Are you looking for the perfect ski poles? The sheer variety can be overwhelming, but fear not, as we break down what to look for and how to find the rods that will serve you best.
Ski poles for competitive skiing can have prices almost as high as the skis themselves, but the effort put into choosing the right poles is often not as great. Many people have the misconception that a pole is just a pole, and overlook the significant effect they have on performance and the overall skiing experience.
For athletes, the primary considerations are weight and strength of the pole, and ensuring that the energy exerted in each pole lift is translated into propulsion. It is crucial that the rod fits comfortably in the hand, and bounces quickly and naturally back to the hand after each take. These requirements emphasize the importance of material selection, composition and design.
Many factors shape the properties of a ski pole, with weight, pendulum and design being the most important. Some of these factors are rooted in physics and construction, while others come down to personal preference. Both categories are important, and a desire is expressed for more opportunities for athletes to compare different poles and straps.
The Staff's Shaft
The choice of materials and construction of the pole's shaft significantly affects the pole's properties. High-end poles, made of 100% high modulus carbon fiber, are known for their extreme lightness and stiffness, but with a compromise on durability against everyday wear and tear. More affordable options mix carbon and fiberglass or use aluminum, resulting in a stronger but slightly heavier pole.
The design of the rod's shaft also plays a vital role in how the rod behaves. A recently revised model introduced a transition from a triangular to a square, curved front shaft, improving stiffness, strength and aerodynamics. This redesign facilitates an easy and natural pendulum movement of the rod through each roof.
Weight distribution and Balance
Beyond the shaft of the pole, a ski pole consists of a handle with a strap and strap attachment, and a pulley with a tip. Both the handle and pulley contribute to the pole's weight and, more importantly, affect its behavior in use, often referred to as the pendulum effect.
Choosing a pole should go beyond just the weight rating; it's about how the rod feels when it transitions to a new rod roof, it is recommended.
Pulleys
The weight and design of the pulleys are critical as they significantly affect the behavior of the rod. While standard reels are usually made of plastic with a steel tip, racing reels use carbon composite with an aluminum tip, which offers a balance of lightness and strength, essential to withstand the high pressure against the surface with each stroke.
Systems for pulley replacement
Recently, many rod manufacturers have introduced various systems for easy reel replacement without the need for tools, glue or heat. Such systems not only facilitate easy replacement in case of damage, but also give skiers the ability to change wheels based on conditions.
Grips and Straps
People have varied hand shapes and sizes, along with varying preferences for how they like the strap to fit. Some prefer soft straps, while others choose stiffer ones for more support and structure.
When testing poles, it's important to spend some time evaluating straps and grips. Do you like the grip design? Do the straps fit well and are they easy to adjust? Do they stay in place when adjusted or do they tend to slide during use? These are considerations to keep in mind.
Furthermore, skiers have different needs depending on the temperature and conditions. Cold weather requires straps that can accommodate thicker gloves or mittens, while these would feel loose and imprecise with thin gloves. Thus, the utility of replaceable straps, which can also be replaced when worn or damaged, or even transferred from one pole to another, across different models.