Getting ready for winter season, active recreation outdoors, many people think about purchasing appropriate sports accessories for riding or leisurely walks. What they should be depends on the landscape, but how to choose cross-country skiing The size chart will tell you based on your height and weight.
According to the characteristics of the methods of movement, they can be divided into:
- ridge;
- tourist;
- combined.
Another gradation divides them into groups for:
- beginners;
- skiers of intermediate skill level;
- experienced amateur experts;
- professional athletes.
Each line has its own design features, which somewhat complicates the selection without the manufacturer’s instructions. The sizes of cross-country skis by height are selected based on the chosen type of skiing and the height of the skier.
Skate skis
The skating motion provides speed of movement along a well-rolled track. Skis of this type are used in competitions by biathletes. A distinctive feature of the shells is the toe, which is almost not bent. Push poles are used to accelerate, and the skier's leg movements resemble those used by speed skaters.
Important! Skate skis are shorter in length than regular skis. To select cross-country skis according to your height, you will need to add 5-10 cm to your own height. The resulting result will be equal to required length projectile.
In order for the intended load to correspond to the weight of the athlete, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of this model from the manufacturer. A suitable ski should spring back when riding. At the same time, its bend should not bend under the weight of the athlete so that it forms a single plane. The distance between the lower part in the middle and the snow should remain. Despite this feature, paraffin is applied over the entire surface.
Classic type
Used for classic skating. The location of the skis is strictly parallel, regardless of whether the skier is riding on a well-trodden track or just laying it.
By appearance Products in this category differ:
- length (up to 207 cm);
- high-curved toe;
- less elasticity than skating ones.
When skating, the middle part should bend and touch the surface of the snow.
The material stiffness of classic running shoes is lower. Longitudinal notches in the lower part prevent slipping; they help maintain direction in the absence of a deep compacted ski track.
It is necessary to choose medium hardness; soft ones will slow down due to the athlete’s weight pressing them into the snow. In this situation, neither the correctly selected ointment nor the notches provided by the manufacturer will contribute to sliding.
Combined type
Universal, more similar in design to running ones. When choosing to move with both methods, length must be taken into account. It should be smaller than the classic ones, so that when skating, the rear parts do not intersect.
The classic structure of the projectile is explained by the possibility of using it for skating. It is impossible to hold the track on skates. The maximum permissible length of combined ones is 2 m.
Length Determination
Cross-country skis, designed for the classic style of skiing, are traditionally chosen 20-25 cm higher than the skier himself. The peculiarity of models with notches is that they do not slide back when climbing a hill, stopping on a hill, or overcoming a snowdrift. The kit wouldn't be complete without poles. They help you speed up. The height should reach the chin of the person for whom they are intended.
The optimal length of skates for both a child and an adult is the height of the skier plus 10-15 cm. Combined ones can be 5-10 cm longer than skates. The size of ski equipment is similar to the choice of universal equipment, if it is not intended for balancing act on a slope with a springboard. For inversion jumps skiers extreme species athletes choose equipment that suits their personal training program and skill level.
Selection of cross-country skis by weight
Regardless of the size, when choosing a model for a beginner athlete who does not fully master the skating technique, you can buy shorter ones. They are easier to control, but the rigidity of the product must correspond to the weight of the athlete. The children's range features more rounded noses and softer material, which makes them easy to slide and resistant to breakage.
Attention! The rigidity of the material used in manufacturing and the height of the recess under the boot mount are commensurate with the weight of the athlete. Both stiffer and softer models will make riding difficult due to strong or insufficient shock absorption.
Masters of sports can afford to use soft and hard accessories on different slopes, but for amateur skiing the manufacturer’s recommendations should not be neglected.
Auxiliary table for determining projectile parameters
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Options |
classics, |
universal |
skating, |
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Feature of ski sets: standard poles are short, and skis are long. For a skate, the proportional ratio of the length of the equipment changes.
