Ski Poles
After all the fuss you've gone through choosing just the right pair of
flexible enough to both ease through hard turns without bending and to not break when saving yourself from a fall.
Size Matters Most
Sure brand loyalty, budget, and style will play a part in how you choose your poles. However, the most important aspect of getting the right pair is to make sure that they are the right size.The best way to measure for the correct pole size is to hold your elbow at a 90º angle as if you were gripping a pole, then measure the distance from your thumb to the floor. This measurement is the minimum you will need for
piste skiing if you are a beginner. Other aspects can affect pole size as well:
* If you plan to venture off the groomed trails and into some powder, then add an inch or two.
* If the poles are for a
young skier who is still growing, give some extra room for them to grow into the poles. Otherwise, you will be buying twice.
* Advanced skiers need longer poles, preferably ones that hit at about armpit height.
* For skiing on and off the piste, maybe look into
Construction
Ski poles can range from $30 to well more than $100. The biggest factor determining the price tag has to do with a pole's durability and weight, which is directly relative to the type of construction material used. Graphite, carbon fiber composite, fiberglass, and aluminum are the pole material mainstays, which are explained in detail below. You should also note that some of the more modern poles are not straight, like the majority, but slightly bent. These are designed for slalom skiers, since the angle is meant to wrap around the sides of the body while the skier is in a tucked position. It helps create more aerodynamics, which is important for racing.
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aluminum composite are much stronger and very well suited for advanced recreational skiers. They maintain the lightness of aluminum and gain the strength of a more durable material without overly affecting the cost.
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children's poles.
Popular Brands
If you are an avid skier, it's likely you already have developed brand loyalty for one of these companies. For anyone who is familiar with ski equipment, all of these brands have a reputation for making reliable, quality products.
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Salomon
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K2
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Rossignol
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Scott
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Smith
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Goode
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Atomic
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Leki
Popular Poles
Related Guides
International Resources
For this resource in your home country, please see:
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NL: Skistokken Shopgids
