What makes a good pole? What should you look for when buying cross-country skiing poles? How do you evaluate which poles are the best for you?  

Competition poles cost almost as much as skis, but only some people put as much effort into evaluating which poles best suit them, their technique, and their use.  

“Many people think that a pole is a pole, and there are very few tests that evaluate poles against each other, but poles have a huge impact on both performance and the skiing experience,” says Pat Lam Thorstad, one of two new pole developers at Swix.  

“The most important thing for skiers is that the pole is light and strong so that all the power applied to the handle is transferred accordingly. Furthermore, the pole must fit well in the hand and return quickly and naturally to the hand after each poling. This greatly demands the choice of materials, material composition, and construction.”  

Many factors determine the pole’s properties, but weight, pendulum, and design are some of the most important.  

“Some factors are based on physics and construction, while others are a matter of taste. Both categories are important,” says Lam Thorstad.  

He wishes it were easier for skiers to test different poles and straps against each other.  

Pole shafts

Both the choice of material and the construction of the pole shaft affect the pole’s properties.  

The most expensive poles are made of 100 percent high modulus carbon fiber, which makes them incredibly light and stiff but not extremely robust against everyday “impact.” Less expensive poles are made from various carbon and glass fiber compositions or aluminum. This makes for a more solid but slightly heavier pole.  

Furthermore, the construction of the pole shaft has a lot to do with how the pole feels and behaves. 

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Before last year’s winter season, Swix launched its newly developed Triac 4.0 Aero. On this pole, they have changed the pole shaft from its triangular shape since the first Triac model launched over ten years ago to a tube with four corners and a curved front side. 

The new design makes the shaft stiffer, stronger, and more aerodynamic. The shape of the shaft causes the pendulum of the pole, i.e., how it moves through the pole movement, to feel light and natural. 

Swix has a patent on the Triac design, and so far, most other pole manufacturers have used round pole shafts.    

Also Read: New competition pole with a revolutionary handle system

Weight distribution and balance point 

In addition to the pole shaft, the pole consists of a handle with a strap and a ski basket.  

Both the handle and the basket affect the pole’s weight, but more importantly, they affect how the pole behaves in use, often referred to as the pendulum.  

“When choosing a pole, you should not only focus on the weight of the pole but how the pole feels,” says Lam Thorstad. 

“Weight placed at the top, on the thickest part of the shaft, is less noticeable than weight closer to the tip. This is because the weight placed at the opposite end of the handle pulls the pole down towards the ground. So, you notice the weight on the handle less than on the basket,” explains Lam Thorstad.  

Ski baskets

Because the weight is at the top and bottom of the pole, where the pole shaft is thinnest and furthest away from the handle, this is the most noticeable weight when the pole is used. It is, therefore, important that baskets are as light as possible.  

“The weight and shape of the baskets have a major impact on how the pole behaves. The standard basket is usually made of plastic with a steel tip, but we have made carbon composite baskets with an aluminum tip for racing,” says Lam Thorstad.  

“There is only a two-gram difference between the racing and standard basket, but if you use one of each simultaneously, you will notice a difference.”  

At the same time as the ski baskets must weigh as little as possible, they are subject to high demands: the baskets must be strong enough to withstand a lot of compression against the ground for every single poling.  

The requirement for weight and durability is also one of the reasons why racing baskets are made of carbon rather than plastic: carbon baskets are both lighter and stronger than plastic for the use for which they are designed, but at the same time, they are more fragile if they are subjected to impacts in other directions or stresses that cause nicks or damage.   

Changing baskets

Over time, many pole manufacturers have come up with different systems for changing baskets without the need for tools, glue, and heat. 

Simple basket replacement systems make replacing them easier if damaged and allow the skier to change baskets according to the conditions.  

In soft conditions or deep snow, larger baskets are an advantage to prevent the pole from sticking through. When conditions on the track are firm, a small basket is enough.  

Handles and straps 

People have different shapes and sizes of hands and preferences for how they like the strap to fit.  

“Some people like soft straps, while others want the strap to be stiffer and provide more support and structure. Then it’s advantageous that the straps can be replaced,” says Lam Thorstad.  

“When testing poles, you should evaluate the straps and handle. Do you like the way the grip is designed? Do the straps fit well, and are they easy to adjust? Do they stay in place once you’ve adjusted them, or do they tend to slip when you use them? These are things to keep in mind,” says Lam Thorstad.  

Furthermore, skiers have different needs depending on temperature and conditions. When it’s cold, you need a strap that can accommodate thicker gloves or mittens, but these will feel floppy with thin gloves. This is another reason why interchangeable straps are helpful.  

It is also advantageous that the straps can be replaced if they wear out or become damaged, or you can take your “favorite straps” from one pole to another, even across models.

Also Read
How to find the perfect skis
Key points for choosing the right skis  

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