Technical stuff to know about buying ski poles online
Handle
Dual density handles (Salomon Arctic) tend to be more comfortable as they can feel slightly softer and normally grip better. Mono-material handles will be cheaper but won’t feel as comfortable. Women’s specific poles sometimes use a smaller handle (K2 Slopestyle).
Strap
Cheaper poles will use a simple system of nylon strap and pull-through locking system (Atomic Cloud), this is easy to use and very effective. Wider straps may feel more comfortable (Salomon Patrol), though the very best versions will use padding and/or Velcro closure systems (the Notch Strike on the Scott Team Issue). Leki use an innovative release system that can separate the strap from pole in the event of a large fall, reducing the chance of wrist or thumb injuries.
Shaft
The shaft can be made from aluminium or a composite material. The higher the number of the aluminium the better grade, meaning it has a better strength to weight ratio (7075 on Scott RS-12) but it will be more expensive. Some women’s specific poles will use a narrower diameter to reduce weight (16mm on the Salomon Topaz). Composite shafts are lighter and narrower than aluminium. The strength on these can vary (a K2 Comp is exceptional value for a composite shaft, but not as strong as the Leki Composite 16S).
Basket
Wider baskets will not sink in soft snow as much as a narrower one, so choose a pole with a big basket if you intend to ski off-piste (the 80mm on the Line dart). Narrower baskets suit piste skiing (the 50mm basket on the Leki Vantage S).
Tip
Most tips will be made of steel to provide good ‘bite’ on hard snow and strength to withstand knocks and bangs. Carbon based tips are more expensive but will cut into firm snow exceptionally well.
Ski Pole Sizing
Position your elbow next to your side and bend your forearm 90° so that it is parallel to the ground. Take the ski pole and turn it upside down, putting the handle on the floor. With the ski pole vertical, position your hand under the basket. If it is the correct size your forearm will still be parallel to the ground. Different skiers may prefer poles above or under the usual recommendation, for example park skiers like to use a much smaller pole.
|
