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When was the last time you went skiing without poles? Avid skiers know that skiing is simply better with poles. After all, they affect your performance on different levels.
Ski poles …
We at INTERSPORT Rent think that despite their many benefits ski poles are sadly underrated. That’s why we have dedicated this article to telling you everything there is to know about ski poles. Expert tips included!
Good-quality ski poles need to be lightweight and solid. An average ski pole weighs in at about 200 to 300 grams and has a diameter of 14 to 18 millimetres. Which ski poles are right for you? That depends on your preferred terrain and riding style.
A ski pole consists of the following parts:
Our recommendation: If you’re looking for high-quality ski poles, keep an eye out for products complying with the ISO 7331 standard.
Actually, there is no such thing as the perfect length when it comes to ski poles. After all, the right length depends on your height, your preferred terrain and riding style.
As a general rule to calculate the right length for your ski poles (in centimetres), you can use the following. It’s valid for both children and adults:
Body height in centimetres multiplied by 0.7
Example: A height of 1.70 metres would mean a pole length of 119 centimetres (170 cm x 0.7 = 119). Good to know: Ski poles come in five-centimetre increments. That’s why in our example you would pick a ski pole with a length of 120 centimetres.
Our tip: Have you found the perfect length ski poles for your needs? Find out with this easy trick: With the poles upside down and the grips touching the floor, grab the shaft just underneath the basket. If your elbow is now at a 90-degree angle, the pole length is right for you.
Our recommendation: If you’re in between sizes, choose the longer pole. Plus, the calculated value should only be used as a reference. After all, the length of your legs and torso as well as your preferred terrain and riding style also play an important role in choosing the right length ski pole.
Do you prefer powder descents, fun parks, race slopes or perfectly groomed blue runs? Either way, your preferred terrain influences your choice of ski pole. Check out the list below to find out which ski poles are recommended for your riding style:
Lightweight or heavy? Stiff or flexible? There are various aspects to consider when choosing the right material for your ski poles. Most standard ski poles are made of aluminium or carbon fibre.
Aluminium is stiff and robust but bends easily. The advantage: With a bit of effort, you can bend it back into its original shape. Plus, aluminium poles are less pricy and fairly resistant to scrapes and scratches from your ski edges. This makes them a great choice for resort skiing.
Ski poles made from heat-treated aluminium are even stronger and more flexible. There are different series depending on the type of alloy used. To find out about your pole’s stiffness, have a look at the number printed beneath the grip. The higher this number, the better the quality of the poles. As a general rule, the number “6” indicates a good-quality pole with high stability.
Carbon fibre poles are mostly used by professional riders – and for good reason. They are very stiff and extremely lightweight. What’s more, they have a high flexural strength and good dampening characteristics, which makes them a great choice for precise turns.
Another benefit: As carbon fibre poles will not take a (permanent) bend, they are easier on your wrists. On the downside, they are quite expensive and scratch fairly easily.
If you’re unsure which ski poles to get, simply drop by at INTERSPORT Rent and test our vast selection of high-quality ski poles! On top, you benefit from the expert advice of our RENTertainers on site. Plus, you can find everything else you need for skiing at our shops.