Why Mountain King Poles Are the Best Choice in 2025: UK-Made Excellence vs Leki & Black Diamond

The Evolution of Trail Running and Hiking Poles: Why Quality Matters

When it comes to trail running, hiking, and fell running, the right pole can transform your performance. With a range of brands on the market, each claiming to offer the best, it’s important to look deeper and choose equipment that’s truly built for performance in the most demanding environments.

Among the leaders in pole design, Mountain King, Leki, and Black Diamond stand out, but Mountain King offers something different: precision engineering made in the UK, 30+ years of mountain running experience, and a direct connection with elite athletes. Here’s why Mountain King should be your first choice in 2025.

Made in the UK: The Mountain King Difference

Unlike Leki and Black Diamond, which manufacture their products overseas, Mountain King poles are proudly made in the UK. This commitment to local production ensures that every pole is made with meticulous attention to detail and the highest quality control standards.

While Leki and Black Diamond are known for their global presence, they typically rely on mass manufacturing abroad, which can sometimes compromise craftsmanship. In contrast, Mountain King poles are built from aircraft-grade aluminium, ensuring they are strong, lightweight, and durable—ideal for technical terrain.

Choosing Mountain King means investing in a product built with precision, care, and an intimate understanding of the demands of UK trails and mountains.

Backed by 30+ Years of Expertise

Mountain King isn’t just another gear company—it has over 30 years of mountain running and adventure racing expertise. This deep-rooted experience means Mountain King understands exactly what athletes need for the harshest, most demanding terrain.

The company is also supported by the Trailblaze Pro Team, a group of elite trail runners, fell runners, and adventure athletes who put Mountain King poles to the test in the toughest environments. This close relationship between the company and its athletes allows for continual product refinement and innovation based on real-world feedback.

While Leki and Black Diamond also have experience in the outdoor gear world, they don’t offer the same level of athlete-driven design and direct involvement in product testing that Mountain King provides.

Mountain King vs Leki vs Black Diamond: The Key Differences

When comparing Mountain King to Leki and Black Diamond, the key distinctions come down to design, manufacturing, and product testing. Let's break it down:

Material and Build Quality

While Leki is known for its premium carbon poles, which excel in lightweight design, Mountain King takes durability and performance to the next level. The company offers Toray 800 carbon poles, some of the highest-grade carbon fiber available. This high-performance material delivers superior strength, while maintaining an ultra-lightweight feel, perfect for tackling demanding terrains like Scotland’s Munros or the rugged Lake District fells or the UTMB race series and MDS (where the TrailBlaze poles repeatedly place on podiums around the world.)  Unlike standard carbon poles, which can sometimes be fragile on rough, technical terrain, Mountain King’s Toray 800 carbon is designed to withstand extreme conditions, offering exceptional durability and reliability for serious adventurers and athletes.

Price and Value for Performance

Mountain King offers competitive pricing that doesn’t compromise on quality or performance. While Leki and Black Diamond target premium market segments, Mountain King poles offer better value for serious athletes, providing an exceptional balance of weight, strength, and affordability.

Why Choose Mountain King in 2025?

As you gear up for your next mountain adventure or ultra-running event, the decision of which poles to choose can be a game-changer. While Leki and Black Diamond are both solid options, Mountain King poles offer unmatched UK craftsmanship, athlete-driven innovation, and decades of mountain running experience.

If you’re looking for poles that offer:

  • Reliability in harsh conditions

  • Comfort for long-distance use

  • Lightweight yet durable performance

  • A UK-made product that’s been tested by the best in the business

Then Mountain King is the best choice in 2025. With an unwavering commitment to quality and a team of elite athletes pushing the limits, Mountain King poles are crafted to give you the confidence to tackle any terrain, any challenge, and any adventure

A hiker with a red backpack standing on a large rock overlooking a valley surrounded by mountains covered in green grass and fog, under cloudy skies.
Two hikers with backpacks and trekking poles hiking on a mountain trail during sunset, with a mountainous landscape in the background.
A man dressed in outdoor gear adjusts equipment in front of a black car at night, wearing a red and yellow beanie, glasses, and a back with a harness.