If the seller does not have the table at hand, then use the selection scheme sports equipment based on a person's height. For skating, the poles must have a length equal to the height, minus 15-20 cm. The length of the projectile is equal to the height plus 10-15 cm. Classic poles should end (when placed vertically) between the shoulder and chin. The length of the skis corresponds to height plus 20-25 cm.
When purchasing sports equipment, you should always consider your own physiological characteristics. The length of cross-country skis is selected according to height. Each manufacturer has a developed grid where an athlete of a certain height will find the recommended length of products. If cross-country skis are selected on the basis that the tips of the fingers of an outstretched hand should come into contact with the tips of a vertically mounted ski, then for skating and combined skis this rule does not apply.
Let's talk about what to look for if you are planning to choose Scandinavian poles for yourself.
Surely, while walking in the park, you often met people of different ages who were walking just like you, only in their hands they were holding poles that looked like ski poles. It is clear that they are not ski shoes, and people hold them in their hands for a reason - they play sports. If you like watching such “walkers” and you have decided that this sport is clearly for you, we will tell you what to look for when choosing equipment.
Nordic walking poles: types
Sticks for nordic walking there are two types:
- fixed length or monolithic;
- sliding or telescopic.
However, even experienced athletes will not be able to clearly answer which type to give preference to, since both have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Monolithic poles are characterized by the following:
- they are light in weight;
- there is no risk of injury;
- will last as long as possible;
- You can walk on sand, wet roads and even mud.
It doesn’t matter whether you are new to this sport or an experienced walker. The monolithic stick suits everyone. Beginners don’t have to worry about the structure accidentally folding and causing injury. And for those who have been doing this kind of walking for a long time, it is important to know that a monolithic pole gives a constant load during training. The most important thing is to choose a stick that suits your height. We will talk about how to do this correctly, but a little lower.
Telescopic poles fold easily. They have a built-in special anti-shock system - a shock-absorbing spring.
Sliding poles are selected according to for the following reasons:
- length is easily adjustable;
- they are easy to transport and take with you on any trip;
- you can easily adjust the intensity of the load;
- their cost is cheaper than monolithic ones.
Keep in mind that it is better not to use collapsible poles too often. If water, dirt or sand gets into the clamps several times, they can easily break. Also, the stick may begin to constantly make noise due to excessive vibration. Therefore, if you exercise daily, it is better not to buy such poles. They are more suitable for those who train infrequently or, say, go out of town on weekends to actively relax. In that case telescopic poles are ideal for transportation.
How to choose Scandinavian poles: basic criteria
When you have decided on the type of poles, you need to ensure that the remaining parameters suit you perfectly. It is important that the poles are not too high or too heavy, soft or uncomfortable. To do this, you need to pay attention to the following criteria.
There is no exact formula for calculating the optimal weight. This parameter is strictly individual. The main thing is that you should not feel heavy when holding the sticks in your hands. After all, if they are heavy, then the training will be unbearable and more harmful than useful.
Length
From length Scandinavian sticks Almost the entire workout depends. Poles that are too long can give excessive load, while poles that are too short can, on the contrary, not give it at all. Fortunately, there is a calculation formula that will help you choose the optimal pole height. To do this, you need to multiply your own height by 0.68, and round the resulting result to an even figure. Let's say your height is 167, multiply by 0.68 and get 113.6. This means you need a stick approximately 115 centimeters long.
Elasticity
Scandinavian poles must be elastic. This is very important, because hard poles vibrate, and this is harmful to the joints. In addition, you may simply fall while walking if your poles are not elastic. Make a few quick steps, touching the tip until it stops. If at the same time you did not feel any vibrations radiating into your hand, then you made the right choice.
Material
- Aluminum. Scandinavian sticks are rarely made from this material. And it’s better not to buy ones made from it, because aluminum does not cope well with vibrations. This is not so important and noticeable if you are exercising on snow, but if you are exercising on asphalt terrain, discomfort will arise.
