How to Choose Ski Poles
Ski poles are the unsung workhorses of the ski gear ensemble. They need to be strong for assisting on uphill treks and planting turns, light so that your arms don't tire, and somewhat flexible so that a fall doesn't turn them into a pretzel.
Ski pole fit is most important.
The traditional nylon wrist strap remains the popular choice.
Tips:
Use larger baskets for powder, smaller baskets for groomed slopes.
If you're a beginner, a good ski pole is any pole that fits. As you become more experienced, you may want to try different materials for a better strength-to-weight ratio.
Pole Fit
To fit your ski poles to you, stand in your ski boots. With your poles upside down—grips touching the floor—grab the pole beneath the basket so that the top of your thumb touches the basket. Your elbow should now be at a 90-degree angle. If the angle is less than 90 degrees, get a shorter pole. If the angle is greater, get a longer pole.
The Strap
Strap design has involved some interesting variations over the years, but it always comes back to the flexible nylon wrist strap. During turns, if you loose your grip, the strap helps keep the pole where you planted it. If you fall, the straps keep your poles with you and not buried in the snow 30 feet upslope.
One variation garnering attention over the last couple of years is the Trigger? Click-In? system from Leki?. This device uses a hook on the strap that clicks into a grip port on the pole. This way you don't have to wrangle with the strap every time you need to let go of your pole. With a simple click, the strap releases from the pole.
The Basket
The basket is the plastic disk (sometimes shaped like a snowflake) at the bottom of a ski pole. This device keeps your pole from sinking into the snow.
Two simple conditions apply:
In powder conditions, use a bigger basket.
On groomed slopes, use a smaller basket.
Some poles come with interchangeable baskets or additional baskets can be purchased separately.
Telescoping Poles
Telescoping poles are used by ski mountaineers because they can be lengthened for uphill cross-country climbs, then shortened for alpine descents. Some models can also be extended and vertically joined together for use as an avalanche probe.
If you choose telescoping poles, make sure they adjust from waist height for downhill skiing to just above your armpit for effective striding.
Other Uses
Make a giant shishkabob.
Cook giant marshmallows.
Play stickball.
Contact other life forms.
Dust venetian blinds.
Clean your drains.
Car antenna replacement.
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