Buying guide

How to choose and buy ski poles

When choosing ski poles their length is the most important factor to consider, the proper poles should reach up to elbow-height. They should be lightweight yet very strong with a comfortable grip made preferably of aluminium alloy with small ski pole basket of durable plastic a little above the ski pole tip which should be sharp enough to pierce snow and crud yet not too sharp, being a source of danger itself.

In the ski gear shop where you have no skis on turn the pole upside down and hold it just below the basket. Standing straight with the pole in your hand your upper and lower arm should meet in a right angle if the pole is of proper length for you. This ideal length can more or less be calculated from the height; take your height in centimetres and multiple by 0.7 rounding the result up. Remember you are 1-2 cm taller with your skis on.

Having picked the pole, ask for advice on the proper use of the strap. It is best be adjustable. Bear in mind that you are going to wear your gloves. Many wrist and thumb injuries are results of the skier not being able to let go of the poles during a fall because the strap is too tight while a too loose strap can also lead to injuries if poles get out of the skiers control. Proper strap adjustment is important for -apart from more obvious reasons like comfort and optimal support- safety.

Pole shaft materials:
- Composite: usually of carbon and graphite lightweight and very flexible.
- Aluminium 7075: racer poles are made of this material, lightweight and extremely flexible, almost unbreakable.
- Aluminium 5083: this is a rather traditional material of ski poles, lightweight but not that flexible, can bend during a more serious fall.