- Carbon. Poles made of this material are much stronger than aluminum ones. Plus, they will last you quite a long time, as they absorb vibrations well and weigh a little.
- Fiberglass. Scandinavian poles made from this material transmit the least amount of vibration and are practically weightless in the hands. However, they are not very durable and often break.
Pen
- Cork. This handle is considered one of the most comfortable. The material does not cause allergies.
- Rubber. The material (a mixture of rubber and cork) provides a comfortable grip and fit, so your hand will not slip.
- Plastic. The most uncomfortable handle. Plastic is not able to absorb sweat, so the hand constantly slips and the person experiences discomfort.
Lanyards
Many Scandinavian walking poles include lanyards. They can be in the form of half gloves or peculiar traps. They are needed to make it comfortable for you to hold the sticks in your hands. Plus, lanyards take stress off your wrists. But to do this, they must fit tightly around your hands and hold your wrist without squeezing them. It is best to choose removable lanyards. Then you can easily drink water or take off your jacket, for example, without removing your hands from the lanyards.
When choosing lanyards, it is also important to look at the circumference of your palm. They should be about half as large. If the girth is 20 cm, then the lanyard should be approximately 9-10 cm. Also look at the material and fabric from which it is made. It should not be too hard so as not to rub your hand.
Tip
You need to choose a tip based on where you plan to train. The hard metal tip is considered universal. With it you can train on any road.
Tungsten or carbide tips are suitable for training on loose soil, sandy or dirt roads. There are models of Scandinavian sticks with replaceable tips. Therefore, they can be purchased separately.
Rubber or carbon tips are suitable for walking on hard asphalt, concrete, tiles or cobblestone roads.
Skiing is becoming an increasingly popular form of recreation, and sometimes even a hobby. A beginner is faced with the question of how to choose them correctly, according to height or otherwise. It should be noted that correctly selected equipment is already 50% of success in mastering skiing and increasing skill.
When choosing, there are factors to consider.
- materials;
- size;
- peculiarities.
Materials
Material - important criterion choice. On this basis, it is divided into the following categories:
- Wooden structures were at the origins of this sport. All subsequent groups came from them. They are suitable for beginners, due to the fact that they are more “obedient”. When choosing, the price will also be interpreted in their favor, since they are cheaper than plastic ones. By nature, wood is more rigid and less maneuverable. Their wear resistance is inferior to plastic ones due to the fact that they are sensitive to weather conditions. Not recommended for use during snow melt and for extreme mountain skiing. They also do not slide back in severe frosts.
- Plastic models are the new generation. Their technical specifications more advanced. The main advantage is wear resistance. They are unpretentious to weather and humidity. Only in severe frosts do they slip back. This ski track is suitable for experts or at least amateurs, but not for beginners. Plastic is more flexible, soft and resourceful. This equipment is suitable for maneuvers, mountain slopes and uneven roads. Based on the type of construction, they are divided into sandwich and cap. Caps have a foam core. The sandwiches are based on the same wood combined with plastic.
Note: Wooden equipment is a good choice for successfully mastering skating and a smooth transition to running.
Rostovka
A unified table for calculating ski sizes relative to physical characteristics there is no person. Everyone has their own body type and features, so an individual fit is needed, but there is general rules, which help you choose wisely. It is necessary to consider the pros and cons of different track lengths.
The heavier, taller and more massive the skier, the longer and wider the skis should be. These indicators are directly proportional.
If skis are used for general walking, then, as a rule, they should be 15 cm longer than the owner's height.
If the skis will be used for skiing, then their length should be calculated using the formula: human height + 25-30 cm.
Provides for the choice of a ski track that will be 15-20 cm longer than the owner. Notice the increased flexibility.
Having remembered these rules, the ski track length ratio table will always be at hand.
Peculiarities
The main characteristics have been reviewed, it remains to mention some tricks and nuances.
- The selection of a ski track for a child is made as follows: 20 kg = 70 cm. Then this number grows proportionally. From 40 kg skis are selected according to the same formula as for adults.
