How long is yours?

I know the subject should be 'How long are yours?' but it probably got your attention quicker!

I currently use a pair of 125cm poles. This length was deemed appropriate after carrying out the usual 'hold pole upside down just below the basket and with elbow bent the forearm should be level'.

However, looking at most ski racers their poles are much longer. I even read on one race coaching site that with one end of the pole touching the snow, your arm should be completely straight when holding the other end.

Now I know I ain't Bode (I wasn't born in New Hampshire) but there must be some advantages to longer poles or else they would be using the same length as the rest of us.

Any thoughts?

For most of us, slightly shorter is better, it helps us mortals bring our weight forward a bit. The measure you mention is good but take it as the max length in my opinion.

And mine ? Komperdell powerlock touring poles anywhere between 110 and 150 :D

Ellistine,

How did you determine that the racers have longer poles?
Were you beside them? Were you at base lodge when they finished the race?

I suspect you watched some videos or films. Notice how racers in full action are low like tight coiled spring! Notice also that 70% of racing time poles baskets are either behind skiers body or up front to knock gate pools ahead!

Notice also in GS and Downhill how poles are used more as "feelers" than as pivot points.

In World Cup events each racers seems to have "their" pole length and yeas even in various events ( Slalom, Giant Slalom, Downhill) many if not all racers have specific pole lengths.

You yourself mentioned that you are not a racer and thus you should pick pole length for ski efficiency and comfort.

Now if you ask me how to determine correct pole length here are some considerations. Many many years ago there was a way to get correct ski length. You all know the raised arm to tip method. This method is incorrect now.

So it is with ski poles. The 90 degree bend was perhaps correct 20 years ago but skiing equipment and technique has change radically. Poling has changed also!

What interesting is that some ski pole companies have made some changes in their ski pole design. The very best and the very first carbon ski pole company,,,,Goode has under the ski pole handle a locking mechanism and an adjustable handle. Thus you can with a simple Allen key raise or lower the ski pole handle.

I use a longer ski pole when I ski in powder.

I use a shorter ski pole when I free ski on icy steep slopes.

One conclusion on this issue is that all modern poles are shorter for FREE SKIING since you rarely set and pivot around the pole! They now are used more as initial rythm moves!

Of course when you do come to Canada you will be able to try various pole lengths to see which ones are best for you!

Cheers

Hi folks,

Don't our heights have something to do with appropriate pole lengths?

Geoff Smith

115cm for me, as I'm a bit on the short side. I also have some Black Diamond touring poles, which are adjustable. I was advised recently that I should buy 120cm poles and have them cut down to around 118cm. That seems too much like hard work!
:D

bandit wrote: I was advised recently that I should buy 120cm poles and have them cut down to around 118cm. That seems too much like hard work!
:D

which goes to show you know some strange people :D

have a look at the pics in this article

http://www.youcanski.com/en/coaching/pole_plant.htm

I've seen shorter fishing rods!

Pavelski wrote:How did you determine that the racers have longer poles?
Were you beside them? Were you at base lodge when they finished the race?

I'll have you know that I've skiid down the Wixie in Wengen with Hermann Maier! I have to admit that at the time I was on the verge of being stationary trying to maintain my uprightness on a particularly icey patch of piste. I had to assume that as it was his first time down the piste he hadn't had time to realise how difficult the conditions were.