Ski poles are one of the most important components of basic skiing equipment. They are essential in maneuvering through trails if you enjoy cross-country skiing or maintain balance and timing as you ride the slopes. It’s an essential part of your skiing kit, which should include bindings, boots, skis, a helmet, and goggles. Poles give you greater control when you ski, so you can fine-tune your techniques and get the most out of this fantastic sport.
When you search for the right pole, it’s important to review the materials, straps, baskets, and grips to ensure they make a good, comfortable fit.
How We Tested and Compared Different Ski Poles
On our numerous skiing trips, we took the time to test out a variety of ski poles, comparing which ones performed the best. We reviewed the grip, its easy use, weight, material composition, and sizing options for long periods. This process made it practical for us to find which poles worked well with our various heights and skiing styles while providing the grip and performance to enhance our experience.
Best Lightweight Ski Poles: Leki Neolite Ski Poles
Overview:
- Size options: 44 to 54
- Color options: Black, red
- Materials: Aluminum
- Weight: 7.4 lbs.
- Features: Lightweight, contoured for an easy grip
What We Like About It
If you need to replace an old set of ski poles, Leki’s Neolite Ski poles are an ideal consideration. These lightweight aluminum poles are great stability with contours for a solid grip, so you can enjoy the slopes with a secure hold. These poles feature an Airfoil Shape and a ProG PAS grip, so you can enjoy a lighter, more flexible experience.
We found the poles’ performance excellent, and they’re durable, so you can use them frequently without feeling weighed down, as they don’t weigh much. They are available in red and black, with a clear, matte finish, and we especially liked the replaceable and removable powder baskets.
What We Don’t Like
These ski poles may be a bit too light for some skiers, which can be challenging to use.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
Most people found these ski poles easy to use without any issues. While some skiers may prefer a more rigid pole, these work well if you’re more comfortable with a lighter weight and greater flexibility.
Best Men’s Pro Ski Poles: Rossignol Poker Pro Ski Poles
Overview:
- Size options: 46, 48
- Color options: Black, red
- Materials: Aluminum (dural shaft construction)
- Weight: Lightweight
- Features: Multi-grip with extended rubber grip for greater comfort
What We Like About It
Rossignol’s Poker Pro ski poles are versatile, so you can use them for any type of skiing. They are ultra-lightweight, so you’ll have lots of flexibility while maintaining a solid grip with the pole’s multi-grip feature so your hands never tire. While these poles are extremely light, they offer exceptional strength with an aluminum dural shaft construction and several basket options that enhance their performance on soft or powder snow.
These poles stood up well in various weather conditions, and we found these poles performed consistently well every time we used them. They are ergonomic and work well for extended touring.
What We Don’t Like
Only two sizes are available, which may be ideal if you’re looking for a shorter aluminum pole.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
Rossignol’s Poker Ski Poles are a top favorite among many buyers, from the pole straps to the baskets and lightweight design. The rubber grip is the most desired feature, as it provides greater comfort for your hands without fatigue, so you can enjoy the slopes for longer.
Best Kids’ Ski Poles: K2 Sprout Youth Ski Poles
Overview:
- Size options: One size, adjustable (36 to 41)
- Color options: Blue
- Materials: Aluminum
- Weight: Lightweight
- Features: Fits most sizes and adjustable
What We Like About It
The poles extend significantly, so your kids can use them for several years and won’t outgrow them so quickly. K2 is also a great brand for snowboarding and ski gear, and our kids enjoyed the flexible, lightweight nature of the poles and how they provide balance and support. These poles also include an adjustable webbing strap, a rubber grip, and nesting baskets.
What We Don’t Like
There’s nothing we didn’t like, as these children’s ski poles were easy to use and adjust. The size range may not be enough for taller children, but overall, we’re pleased with them.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
K2’s ski poles for kids are excellent for beginners and children at all skill levels. Kids find them easy to grip and comfortable to work with, and the durability makes these poles a worthwhile investment, especially if your family skis frequently during the winter. Most buyers are very satisfied with these poles, offered at an affordable price and lightweight convenience.
