New poles needed...any advice?

[Svend]

Hey Guys, I need some new poles.  I'm thinking carbon fiber, so that if they bend when I run over them, they won't stay bent.     And then there's those cool looking Leki's with the snap-in palm connector.  Anyone have any input or sage wisdom to offer?

Also, where can I get a good deal on some?

Cheers,
Svend

[jim-ratliff]

Svend:

I have and love the Leki's.  They just changed the attachment from a plastic plug to a loop of rope last year, and the loop is better, pulls out automatically more easily (like in a significant fall) and makes the attachment completely unnoticeable in your hand.  I also have one pair of Leki gloves (with the rope loop built into the glove) but the skis also come with a strap so that you can use them with any glove.  You can also find carbon Leki's with the connector system, depending on how good a selection your store keeps.  I think one of my pair is aluminum and carbon combined.

Also, I think it is the Goode carbon fiber ski pole that lots of people rave about, maybe someone else can remember the model name(s).

[Ron]

leki's and Goode's; anything carbon fiber. Go with your gloves and try them out.  Different grips, weights and all. I got the black diamonds lat year and really like those a lot.

[Glenn]

I picked up a set of Rossi G20's at a sale for $20. Really really light! They flex a bit clicking out of my skis, but I love them so far.

[Ron]

Just kick out with your opposite foot. No poles needed... and it looks cool too! 

[Svend]

Good one -- thanks.  Prices around here are steep....about $80 for Atomic or K2.  I just checked EVO and Level Nine, and there are some pretty nice deals there on Kerma and Goode.  Will browse some more and order later today.

Cheers....

[Philpug]

We refer to them under the technical name "Push Sticks".

[Glenn]

I used to create a helluva spray with my poles when I was younger...... You need to get going on a semi flat trail and basically "sit" on your bindings. Place  your poles under your armpits...then hold on and lean back as far as you can. The baskets make a nice "spray" of snow behind you. I did it yesterday with "mixed" results with my new bendy poles.

[Gary]

Svend...the pole made of aluminum or some composite is righteous...

BUT...it's all about the grip....it's gotta be non-slip and fit your hand for those flicking pole plants...it's about the the swing weight. I don't like the straps and don't use them...but all sorts of choices there.

I read somewhere the balance point should be 2/3 up from the bottom to make swinging the pole quicker....now since I don't have my Scott pole here at work...I can't attest to the fact if I have this correct but it makes for some interesting dialogue.

Gary

[Svend]

Hey, great advice Gary -- I never thought twice about the grips, but what you say makes sense.  Good grips would certainly make the forward pole flick much more effective and easier.

I'll spend some more time looking at this....

[Philpug]

Used Goodes for 15 or years, switched to Leki last and am back now with Goode. 10.4 shafts are the perfect diameter for me. The graphite of the Goode have just the right amount of flex and give over other poles.

[Svend]

Thanks Phil -- Level 9 has great deals on Goode...about $39.  Has anyone used Kerma (Dynastar)?

[Gary]

Svend....my son has a pair of Kerma....green ones I think he's had for 15 years...they have held up very well.

Still...I really think poles are like underwear....it's always better if you already own a pair to know if they're comfortable...and ya keep em around till they're tattered and torn.

If there's a ski shop near by, visit and start griping poles to see what feels right...please do wrist rolls 10 times each side to warm up before you proceed! 

Best,
G

[Svend]

Just ordered a pair of Kerma's, carbon fiber...$26.00 from Evo...too good of a deal to pass up.
http://www.evogear.com/ski-poles/kerma-scorpion-2009.aspx
Should be good ones! Thanks to all for the advice....

[Philpug]

Svend....my son has a pair of Kerma....green ones I think he's had for 15 years...they have held up very well.

Still...I really think poles are like underwear....it's always better if you already own a pair to know if they're comfortable...and ya keep em around till they're tattered and torn.

If there's a ski shop near by, visit and start griping poles to see what feels right...please do wrist rolls 10 times each side to warm up before you proceed!?

Best,
G

Thats all well and good information if you wear underwear, but for us other folk? I cannot see myself skiing without poles.