Posted by Achieving mobility and optimum balance are the major purposes of ski poles. Any other thing beyond that are perhaps excesses. It is important to say that often times, the force of gravity wouldn’t always be enough to get you to your desired points on skis.
As you ski towards the smooth-pitched catwalks and to the flat lift lines, you will certainly need the added push to seamlessly get through these points. Maintaining balance as you ski or when hanging on in the lift line is important and ski poles help you achieve this. This gives us an indication as to why pole planting has come to be an important technique in the world of skiing, aiding skiers to conduct their turns and maintain balance while in action.
Yes, almost all skiers need ski poles and you definitely need them too, but the question still remains that, exactly what size of ski poles do you need?
| Name | Features | |
|---|---|---|
| Black Diamond Expedition 3 | Collapsibility Feature | PRICING |
| Zipline Blurr 16.0 Graphite Composite | ZipGrip Feature for Firm Grip | PRICING |
| Rossignol Snow Flake | Incredibly Firm and Seamless Grip | PRICING |
| SALOMON Hacker S3 | Aluminum Made Shafts | PRICING |
| LEKI Word Cup Lite SL | Trigger S System for Better Holding and Firmer Grips | PRICING |
Choosing the Right Size of Ski Poles
The conventional and age long way of choosing the best size of ski poles is to rotate the ski poles upside down and hold them just below the basket such that the tip of your thumb is in contact with the basket. In this position, your elbow has to be at a ninety degree (900) angle. Now, if the angle falls short of ninety degrees, you should get a shorter pole and if higher than ninety degrees, then a longer pole.
Many of these ski poles are calibrated in two inches (2”) increments as per size. Although some skiers usually like to go for shorter or longer poles, but our best suggestion is you pick a shorter pole if you are in between sizes.
Ski Pole Size Chart
| Skier Height | Ski size (inches) | Pole Length (centimeters) |
| 6 ft. 7 in. and above | 56 | 140 |
| 6 ft. 4 in. to 6 ft. 6 in. | 54 | 135 |
| 6 ft. 1 in. to 6 ft. 3 in. | 52 | 130 |
| 5 ft. 10 in. to 6 ft. 10 in. | 49 | 125 |
| 5 ft. 7 in. to 5 ft. 9 in. | 48 | 120 |
| 5 ft. 4 in. to 5 ft. 6 in. | 46 | 115 |
| 5 ft. 1 in. to 5 ft. 3 in. | 44 | 110 |
| 4 ft. 9 in. to 5 ft. 0 in. | 42 | 105 |
| 4 ft. 5 in. to 4 ft. 8 in. | 40 | 100 |
| 4 ft. 1 in. to 4 ft. 4 in. | 38 | 95 |
| 3 ft. 9 in. to 4 ft. 0 in. | 36 | 90 |
| 3 ft. 5 in. to 3 ft. 8 in. | 34 | 85 |
| Less than 3 ft. 4 in. | 32 | 80 |
It is important to say this chart is just meant to serve as a guideline as per measurement. Do go through the paragraph above to determine the best fit in relation to this chart.
The Strap
A number of ski poles come with a flexible nylon wrist strap. How the strap does help you when skiing is to ensure the pole stay put wherever you planted it suppose you lose your grip during turns. Another thing the strap does is to help keep your poles up the snow and not buried deep instead anytime you fall.
The recommended way to use wrist straps especially so as to derive the maximum benefit of it is to have your hand go up around the strap, then have your thumb and hand stay firmly over the strap and tightly around the pole. A quick thing to note when going over to the store to get a strap us to ensure you have your ski gloves on. This is to ensure they will be seamlessly off and on when you get to the mountain.
The Basket
The basket is that disk-like plastic or snowflake shaped feature located close to the bottom end of a ski pole. The purpose of the basket is help prevent your pole from sinking deep into the snow. Furthermore, to get the best part of using the basket during powder conditions, you should use a bigger one, when the slopes seem groomed or during hardpack scenarios, go for a smaller basket. While some poles tend to feature replaceable baskets, some don’t and you can always buy additional ones separately.
So, now that you are ready to get your own ski poles, you definitely want to get the best and that might just be the reason why you are here. We have simplified the search for you and we have narrowed down the best in the market. Sit back while we take you through them.
1. Black Diamond Expedition 3 Ski Poles
The Black Diamond Expedition 3 Ski poles are one of the best ski poles you will find in the market. When it comes to poles that are collapsible and easily foldable, the 3-piece Black Diamond are such poles to reckon with. They have been exquisitely designed for the winter and snowy times. The manufacturers have made sure every details of its futures are carefully fashioned to offer users the best as they enjoy their ski adventure. They have been improved over the 2008 type and a number of features have been added too.
These ski poles are perfect for exploring split borders since they are easily collapsed and can be quickly packed away. Another benefit that comes with these poles is that the baskets are interchangeable and can be easily replaced. It doubles up as a good trekking pole during winter seasons.
The poles feature wide powder baskets that are incredible durable, and the best part of it is that their parts are built of aluminium so you don’t have to worry on the snow -free of rusts! It also features dual FlickLock adjustability; the FlickLock clips come with dual axis to increase the strength and to reduce the risk of them hooking on something. Also, with the FlickLock system, you can easily lock in the height of the Black Diamond.
