Ski poles

Ski poles suited to height, skiing technique and type of terrain

Ski poles help maintain the rhythm of skiing, support balance and assist when pushing on flat sections or moving in the queue for the lift. Although ski poles have a simple design, their length, weight and construction affect hand comfort and the skier’s correct position. Ski poles should be chosen primarily according to the user’s height, style of skiing and individual body proportions. The most important elements include the shaft, ergonomic grip, wrist strap, basket and the steel or carbide tip. A properly positioned hand should be neither too high nor too low, because an incorrect length can disturb the natural movement of the arms. When putting together equipment, it is worth first matching the skis to the skill level and preferred type of runs, and then choosing ski poles of the correct length to go with them. Models from LEKI can be compared in terms of shaft material, grip construction and type of straps. Leki ski poles are available in variants intended for users of different heights, as are ski poles 110 cm, ski poles 115 cm, ski poles 120 cm, ski poles 125 cm and ski poles 130 cm. When choosing, the stiffness of the construction, balance, basket diameter, secure grip with gloves, impact resistance and low weight also matter. A separate group is formed by children’s ski poles, which must match the young skier’s height and be easy to handle. Well-chosen ski poles do not force unnatural shoulder raising or torso bending, so their purchase should be treated as an important element of equipment selection when it comes to ski poles.

How to choose the length of poles 110, 115, 120, 125 and 130 cm?

Ski poles should be measured while wearing the footwear used on the slope, because the sole height can slightly change body posture. The most commonly used method is to turn the pole upside down with the grip down and hold it under the basket. At the correct length the elbow should form an approximately right angle and the forearm should be roughly parallel to the ground. Ski poles should not force shoulder raising or excessive lowering of the hand. Ski poles 110 cm may suit shorter adults, older youths or users who prefer slightly shorter models, but the final decision should be based on trying them on. Ski poles 115 cm are a common choice for people of medium-low height, while ski poles 120 cm fit many skiers with average body proportions. Taller users may consider ski poles 125 cm or ski poles 130 cm. Individual lengths should not be rigidly assigned to a single height, however, because arm length, torso position, turning technique, type of skiing and personal preferences also matter. It is worth checking the fit together with ski boots that the user will wear on the slope. Models from Fizan can be taken into account when comparing poles of different lengths and constructions.

Ski poles may be slightly shorter for people who ski dynamically, who more often lean forward, or who choose to ride in a snowpark, but this is not a rule suitable for every user. Poles that are too short can make it difficult to plant the tip correctly and encourage excessive leaning, while poles that are too long can cause shoulder raising and disturb the fluid movement of the arms. Ski poles should allow a natural touch of the snow at the appropriate moment of the turn without performing an exaggerated movement. Ski poles 110 cm and ski poles 115 cm should therefore be evaluated in the same position in which the skier moves on the run. Similarly, ski poles 120 cm, ski poles 125 cm and ski poles 130 cm require checking with regard to posture and skill level. Also important are a comfortable wrist position, free elbow movement, no shoulder tension, stability during pushing, precise tip planting, hand movement control, appropriate balance and comfort in gloves. Leki ski poles may be available in several lengths, so the brand name alone does not replace proper measurement. For safety and comfort it is also worth choosing a suitable ski helmet that should fit the head securely. The pole size should ultimately be approved after trying them on, because a five-centimeter difference can be clearly felt while skiing, especially when poles are used regularly.

Rossignol, HEAD and other ski pole models – materials and construction

Ski poles differ in shaft material, diameter, stiffness and resistance to loads. Aluminum models are a popular choice for recreational skiing because they provide a good compromise between durability and weight. Depending on the alloy used, they can differ in susceptibility to deformation and wall thickness. Composite or carbon fiber constructions are usually lighter and can more effectively dampen some vibrations, but their properties depend on the specific manufacturing method. Ski poles should be evaluated as a complete product, not only through the lens of a single material. Rossignol ski poles may suit users assembling equipment for recreational or sporty skiing, and the manufacturer’s range can be checked on the brand’s main page Rossignol. When comparing models, shaft diameter, resistance to bending, low swing mass, overall balance, quality of the connection to the grip, durability of the finish, replaceable basket and tip abrasion resistance are important. Poles intended for groomed runs usually have small baskets that limit the risk of the tip sinking too deeply into packed snow. Larger baskets are useful on soft ground but can be less handy during typical piste skiing. It is also worth checking compatibility with ski goggles and other equipment in terms of ease of use with gloves. Well-designed ski poles should follow the movement of the arm smoothly and not cause rapid hand fatigue, because the functionality of the equipment depends on all elements that make up the ski poles.

Ski poles also require a properly fitted grip and strap. The grip should fit in a gloved hand without causing point pressure or the need to squeeze the fingers excessively. The strap helps keep the pole attached to the hand, but it must be put on and adjusted according to the design of the specific model. Ski poles can use classic straps or more elaborate attachment systems, so before the first run you should learn how to operate them and release them safely. HEAD ski poles are available in various construction variants, and the manufacturer’s main offer is presented on the brand page HEAD. HEAD ski poles and Rossignol ski poles should be compared by real parameters such as length, shaft material and grip shape, not only by appearance. When trying them on you need to assess the grip thickness, finger profile, strap adjustment, ease of hand release, grip stability, performance with thick gloves, feel of the pole tip, weight during the swing, basket size and tip traction. Ski poles should not be carried by the straps or left in a way that risks accidental bending of the shaft. After skiing it is worth removing moisture from them, checking the condition of the tips and making sure the baskets have not been damaged. Thoughtful choice of material and grip allows you to find a model that ensures natural hand movement for many hours, which is expected of equipment such as ski poles.

Children’s ski poles – length, weight and easy handling

Children’s ski poles should be light, properly matched to height and easy to hold while wearing gloves. Buying a model with too much extra length is not a good solution because long poles can hinder learning the correct position and disturb movement coordination. Children’s ski poles should be adjusted regularly, especially when the young user grows quickly. In the early stages of learning, an instructor may decide on temporary skiing without poles so the child can focus on balance, leg work and ski control. When poles are introduced to lessons, they should support rhythm and movement on flat terrain, not replace correct technique. Children’s ski poles require checking elements such as small grip diameter, low weight, simple strap adjustment, rounded finishes, appropriate basket size, durable shaft, clear length markings, secure grip, comfort in gloves and ease of picking up from the ground. Children’s equipment should be complemented with suitable ski protectors, matched to age and type of activity. Poles should be regularly inspected for cracks, deformations and loose parts, especially after a fall or impact with an obstacle.

Youth ski poles can have lengths similar to adult models, which is why ski poles 110 cm or ski poles 115 cm are sometimes chosen by older children and shorter teens. This does not mean, however, that the same size will suit every young user. Ski poles should be checked while maintaining a natural position, without raising the shoulders or bending to reach the grip. Growing skiers should be re-measured regularly, because a model suitable at the start of the season may become too short the next year. Ski poles 120 cm, ski poles 125 cm and ski poles 130 cm are intended primarily for taller users but always require individual assessment. Leki ski poles, Rossignol ski poles and HEAD ski poles can differ in grip profile and strap adjustment method, so the brand name should be treated as one of many selection factors. When purchasing, check the correct elbow angle, free arm movement, no strap pressure, grip stability, fit with gloves, shaft durability, condition of the baskets, quality of the tips, visibility on the snow and carrying comfort. Properly chosen poles support the development of technique and allow a child to gradually learn to coordinate hand movement with ski steering. A wide choice of lengths, constructions and grips makes it easier to match equipment to beginners, advanced children and adults who need reliable slope equipment such as ski poles.