While the carbon alloy is undeniably the most lightweight of all, it is also the most comfortable. However, it remains less solid than aluminium. Let us break down point by point the advantages and characteristics of carbon poles.
There is no doubt that in nordic walking, the ideal choice is a single-strand carbon pole that delivers powerful, straight-line propulsion and absorbs vibrations effectively. That said, a carbon fibre alloy can also be an excellent choice for hiking or trail, particularly for its lightness and comfort. Carbon has a strong capacity to absorb vibrations that aluminium simply does not offer. Let us explore the advantages and characteristics of carbon fibre alloy for your outdoor activities.
Carbon poles: for which sport?
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Nordic walking:
Unlike aluminium, carbon significantly dampens vibrations, making it perfect for nordic walking. Its vibration absorption capacity reduces the risk of injuries such as tendinitis, and therefore helps to better protect the joints. On top of that, the incredible lightness of carbon makes walking even more comfortable, allowing the walker to fatigue less. Be careful, however, to closely check the carbon percentage that makes up the shaft of your poles. The higher the percentage, the greater the anti-vibration and lightness benefits — but the stiffer the pole. We recommend choosing a pole made of at least 50% carbon. If you already have a solid level of experience, aim for 80% or even 100% for greater rigidity.
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Trail:
What trail runners seek most is lightness and manoeuvrability. It is therefore important to have the lightest poles possible. While aluminium does the job perfectly well, carbon is ideally the better choice for trail. It all depends on your level and how you use them, as aluminium does have the advantage of being more solid than carbon. Budget is also a deciding factor, since an aluminium pole will be more durable than a carbon one and also less expensive to buy.
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Hiking:
When it comes to hiking, yes, it is important to have lightweight poles, but it is equally important to have poles that are built-to-last, as the load placed on them can sometimes be significant. While aluminium is slightly heavier than carbon, it is also more resilient, especially in cold conditions — carbon, being more brittle, can snap suddenly, whereas aluminium is almost impossible to break outright (though it can bend). Here too, it comes down to what suits you best. If you plan to use your poles for long treks, you may want to prioritise lightness and better vibration absorption, in which case carbon is the top recommendation. If you will be using them for snowshoeing or ski hiking and therefore exposing them frequently to low temperatures and contact with snow, aluminium is the better choice.
Carbon poles: weight
We cannot say it enough: carbon hiking poles are incredibly lightweight. A good carbon alloy pole typically weighs between 175 and a maximum of 250 grams. Of course, as with aluminium, not all carbon poles are equal. It is first and foremost a question of percentage, as carbon shafts are actually made from a composite that combines a certain percentage of carbon fibre, fibreglass and resin. Pay close attention to choosing a pole with a sufficient carbon content — a minimum of 50%. The higher the percentage, the lighter and above all stronger the pole; below that threshold, it will be too fragile. Beyond that, weight and quality depend on many other factors in addition to the tube composition, such as the folding system and the grips, for example.