- You cannot rely only on the height of the skier, because it is the weight that creates the load on the surface. It also needs to be taken into account.
- A beginner runs the risk of never mastering skiing if the equipment is chosen incorrectly.
- For beginners, it is better to choose a wider canvas for greater stability.
Table of correct ski length depending on height and weight
This table shows approximate ski lengths for a person’s weight, proportional to his height. If the skier has a heavy build, then 5 cm is added to these numbers.
Mounting types
The choice of brand and binding sizes depends on what kind of skis and ski shoes the athlete uses. There's no point in getting bogged down in this. The choice is made between types of fastening: automatic or manual.
For beginners, it is better to choose automatic fastening. It is cheaper and easier to use. Skating is not for beginners steep turns and feints, so this mount will fit perfectly.
Professionals and experts are better off choosing a manual mount. It is more reliable, although it is more difficult to attach.
How long should ski poles be?
The question of ski height remains no less relevant. It is believed that ideal sticks should be no higher than the owner’s ear, but not lower than the shoulder. Otherwise, the selection of ski poles by height is carried out according to the following table.
| Height (cm) | Sticks for classic move(mm) | Skating poles (mm) |
| 150 | 1200 — 1300 | 1300-1350 |
| 155 | 1250-1300 | 1350-1400 |
| 160 | 1300-1350 | 1400-1450 |
| 165 | 1350-1400 | 1450-1500 |
| 170 | 1400-1450 | 1500-1550 |
| 175 | 1450-1500 | 1550-1600 |
| 180 | 1500-1550 | 1600-1650 |
| 185 | 1550-1600 | 1650-1700 |
| 190 | 1600-1650 | 1700-1750 |
| 195 | 1650 | 1750 |
Parts selection
When buying skis and poles, you need to consider not only their length, you need to pay attention to other points.
Pens
For beginners, it is advisable to choose foam handles that are lightweight and easy to use.
Lanyards
The best lanyards made of material. Nylon strap and Velcro for attaching to the wrist. This is what we recommend choosing.
Tips
Tips are divided into three types: small, medium and wide. Those with a wide diameter are considered more universal.
Notches on skis
For beginner skiers and students, it is better to choose skis with notches; they are more convenient and practical to use.
Success in skiing starts with correct selection ski tracks and poles. To make skiing enjoyable, you need to be careful when choosing equipment.
From this article you will learn how a beginner skier can choose cross-country skis and poles according to his height, as well as how to choose the right size of ski boots. Below are tables for selecting ski sizes and boot sizes.
Selection of cross-country skis and poles
In order to choose correctly cross-country ski length, you need to decide what style you are going to ski - classic (on the ski track) or skating:
- For a classic move, add to your height 20-25 cm
- For skating, add to your height 10-15 cm
There are two types:
- Notched (step): The notch is the ribbed sliding surface of the ski in the binding area. The notch allows the skis not to slip and not to use grip ointments. Excellent for recreational skiing on the classic track.
- With smooth sliding surface (wax): these are skis without a notch system, sliding surface smooth, requires the use of holding ointments. Unlike knurled skis, such skis are suitable for any skiing style and are better suited for combined and combined skiing. skating, as well as for sports skating.
When selecting ski pole lengths also focus on your riding style:
- Poles for the classic move should be approximately 25 cm less than your height. In this case, when you stand on skis in boots, the poles will go up to your feet in the snow, and the handle of the poles will reach your armpits. This particular length of ski poles is optimal for classic skiing.
- For skating ski poles should be longer - approximately 15 cm less than your height.
