Are cheap trekking poles from Decathlon any good?

Decathlon is a household name for budget‑conscious outdoor enthusiasts. Their trekking poles, often priced between £20 and £50, sit at a fraction of the cost of premium brands like Black Diamond or Leki. The natural question is: are they actually any good? The honest answer is yes – if you choose the right model for your needs. Decathlon offers genuine value, but their range varies dramatically in quality, durability, and suitability for different terrains. This guide breaks down their lineup, explains the trade‑offs, and helps you decide if a Decathlon pole is right for your UK hillwalking.

The Decathlon pole lineup – what's on offer

Decathlon categorises their trekking poles under the Forclaz and Quechua brands. Here's a clear breakdown:

1. Forclaz MT100 – the entry‑level (£20‑25)

• Material: 6061 aluminium
• Lock: Twist‑lock
• Grip: Foam
• Weight: ~270g per pole
• Baskets: Mud baskets included
• Tips: Non‑replaceable

This is the cheapest "proper" pole Decathlon sells. It's a simple, two‑section telescopic design with basic foam grips and twist‑locks. The 6061 aluminium is soft and prone to denting, but it bends rather than snaps. The twist‑locks are functional but can slip if not tightened firmly, especially in wet conditions. The tips are moulded in – when they wear flat, you can't replace them; you need new poles.

Best for: Gentle, low‑level walks on clear paths. Occasional use on easy terrain. DofE expeditions for beginners.

2. Forclaz MT500 – the sweet spot (£40‑50)

• Material: 7075 aluminium (aerospace grade)
• Lock: Lever‑locks (external cam)
• Grip: Cork
• Weight: ~250‑260g per pole
• Baskets: Mud baskets included
• Tips: Replaceable carbide tips

This is where Decathlon becomes genuinely competitive. The MT500 uses 7075 aluminium – the same alloy as Black Diamond's Trail Ergo. The lever‑locks are reliable, easy to adjust, and resist mud ingress. The cork grips are comfortable and stay tacky when wet. The tips are replaceable – you can buy new ones for ~£8 a pair. The weight is only slightly higher than premium poles (260g vs. 240g), but the price is a third of the premium competition.

Best for: Weekend hillwalkers, moderate mountain terrain (Lake District, Snowdonia), and regular use. A genuine contender.

3. Forclaz MT900 – the lightweight (£60‑70)

• Material: Carbon fibre (with aluminium upper)
• Lock: Lever‑locks
• Grip: Cork/foam hybrid
• Weight: ~200g per pole
• Baskets: Mud baskets included
• Tips: Replaceable

This is Decathlon's premium offering – a carbon‑hybrid pole designed for longer distances and faster hiking. The weight saving is significant, but you pay for it. The carbon sections are lighter but less durable – they can snap under sideways impact. The lever‑locks are the same reliable system as the MT500.

Best for: Long‑distance walkers and trail runners who prioritise weight, but accept the fragility of carbon.

How Decathlon compares to premium brands

The MT500 is clearly the value champion. It offers most of the critical features of a premium pole – 7075 aluminium, lever‑locks, cork grips, replaceable tips – at less than half the price. The build quality is not as refined (the lever‑locks feel slightly less solid than FlickLock, and the cork is a rougher grade), but for most walkers, the difference is marginal. The weight penalty is negligible.

The trade‑offs – what you sacrifice

1. Lock refinement

Decathlon's lever‑locks work well, but they lack the smooth, positive engagement of Black Diamond's FlickLock or Leki's SpeedLock. The cam mechanism can be slightly stiff to open, and the clamping force may need occasional adjustment with an Allen key (supplied). Over time, they can develop play, whereas premium locks maintain their precision for longer.

2. Grip quality

Decathlon's cork is a lower grade – it's coarser and less durable than premium cork. It may develop a polished, shiny surface after heavy use, which reduces grip. Premium cork (e.g., Black Diamond) is denser and retains its texture for years. However, the difference is subtle – many casual walkers won't notice.

3. Durability under extreme stress

The MT500 is durable, but it's not indestructible. On sustained rocky descents, the locks may loosen slightly (requiring retightening), and the shaft can dent more easily than a premium pole. However, for weekend use on typical UK hills, it's more than adequate.

4. Weight

At 260g per pole, the MT500 is 20‑30g heavier than premium aluminium alternatives. Over a 20‑mile day, that's noticeable, but it's not a deal‑breaker.

5. Spare parts and repairability

Decathlon sells replacement tips and baskets, but they don't offer replacement locks or shaft sections. If a lock breaks or a shaft bends severely, you'll need to replace the whole pole. Premium brands offer individual spare parts, extending the pole's lifespan.

Real‑world user feedback

Scrolling through UK walking forums (WalkHighlands, UKClimbing), opinions on Decathlon poles are generally positive – especially for the MT500. Common comments:

• "I've used MT500s for three years in the Lake District – they've survived all the abuse I've given them."
• "The cork grip isn't as good as my friend's Black Diamond, but for £45, I can't complain."
• "Twist‑locks on the MT100 are a pain – but the MT500 lever‑locks are a different league."
• "I bought MT900 carbon – snapped on a rocky descent. Should have bought the MT500."

The consensus: the MT500 is a genuine bargain. The MT100 is fine for light use but not for serious hills.

When to buy Decathlon – and when to upgrade

✅ Buy Decathlon if:

• You walk less than 30 days a year – you'll get excellent value.
• You're a beginner – they're a low‑risk entry point.
• You need a spare pair or travel pair.
• You're on a tight budget but still want functional features (lever‑locks, cork grips, aluminium).
• You're a DofE participant – the MT500 is a common, reliable choice.

❌ Upgrade to premium if:

• You walk over 40 days a year – premium durability and repairability pay off.
• You tackle very rocky, technical terrain – the extra robustness of premium locks and shafts matters.
• You're a long‑distance backpacker – weight and reliability are critical.
• You want long‑term serviceability – premium brands sell spare locks, straps, and sections.

Maintenance – making Decathlon poles last

• Rinse after muddy walks – dried grit wears locks and shafts.
• Loosen locks when storing – relieves tension and prevents seizure.
• Check lever‑lock tension – if it feels loose, use the Allen key to tighten the cam screw.
• Replace tips when worn – don't use flat tips on wet rock.
• Apply silicone grease sparingly to the moving parts (never oil).

Final verdict

Yes, Decathlon cheap trekking poles are genuinely good – but you must choose the right model. The Forclaz MT500 (£45) is one of the best value products in outdoor retail. It offers 90% of the performance of a £130 premium pole at a third of the cost. The MT100 (£25) is fine for gentle terrain but not for serious hillwalking. The MT900 is overpriced for its fragility.

If you're a weekend walker, a beginner, or on a budget, the MT500 is an easy recommendation. When it finally wears out (after several years), you can upgrade to a premium brand – or buy another MT500 and still have spent less than one premium pair. Decathlon's cheap poles are a smart, sensible choice for the vast majority of UK hillwalkers.