The Black Diamond also comes with four-season strap which are adjustable even with your ski gloves on, for ergonomic and comfort. This way, you can always maintain your sprints and not lose any digit while holding just so comfortably. It also features 4-season extended foam grip with solid hooking points which wets out easily; perfect for maneuvering buckles and bars.
 |
Pros
Cons
|
2. Zipline Blurr 16.0 Graphite Composite Ski Poles
The Ski Poles Graphite Carbon Composite is the darling of many ski lovers and it is the official pole of the United States Freestyle Ski Team. Think about that! This should mean that these poles have been tested at extreme levels and found to be of quality. The Zipline Blurr are built of a superb graphite carbon composite technology consisting of high coefficient of graphite-carbon fiber. This comes as a replacement to the aluminium of which most other ski poles are built of. So, if you are keen on getting a pole that offers little or no vibration and offers a superb level of durability, go for the Zipline Blurr 16.0. They are available in varieties of colors and you can be sure you will find onethat matches just right with the color of your baselayer.
The Zipline Blurr 16.0 comes with a 16mm handle that extends to a 14mm at the end. This slow but steady width decrement allows for a tighter pole with a lightweight swing weight thus making it possible for you to easily and efficiently plant your poles.
Furthermore, this incredible piece also comes with an incredible size of 9mm powder basket so as to give you easy retraction in the groomed trails and to tackle the dope powder most skiers long for. Also, the tip of the Zipline is very strong and tough, thanks to its carbide constituent which gives it the toughness and the ability to stay effective through many years of use.
It is built with a ZipGrip feature which comes with thermoplastic material that aligns with the contours of your hand. This helps you to achieve an effective grip on the poles and there is therefore no slipping off your gloves. It also features Velcro Straps into which you wrap around your wrist –and it is adjustable.
 |
Pros
Cons
|
3. Rossignol Snow Flake Ski Poles
Skiing is interesting and with the right gears, you can enjoy it all day long. Looking to get a new ski pole which offers a fine blend of durability, poise, and performance? Get yourself some Rossignol Snow Flakes ski poles and you are set for to take on new challenges in your skiing adventure. These amazing ski pole is a great pick for women who are on the lookout for something minimalist, simple and easy to maneuver as they fly swiftly on the snows. With these ski poles, you can depend on them to keep serving you all through the season.
They are manufactured with very durable and aluminum alloy which is incredibly lightweight. The shafts are fully aluminum made and as such offer a lightweight performance to that extent where it seems as though you are holding nothing in your fists. More so, the handle has been designed with secure straps and grips such that women with smaller hands can comfortably fit.
Talking about the features the Rossignol Snow Flake comes with, the basket cannot be left out. Although the basket looks quite smaller compared to what you will see with other ski poles out there, it sure delivers an appreciable level of performance. The baskets are designed for highly brimming snows.
 |
Pros
Cons
|
4. SALOMON Hacker S3 Ski Poles
The Hacker S3 comes as one of the models of ski poles released by the Hacker and comes with a couple of similarities as well as interesting differences. Colors are some of the things you will find to be similar in the other models of ski poles released by SALOMON but talking about the features that comes with the Hacker S3, they are superb. If skiing were to come to the hardest points, the Hacker S3 might just be the right poles to get you through it –it is durable and aluminum made.
When in rough situations where you need to really hold tight unto your poles without letting go, the straps are there to serve you. They also work like auto release and will offer a quick the opportunity to maneuver your way when things get sketchy.
It also comes with S3 grippy dual material grip which offer superior ergonomic comfort and quality grip every point of the way.
The SALOMON Hacker S3 comes with superior shaft which measures 16 mm wide and with the tapers in the direction to the bottom. However, it is important to note that these poles are not collapsible unlike many other high end poles neither is it adjustable. So. If you are looking forward to have the collapsibility feature come with your ski poles, you may have to go for another one.
 |
Pros
Cons
|
5. LEKI Word Cup Lite SL Ski Poles
The LEKI World Cup Lite SL Ski Poles are one of the best high performance poles for younger ski enthusiasts who are looking to hone their skills as skiers. It features a Trigger S System with post release mechanism which helps you lock in your gloves with the poles for superior grip. Unlike traditional straps, this system helps to connect better to your ski poles handles.
With the LEKI World Cup, you enjoy a great level of comfortability and adjustability. Its strap system is incredibly adjustable and easy to customize to the comfort of your hands. These poles come with interchangeable baskets that can easily be removed and replaced without using any tool. Its carbide tip offers you a superior level of planting of the poles, well into the snows even when it gets really icy.
The LEKI World Cup Lite poles come with shaft which is 16 mm and completely made of aluminum and well designed into an airfoil shape.
Available in colors red, silver, yellow, and black, and it measures 38 to 48 inches in size.
 |
Pros
Cons
|
Conclusion
Skiing can be such an interesting adventure but with the wrong gears and less than quality ski poles, you wouldn’t even have anything close to having a memorable experience. We understand how pivotal ski poles can be especially for balancing, and they thus make up an indispensable part of your accessories. With these ski poles, you can be sure you have got your next ski adventure aced. Hurry now and get one, the best of your skiing those are right upon you!
You may also like:
- Best Skis for Intermediate Skiers of 2020
- Best Hard Shell Ski Jackets
- Most Comfortable Ski Boots
- Best Ski Bags For Travel
- First Time Skiing Checklist
- How to Adjust Rossignol Ski Bindings
- Ski Helmets With Built In Goggles
- Best Ski Gloves Under $100
- Best Ski Goggles Under $100
- How Does Avalanche Beacon Work
- How Should Ski Pants Fit?
