Aluminium or carbon poles?

Aluminium or carbon? Here is a comparison table to help you choose the material for your walking, hiking or trail poles.

Aluminium or carbon poles?

The choice of materials in your poles is crucial. Not all materials are equal and not all are suited to every sport. They affect, among other things, the weight of the poles, their strength and their vibration absorption capacity. This is why it is important to choose your pole material carefully, based on your needs and the demands of the activity you intend to use them for.
Below, you will find a table summarising the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of aluminium and carbon, to help you decide between the two.

Please note that when we refer to carbon poles, this means either poles with a 100% carbon shaft, or poles made from a carbon fibre composite (at least 50%) and fibreglass. For aluminium poles, opt for 7075 aluminium where possible. It is the most lightweight aluminium on the market and offers the best quality. It is a great option for lightweight and sturdy trail poles.

In summary, aluminium is generally better suited to hiking outings. It is an excellent material that remains lightweight yet sturdy. While it may bend, it almost never breaks. It handles low temperatures and bad weather well, which is why you can comfortably use it for outings in the snow, provided your poles are fitted with winter baskets. Carbon is the material of choice for nordic walking as it is extremely lightweight and very effectively reduces ground vibrations, which is essential for the comfort of walkers who need to protect their joints as much as possible. The higher the carbon percentage, the stronger your poles will be.