Top 10 Ski Poles

Are you looking for a good pair of ski poles for this season? If so, you are in the right place! Ski poles are essential for improving overall stability, getting extra propulsion, setting the pace, and executing certain turns and stunts. They are a very important part of any skier’s equipment.

If you want to find a reliable model, you should pay attention to several features, such as shaft materials, type of grip, baskets, adjustability, and weight. Also, you must think about what type of skiing you are going to practice. Some models are designed for resort skiing, others for freeriding, and others for terrain parks.

Don’t worry, though! In this article, I am going to explain the most important features to consider before choosing your ski pole. Also, I’ll review the best models of the year, so you can find the one that best suits your style.

Take a look at other articles to find the best ski pants, beginner skis, goggles, helmets, jackets, and boots. 

THE BEST SKI POLES

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LEKI TOUR STICK VARIO CARBON

The Leki Tour Stick Vario Carbon offers fantastic features in an ultralight, foldable design. This model packs pretty small, so you can store it in your backpack and it hardly takes up space. Thanks to the Speed ​​Lock 2 external locking mechanism, the length can be adjusted between 115 cm and 135 cm. The shaft is made from resistant aluminum and carbon fiber, making it strong and lightweight. It’s a great option for any skier looking for a high-performing backcountry ski pole.

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BLACK DIAMOND EXPEDITION 3 

The Black Diamond Expedition 3 is a telescopic pole that performs well in all types of terrain, including mountains, rock, ice, and snow. The telescopic system allows you to adjust the shaft length to your needs. It has a comfortable foam grip, so you can use this pole for hiking and other activities throughout the year.

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BLACK DIAMOND RAZOR CARBON PRO

The Black Diamond Razor is built in two sections of aluminum and carbon that provide great resistance and a light weight. The telescopic design is versatile, making it perfect for off-piste skiing. Other important features are the Flicklock Pro system that ensures a secure lock, a soft rubber grip for extra comfort, and a security system that releases the straps under high pressure. This release system helps avoid injuries in a crash or if the pole gets caught on a branch. If you practice only in ski resorts, this model is not for you. However, if you like to combine groomed slopes with backcountry expeditions, look no further.

FOR RESORT SKIING

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LEKI SPEED S AIRFOIL

The Leki Speed ​​S Airfoil will help you improve your technique so that you’ll descend at full speed. This model is made from ultralight, resistant aluminum that allows you to ski quickly and safely. It features a Trigger S Slalom grip for maximum comfort, a Trigger S Strap quick-release system, and an alpine basket that is perfect for resort skiing. It’s a bit more expensive than other models on the list, but it performs very well and you’ll be able to use it longer as you keep improving your skills.

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K2 POWER

The K2 Power is a simple, inexpensive model, perfect for beginner skiers who don’t want to spend a lot of money on their first poles. This model features a sturdy aluminum shaft, a non-slip rubber grip, and a 60 mm basket that works perfectly in groomed runs.

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K2 STYLE COMPOSITE

The K2 Style features a grip designed to better fit the female anatomy. This model features a composite shaft that makes it pretty strong, lightweight, and flexible. Overall, it’s a great option for female skiers who ski on well-groomed slopes.

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SALOMON ARCTIC

The Salomon Arctic is one of the most popular models on the market. The secret to its success: a lightweight and strong construction, a comfortable bi-material grip, and a great price. Also, it’s available in many sizes. Obviously, it’s not the strongest model on the list, but it performs well for such a low price.

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LEKI WORLDCUP SL

The Leki Worldcup SL is a lightweight but resistant pole specially designed for kids. This model is equipped with advanced features that make it a reliable and safe option for the smallest family members. It features an ergonomic strap for extra comfort, along with the Trigger S safety system, which releases the strap if the pole gets caught somewhere. Overall, it’s one of the best options for young girls and boys.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:

TYPE OF POLES

Alpine or downhill

Alpine poles are popular among recreational skiers of all levels. They’re designed to perform well on different terrains, although they are better suited for the well-groomed slopes of a ski resort. Generally, these models have small or medium baskets and fixed aluminum poles.

Backcountry

Backcountry ski poles are designed for off-piste skiing. These models have larger baskets that perform better when you plant the pole in powder snow and are built with ultralight materials, typically carbon fiber and aluminum. Most are adjustable, so you can extend or shorten the shaft when needed.

Race

Racing poles have a completely different design that is easily identified by its asymmetrical shape. In addition, they feature special guards on the grips that protect a skier’s hands when he or she is passing between race gates. This type of pole is used only for slalom racing, so unless you are a professional skier, this shouldn’t be your choice.

Terrain park

Freestyle lovers should look for shorter poles made from highly-resistant aluminum, as they perform better for tricks and stunts. These skiers should never go for carbon fiber models, as they are more fragile.

TYPE OF SHAFT

Fixed

If you are going to practice mainly in a ski resort, I recommend that you choose a fixed-length shaft. These shafts are strong, reliable, and typically inexpensive.

Telescopic

If you are a backcountry skier, you should look for telescopic shafts. These models are really helpful for off-piste expeditions because you can extend the shaft for downhill skiing and shorten it when you are hiking uphill. Also, adjustable shafts are great for kids because they will last longer as the child grows.

