I test poles in all seasons, summer and winter.
In 6 years, I have tried dozens of models, broken dozens of poles, and lost a hundred washers!
At the end of a test, I provide a written report, illustrated with photos when there is a breakage to help with future improvements.
As I use poles every day, in my various activities, I really enjoy being able to help develop products that will perfectly meet my needs and expectations. It's a pride to see that the products are successful, come out on the market and then please the practitioners!
I use poles all the time, in ¾ of my activities. Even when climbing, I take 3-section poles to come back down. When I'm on an expedition, I often have a spare pair at the base camps.
Both for skiing and for mountaineering, the poles give me stability and save energy, especially in transformed snow. This gives me two additional supports in addition to my legs. Both uphill and downhill.
For treks or climbs to base camp, the poles allow me to have a greater push, better stability and relieve the strain on my legs. Uphill, it helps me to be further forward and downhill, to be able to brake more easily.
My favorite model is the Horizon Ultime, a 2-section telescopic, 100% carbon pole. It is ultralight but still very strong!
For me, this pole is ideal for ski touring. Long and thin handle, ideal for grip whatever the desired length. Lightweight, they are the best ally for outings with elevation.
Solid, I have never had a breakage on this model in over 3 years and thousands of meters of elevation. Beautiful, I love their design.
The strand locking system is very reliable and easy to handle with gloves in all weather conditions. For me, the best ski touring pole I have ever used!
Maëlys, R&D engineer, explains:
This allows us to validate the different components of future poles. We generally test two different versions: the original version and the version with a modification (material, shape, etc.). This allows us to know precisely if this change modifies the sensations and performances for the end user.
Having concrete validation is essential, what's more, by mountain professionals, who use poles on a daily basis and in varied conditions, even extreme for some.
Comments collected by Aurélie Joubin on June 10, 2022
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