Ski Poles Buying Guide

Introduction

Ski poles are a vital piece of equipment, helping to provide stability, balance, traction and add style to your skiing.

Ski poles are a vital piece of equipment, helping to provide stability, balance and traction.

Your choice of poles depends on several factors, including your terrain, type of skiing and budget. It's helpful to understand the components to select the correct one for optimal comfort and performance.

Ski pole features

Handle

Dual density handles 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. On adjustable backcountry poles look out for features like tabs that help with altering bindings and buckles.

Strap

Cheaper poles will use a simple system of nylon strap and pull-through locking system, this is easy to use and very effective. Wider straps may feel more comfortable, though the very best versions will use padding, and/or Velcro closure systems, and sometimes auto-release systems to prevent the risk of injury.

Shaft

The shaft can be made from aluminium or a composite material including carbon elements. The higher the number of the aluminium the better grade. This means it has an increased strength-to-weight ratio (7075 being the highest) but will be more expensive. Some women's-specific poles will use a narrower diameter to reduce weight. Composite shafts are lighter and narrower than aluminium and have more flex, meaning they can withstand crashes better. Most backcountry poles will have a 2- or 3-part shaft to adjust to suit the terrain they are being used in.

Basket

Wide powder baskets won't sink in soft snow as much as narrower ones. So choose a pole with a big basket if you intend to ski off-piste. Narrower baskets suit piste skiing and park use. Some poles will come with 2 sets of baskets so you can swap from piste to powder. Some Backcountry poles may have reinforced areas to help with adjusting bindings and boots.

Tip

Most tips are made of steel to provide good 'bite' on hard snow and strength to withstand knocks. Carbon-based tips are more expensive and will cut into firm snow well.

Ski pole sizing

Ski poles are a vital piece of equipment, helping to provide stability, balance, traction and add style to your skiing.

Fixed length ski poles are sold in increments of 5cm to provide the best fit for all heights. Most backcountry poles are length adjustable and are usually sold in one size. Some skiers might prefer lengths above or below the usual recommendation, but we suggest using the below method to ensure your ski poles are comfortable.

How to determine correct ski pole length

- 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.

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