Introduction
For decades, skiers have relied on a simple formula to determine their pole length. However I’d like to share my expert insight and suggest that you try shorter than average poles which can offer significant advantages, for all levels of skiers. In this post, we’ll delve into the benefits of shorter poles and how to choose the right length ski poles.
The Myth of Longer Ski Poles
Traditionally, skiers were advised to choose poles by standing upright flipping the poles upside down and choosing poles that make a 90 degree angle at the elbow . While this method might seem good, it can limit performance and cause unnecessary strain on you wrists. Longer poles can lead to less precise pole plants, reduced agility, and increased wrist fatigue.
The Advantages of Shorter Ski Poles
- Improved Technique:
- Shorter ski poles naturally encourage a more aggressive and efficient skiing style.
- Allows for pole plants on steeper terrain
- Shorter ski poles don’t get in the way
- Reduced Physical Strain:
- Shorter poles reduce the stress on your wrists, arms, and shoulders, leading to less fatigue and a more enjoyable skiing experience.
- Shorter poles encourage proper ski technique and better technique reduces overall fatigue
- Enhanced Agility and Quickness:
- Shorter ski poles enable quicker turns and maneuvers, especially in tight spaces.
- Shorter ski poles help when skiing moguls, pro mogul skiers use short poles
- Shorter ski poles don’t get in the way, professional park, pipe and big air skiers who use poles use shorter poles for better agility and performance in the park and pipe.
- Skiers on the freeride world tour use shorter poles because the terrain is steep and they help maintain an aggressive and powerful position on the skis, especially when in the no fall terrain that they compete on.
How to Choose the Right Pole Length
- A Grip Lower at a Time:
- go shorter a little at a time, try shortening your poles to where the bottom of your old grips were assuming you have traditionally sized poles, this is a good starting point, any ski shop or diy’er can shorten your poles with basic tools.
- Experimentation: don’t hesitate to experiment with pole length, every skier is a little different so your body type might require a little less or more short than average, fine tune the length and even the grips – we designed a sleeve to allow you to use mountain bike grips, they’re way cooler and offer better grip than ski pole grips, see our shop 🙂
Ski Pole Shaft Materials: Choosing the Right One for You
When selecting ski poles, the material of the shaft plays a crucial role in performance. Here’s a breakdown of the most common materials:
1. Aluminum Ski Poles
Aluminum is durable and the most affordable option, but it tends to be heavier compared to other materials. These poles are great for frequent use at resorts, as they can withstand wear and tear over time. If you’re looking for durability on a budget, aluminum poles are a solid choice.
2. Carbon Ski Poles
Carbon fiber poles are known for their lightweight nature and impressive strength-to-weight ratio. These poles are ultra-light, making them ideal for long-distance backcountry travel when minimizing weight is essential. While they offer great durability, they tend to be pricier than aluminum.
3. Composite Ski Poles
Composite poles combine various materials to leverage the benefits of each. They’re known for being flexible, shock-absorbent, and durable, making them excellent for hardpack snow or backcountry terrain. Their versatility and toughness make them a popular choice for all-around skiers.
4. Bamboo Ski Poles
Bamboo strikes a balance between rigidity and flexibility, offering a unique alternative to the more common aluminum and carbon fiber poles. While they’re less common on the slopes, bamboo poles are the most eco-friendly option and are a great choice for those looking for sustainability without sacrificing performance.
Ski Pole Baskets: Choosing the Right Size
Ski pole baskets are essential for keeping your poles from sinking too deep into the snow, much like snowshoes. The standard basket size is around 5 centimeters across and works well in most conditions.
For deeper powder, larger baskets—up to 10 centimeters across—are recommended to prevent the poles from sinking too far. The best part? Many ski pole baskets are interchangeable or replaceable, so you can easily swap them out based on your skiing conditions or if one gets damaged or lost.
Selecting the right ski pole material and basket type can improve your skiing experience, whether you’re hitting the resort or exploring the backcountry. Always choose based on your needs and skiing style to ensure you have the best gear for the job!