by Stein, Eric's Son
Ski Poles
It may surprise you to know that skiers have not always
used two poles. Up until the latter part of the 19th century
skiers propelled themselves by means of a scooter-like
stride using only one, long pole. On level terrain the
pole was used for pushing and on downhills it was dragged
behind for steering like a rudder. Today we use two poles,
but with slight variations in style and length depending
on what type of skiing we prefer.
There are several characteristics of ski poles that we
use to describe them. The most common is probably length.
Pole length is usually measured from the tip of the point
on the basket to the tip of the grip on the other end.
The unit used usually for this is the centimeter. The
next characteristic of poles that is usually considered
is weight, normally measured in grams. Related to weight
is strength. Strength is defined as the ability of the
pole’s shaft to resist breaking. Strength has two
components: impact strength and flexural strength. Impact
strength relates to how well the shaft of a pole can stand
up to a sharp blow, such as some one hitting your pole
at the start of a race. Flexural strength is a measure
of how well a pole will bend before it is permanently
deformed. Liveliness is a measure of the way in which
a pole bends when it is planted in the snow and how quickly
it snaps back to normal as the pressure on it is released.
Liveliness is a function of stiffness (resistance to bending)
and elasticity (ability to spring back after bending).
Swing weight describes the way the pole's weight is distributed
between tip, basket, shaft and grip. Racers look for a
low swing weight, a balance point near the grip, high
stiffness and high strength.
Ski poles are made of various materials, including (traditionally)
bamboo, fiberglass, aluminum alloys and carbon fibers.
Generally speaking, recreational skiers will find fiberglass
or fiberglass/graphite mixes the best material for poles.
Racers will lean towards higher percentages of graphite.
There are really only two types of baskets: round for
deep snow and asymmetrical (or butterfly) baskets for
packed trails. The round baskets provide better flotation,
while the butterfly baskets are lighter and promote more
positive pole plants when herringboning uphill.
Grips and straps vary more now than they did for awhile.
High-end poles have mitt like grips that detach from the
pole for safety and convenience. Recreational poles should
have adjustable loop straps. Poor adjustment of pole straps
is the most common technical mistake made in skiing. 30
to 70 % of your forward motion can come from your arms.
Properly adjusted straps will transfer this power more
efficiently.
Pole length is a matter of personal preference, but useful
guidelines are: for classic style skiing, the tip of the
grip should come up to the middle of your shoulder. For
skating, the tip of the grip should be just under your
nose. Women might prefer a pole that is 5 cm. shorter,
especially for hilly terrain, because longer poles demand
greater upper body strength. Good recreational poles cost
between $25 and $50.
