Ski Poles

Ski poles may not be the most glamorous bit of ski kit but you may be surprised to know that there are a number of different styles to choose from. Check out our guide for some top tips when buying ski poles.

First of all you need to get the sizing right, our guide below will help advise you on how to do this. Then decide if you want aluminium versus composite and finally look at straps and baskets. Below are a good selection of ski poles for you to consider.

Ski Poles

Expedition Poles - Pair
Expedition Poles - Pair

Black Diamond / Ski

Thanks to a three-section design and durable aluminum construction, the Expedition poles are ideal for ski touring, split boarding, winter travelers and anyone else looking for maximum packability and...

£74.99

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Compactor Poles - Pair
Compactor Poles - Pair

Black Diamond / Ski

Combining Black Diamond’s innovative Z-Pole technology with winter functionality, the Compactor is a four-season pole that collapses to an ultra-compact size for easy storage. Speed cone deployment ta...

£99.99

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Arctic Ski Poles
Arctic Ski Poles

Salomon / Ski

Brilliant value. A comfortable dual density grip, 55mm basket suitable for all mountain use, durable steel tip and a lightweight 18mm aluminium shaft.

£25.00

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Arctic Origins Ski Poles
Arctic Origins Ski Poles

Salomon / Ski

The graphics and finish have a classy appearance, the women's specific handle is comfortable and well-designed, and the 16mm shaft keeps it light weight.

£25.00

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Phantastick Infrared Ski Poles
Phantastick Infrared Ski Poles

Volkl / Ski

The Phantastick uses a light, tough aluminium shaft with a comfy soft touch handle and an easy to adjust strap. Forget all that though, just look at the colours!

£30.00

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Motive Ski Poles
Motive Ski Poles

Armada / Ski

The Motive works equally well in or out of the park with its choice of baskets and solid design.

£17.50

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Remit 13/14 Ski Poles
Remit 13/14 Ski Poles

Scott / Ski

A big 90mm basket makes the Remit ideal for powder skiers and freeriders who don't want their poles to sink deep. The Notch Strike handle provides comfort other models can't match.

£45.00

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720 13/14 Ski Poles
720 13/14 Ski Poles

Scott / Ski

The chunky P-Core handle is solid and reassuring, the FX strap is supportive and the diamond shaped Ice tip and 60mm basket are perfect for all condition skiing.

£30.00

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Kira 13/14 Ski Poles
Kira 13/14 Ski Poles

Scott / Ski

Quality features like the P-Core grip, S3 aluminium shaft and diamond shaped Ice tip make the Kira a great choice for skiers who appreciate the finer things.

£35.00

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SC1 13/14 Ski Poles
SC1 13/14 Ski Poles

Salomon / Ski

Super light and amazingly comfortable to use, the SC1 is also extraordinarily resistant to breaks and bangs. A cork and foam handle works with an oversized neoprene strap to ramp up the feeling of lux...

£60.00

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A good ski pole needs to perform a number of different functions. It needs to be strong enough for planting turns, light enough so your arms aren't aching at the end of the day and finally flexible enough so it can withstand any falls. The first thing to get right is to make sure that you get the right pole size. But how do you measure for ski poles?

Get your pole size right

Hold the ski pole upside down and hold the pole under the basket with the other end of the pole on the floor. Stand as you would when you are skiing, it is also preferable to be wearing your ski boots whilst you are doing this. Your forearm should be parallel to the floor with your elbow sitting at a 90 degree angle. If the angle is less than 90 degrees go for a shorter pole, conversely if the degree is greater get a longer pole. If you are ever inbetween always go for the shorter pole. Ski poles come in 5cm increments.

Aluminium v composite

Ski poles come in so many different materials. Some are carbon composite whilst a large amount are made of aluminium. This is really about personal feel but aluminium will be stiffer, a composite will give greater shock absorbancy.

Baskets

This is the plastic snowflake shape near the bottom of the ski pole. Its purpose is to stop your ski pole from sinking too far into the snow. Bigger baskets are better for skiing soft snow or powder, smaller baskets are better on hard packed snow. Some poles will allow you to change the baskets.

Straps

Most poles come with a nylon wrist strap, when trying these do remember your hand should go up through the strap and then your thumb and hand grip over the strap. When trying these do remember to wear your ski gloves.

 

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