Are you in search of ultralight carbon fiber hiking poles that are sturdy and won’t break easily? If so, you might have come across some great deals on collapsible hiking poles online. One such brand, although not widely recognized in the fitness industry, has been gaining a reputation for producing high-quality running gear at an affordable price. After completing one of the most challenging races on the east coast, I am excited to provide you with my comprehensive AONIJIE trekking poles review. I had only used poles once before during a run and one of them snapped within the first 20 miles. Now, let’s see how these poles fared in comparison when put through the gauntlet of North Carolina’s Black Mountains.
AONIJIE Trekking Poles Review – Hiking & Trail Running
Price: $54.99 – May very based on Color
Link: Click Here
Material: Aluminum Alloy & Carbon Fiber
Tips: Carbon
Sizing:
110 mm
120 mm
130 mm
Adjustable 100 – 115 mm
Adjustable 100 – 125 mm
Colors: Too Many to List, Rainbow is featured in this article
I’ve never been a big fan of using poles, but with study after showing how effective they are at reducing impact on downhills. I decided to give them a shot, using them for a specific section of the Hendebder 100. Considered one of if not the toughest 100 miles on the east coast, it takes you to the highest point east of the Mississippi and features one of the most technical descents you will find in any 100 miler, anywhere. All that said, I wasn’t sure how much I would actually use them so I didn’t want to spend a ton on a high end set of poles. Enter the AONIJIE trekking poles.
With a number of good reviews, great features, and a beyond reasonable price the AONIJIE trekking poles stood out on Amazon. I’ve actually bought other items from the brand and had a really good experience with their running socks. So I thought what the heck, and ordered the only color that would get to me by race day.
Packaging & Accessories
The poles arrived promptly and without any extravagant packaging. It seems that one way they have managed to reduce costs is by minimizing the packaging. And I wouldn’t personally recommend sending these as a gift directly to someone due to the packaging. The poles themselves were well-protected with bubble wrap, so the chances of them arriving damaged are low.
Upon opening, I found that the poles are accompanied by their own case. Although it’s not a running sling, it serves its purpose well enough to keep the poles together during travel and prevent them from soiling other items after use. The poles have a plastic tip to protect the point, but there are no additional attachments included. It’s worth noting that some other brands provide a rock guard, which is not the case with these poles.
Performance
The first thing that caught my attention, as well as the rest of my crew, was how incredibly lightweight these poles are. I mean, seriously, they are as light as one could hope for. This lightweight design proves to be immensely advantageous during long days on the trail. Additionally, unfolding and locking the poles in place is a breeze. Simply let the poles hang straight down, pull out the section that slides into the handle, and voila! Another outstanding feature is the slim handle design, typically found on much higher-end poles. I believe this design also allows them to fit into a running poles quiver. Moreover, the narrow handle design contributes to a more relaxed hand, which is particularly beneficial during extended runs.
In my experience, using poles effectively involves understanding when and when not to utilize them. It has been proven that poles aren’t particularly helpful on flat or slight inclines. Therefore, employing them for significant climbs and descents proved to be a successful game plan. Notably, during the challenging section over the Black Mountain Crest Trail and Colbert Ridge descent, notorious for its brutally technical terrain, these poles performed flawlessly. In fact, the attached picture was taken during the race, showcasing the remarkable amount of flex in the pole. These poles withstood the force of my downhill running, enduring my entire weight and more. There were numerous occasions when the poles sank a foot into the rocky and root-infested terrain, and I was certain they would break. However, they surpassed my expectations by enduring everything that the trail threw at them. I was genuinely impressed.
Conclusion – AONIJIE Trekking Poles Review
The AONIJIE Trekking Poles have proven to be an exceptional choice for hikers and runners alike. Their impressive lightweight construction makes them a valuable asset during long days on the trail, while the easy unfolding and locking mechanism adds to their convenience. The nunchuck collapsible design and narrow handle, typically found in higher-end poles, not only provides a comfortable grip but also allows them to fit into running poles quivers. The durability and resilience demonstrated by these poles, even in the face of challenging and technical terrains, far exceeded my expectations. Whether tackling steep climbs or navigating some treacherous descents, these poles proved themselves to be reliable and sturdy. With their remarkable performance and affordable price, the AONIJIE Trekking Poles are undoubtedly worth looking into for anyone seeking reliable and lightweight hiking poles. I’ll actually be getting my mom a set of these for an upcoming trip we are taking to Italy. I think that says a lot about how much I trust them based on my experience.
