10 Best Ski Poles In 2023

How To Choose The Best Ski Pole – Buying Guide

Poles are a versatile piece of gear, but not all models function the same. A variety of features can give different pairs of ski poles advantages and disadvantages for different types of skiers. Below we have highlighted the most important features that make a quality ski pole, which you should consider when searching for your new equipment.

Material

The material of a ski pole determines the strength, durability, flexibility, and affordability of a design. The three most common materials used for poles are aluminum, carbon fiber, and fiberglass. Additionally, a composite ski pole may use a blend of two different materials.

Aluminum poles are the most popular choice because they are affordable, but still incredibly strong to withstand extended use on the mountain. The aluminum is stiff and lightweight, which gives sufficient support for the skier to find their balance and make their turns. Aluminum is also the most affordable material, but you may find that there is still a price range. Due to different grades, aluminum may be more expensive or less expensive. A high-grade aluminum will be more costly because it is lighter and stronger than a low-grade aluminum.

Carbon poles are the strongest and lightest material that has a little bit more flexibility than aluminum. These types of ski poles are preferred by experienced skiers who enjoy the benefits of a lightweight body and narrow shaft, which makes all-day skiing more fun. The only downside is that carbon fiber is the most expensive material, so be prepared to invest in your new poles.

Fiberglass is another material that poles can be made of, but most poles will not be made entirely of this material because of the increased weight. Instead, fiberglass may be blended with another material to make a pole durable, strong, and long-lasting.

Composite ski poles are made of blended materials, which attempts to offer the best qualities of each material into one design. Common blended materials are carbon fiber and fiberglass, which has enhanced shock absorption. Carbon and fiberglass are the best materials for the backcountry terrain.

Weight

When choosing cross-country skiing equipment or backcountry ski gear, weight is an important consideration in the design of their poles more so than that of downhill skiers. This difference is that poles for cross-country and backcountry trails are used to propel the skier forward on flat surfaces. Downhill ski poles are better used to help a skier keep the balance, but gravity keeps the skier moving down the mountain so that the poles are used less to push the weight.

Carbon poles are often the lightest weight, but this isn’t entirely because of the material. Aluminum can be lighter than carbon fiber, but the difference is in the diameter of the pole’s shaft. Carbon fiber poles will often have a narrower shaft to save on weight, whereas aluminum poles can be thicker. The narrow diameter means a lower stress tolerance, which can lead to issues for some skiers who firmly plant or lean on their poles.

Skiers should do their best to balance weight with durability and consider the type of ski trails they will be skiing. Additionally, men’s poles will be heavier than women’s poles because of the added length.

Features

Poles are just as important as your other ski gear like ski helmets and ski gloves. What many skiers don’t understand is how the features of a pole assist in their performance on the slopes. Poles are used for stabilization and support when making turns skiing. The pole can be used at the initiation of a turn to transfer energy as you switch directions. Each time you make a turn, the pole should touch the snow slightly ahead of your boots and on their correlating side.

Poles can also help skiers read the terrain through the small sensations that travel up the body and into the handle. Adjustable poles and collapsible poles shouldn’t falter in their readings because they have a segmented shaft. All ski poles should be sensitive enough to help skiers navigate the terrain underfoot.

Size

The size of the poles is the length of the pole, which is typically measured in inches or centimeters. But learning how to size poles can be challenging because it will depend on the skier and the type of skiing they are participating in. The four most common sizes of poles are standard, short, long, and adjustable.

Standard ski poles rest at elbow height or just around your elbows. Alpine touring poles are an example of poles that usually rest at standard height. Your arm should rest comfortably at about 90 degrees while you’re holding the pole and the tip should be adequately planted into the ground.

Short ski poles are best for backcountry skiers. Freestyle poles are also shorter so that they don’t catch on any park features. In general, a shorter pole will reduce any damage or hits from trees and rocks on the trail. Backcountry skiers can comfortably take a couple of inches off of the length of the pole, but freestyle skiers may want to take up to 4 inches or 10 centimeters.

Cross-country skiers mostly use long poles because they can use the extra length to propel themselves forward or get traction when going uphill. Ski poles will often rest at armpit height, which is a significant jump from the elbow.

Adjustable ski poles are an excellent solution for ski touring poles, backcountry poles, and junior poles. For ski touring and backcountry skiers, a telescoping ski pole can help them adjust the length of the pole while they are on their trip. The adjustment is helpful because these types of skiers need extra length going up, but a shorter length going downhill. Adjustable ski poles let them get the size they need in one design so that they aren’t carrying any extra weight. For junior skiers who are continually growing, adjustable poles are also a great idea because they’ll last through multiple seasons or growth spurts.

