Ski poles
Skiing poles for adults on offer in the Sportano shopSkiing is a sport that is becoming increasingly popular among people of all ages. Choosing the right equipment is crucial to ensure both safety and comfort on the slopes. When we think about ski equipment, we often focus mainly on ski boots and skis, overlooking poles, which are just as important, however.
At Sportano, you will find a wide range of ski poles for adults from tried and tested brands such as GABEL, Salomon, Rossignol, Nordica, LEKI and Atomic.What is the difference between ski poles for adults and ski poles for children? Ski poles for adults and children differ mainly in length and stiffness. Adult poles tend to be longer and stiffer, allowing for more dynamic skiing. In addition, the differences are often due to differences in the weight and height of the user. Children's poles are usually made of lighter and less stiff materials, with a view to their lower body weight and the forces acting on the equipment. The handles and straps also tend to be smaller and more ergonomic for smaller hands.How to choose the right length of ski poles:Choosing the right length of ski poles is a key element that can significantly affect comfort, control and safety on the slopes. Choosing the wrong poles can lead to inefficient use of energy, loss of balance and even injury. Here are some aspects to consider in order to more accurately select the length of your poles.
Type of skiing: different skiing styles and disciplines require different lengths of poles. For example, poles for alpine skiing tend to be longer for better control at higher speeds. Cross-country skiing poles, on the other hand, are often shorter for better manoeuvrability.
Physical measurement: one of the simplest ways to select poles is to place the end of the pole on the ground and raise your arm up so that your elbow forms a right angle. The handle of the pole should fit perfectly inside your hand. It is also worth noting that the length of the poles is often given in centimetres for a more accurate selection.
Personal preference: some experienced skiers have a personal preference for pole length based on their experience. This may be a result of a specific skiing style, technique or skill level. Therefore, it is worth experimenting with different lengths to find the most comfortable ones.
Consult a specialist: if you are still in doubt, the best option is to consult a professional advisor in a sports shop or a ski instructor. You can also take the opportunity to hire poles of different lengths to test which ones are most suitable for you.
Testing on the slopes: there is no better way to find out if the length of your poles is suitable than by trying them out in practice. If you have the opportunity, it is best to rent or borrow several pairs of different lengths and test them in different conditions on the slopes.
The length of ski poles is not only a matter of personal comfort, but also efficiency and safety when skiing. The right poles will work in harmony with your skiing style, skill level and the particular ski discipline you are into.
Materials and technology: what's inside your poles?The right choice of material in ski poles is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects that affects their functionality, durability and, consequently, the whole skiing experience. Advances in materials science and engineering have influenced the development of a variety of technologies that aim to enhance the skier's performance, safety and comfort. Below you will find some of the main types of materials and technologies that you should be aware of when choosing ski poles.AluminiumAluminium is one of the most popular materials in ski pole manufacture, mainly due to its relatively low price and good durability. It is a metal that will work well for beginners and intermediate skiers. However, poles made from aluminium can be slightly heavier and less resistant to high impacts compared to more modern materials.Carbon fibreCarbon fibre is an increasingly popular material, especially among advanced skiers. It is much lighter and stiffer than aluminium, which translates into excellent control and response when skiing. The disadvantage is the higher price, but for many skiers the benefits of using this material outweigh the cost.CompositesComposites are blends of different materials such as aluminium, carbon fibre and other synthetic fibres. They are used to get the best properties from different materials, such as lightness, strength and flexibility. Composite poles are usually a good option for skiers looking for versatile, all-round equipment.Additional technologies
Anti-vibration systems: some poles are equipped with anti-vibration systems that significantly improve the comfort of the ride by reducing the vibrations transmitted to the skier's hands.
Interchangeable tips: modern poles often have interchangeable tips that can be adapted to different snow and terrain conditions.
Ergonomic handles and straps: recent years have brought significant innovations in the design of handles and straps, which are now more ergonomic, providing a better grip and reducing fatigue while skiing.
Quick Release Systems: some advanced pole models have quick release systems that allow the straps to be easily and quickly clipped on or off, which is particularly useful in emergency situations.
Knowing about the different materials and technologies will allow you to make a more informed choice that will affect your experience on the slopes. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced ski enthusiast, the right poles are a key piece of equipment that affects your comfort, safety and, most importantly, your enjoyment of skiing.
Understanding the differences in ski poles, getting the length right and getting an idea of the materials and technologies available will help you make the most informed choice. Remember that well-chosen poles can make a significant difference to your skiing experience, both in terms of comfort and safety.
Expand the description Collapse the description