| When you are first learning to ski and are focused so | | | | Second in importance is the shaft of the ski pole. If |
| hard on what to do with your feet, your skiing poles | | | | you are looking for something sturdy and |
| make seem like a bother and an irritation. Of course, | | | | cost-effective, choose an aluminum shaft. Aluminum |
| if you are going cross-country skiing, your poles play | | | | is a little heavier than some current materials, but it |
| an important role in propelling you through the snow. | | | | makes for a good shaft. In fact, most rental poles |
| But alpine and downhill skiers sometimes consider | | | | you find at resorts are made of aluminum. Some of |
| them unnecessary. The truth is, as you being to ski | | | | the newer materials used in shafts include graphite, |
| steeper terrain and to learn more advanced skiing | | | | graphite/carbon, and composite materials. These are |
| techniques; your poles become more and more | | | | much more lightweight than aluminum models, but |
| important. | | | | they are more likely to break. They are also more |
| Many people only consider skiing poles as an | | | | expensive than aluminum poles. |
| afterthought when they are making their equipment | | | | One other factor to consider with ski pole shafts is |
| purchases. Usually, you're so focused on finding boots | | | | the shape of the pole. There are curved poles for |
| that fit, skis of the right length, and bindings to go on | | | | people who like to race downhill, there are models |
| the skis, that you only think of ski poles because the | | | | with build-in shock absorbers for mogul skiers who ski |
| salesperson in the shop reminds you! | | | | aggressively, and there are even poles with |
| Skiing Poles have three parts. First, there's the grip | | | | adjustable lengths available. |
| and strap at the top where you grasp the pole. | | | | Skiing Pole Baskets |
| Second, there the shaft is the metal tube that is the | | | | Finally, as for the pole basket, this is simply a disk a |
| main component of the pole. Third and finally, there's | | | | few inches above the tip of the ski that keeps the |
| the basket near the bottom of the shaft that | | | | pole from sinking into the snow when you plant the |
| prevents the pole from sinking into the snow. | | | | pole in the snow. Baskets are typically made of some |
| Skiing Pole Grips | | | | kind of durable plastic and come in a variety of |
| The grip of the pole is the most important | | | | shapes and sizes depending on your skiing needs. If |
| consideration when choosing a good ski pole. After all, | | | | you're a downhill racer, choose a cone-shaped model |
| this is the area you will handle the most. Normally, | | | | to reduce your drag. If you're a deep snow skier, |
| your grip will have indentations for the fingers and | | | | choose a basket with a larger diameter. |
| wider ends to provide additional hand support. The | | | | The Final Word on Poles |
| strap is simply an adjustable loop of leather or plastic | | | | Some of the more popular brands of ski poles are |
| that is attached to the top of the grip. Make sure | | | | Rossignol ski poles, Swix ski poles, and Leki poles. So, |
| the strap is loose enough to slip your hand through | | | | as you go shopping for all your ski equipment, |
| while you're wearing gloves or mittens, but tight | | | | remember to give some thoughtful consideration to |
| enough so that the bottom of the strap supports | | | | your ski poles. Pay attention to the feel of the grip in |
| the bottom of your hand. | | | | your hand, the construction of the pole shaft, and |
| Note that wrist and thumb injuries are very common | | | | what type of basket you need for the type of snow |
| in skiing, and are often linked with a skier falling and | | | | you will normally encounter. As for the length of the |
| not letting go of the pole! Also, if you're skiing | | | | pole, it's simply a matter of your height. The best |
| through dense trees, it is advisable to remove the | | | | method is to turn the pole upside down, placing the |
| pole straps from your wrists. If you snag a pole on a | | | | grip on the floor and grab the shaft directly under |
| branch, it could pull your arm backwards and either | | | | the upside down basket. If your forearm is parallel to |
| dislocate or sprain your shoulder. | | | | the floor, you've found the right length! |
| Skiing Pole Shafts | | | | |