Table for selecting cross-country skis and poles by height:
| Skate style | Height | Classic style | ||
| skis | sticks | cm | skis | sticks |
| 200 | 175 | 195 | 210 | 165 |
| 200 | 175 | 190 | 205 | 165 |
| 200 | 170 | 185 | 205 | 160 |
| 195 | 165 | 180 | 200-205 | 155 |
| 190 | 160 | 175 | 195-200 | 150 |
| 185 | 155 | 170 | 190-195 | 145 |
| 180 | 150 | 165 | 185-190 | 140 |
| 175 | 145 | 160 | 180-185 | 135 |
| 170 | 140 | 155 | 180 | 130 |
| 165 | 135 | 150 | 170 | 125 |
| 160 | 130 | 145 | 170 | 120 |
| 155 | 125 | 140 | 160 | 115 |
| 150 | 120 | 135 | 160 | 110 |
| 145 | 115 | 130 | 150 | 105 |
| 140 | 110 | 125 | 150 | 100 |
| 135 | 105 | 120 | 140 | 95 |
| 130 | 100 | 115 | 140 | 90 |
| 120 | 95 | 110 | 130 | 85 |
| 120 | 90 | 105 | 130 | 80 |
| 110 | 90 | 100 | 120 | 80 |
Choosing cross-country ski bindings
The most popular types are:
- 75 mm (NN75)- classic steel fasteners (three-pin system), familiar to everyone since Soviet times, are still very popular due to their simplicity, reliability and low cost. These bindings are perfect for recreational riding.
- NNN and SNS - modern systems fastenings, differing from each other by guide protrusions for boots along the fastenings. Such bindings are better suited for more active and sporty riding.
Choosing ski boots
All are made from modern frost-resistant synthetic materials, less often from genuine leather.
All ski boots are insulated, which allows you to choose boots of your size without reserve and wear them without a wool sock. We recommend using thermal socks.
The sole of the ski boots fits a specific binding system: 75 mm, NNN or SNS:
- Boots for 75 mm bindings are available in standard Russian sizes. The size of the boots can be chosen entirely according to your foot size.
- Boots for NNN/SNS bindings are available in Euro sizes, which are approximately 1.5-2 sizes smaller than Russian ones, i.e. If you wear Russian size 39, then you should take size 41 boots.
Most easy way choose your boot size- measure with a ruler shoe insole length that you are wearing.If it is not possible to remove the insole from the shoe, then it is necessary to measure the length of the foot. How to do this correctly - see the table below.
Table for selecting the size of ski boots according to the insole length:
| Insole length, cm | Size Russia | Euro size |
| 19 | - | 30 |
| 19,5 | - | 31 |
| 20 | 30 | - |
| 20,5 | 31 | 32 |
| 21,5 | 32 | 33 |
| 22 | 33 | 34 |
| 22,5 | 34 | 35 |
| 23 | 35 | 36 |
| 24 | 36 | 37 |
| 24,5 | 37 | 38 |
| 25 | - | 39 |
| 25,5 | 38 | 40 |
| 26 | 39 | 41 |
| 26,5 | 40 | - |
| 27 | 41 | 42 |
| 27,5 | - | 43 |
| 28 | 42 | 44 |
| 28,5 | 43 | - |
| 29 | 44 | 45 |
| 29,5 | - | 46 |
| 30 | 45 | 47 |
| 30,5 | 46 | - |
| 31 | 47 | - |
How to measure your foot length correctly:
Stand on a piece of paper with your heels only lightly touched the wall behind (door, cabinet side, etc.). If you press your heel hard against the wall, the measurement will be wrong.
The body weight should be transferred to the leg being measured.
Hold a pencil strictly vertical, don’t get him under your fingers!
Mark lines near the thumb and second finger, draw a line along the wall. Use a ruler to measure the maximum distance between the marks. Measure both legs, because... size may vary.
Ready-made ski kits
In our online store you can choose and buy, consisting of cross-country skis, poles, bindings, boots and ski bundles.
We have prepared for you several options for skis from the Russian manufacturer STC (Sports Technology Center). You can choose skis with or without serration. The kit includes 75mm or NNN/SNS bindings, matching ski boots, some ski kits include additional accessories - a ski bag and a set of ski waxes.