Type

The type of ski pole that you use goes hand in hand with what type of skiing you do. Backcountry, racing, freestyle, and cross-country skiing all require a different type of ski pole.

The best ski poles will have larger baskets, which will prevent them from sinking too deeply into the snow. Adjustable poles are the most efficient ski poles for backcountry skiing, and you may want to consider a lightweight and durable material. Additionally, a shorter length can help you avoid any collisions with trees or rocks.

Racing requires a unique pole that is custom shaped and design to follow the curve of your body. The shaft will be strong, aerodynamic, and have a curve shape, which ensures you don’t get caught on the race gates and can move the most efficiently.

Freestyle ski poles are also shorter poles, which helps the skier avoid getting caught on any park features. The shorter poles should still be extremely durable and lightweight so that you aren’t trying any complicated tricks with heavy gear.

Cross-country ski poles will be the longest design because these types of skiers need the leverage to push themselves forward. Downhill ski poles are drastically shorter than these poles, so don’t be concerned if your hands are resting closer to your armpits.

Comfort

No matter what type of skier you are, your ski poles should be comfortable to use. You are, after all, using them for important advantages like a better balance. The main concern for comfort is the fit of the pole. Skiers should ensure that they have correctly sized their pole and are using the correct length for their ski adventures.

Additionally, the handle and strap should be comfortable to use. The ski poles should have an ergonomic grip that features a few notches for security. Most grips are made of durable plastic with rubber elements. The strap should easily fit around your wrist without digging or tugging.

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Effectiveness

The effectiveness of a ski pole will be dependent on the skier and their skill level. It is possible to ski without poles, and you’ll often see beginners learning how to ski with just their skis and other ski gear. It is also very common that people teach their kids to ski without poles.

Poles themselves are very effective at supporting a skier and helping them enhance their performance. With all the turns, shifts, and angles, the most efficient ski poles can assist you in having a great day in the snow. But it will take time to learn how to properly use and place poles, hence why the effectiveness will be up to the individual skier and their experience level.

Use

Poles are mainly used to support a skier’s body on the trail. Whether they are turning through trees, navigating moguls, or racing down the mountain, poles can effectively support a skier’s weight and adjust their placement to enhance their overall performance.  Backcountry and cross-country skiers will rely heavily on their poles to propel them forward on flat surfaces, and downhill skiers need the stability to carve turns.

Basket

The basket of the ski pole is a small plastic piece that is the position just before the tip of the pole. The basket stops the ski from sinking too deeply into the snow, which would cause you to lose your ski pole. Ski pole baskets also have their sizes, which depend on the terrain and type of skiing.

Small baskets are meant for alpine touring ski poles and on-piste skiers. However, cross-country skiers gear also lists smaller baskets because they don’t sink in deeply and don’t interfere with the arm swinging action.

Large baskets are meant for powder snow, where you need a larger surface area to stop the pole from sinking in. Adjustable ski poles, which are ideal for backcountry skiing, should have large baskets for deeper snow. However, a few downhill poles may have interchangeable baskets for powder areas on the mountain.

Race baskets are the smallest baskets because you don’t want the piece to get caught as you are traveling at high speeds. The smaller size also reduces weight and increases aerodynamics.

Strap

Poles should come with a strap that can be loosely fitted around your wrist, which prevents you from becoming separated from the pole. The strap is an excellent feature if you ever fall, stumble, or lose grip on your pole. Most straps are adjustable, which makes it easy to get on and off. Some straps include a quick release feature, which will break away should you ever take a bad fall where it may be safer to let go of your pole instead of holding on.

Grip

The grip of a ski pole is where your hand will rest while you use the ski pole. Most grips feature a durable plastic and rubber combination, which are ergonomic in design and comfortable to use for extended periods. Some grips even have indentations or notches to make them easier to hold with gloves or mittens.

Men’s poles may have a different grip than women’s poles, which is due to the difference in the size of hands. Additionally, children’s or junior’s poles may have smaller grips, which are suitable for little hands. If you are concerned about the size of a grip on a unisex design, you can check ski pole reviews. Many buyers will comment on how comfortable a grip is and what size you should expect it to be suited for.

FAQs

Globo Surf Overview

Skiing is a thrilling activity that both children and adults can enjoy. Skiers love to get out on the mountain and feel the cold rush of air on their face as they race down the slopes. But every skier needs the best equipment. Poles are an important part of ski gear because they can enhance a skier’s performance and skill while they navigate the mountains. But for many skiers finding the best ski poles is a challenge because they don’t know what makes a quality design or they’re unsure which pole matches their ski profile.

We have made this guide and found the ten best ski poles to help you get started in your search. Using this guide, you have everything you need to find a top-rated pair of poles. The best ski poles will be durable, lightweight, and long-lasting so that there’s no excuse not to spend some time on the slopes!

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