The snow is falling, and you're just waiting to go skiing! You're all equipped, but you're missing one last detail: your ski poles. The Speck-Sports team has put together this short guide to help you choose the right alpine ski poles (size, materials, elements, etc.).

The importance of size-appropriate ski poles

While poles aren't necessary for beginners, they really are for more experienced skiers. Poles give you better support/balance, promote a dynamic rhythm and can sometimes even take the strain off muscles and joints. In short, they help you to improve your technique and are therefore essential for good skiing. Without this accessory, you won't be able to perform the famous "pole planting" technique.

Before choosing your ski poles, it's very important to know the right size for you.

How to choose the right size for your ski poles?

There's a simple way of finding out whether or not your poles are the right size for you. Simply turn them over (tip up, handle down). Then stand up straight and grasp the poles at the puck. Your arm should form a 90°C angle. If the angle is greater, the stick is too small. On the other hand, if your arm comes up, the stick is too big.

Size correspondence chart

The Speck-Sports team has prepared a size-matching chart for alpine ski poles. It will help you find the right pole length for your height in meters.

skier size (cm)	pole size (cm)
Over 200	140
190-200	135
185-190	130
175-185	125
170-175	120
160-170	115
155-160	110
145-155	105
135-145	100
125-135	95
115-125	90
105-115	85
Less than 105	80

Construction of an alpine ski pole

A pole is made up of several parts. These include the strap, the handle, the tube (rod or shaft), the washer and the tip. Once you've found the pole size that's right for you, it's worth looking at the choice of these different components. Your choice of materials depends on how you intend to use your stick.

Visual stick_1

The wrist strap

All sticks come with a wrist strap. This wraps around your hand and is positioned around your wrist to prevent loss of the poles in the event of a fall. There are different types of wrist strap:

- The classic wrist strap with strap: this is the most widespread model. It's ideal for regular use, mainly on the piste.
- The safety strap: more upmarket, this type of strap offers many advantages, particularly in terms of comfort and safety. In the event of violent impact, the strap snaps off to prevent injury.

The handle

Very important to consider, the handle allows you to hold the stick securely in your hand and adds a touch of comfort. There are no specific rules for choosing the handle. Simply put on your gloves and hold the sticks in your hand to feel whether or not you're comfortable with the handle.

There are different types of handle material (foam, rubber, plastic, cork, bi-material). Once again, the choice depends on how you feel.

- 4-finger grip: more suitable for people with fairly large hands.
- Index finger + 3 fingers: this is a universal handle. Smaller hands are more at ease with this type of handle.

The tube

The central element of the stick, the tube can be made of a variety of materials. The most common are aluminum, carbon fiber and composite materials. Each has its own properties - strength, resistance, lightness - which influence the stick.

- Aluminum: used for the majority of ski poles, aluminum is versatile. Today, there are different types of index on the market indicating the strength of aluminum: 5083, 5086 and 7000. The lower the index, the lighter it is. Conversely, the higher the index, the heavier and more resistant the aluminum.
- Carbon fiber: a lightweight material, carbon effectively dampens vibrations. Carbon poles are strong, light and rigid, but on average more expensive than aluminum poles.
- Composite materials: it's possible to combine two or more different materials, each with its own advantages. In this way, it is possible to have a stick that is both very strong and light.

The washer

Located at the end of the stick, rather at the bottom, the washer prevents the stick from sinking into the snow. The washer is therefore of the utmost importance in controlling the impact of the stick on the snow. There are different types.

- Small diameter (approx. 50mm): this washer is found on most pole models, and is ideal for speed skiers.
- Medium diameter (approx. 80mm): more versatile, this washer is designed for skiers wishing to vary their activities.
- Large diameter (approx. 120mm): recommended for freeriders, the large-diameter washer prevents the skier from sinking into the snow.

Telescopic ski poles

Telescopic poles are made up of several strands, enabling the length of the pole to be adjusted to the nearest centimeter. Very practical, telescopic poles are easy to carry and store, but they are also more fragile than conventional poles. Versatile, they will accompany you in winter and summer alike, especially when hiking. For downhill skiing, simply fit telescopic poles with wider washers.

Choosing the right alpine ski poles

To sum up, it's important to understand that ski poles are essential for good skiing. They enable you to gain in technical ability, and provide balance and better support for stability. Ski poles must also be adapted to your size, to give you the best possible support. The different materials making up the parts of the pole also need to be carefully considered, as each has different properties. It's up to you to decide, according to your level of skiing, which ones are most important to you. So you can decide whether you're looking for lightness or solidity, resistance and so on...

Meet the Speck team in store or on our website. Take advantage of our professional advice to help you choose the right pair of alpine ski poles.