Especially for parents of schoolchildren, we have 2 inexpensive options ski kit Schoolboy: a simple and budget kit with 75 mm fasteners and a kit with NNN mounts/SNS. Both ski sets are perfect for physical education classes at school, as well as just for skiing and training. skiing in winter.
What are ski poles for? How to choose them correctly? What are they made of and why? How much do they cost and where is the best place to buy them? You will learn all this if you read the research report of our expedition. Jump into our submersible, we are diving!
- Purpose of ski poles
- How to choose the right one
- Details
- What are they made of?
- Other Features
- Where to buy and how much it costs
For experienced riders, ski poles are an important part of equipment, and the requirements for them are appropriate. There are also those who do not attach much importance to them. Usually, these are beginners who do not understand that properly selected ski poles can seriously improve skiing technique, and therefore bring more joy from a ski holiday.
Ski poles - purpose
Ski poles and the correct placement of hands contribute to the correct execution of turns. And turns are the most important element in ski technology. Do you feel connected? This is their main purpose.
The poles are also used for pushing off on flat areas in the mountains. Even some experienced snowboarders keep collapsible (telescoping) poles in their backpack. They know what it means for a boarder to hit a flat spot.
For beginners, poles serve as a support (more psychological) at the initial stage of mastering the technique of skiing.
My instructor used poles to correct my stance. He “stabbed” me in the back so that I wouldn’t fall back. What, another way to use sticks!
Ski poles seriously make life easier for freeriders, who often climb to the starting point on foot. They serve as support when walking.
Ski poles: how to choose
The length of ski poles is indicated in increments of 5 centimeters (or 2 inches), for example, 120 cm, 125 cm, 130 cm. These numbers can always be found on the shaft of the pole.
Poles that are too long will force you to ski in a back stance, which can lead to loss of ski control and rapid leg fatigue. Very short poles will force you to lean forward excessively (hunch over), which is also inconvenient.
People with good technique and decent experience choose the length of their poles in accordance with the characteristics of their riding style. For example, my poles are only 120 cm with a height of 185 cm, although I started at 135 cm.
Shorter poles allow me to sit lower over my skis. In this stance, I feel more confident at high speeds and uneven terrain, because the center of gravity of my body is much closer to the ground.
Here is another confirmation of my words - for aggressive skating you need a lower stance and short poles.
However, at the beginning of training it is better to use standard recommendations: put on ski boots, bend your knees slightly, with both shoulders parallel to the floor, and hold the stick upside down, handle down, under the ring.
Select the length of the stick until elbow joint a right angle is not formed (as in the picture). Once this is achieved, this is your pole length.
There is a way to select poles without trying them on. Multiply your height by 0.7.
At the initial stage, precision down to millimeters is not required. Over time, you will understand your preferences in ski equipment and choose what suits you.
Even large stores advise different lengths for the same height. Thus, Sport-Marathon offers poles of 115 cm or 120 cm for a height of 170 cm, and the Kant store recommends the same poles for people with a height already 5 cm lower - 165 cm.
Poles up to 110 cm are considered for children, and over 110 cm for adults.
Ski poles - types
For amateur skiing on the slopes
These are the most common sticks. Made of aluminum - cheaper or carbon (carbon fiber) more expensive. The first ones are strong, but if they are bent in half, then it will no longer be possible to straighten them, they break and fail.
The second ones are more elastic. Where aluminum poles break, carbon poles simply bend and, when the force is released, return to starting position. Although they can also be broken.
Aluminum comes in different qualities and this affects the cost of ski poles - there are aluminum poles that are more expensive than carbon ones.
Ski poles for off-piste skiing
The main difference between off-piste poles is the wider rings. They prevent the stick from sinking into deep snow.
Often off-piste skiing (freeride) involves walking to the top, and telescopic poles are used for these purposes - their length can be adjusted to the task at hand.
When the slope is steep, the poles are made shorter; if the terrain becomes flatter, the poles are lengthened; when descending, the standard length is set.
