TSL trail running poles review: the trick with the click
30.7.2024
Translation: Elicia Payne
The TSL trail running poles made from carbon are an impressive combination of light weight and strength. But there are two clever details that I’m particularly amazed by – the magnetic mechanism for the hand straps and the crossover pads.
As light as possible yet robust and suitable for off-road use – that’s the combination that trail runners strive for in their equipment. The Addict Trail Carbon 4 trail running poles do just that. And more.
Basics: low weight and compact thanks to folding mechanism
First cover the essentials, then add features. Trail running poles that don’t score highly in terms of weight and ease of use can’t even begin to impress with any extras. But this isn’t the case here – the TSL Addict Trail Carbon 4 poles excel on every level.
The four-piece poles in the 115-centimetre size, with one sliding and three folding elements, weigh 400 grammes (the pair) and therefore belong to the middle weight range. Ultralight poles weigh less than 300 grammes, but they’re not quite as robust. The Addict Trail Carbon 4 are available in five different fixed lengths: 110, 115, 120, 125 and 130 centimetres.
Source: Siri Schubert
You can fold the poles to 38 centimetres and attach them to the loops of your running belt or trail running rucksack. These features are standard for trail running poles. So, the basics are covered but there are two details I’m really excited about.
Source: Siri Schubert
Special features: magnet mechanism and the crossover pads
Like most common trail running poles, the TSL Addict Trail Carbon 4 have hand straps that wrap around the hands like fingerless, minimalist gloves. These ensure a good grip and better power transmission than conventional wrist straps.
However, the loops on most trail running poles have to be threaded over and hooked in. The problem with these is that on the slightest angle, they get stuck and you’re restricted. Personally, I always found this a bit tedious. When I alternated between running with and without poles a lot, I always did without the hooks completely – sacrificing power.
This is where the TSL poles differ and the ingenious magnetic mechanism comes into play. The hand straps simply snap in place. To release them, press the red button at the head end of the pole. Easy as pie. No fiddling or awkward angles.
Source: Siri Schubert
Usually I put my poles away when running downhill and I don’t even use them on easy sections. Thanks to the magnetic mechanism I can detach easily. Whether I only carry the poles in my hands for a few hundred metres or stow them in my rucksack or running belt for downhill sections, switching between the two is effortless.
Another bonus is, you can keep the minimalistic hand straps on even when running downhill without your poles. They’ll protect your palms in the event of a fall.
The second well thought-out detail is the crossover pads, which you can use to protect the paths from erosion and your fellow runners’ shins from scuff marks. The protective caps with their eight «feet» look a little playful. But it’s these small plastic studs that adapt flexibly to the ground and give you grip on the trail.
In addition to the protection aspect, I like the fact I’m much quieter on the road with the pads. When I carry the poles in my rucksack, I don’t have to worry about the metal tips tearing holes in the fabric.
Source: Siri Schubert
According to the manufacturer, the crossover pads fit 80 per cent of common poles and can also be used for Nordic walking, hiking and trekking. And even if the poles clearly fall into the trail running pole category, thanks to their carbon construction and folding mechanism, there’s nothing to stop you using them for hiking or trekking tours too.
Practical test – strong grip on every terrain
In the meantime, I’ve undertaken various trail running tours on different terrain with the TSL Addict Trail Carbon 4, from soft forest trails to alpine paths.
Source: Siri Schubert
The hold, robustness and simple handling really impressed me. The small metal button that triggers the folding mechanism is also easy to operate. The hand grips made from cork are comfortable in your hand and don’t turn sweaty or slippy when it’s hot.
Source: Siri Schubert
In a nutshell
Small details make all the difference
You can tell the TSL Addict Trail Carbon 4 trail running poles were developed in the French Alps, a hotspot for mountain sports, because they fulfil all quality and workmanship requirements in a compact pack size.
It’s the innovative and practical details, the magnetic mechanism for the hand straps and the crossover pads that make these trail running poles shine. As far as noise is concerned, I don’t miss the clack-clack of conventional metal pole tips one bit.
They’re not ultralight, but at 200 grammes per pole, they’re still light enough to be part of my next trail running tours and events.
Pro
- robust with relatively low weight
- good finish and simple folding mechanism
- crossover pads to protect your shins and the landscape around you
- magnetic mechanism for easy clicking in and out of the hand straps
Header image: Siri Schubert
Siri Schubert
Senior Editor
Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.chResearch diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.
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