Whether it’s for classic or skate cross-country skiing, poles play an important role, so how should you choose them? Check out our tips.
Before choosing your pair of cross-country ski poles, it's important to take certain things into account: your physical condition and practice level, type of hand strap and handle, tube rigidity and your body shape.
This will help you choose the cross-country ski poles suited to your practice, your level and your size.
Depending on your targets, your physical and endurance capacity or even your technical control,
cross-country skiing can be practised for "fun"or "sport" just as much as "performance".
That’s why it’s important to assess these criteria to determine your practice level
and therefore choose the right material for your needs!
Just for fun?
You want to start or
you practice
cross-country skiing occasionally
and/or
at low intensity.
Ski runs less than 10 km.
↓↓
Choose a pole that’s easy to use
with a single hand strap and a relatively soft tube for useful comfort when skiing.
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To help with your choice, some suppliers categorise poles according to practice level. In this case, choose the poles labelled:
"just for fun" or "beginner"
Sport?
You practice cross-country skiing
regularly
and/or
at medium intensity
on ski runs of maximum 20 km.
↓↓
Choose a pole that will
give you precision
and good performance when pushing off
with a more rigid tube.
-----------
To help with your choice, some suppliers categorise poles according to practice level. In this case, choose the poles labelled:
intermediate or even "sport"
Performance?
You practice cross-country skiing
frequently
and/or
at high intensity.
Ski runs
over 20 km.
↓↓
Choose a lighter
pole to give you precision
and power in every
push off thanks to its rigid tube,
----------
To help with your choice, some suppliers categorise poles according to practice level. In this case, choose the poles labelled:
advanced or even "performance/race"
The composition of the handle depends on comfort
Hand strap
The hand strap is the fabric straps located at wrist level on the cross-country ski pole, put it on around your wrist for extra support when you lean on the poles to propel you forward. It is also extremely useful to stop you losing your poles on the slopes ;)
The hand strap shape depends on precision
↓↓
SINGLE HAND STRAP
The single hand strap is like those used in Alpine skiing. It goes on and off easily as it's wide, although it's not as precise as a gauntlet strap so it's best for beginners.
GAUNTLET HAND STRAP
With it's adjustable wrist straps, the gauntlet hand strap
is close to the hand. It gives good precision and distributes effort on the palm. There are also clip hand straps that detach at the wrist for greater convenience.
Handle
The handle is the top part of the pole
that lets you hold it in your hand.
Depending on the material, the handle is more or less ergonomic and shock absorbent.
The composition of the handle depends on comfort
↓↓
PLASTIC HANDLE
Suitable for beginners, the plastic handle
has good durability but is less comfortable in use. less comfortable moist durable insulating
LIÈGE HANDLE
Ergonomic
feels good in the hand insulating lightweight less durable
The composition of the pole tube depends on the rigidity of the pole itself and power in push offs.
Aluminium tube
Soft and solid
tube but heavy with little rigidity.
Comfortable for beginners.
Fibreglass tube
Fairly lightweight tube with good rigidity,
but somewhat brittle
Carbon fibre tube
Extremely lightweight tube with excellent rigidity
and good cushioning of vibrations.
Namely: The higher the percentage of carbon,
the more lightweight and rigid the pole.
Depending on your practice: classic or skate, the choice of pole size will be different.
Classic
In theory, a CLASSIC pole
should reach the height of the skier's armpit.
A mathematic formula can also be used to choose your pole:
size * 0.83
Skate
In theory, a SKATE pole
will be longer and should reach the height of the skier's chin.
A mathematic formula can also be used to choose your pole:
size * 0.89