The Helvellyn PRO Carbon Z-Poles V2. Performance Tested in the Ultra Scotland 100-Mile Ultra, by GB Ultras

The Helvellyn PRO Carbon Z-Poles V2, crafted by Harrier, stand as a testament to how thoughtful design and high-quality materials can elevate performance across challenging terrains. Recently, I put these poles to the ultimate test during my latest race: the Ultra Scotland 100-mile ultra along the Southern Upland Way. The experience left me deeply impressed and eager to share my insights on their capabilities.

The Harrier Helvellyn PRO Carbon Z-Poles V2 are constructed with lightweight carbon, ensuring durability without compromising on weight. Weighing in at just 150 grams per pole for the 120cm length I tested, they are feather-light, which proved invaluable during the 100 mile distance. Over the course of 100 miles, every ounce matters, and these poles excelled in maintaining ease of use without adding unnecessary burden.

The design of the handles deserves particular praise. The EVA foam grips are meticulously crafted to provide both comfort and stability. Even during prolonged use, with sweat and fatigue kicking in, the grips felt secure, soft, and non-slip, avoiding any discomfort or strain on the hands. Additionally, the adjustable wrist straps allowed me to customize the fit to my liking, avoiding chafing and ensuring optimal power transfer with each stride.

The Southern Upland Way is renowned for its diversity of terrain—steep ascents, technical descents, rocky sections, and stretches through boggy and thick grassland. The Helvellyn PRO Carbon Z-Poles V2 handled all these challenges with finesse. Their collapsible Z-fold design made transportation and storage effortless during moments when poles weren’t needed, yet they were quick to deploy whenever the trail demanded extra stability.

On steep climbs, the poles provided reliable support, enabling me to conserve energy and maintain a steady rhythm. The carbon shafts absorbed shock efficiently, reducing the impact on my wrists and arms. On descents, where balance is critical, the poles offered exceptional control, allowing me to confidently tackle technical sections without losing speed.

Durability often becomes a concern for lightweight gear, but the Helvellyn PRO Carbon Z-Poles V2 exceeded expectations. Throughout the gruelling 100 miles, the poles showed no signs of wear or compromise, despite the constant pressure and exposure to the harsh environments.

The reinforced joints ensured stability and structural integrity, even during rigorous use. The interchangeable tips—rubber for flat terrain and carbide for rocky trails—adapted seamlessly to the conditions, maintaining grip and preventing slipping.

The Ultra Scotland 100-mile ultra was, by all measures, an intense test of endurance and equipment. Covering the Southern Upland Way, I encountered countless challenges, from relentless climbs to unpredictable weather. The Harrier Helvellyn PRO Carbon Z-Poles V2 proved to be not just a piece of equipment but a trusted companion throughout the race.

Their lightweight nature allowed me to carry and use them without distraction, while their reliability gave me confidence in moments of physical and mental fatigue. I found the poles particularly impressive during the latter stages of the race, where every step felt heavier, and yet their support provided the extra push I needed to keep going.

The Helvellyn PRO Carbon Z-Poles V2 are truly remarkable, blending innovation, quality, and performance into a compact and effective package. Whether you’re tackling a 100-mile ultra like I did or venturing into shorter, yet equally demanding trails, these poles will undoubtedly enhance your experience.

Their lightweight design, ergonomic features, and adaptability to varied terrain make them a standout choice for endurance athletes and trail runners alike. For me, they were not just impressive—they were indispensable on the Ultra Scotland 100, and I can’t wait to use them again. Harrier have certainly delivered a product that meets the high standards of modern trail enthusiasts, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone seeking reliable and performance-driven running poles.