Ski Pole - Pole Selection

Pole Selection

There are a wide range of ski poles produced for many different styles and levels of skiing. Notable manufacturers of alpine and nordic poles include Swix, Rossignol, Alpina, Leki, Fischer, and K2. The cost of a ski pole can range from $20 for the least expensive recreational pole to hundreds of dollars for extremely light-weight racing poles. Some early ski poles were made from wooden or bamboo shafts, while modern poles are often made from lightweight aluminium tubing, fibreglass, and other specialized materials. In both Nordic and alpine skiing, lightweight composite materials have been used to reduce weight and increase the strength of the pole. Poles made of carbon fibre, or graphite for instance, are very light and durable. There are also new materials such as AirFOIL used by Leki.

Technology used for wrist straps has improved as well, allowing more force from the skiier to be transferred to the pole. Some straps are designed to attach securely around a glove, secured with a hook and loop style closure system, i.e. Velcro. Releasable strap systems have been implemented by pole manufacturers as well. For instance, the Trigger system used by Leki has the benefit of safety features that allow the pole to unhook from the straps it is connected to in the case of a crash.