Mountain King Poles Guide - Choosing the Right Model

Mountain King develops lightweight poles designed for trail running, mountain racing, hiking, and endurance efforts.

While all models share the same philosophy — lightweight construction, compact folding systems, and mountain-focused durability — each pole is built around a slightly different use case.

Some models prioritise minimal weight and race efficiency. Others focus on durability, versatility, or integrated glove systems for faster transitions and more direct pole handling.

This guide compares the current Mountain King lineup to help you understand which model best fits your running style, terrain, and approach to mountain movement.

You can read more about the brand on their dedicated blog post.

Understanding the Different Mountain King Models

Trail Blaze Aluminium — Accessible and Durable

The Trail Blaze Aluminium is the most accessible model in the Mountain King range.

Built from high-grade aluminium, it prioritises durability and reassurance over minimal weight savings. It is particularly well suited to runners discovering poles for the first time, regular hikers, or athletes wanting a more robust option for training and mountain use.

Compared to the carbon models, the Trail Blaze offers a slightly more traditional feel while maintaining compact folding construction and relatively low weight.

SkyRunner Ultra — Minimal Weight for Racing

The SkyRunner Ultra is the lightest model in the lineup and one of the most race-focused poles developed by Mountain King.

Built from 100% Toray carbon fibre, it focuses on reducing unnecessary weight while maintaining stiffness and responsiveness during fast mountain movement.

At only 103g in 110cm, it is designed for competitive runners prioritising speed, efficiency, and compact deployment during races or long climbs.

SkyRunner Race Day — Lightweight Versatility

The SkyRunner Race Day sits between the Ultra and the Edge in terms of positioning.

It remains highly performance-oriented while offering a slightly more versatile feel and compatibility with the NEO system.

For runners wanting a lightweight carbon racing pole without moving fully toward the integrated Edge system, the Race Day offers a balanced option.

SkyRunner Edge — Direct Connection and Fast Transitions

The SkyRunner Edge is the most technical and specialised model in the range.

Its defining feature is the integrated glove-and-grip Edge system, designed to create faster transitions and a more direct connection between the runner and the pole.

This setup becomes particularly interesting during steep climbs, sustained mountain efforts, or races where repeated pole deployment matters over time.

How to Choose Your Pole Size

Choosing the correct pole length can significantly improve comfort, climbing efficiency, rhythm, and stability during long efforts.

Quick rule:
Customer height in cm × 0.67 = recommended trail running pole length

How to Size Trail Running Poles Correctly

1. Find Your Ideal Pole Length

A common baseline is to use approximately 67% of your height in centimetres. Multiply your height by 0.67 to estimate a comfortable and efficient pole length for trail running.

When standing naturally with the pole tip on the ground, your elbow should form approximately a 90° angle.

We generally recommend rounding down to the nearest available size. Slightly shorter poles are often easier to manage during steep ascents and technical climbing.

2. Adapt Pole Length to Terrain

Flat or technical terrain: use your standard pole length for rhythm and stability.

Uphill running: slightly shorter poles can improve leverage and climbing efficiency.

Downhill running: slightly longer poles may improve balance and control during steep descents.

3. Prioritise Comfort and Efficiency

The ideal pole height should allow efficient arm swing and energy transfer without excessive shoulder tension.

Adjustable poles can be useful for runners moving regularly between steep climbs, technical terrain, and long descents.

What Is the NEO System?

From beginner runners to elite ultra-distance athletes, Mountain King's TrailBlaze and SkyRunner series now feature the NEO system — an advanced concealed cord design developed to improve durability and ease of use on technical terrain.

Unlike traditional exposed cord constructions, the NEO system stores the internal tension cord within the upper section of the pole. This cleaner setup helps reduce snagging, tangling, and premature wear during repeated use in mountain environments.

The result is a more streamlined and durable folding system, particularly useful for runners regularly moving through technical trails, dense terrain, or fast-paced race conditions.

Importantly, the NEO system maintains the compact foldable construction that defines the TrailBlaze and SkyRunner ranges. The poles can still be collapsed quickly and stored efficiently during sections where poles are no longer needed.

What Is the Edge System?

The Edge system is Mountain King's integrated glove-and-grip solution, designed for faster and more efficient hand-to-pole connection during racing and steep climbing.

Similar in philosophy to systems used by leading performance pole brands, the Edge Clip allows runners to attach and release the pole quickly while maintaining a secure and direct connection during movement.

The system is designed to improve efficiency and power transfer while reducing unnecessary hand movement during repeated climbing efforts.

Used by the Mountain King TrailBlaze team, the Edge system balances control, comfort, and quick-release safety within a streamlined racing-oriented setup.

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