Ski pole length are one of the more importance factors to consider while skiing, as the length of the ski pole will impact a persons balance and rhythm while skiing. If the ski pole are too long, it will force a person to reach out past there skis; if the pole is too short, a person will hunch over there skis. Thus, it is important for each individual to find the correct length ski poles in order to maintain their posture and momentum while skiing.
The best way to find the correct ski pole length is to utilize an individual’s height and the position of their elbow. Each individual should stand tall in their ski boots with their arms at their sides. When you grip the ski pole, their forearm should be parallel to the ground and their elbow should form a 90-degree angle.
How to Choose the Right Ski Poles
This angle is the standard for alpine skiing. Most ski rental shop will also utilize height charts to determine the best length for each individuals ski pole. Additionally, the mathematical formula of an individual’s height multiplied by 0.68 for those measuring in centimeters will provide the starting point for the length of their ski pole.
Aside from alpine skiing, there are other form of skiing that require different types of ski poles. For instance, alpine skiing use ski poles with shorter lengths and baskets. Nordic skiing require taller ski poles because individuals push off on groomed trails.
Backcountry skiing uses adjustable ski poles to accommodate for different types of snow. Freestyle skiing use ski poles that is both light in weight and short in length to allow for tricks on park jumps. Finally, racing skis use ski poles with bent shafts and micro baskets to pass through gates.
The materials used to make ski poles will impact the way the ski pole perform. Aluminum ski poles is durable but heavy. Carbon fiber ski poles are light in weight but stiff in structure, which is why racers use these poles.
Composite ski poles are made up of both aluminum and carbon fiber to create a ski pole that is in the middle ground in terms of weight and durability. Grips on ski poles can be made of rubber to allow for tackiness in all type of weather conditions, cork material to wick away moisture during Nordic skiing, or foam material for lightweight design for skiing on trails. Finally, the basket of a ski pole must be compatible with the snow condition; large baskets are used for powder while small baskets are used on racecourses.
When purchasing ski poles for children, it is important to take extra care to ensure that the length is correct. Children grow quickly, so it is important to purchase ski poles of the correct length for their age. Purchasing ski poles that is too long for a child will lead to the development of bad skiing habit.
Additionally, children should be measured while wearing their ski boots and wearing glove to determine the proper angle of their elbow. Terrain will impact the length of ski poles that an individual should use. For steep terrain, ski poles should be of shorter lengths.
For flat terrain, standard length of ski poles are best. For skiing in powder, ski poles with large baskets will allow for each skier to ski more easy. For skiing in moguls, agility is the top priority rather then ski pole length.
It is also important to try on ski poles while shopping for them. When trying on ski poles, wear your ski boots and gloves. Additionally, when trying on ski poles, flip the ski pole upside down so that your elbow form a 90-degree angle when gripping the ski pole.
Finally, inspect the ski poles while in the store for wear, ensuring that the tips wont slip on ice and that the baskets will not crack while encountering poor snow conditions. Additionally, always clean your ski poles after skiing and store them in a vertical position when not in use to ensure they will last for many year.