Ski poles for park skiing
In the parks, people jump from trampolines, slide across various structures and perform all sorts of tricks.
Here in the hands of skiers we see significantly shortened (sometimes ridiculously) and lightweight poles. They serve mainly for balance when performing tricks, and not for turning or pushing. And with such poles it’s easier to ride in a rear stance (switch).
My friend, who is 192 cm tall, skates with 115 cm poles! So, as you grow up as a skier, you will experience a re-evaluation of your equipment parameters. You will become wiser.
These poles are made from the best materials. Some have a curved shape. So for giant slalom (GS) and super-giant (SG) - medium-curved, and for downhill(DH) sticks have maximum bend.
This is done to increase the streamlining (aerodynamics) of the skier and to avoid hitting the gate with poles, because in competitions the count is in hundredths of a second.
The shaft (shaft) of some sports ski poles is made of a triangular shape (if you look at the cut of the shaft) - to reduce weight and increase strength. Undoubtedly, high technology make such sticks more expensive than regular ones. Below is the cost of ski poles, including sports ones.
Ski poles - what are they made of?
Aluminum
As already mentioned, aluminum is the most common material in the production of ski poles. By the way, when developing the poles, the engineers had one more important task- make sticks that, when broken, do not turn into sharp, dangerous objects that can cause harm to health.
Therefore, when overloaded, the sticks seem to “fold” in half, rather than burst, forming two “blades” with jagged ends.
We must make a reservation: aluminum poles are not made from pure aluminum, there are always other impurities.
But in the ski industry, such poles are called aluminum, and poles without metal impurities (or where there is a minimum of them) are called composite. Further we will adhere to this terminology for simplicity of presentation.
Composite ski poles
This category includes poles made from alloys of fiberglass, carbon (carbon fiber), graphite, resin, bamboo and other materials. The production of such poles, as a rule, is more expensive than aluminum ones, which is reflected in their price in the store.
If previously aluminum poles were generally lighter than composite poles, now the difference in weight is felt less and less.
An example of such poles is the product of the Komperdell company - carbon poles reinforced with bamboo.
Bamboo
There are several companies in the world that produce ski poles from bamboo, however, none of them have reached our country. The most famous of them is Panda Poles.
The company emphasizes that it produces poles by hand and does not pollute the environment. The second reason why poles are made of bamboo is that bamboo is stronger than aluminum. This video shows what that means.
If you know English language, then you can “assemble” your stick on the brand’s website and then place an order. My stick was not expensive at all (though without shipping), only $89.
Ski poles - components
Handle and lanyards
The handles (handles) of ski poles come in various shapes and are usually made of plastic, cork and rubber. Since manufacturers find it difficult to compete in the production of rods, all their efforts are directed towards the design of handles and lanyards. In the more expensive pole segment, the handle can be made of combined materials, each of which solves one of the following problems - (1) ensuring grip of the hand with the handle without slipping and (2) comfort when riding and (3) maintaining the rigid shape of the handle itself.
If we talk about the shape of the handles, then this is a matter of preference - see which one “fits” your hand better.
The main purpose of a lanyard is to prevent you from losing your stick. They are made from nylon, sometimes leather. The length of the lanyard can be adjusted to suit your hand.
There are also leaders in this business - the Leki company, which about 20 years ago began producing detachable lanyards (Trigger technology). In case of critical load on the hand and the likelihood of injury, the lanyard was disconnected from the stick.
As a result, the skier receives convenience (quick and convenient release of the pole), excellent maneuverability (the pole is attached to the hand in the right place) and safety (the pole can be unfastened in case of danger of injury).
And the already mentioned company Komperdell several years ago released poles for freeriders without a traditional lanyard. The lanyard there is plastic and is an integral part of the handle.
For what? When riding in the forest, a stick can get caught in a tree and, if your hand is not freed in time, you can get injured. It is also vitally important to quickly get rid of sticks in an avalanche - so as not to harm yourself and have time to regroup.
