How to choose your cross-country ski poles: What size do you need?
Whether you practice classic or skate cross-country skiing, your poles play an important role.
Not sure how to choose the right ones?
Here are a few helpful tips…
Before choosing your cross-country ski poles, there are a few key factors to consider – your physical fitness and level of skiing, the type of wrist strap and grip you need, the required stiffness of the shaft and your height.
When you consider all these points, you’ll be able to choose poles that suit your fitness level, level of practice and your height.
How to choose and determine the sizing of cross-country skis: Your skill level
According to your objectives, your physical capacity for endurance or your technical expertise, you may practice cross-country skiing for either “leisure”, “sport” or “performance”.
That’s why it’s important to consider these criteria in order to determine your level of practice and identify the equipment you’ll need.
Leisure
You want to start, or occasionally go cross-country skiing at a low intensity for outings of less than 10km.
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Go for poles that are easy to use, with a simple wrist strap and a relatively flexible shaft that will add comfort to your practice.
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To help you with your choice, some manufacturers classify their poles according to the level of practice.
In this case, opt for poles that are classified as: “leisure” or “beginner”.
Sport
You cross-country ski regularly and/or at a medium level of intensity for outings of up to 20km.
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Go for ski poles that can bring added precision to your practice and better performance to your glide with a sturdier pole shaft.
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To help you with your choice, some manufacturers classify their poles according to the level of practice.
In this case, opt for poles that are classified as: “sport”.
Performance
You cross-country ski frequently and/or at a high level of intensity for outings of more than 20km.
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Go for a light ski pole that will bring precision and power to each of your glides with a sturdier pole shaft.
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To help you with your choice, some manufacturers classify their poles according to the level of practice.
In this case, opt for poles that are classified as: “expert” or “performance/race”.
How to choose the best wrist strap and grip of a ski pole
The selection of wrist strap and grip is all about comfort.
The wrist strap: How to use it? Are they adjustable?
The wrist strap is the piece of material attached to the handle of the ski pole. You wrap it around your wrist for added support when leaning on the poles to push yourself forward. It is also helps you avoid losing your poles on the trails. ;)
The type of wrist strap affects your precision
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SIMPLE WRIST STRAP
A simple wrist strap resembles the strap found on downhill ski poles. It slips on and off your wrist easily since it is large. It is not as precise as a gauntlet strap; which makes it appropriate for beginners.
GAUNTLET WRIST STRAP
With adjustable straps at the wrist, the gauntlet wrist strap stays close to the hand. It offers good precision and allows the effort to come from the palm of the hand. There are even clip-on straps that can be removed from the handle for practicality.
The grip: How to hold your ski pole
The grip is located at the top of the pole, it's the upper part of the ski pole that allows you to hold it in your hand. According to the material it is made with, the grip can be more or less ergonomic and shock-absorbent.
The type of grip affects your comfort
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PLASTIC GRIP
A good choice for beginners, a plastic grip offers durability and good insulation, albeit with slightly less comfort.
CORK GRIP
The cork grip is ergonomic and has a comfortable feel. It offers minimal insulation and is less durable.
How to choose the stiffness of the pole shaft: How are they different?
They type of pole shaft is determined by its stiffness and the power it brings to your glides, as well as the difference in weight.
Aluminium shaft
An aluminium pole shaft that is supple and solid, but also the weight is heavier with minimal stiffness.
Comfortable for beginners.
Fibre glass shaft
A lighter weight shaft with good stiffness, but is relatively breakable.
Carbon-fibre shaft
Very lightweight carbon shaft with excellent stiffness that absorbs vibrations.
Good to know: The higher the carbon level is, the lighter and stiffer the ski pole will be.
How to choose the stiffness of the pole shaft: How are they different?
According to the type of cross-country skiing you practice: classic or skate, your choice of poles will be different.
Classic
In theory, a CLASSIC cross-country ski pole should reach up to the skier’s armpit.
You can also use a mathematical formula to choose the right pole:
height * 0.83
Skating
In theory, a SKATING cross-country ski pole should reach up to the skier’s chin.
You can also use a mathematical formula to choose the right pole:
height * 0.89
To fully equip yourself for cross-country skiing, it's important to also invest in appropriate clothing for the sport. You can find all the winter apparel you need, including gloves, hats, and neck warmers, to ensure that you stay comfortable and warm during your skiing sessions.
