TRAIL RUNNING POLES

WHY ARE POLES IMPORTANT FOR TRAIL RUNNING?

To understand the exact effects of poles in trail running scientifically, you have to look at it from two perspectives. First of all, from a biomechanical perspective. The question here is how does the movement of the body and in particular the muscle activity change? Secondly, the metabolic perspective. How do the chemical processes in our body, the oxygen uptake and especially the heart rate behave?

BIOMECHANICS
Basically, it is clear that the use of poles relieves the legs and shifts some of the strain to the upper body. At the same time, the ground reaction and the joint force decrease. Basically, it's about putting less strain on the lower limbs so that longer distances can be covered. The lower parts of the body have to do most of the physical work when running. Therefore, every percent of load that can be distributed to the arms, shoulders and core keeps the legs from getting tired after countless kilometres and hours of running.

CHANGE OF MATERIALS
In summary, most scientific results show a significant increase in oxygen demand, heart rate and energy expenditure when using poles. Some studies indicate a significantly lower intensity perception on steeper climbs and downhills. In addition, there was less muscle pain and faster recovery, as well as an increase in running speed with poles. Basically, you can say that if the legs are spared more, this is balanced with more intensive cardiovascular work.

WHICH GRIP IS THE RIGHT ONE?

The trail shark is the end result of thousands of prototypes that have been improved over and over again and tested by the best trail runners around the world. After hundreds of 3D prints and many hours of testing, the first 100% trail running grip-strap system was completed, the trail shark. The ability to quickly click the loop in and out is exactly what trail runners need when switching from ascent to descent. This must function with 100 per cent reliably – both in darkness and rain, under fatigue and stress. The runners have to go in and out of the grip system again and again. It's all about the perfect combination of power transmission and fast operability. Exactly what our Shark system can do.

HOW DO I FIND THE RIGHT POLE LENGTH?

A rule of thumb says that the pole is the right length when it is placed vertically on the ground and your upper and lower arm form a 90° angle. If you are still unsure or would like to have the length calculated exactly, we also have a pole length advisor on our website. Simply enter your height and select the type of sport and you will find out the optimum length.