At the Kant store, such poles at the time of writing cost 3,090 rubles.
Rod (shaft)
The main part on which the handle with lanyard, ring and tip are attached. The rod can be either a solid tube or a composite (telescopic) one.
An important characteristic of a rod is its rigidity. It is measured in conventional units. 4 - 5 units - beginners and intermediate level, 4 - 5 units - experts. Above 6 - athletes.
Ring
A part that prevents the ski pole from sinking into the snow when being pricked. There is a market large number shapes, sizes of rings and materials from which they are made.
For skiing on pistes, where the snow is usually hard, rings of a smaller diameter are used, and for off-piste skiing, in deep snow, the diameter of the rings is noticeably larger.
If the ring is lost, and this also happens, then, in most cases, the quality of skating drops significantly. A ski pole without a ring becomes practically useless - it falls into the thickness of the snow and it is no longer possible to lean on it.
True, there is a group of skaters who, although they hold poles in their hands, do not use them. You can easily see these at every resort. For them, the loss of the ring will go unnoticed.
Telescopic
Such poles are popular among freeriders, as already written. Here it is important to choose poles from a reputable brand, for example, Black Diamond, since the locks that fix the length of the stick are not reliable from all manufacturers. After some time, they either break or begin to hold poorly.
There are two- or three-knee sticks. It is clear that three-knee ones are more compact and can be carried in a backpack.
The ski poles in this picture are not only telescopic, but also a cable is passed through their rods (tubes), which allows you to assemble the poles into the working position in one movement, in a couple of seconds.
Tips
Tips are made of hard alloys, such as steel. In expensive models, there are tips made of tungsten carbide and other durable alloys.
Ski poles - other features
Removable hand protection
Guards are plastic attachments on poles that protect hands from impacts from goals when passing sports tracks.
Such devices protect your hands from impacts from goals or poles that are placed on the track during competitions. They can be sold complete with a stick.
Stick flask
Leki company produces flask sticks Hot Shot S, into which you can pour your favorite drinks. I am sure that everyone thought about alcoholic drinks, because no one would think of pouring kvass or lemonade into sticks, however, drinking in the mountains is a bad idea.
According to the manufacturer, 150 ml is placed in containers hidden under the handles of the sticks, 75 ml in each.
Such poles can be bought in the Sport-Marathon store for 8,990 rubles.
If this volume is not enough for you, then buy Comperdell Schnaps Poles. You can gurgle 200 ml into each stick, and this is already a serious volume.
This is a good offer if you do the math: they are cheaper than the previous ones (6,350 rubles, Kant store), and you can fit more into them.
Ski poles: where to buy
Our usual suspects are well-known stores. By following the links you will be taken to the ski pole sections. The poorest selection of poles is in Sportmaster, the richest is in Sport-Marathon.
Sports Marathon - prices for children from 744 rubles, adults from 894 rubles. The most expensive poles are the same as in Kant, and at the same price.
Alpindustriya - prices for children from 532 rubles, adults from 594 rubles (women's). The most expensive - Scott Riot - 6,590 rubles.
If you decide to buy telescopic poles, I recommend going to the Groundhog Day store, they have a wide range of Black Diamond poles. Price range 5,500 - 12,700 rub.
Conclusion
So the fascinating dive into the abyss of ski poles has come to an end. We learned a lot of new things, and now we can go to the store and choose what we really need.
Remember that ski poles often break and should be treated as consumables. Few live more than two or three years, especially at the beginning of the ski journey. Buy something simpler for the first time, and then decide what suits you best.
If you like my dives (have already made more than 70 trips into the depths of the ski ocean), then the quality and fun with which we do it, if you want to say a little thank you, then go to my Powder store and see what kind of design I create for you, mountain lovers.
I approach the creation of these clothes with the same responsibility as I approach each dive of the LET IT SNOW bathyscaphe.
Let's float up... no, one second...
Now let's emerge, thank you for being with us again! Until the next trip!