The downside here is that telescopic poles can collapse unexpectedly if the locking system doesn’t hold well, and this could cause you to fall. Therefore, make sure your telescopic model features a high-quality locking mechanism.

SHAFT MATERIAL

Every year, manufacturers are using new alloys and technologies to produce high-performing poles at a good price. The most commonly used materials are:

Aluminum

Aluminum is the most common material used to make ski poles. In fact, even carbon fiber models have some parts or sections that are made from aluminum. Aluminum is a popular material because it’s quite strong, lightweight, and inexpensive.

Also, aluminum has the advantage of being easy to fix. If you apply too much pressure on the tube and bend it, it can be easily manipulated back to the original shape. Manufacturers use different thicknesses and qualities of aluminum. Top-end models use high-quality alloys that provide greater resistance without increasing the weight. Generally, aluminum poles are perfect for recreational skiers looking for a good balance between performance and price.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass models are lightweight and flexible Overall, they perform almost as well as carbon fiber models, but at a much lower price. The main drawback is that they are not as durable as aluminum and carbon poles. This lack of durability makes them not very popular on the market.

Carbon fiber

Carbon fiber is an expensive material, so it’s used mainly in high-end models. Carbon fiber poles stand out because they have an ultralight weight and provide a natural flex, which makes them more comfortable to use. The main disadvantage is that they are more fragile. When too much pressure is applied, the shaft can crack or break (and cannot be repaired like with aluminum shafts). However, thanks to new alloys, today’s carbon fiber poles are much stronger than they were years ago.

GRIP

Make sure you choose a high-quality grip made from resistant and comfortable materials. Most grips are made from rubber or other plastic alloys because they provide a firm hold and don’t absorb moisture. Also, rubber is not slippery and can be quite durable. Some models feature multiple layers of foam inside the grip, which increases comfort.

There are different ways to hold the grip in your hands. Actually, many people don’t know that most poles have a right and left (L, R) orientation. If you are an inexperienced skier, you can ask your instructor or an experienced friend for advice. Keep in mind that holding the grip incorrectly can cause pain in your hands, blisters, and even injury.

BASKETS

A basket is a circular piece placed near the tip that prevents the shaft from sinking into the snow. Also, baskets are essential to improving overall balance and propulsion. Most baskets are made of plastic and have different shapes and sizes that make them more appropriate for certain uses and terrains.

Standard

Most downhill ski poles have standard baskets of small or medium size. These baskets work very well on groomed slopes, where the snow is typically not very fluffy. However, they are not the best options for off-piste skiing because they sink deeper into the snow. On the other hand, skiers who practice in hard snow use quite small baskets.

Powder

Powder baskets have a larger surface that prevents the pole from sinking into virgin snow, which is usually softer, deeper, and fluffier. Due to their larger size, these baskets are not comfortable to use on ski slopes. Therefore, I recommend that you limit their use to backcountry skiing. If you like to combine groomed tracks with freeriding tours, you should choose a model that includes two interchangeable baskets of different sizes.

STRAPS

Pole straps are basic security elements that you should use at all times while skiing. Generally, they have simple designs and are made from high-resistance nylon. They have a simple but important function: They prevent the loss of the pole in case of a fall. Some high-end models (common in Leki models) use a modern system that clicks the strap in and out in less than a second. This comes in handy when you get on and off the chairlift.

Freeride and cross-country skiers should take a look at straps with self-releasing systems. These straps are connected to the grip through a safety mechanism that automatically releases the strap under strong pressure. Such a system prevents you from suffering a serious accident if, for example, the pole gets caught in branches.

LENGTH

Most models are available in several sizes, so make sure you choose the right size. If you choose a too-small or too-large size, you could experience discomfort, balance problems, and even muscle strain while skiing.

Don’t worry too much if you don’t know your size because there is an easy way to find it. For resort skiing, the grip should be at the height of the hands when your arms are bent 90 degrees (in other words, when your arms are perpendicular to your body). I recommended that you wear your ski boots when you take this measurement. Some professionals skiers appreciate a smaller size that is better suited to advanced skiing techniques.

WEIGHT

Weight is an important factor that affects the skier’s comfort. After carrying a heavy pole for hours, your arms will likely begin feeling tired. As I mentioned earlier, carbon fiber poles are the lightest on the market, which makes them a great option for long-duration activities. Backcountry skiers should pay particular attention to weight, and always choose ultralight models.

LOCKING MECHANISM

Adjustable poles use a locking mechanism that holds the shaft in place. This means that once the length is set, the shaft remains fixed in that position, and it doesn’t collapse unexpectedly. Locking mechanisms can be internal or external. Although both systems work well on high-end models, keep in mind that they could lose effectiveness after prolonged use.

WOMEN’S DESIGNS

Although most ski poles are unisex, some models have special features that better suit women’s anatomy. For instance, some models have smaller-diameter grips, which are designed for smaller hands.

SHOULD BEGINNERS USE SKI POLES?

There has always been some dispute as to whether beginners should use ski poles. Generally, those learning to ski without poles improve their dynamic balance and have greater sensitivity in their legs, which will help them progress rapidly.

Some beginners have serious problems practicing with empty hands, but this is due mainly to a lack of confidence. I recommend that you try to learn without poles so that you will have greater control over your body and develop better overall balance.