Are Pacerpole walking poles better for Nordic walking in the UK?
Yes – for pure Nordic walking on flat or gently undulating terrain, Pacerpole walking poles are significantly better than standard trekking poles. Their ergonomic, angled handles encourage a natural arm swing, proper planting technique, and improved posture. However, for the varied, often rugged terrain found across the UK (muddy moors, rocky fells, steep ascents), they are less versatile than adjustable telescoping poles with carbide tips. This article compares the two, explains the pros and cons, and helps you decide which is better for your specific UK walking style.
What makes Pacerpoles unique?
Pacerpoles are not standard trekking poles. They feature:
- Angled handles – The grip is set at a 15‑degree angle, which aligns your wrist and forearm in a natural, neutral position. This encourages a more upright posture and a longer, more efficient arm swing.
- No wrist straps – Unlike traditional Nordic walking poles or trekking poles, Pacerpoles rely on the angled grip for power transfer. You push down and back through the grip, rather than pulling through a strap.
- Lightweight aluminium shafts – Durable and strong, but typically fixed length or limited adjustability.
- Rubber ferrules (paws) – Designed for pavement and hard ground, rather than carbide tips for rocky or muddy trails.
Why Pacerpoles excel at Nordic walking
Nordic walking is a specific discipline – it involves a rhythmic, diagonal stride (opposite arm to leg), a powerful push‑off, and a rolling motion from heel to toe. The angled handles of Pacerpoles:
- Promote correct technique – They naturally encourage you to plant the pole behind your body and push back, which is the biomechanically correct Nordic walking motion. With straight‑handled poles, beginners often plant too far forward, losing the propulsion benefit.
- Reduce wrist and elbow strain – The neutral wrist position reduces the risk of tendonitis and repetitive strain injuries, which can be a problem with standard poles when used for hours on hard surfaces.
- Improve posture – The upright stance that Pacerpoles encourage helps open the chest and engage the core, making Nordic walking a more effective full‑body workout.
In the UK, Nordic walking is a popular fitness activity, particularly in parks, on coastal paths (like the South Downs), and on flat canal towpaths. For these environments, Pacerpoles are a clear winner. They are purpose‑built for the activity and offer a more comfortable, effective experience than any standard trekking pole fitted with a rubber walking tip.
Where Pacerpoles fall short
The UK is not all flat parks and towpaths. If your walking includes:
- Steep ascents and descents (Snowdonia, the Lake District, the Peak District)
- Muddy, claggy bogs (Pennine Way, Dartmoor)
- Rocky, abrasive terrain (gritstone edges, granite tors)
Then Pacerpoles are not the right tool. Here is why:
- No adjustable length – Most Pacerpoles are fixed‑length. On steep climbs, you need shorter poles for leverage; on descents, longer poles for braking. Without adjustability, you lose efficiency and safety on varied gradients.
- Rubber tips only – Pacerpoles use rubber ferrules (often called paws). These are great for tarmac and hard earth but become dangerously slippery on wet grass, mud, or polished rock. Standard trekking poles have carbide tips that bite into soft ground and grip on rock.
- Lack of mud/snow baskets – On boggy UK moorland, poles without baskets sink deep into the peat, offering little support and becoming hard to retrieve.
- No spare parts in UK stores – Pacerpoles are a niche brand in the UK. Unlike Leki or Black Diamond, you cannot easily find replacement tips, locks, or lower sections in high‑street shops.
- Narrow grip – The angled grip is designed for one specific motion. It is not comfortable for using the pole as a walking aid on rough terrain, nor for using it as a tent pole or for stream crossings.
Standard adjustable trekking poles – the versatile alternative
For walkers who do a mix of Nordic walking on flat terrain and hiking on hills, a pair of adjustable aluminium trekking poles with lever locks is a better investment. You can:
- Use carbide tips for muddy and rocky sections.
- Fit rubber walking tips for road and towpath sections.
- Adjust the length for ascents and descents.
- Fit mud baskets for boggy moorland.
- Easily source spare parts in the UK (e.g., from Leki or Decathlon).
Comparison summary
| Feature | Pacerpoles | Standard Adjustable Poles |
|---|---|---|
| Nordic walking technique | Excellent – forces correct form | Good, but requires technique training |
| Grip comfort (flat terrain) | Excellent – neutral wrist angle | Average – dependent on strap adjustment |
| Adjustability | None (or limited) | Full – 110–135 cm range |
| Terrain versatility | Flat, hard surfaces only | All terrain (mud, rock, hills, snow) |
| UK spare parts | Very limited | Widely available (Leki, Decathlon, Black Diamond) |
| Price | ~£80–120 | £55–150 (depending on spec) |
The verdict for UK walkers
- Choose Pacerpoles if: You are a dedicated Nordic walker who primarily walks on flat, firm surfaces (parks, canal paths, coastal promenades) and you want the best possible technique and comfort for that specific activity. They are an excellent tool for fitness walking.
- Choose standard adjustable trekking poles if: You walk on a mix of terrain, including hills, muddy paths, and rocky ground. They are far more versatile and practical for the typical UK countryside. You can still practice Nordic walking technique with them – it just requires a bit more conscious effort.
Final answer
Yes, Pacerpoles are better for pure Nordic walking in the UK due to their ergonomic design. However, for the vast majority of UK walkers who enjoy varied terrain, standard adjustable trekking poles are the more versatile and practical choice. If you are a dedicated Nordic walker sticking to flat ground, invest in Pacerpoles. If you venture onto hills and moorland, buy a quality adjustable pair instead. The right choice depends entirely on where you walk.
