Harrier Hellum Pro Carbon Z Poles Review: Lighter, Sleeker and Ready for the Mountains

Introduction

Running poles have become a familiar sight on mountain trails over the last several years, but that was not always the case. Early adopters were once teased about their so-called cheat sticks. Time and experience changed that. Whether you are racing a rolling, hilly event, tackling big alpine mountains, or simply holding on through the final hours of a long ultra, poles genuinely help.

That is why the launch of Harrier’s updated Hellum Pro Carbon Z poles caught our attention. The originals were, in our long experience, among the best running poles available, so we were keen to see whether the new version builds on that foundation.

Who This Product Is For

The Hellum Pro Carbon Z suits runners and ultramarathon racers who want a lightweight, fixed-length pole for mountain racing and long days in the hills. Because it is a fixed-length pole, you need to choose the right size for your height, and that matters. Getting the correct length really does make a difference to how useful a pole is on steep terrain.

If you prefer adjustability, or want a more affordable entry point into running poles, Harrier also offers alternatives within its range, which we cover in the buying advice below.

Main Strengths

The headline updates are straightforward: the new poles are stronger, lighter and sleeker than before. The diameter has been reduced and the overall weight has dropped noticeably compared with the previous version, and they genuinely feel lighter and slimmer in the hand.

Harrier has also moved to a higher-quality carbon, and in use that translates into a stiffer, more rigid pole. On steep climbs there is less flex, so more of your effort goes into forward momentum rather than bending the pole.

Deployment has been reengineered too. Setting the poles up for a climb and breaking them down to stow on a descent feels quicker, better engineered and more precise when locking them down.

Small touches add up as well. Each pair comes with a protective carry bag, a quick start guide covering pole length, wrist strap technique and running form, and a QR code linking to further guidance. Not many trail brands put that much free advice behind their gear.

Comfort in the Hand

The ergonomically designed grips were already a highlight of the original, and they remain super comfortable even after hours of continuous use. The new version slims the grips down slightly, but the contours and textured material still feel good, and the grip extends down the upper shaft, which is handy for holding lower on very steep climbs.

The adjustable wrist straps keep the soft towelling lining of the previous version, so they stay comfortable against bare skin on long races.

Compact for Stowing

The redesigned, more compact mud basket and stripped-back profile are practical improvements. On long races we carry poles in a pole quiver on the race vest, and the bulkier previous version could occasionally tangle or catch when being pulled out. The smaller baskets, slimmer diameter and more compact grips should reduce that annoyance considerably.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Fixed-length poles require you to know your correct height before ordering. As a reference point, a runner measuring six foot one found 125 cm to be spot on. If you share poles between runners or want one size to cover multiple users, an adjustable model may suit you better.

Carbon poles are also a premium proposition compared with aluminium, and while the Hellum Pro Carbon Z is priced very reasonably against other carbon poles from bigger manufacturers, it remains an investment. Stiffer carbon is great for pushing uphill, but it is inherently less forgiving than aluminium if you are extremely hard on gear.

The carbide spike tip is ideal for soft mountain ground, but a pair of rubber bungs is included to fit over the spike when you are on firmer, more compacted terrain. Use them, and your tips will thank you.

Tested on the Trails

We took the new poles to a training ground of steep, technical coastal valleys, dropping down and climbing out of five or six deep dips in a single session. It proved an honest test of climbing performance and repeated deployment.

The weight saving is noticeable immediately, though the originals were already light. The bigger difference is rigidity: driving the poles into the ground on steep ascents, the improved carbon delivers more power with less flex. Both testers, one of whom raced a 100 km event with 6,100 m of elevation gain using the original version, came away with the same impression. The new poles feel like a genuine step up.

Locking the poles down after a session felt more precise as well, and stowing them away was refreshingly simple thanks to the slimmer, more compact layout.

Buying Advice

At £104.99, the Hellum Pro Carbon Z sits at an attractive price point for a carbon pole, especially when compared with offerings from larger manufacturers, and it holds up against far more expensive options. For many runners, this will be the best-value carbon pole in its class.

If your budget is tighter or this is your first pair of running poles, Harrier offers the Havlin Carbon, a fully adjustable one-size pole, and the CB aluminium Z poles, a more affordable non-carbon option. The aluminium poles are slightly heavier and less rigid than the carbon equivalents, but they remain pretty lightweight and represent great value.

Whichever model you choose, take advantage of the sizing and technique guidance available. Correct pole length and good form make a bigger difference than most people expect.

Conclusion

The Harrier Hellum Pro Carbon Z earns its upgrade. Lower weight, stiffer carbon, a more precise deployment system and a stripped-back, quiver-friendly profile improve on a design that was already a long-term favourite through hundreds of miles of training and racing in the UK, the Alps and even desert ultras. For mountain racing and long ultras, these are easy to recommend, and the aluminium and adjustable alternatives in the range make Harrier a sensible starting point for almost any runner considering poles.