Best Budget-Friendly Ski Poles: Atomic AMT Aluminum Ski Poles
Overview:
- Size options: 44, 46
- Color options: Black, red
- Materials: Aluminum
- Weight: Lightweight
- Features: Ergonomic grip, steel tip
What We Like About It
These ski poles offer an excellent ergonomic grip and sturdy steel tips, making them perfect for backcountry poles and steep terrain. The AMT grips are a highlight that we paid close attention to, as we found them easy to maneuver and use on the slopes and the trails. If you’re a beginner, these poles are affordable and worth the investment if you’re just getting started.
What We Don’t Like
There isn’t much we didn’t like about these lightweight poles, except that they are only available in two sizes.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
These ski poles are versatile and great for all-mountain and various landscapes, including avalanche terrain, backcountry trails, and through deep snow. They are durable, flexible, and won’t cost as much as other poles while providing excellent support.
Best Ski and Hiking Poles: Black Diamond Expedition 3 Ski Poles
Overview:
- Size options: 40 to 56
- Color options: Green
- Materials: Aluminum
- Weight: Lightweight
- Features: Four-season poles are great for hiking, skiing, and other activities
What We Like About It
What’s great about these ski poles? These versatile poles are ideal year-round, so you can hike, camp, and explore the great outdoors. The Black Diamond Expedition poles are an excellent choice if you plan on staying active all year or want a sturdy, well-designed ski pole for the winter season.
We liked everything about these ski poles, from the ability to make quick adjustments to several powder baskets and straps that provide enhanced comfort. These poles also fit well inside your bag, which is ideal for traveling.
What We Don’t Like
These ski poles tend to be more expensive on average, though they are a good buy, especially if you use them often.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
Many people enjoyed the functionality and ease of these aluminum poles and how they last throughout various seasons with minimal wear. One of the top features most buyers noted was the foam grip, which provides exceptional comfort and convenience.
How to Choose the Best Ski Poles: Buying Guide
What type of ski poles are the best fit for your skiing style? You’ll want to consider various factors, including the size and material, baskets, grip, and flexibility. Ski poles have come a long way and offer greater versatility, whether you’re an avid skier or hiker.
Ski Pole Materials
While many ski poles are aluminum, due to being lightweight, there are carbon poles and composite ski poles. Ideally, it’s best to test each type of pole, to get an idea of how well they work. In most cases, skiers opt for aluminum because it offers the best in durability and strength.
Ski Pole Length
Whether you’re looking for shorter poles or longer poles, you’ll find that certain skiing styles and activities significantly impact the type of pole and size you’ll need. If you choose an option that’s either too long or short, you may interfere with your skiing skills and techniques.
To choose the right size, make sure that your elbow forms a right angle with the pole as you grip it. If you can’t find your exact size, select the closest option just below your size for the best comfort.
Pole Strap and Grip
You’ll want to pay close attention to the pole’s grip, as there are a lot of variances, and what you choose depends on the type of mittens or gloves you wear. While some grips offer finger or hand molds suitable for gloves, others may accommodate mittens.
Park skiers tend to wear mittens, which helps determine the grip style you’re looking for in a ski pole. The grip size is also important, as children have smaller grips, with the sizing progressing to medium and large, which is normal for adults.
Straps are often loops that can protect you if you fall or become injured. They should be easily removable when you use the chairlift, and some offer quick-release as a convenient alternative to a traditional pole strap.
Final Thoughts
Ski poles are worth choosing carefully, as the right ski pole provides significant support for all skiers. Whether you select a carbon fiber pole, aluminum, or composite pole, finding the right fit for your skiing style, comfort, and experience is crucial.
FAQs
What determines the size of the basket?
Downhill skiing requires less weight, so the baskets are typically smaller, whereas backcountry skiing is best with larger baskets for adequate support.
How durable are ski poles?
Ski poles tend to last a while if properly cared for and tend to last several years.
If I have heavy ski poles, should I upgrade to lightweight poles?
If the current pair are causing discomfort or not performing well, a lightweight pole may be an excellent opinion to consider.