The Power of the Pole: a review

[Gary]

I was looking for a new ski pole that would be easier to flick for my pole touches, something I knew needed work. So I purchased a Leki Ultra Light and tried to get the darn thing to stay in my hand. These grips were lightweight but very slick and yet fit my hand in the store better than they did on the mountain...duh...th e glove. Once on the moutain with them, my hands kept sliding off the bloody things!

Our local mountain has a huge sale going on and they had the Leki World Race Pole....I picked it up and it felt like Excalibur in my hand. The grip fit very well, the material was a tacky kind of rubber and there was this "garter belt" thingy that attached to the top of the grip. So I figured, I can ski without those silly straps, the pole just feel great in hand.

For giggles I hooked that strap up taking only of few seconds of my powerful put the square peg in the square hole mind needed to figure out. Adjusted the straps and figured out how to get out of the contraption in case ....well in case.....I had to baptise someones skis in the woods.

I have to tell you, after getting the straps cinched correctly, I found skiing with them was like no other pole I've used before. Because the strap is set at the perfect length for support, I didn't have to squeeze the juice out of the grips to hold on. A light grip and swing forward...these poles swung out with ease, hands relaxed and I actually felt I had a better rhythm with my pole plants. Yeah...well maybe it's all in my head....but I really believe they make a difference...it felt way more relaxed. With the hands relaxed, the arms were relaxed and  the pole touches flowed more fluidly.

So for those of you who are still looking for your Excalibur of ski poles....might give the Leki World Cup with the fancy shmancy garter belt a try.....it just might be the ticket to better turns.

Best,
Gary

[gregmerz]

Gary using pole straps.? Well I can retire now I've seen it all? ?

[Gary]

Well Greg....I prefer garter straps...thank you! 

Now let's get on the snow and make some turns!

G

[jim-ratliff]

Follow up.? What Gary has is actually generation 1 of the Leki strapless poles.? There is a square hole in the handle and a yellow plastic tab that connects to the "garter strap" (you are welcome, Gary) to the pole.? I've had these for maybe 3 years and really like them (I never liked the bulk of normal straps in my hand and hanging around).?

Generation 2 of the system is a string loop between the thumb and forefinger that slides over a hook on the back of the pole (in place of the square hole) either as part of the garter strap or built into Leki gloves.? All the same advantages plus.? The only problem I've seen with the Gen 1 was getting snow packed into the square hole so that the release button couldn't be depressed.? If you fall (which I do) it can be a surprise when you get to the chair and find that you can't get your pole off without a bit of fiddling.? Gen 2 solves this, and simplifies the emergency release as well because the retention hook is hard rubber that can flex out of the way if necessary.? The main advantage of Gen 2 is a bit less bulk between the thumb and fore-finger.

"Triggering a Revolution" animation of how it works is at http://www.leki.com/skiing/

Ohhh, by the way, in case someone sees Gary skiing remind him that the "garter strap" goes around the hand over the glove.? ? ? Otherwise, pole plants will be a real challenge.

[Gary]

Well thank you Jim for letting me know I'm clearly 3 years behind the times....Stlll...I'm OK with that cause I know nothing of the loop. Loop....isn't that a birth control device?

Hmmmm,,,thanks for the link too...splains a bunch...I think you have to purchase the Leki glove..nice on their part.

As far as where I install the "garter strap".. I promise to use it only for its intended use!

Now Jim, did you find your pole plants more flowing and relaxed once connected to the Leki system?

G

[jim-ratliff]

The loop is new and hasn't been out that long, and there is a different garter strap that has the loop.

Pole plants?     My poles are used strictly for liftline maneuvering and as props to help get back up after a fall.  Do they have other uses for good skiers?

[Glenn]

I bought a set of composite poles for really cheap...like $20 back in the fall.

Pros: These things are light! Really light!

Cons: They flex a lot. Like when you click out of your skis or try to use them to stop on the liftline.

[Philpug]

In all teh ones I used over eth years, I always come back to my Goode 10.4's

[Ron]

The loop is new and hasn't been out that long, and there is a different garter strap that has the loop.

Pole plants?? ?? My poles are used strictly for liftline maneuvering and as props to help get back up after a fall.? Do they have other uses for good skiers?

come on' no pole plant, that can't be HH approved? Pole plants are good. I never learned them and I have spent the last 2 seasons learning....

[ToddW]

Ron,

You gotta have the new pmts secret decoder ring and super phantom codebook before you can decipher the inner wisdom of Jim's "innocuous" comment? ? I assure you:? if Jim said it, it is brilliant.

Seriously, good going focusing on the pole plant long-term like you are!? It has a huge effect on skiing.? I'm a double diamond super expert in how not to pole plant, so for the right price you can hire me for private lessons in "what not to do in your pole plant."? Learn all the mistakes quickly, so that you can avoid them ... all for one low introductory price?

[Ron]

No Worries, I understand Jim... He is doing just fine. Jim has much more wisdom than HH. Can I get a "Jim" decoder ring and codebook? Now that's something I could use...

[jim-ratliff]

Jim's wisdom is that he knows that he doesn't have wisdom (and so I listen to others and nod wisely and then repeat those people's thoughts).? Amazing how wise one can sound without knowing much.

However, I am required to say that I can niether confirm nor deny that I have or know anything about a secret (or top secret) decoder ring, and receipt of the codebook is contingent upon documentation of a basis for "need to know".?

[Gary]

Roasting marshmellows......t hat's the other secret use for ski poles....and where retired poles can live out the rest of their useful lives.

Now there's some information you can repeat to any skier you come in contact with Jim. 

That decoder ring is a myth.....the secret handshake insn't!

The codebook.....well not to much secret stuff in there...well except for ....jesh....secrets is secrets!

G

[Ron]

Jim, is this the ol' "agree not to tell about the thing that we can't tell you about until we tell you but we aren't saying there's anything to tell?" thing...... Now that's government wisdom......   

Gary- they said Area 51 was a myth too?   

[Gary]

I've skied that ski Ron....it rocks and not a myth!

 

G