How to Choose Ski Poles & Ski Pole Size Chart [Ultimate Guide]
If you're asking yourself "What size of ski poles do I need?", are looking for a ski pole size chart, want to replace ski pole tips, or simply want to learn all there is to ski poles, you're in the right place.
Ski poles, ski pole baskets and ski pole ferrules are an essential part of a safe and happy skiing experience.
But choosing a suitable ski pole or its component can be hard.
That's why we prepared the most comprehensive guide to choosing the most appropriate ski poles and ski pole accesories.
Here your will find out what ski poles are, what they are made of, what materials are used in production and how to measure and assemble the ski pole components.
In addition we prepared some easy and helpful tips for successfully replacing ski pole baskets, ski pole tips, ferrules and so on.
With the winter season slowly coming to an end, it is time to check the state of your existing nordic, touring and cross-country poles and make them shiny and like new.
If you are anything like us, you trust high quality products and rather than taking your chances outdoors, you enjoy being well prepared with your mind on the horizon, instead of waiting for anything to go astray.
We believe in choosing ski pole basket replacements and accessories made from top-quality materials, which are resistant to low and high temperatures and are reliable and durable. Moreover, ski pole ferrules and tips are the most exposed part of not only ski, but any style poles, ranging from winter touring poles to summer trekking and hiking poles as well.
We wish you a safe snowy experience :)
Table of Contents
Click for easy navigation between sections.
- Ski Poles
- Ski Pole Baskets
- When to Replace Outdated Ski Pole Baskets and How do We Know they need Replacement?
- How to Install Ski Pole Baskets?
- How to Remove Old Ski Basket?
- Ski Pole Grips
- Ski Pole Tips and Ferrules
- When is The Right Time to Replace Existing Ski Pole Tips and Ferrules
- How to remove a tip from a ski pole and what tools do we need?
- Conclusion
Ski Poles
Ski poles are a popular and frequently used part of sport equipment especially in more hilly and mountainous countries around the globe with distinguished climate conditions determined by year seasons.
According to the skiing discipline different kinds of ski poles are produced:
- Cross-country ski poles
- Alpine ski poles (for downhill, super-G, GS, slalom, free-ride)
- Rollerski poles (for roller skiing and skike)
Other types of poles are hiking, trekking and Nordic walking poles which are usually telescopically adjustable (made of 2 or 3 parts of shafts with different diameters).
Materials Used For Shafts of Ski Poles
As with everything else in life, better materials make for a better experience. Ski poles are no exception.
Which materials are most commonly used for ski poles?
Aluminum is mostly used for entry-level poles, junior and beginner poles as well as for trekking and hiking poles. It is a durable and the most economical material, but heavier than carbon fiber or other contemporary high-tech materials.
High grade aluminum is mostly used for high end poles. It is strong and durable (yet lighter compared to standard aluminum) while providing a stiffer feel than some of the lighter weight composite or carbon fiber alternatives.
Poles made of composite are more durable and flexible than standard aluminum (they can bend more without breaking).
Carbon fiber shafts are used for advanced and expert poles. Carbon offers a high strength to weight ratio and improved durability while maintaining an ultra light feel.
The use of bamboo for pole production is again on the rise and becoming more and more trendy. Bamboo is a natural material that provides a perfect balance between rigidity and flexibility and doesn't bend like regular aluminum poles or snap like carbon fiber poles.
Ski Pole Size-Chart
You're probably asking yourself "What size of ski poles do I need?".
We're here to help.
Below you can find instructions on how to measure the ski pole length and a ski pole sizing chart/calculator.
How to measure ski poles for suitable length:
- Put your hands to your sides, and pull the forearms upwards so they form a 90° angle against your torso (parallel to the floor)
- Hold the ski pole upside down
- Grab it underneath the basket
Disclaimer: Some skiers prefer slightly shorter ski poles based on current skiing technique. In case the angle in the elbow is less then 90° the pole will be too long.
We have also provided a size-chart to help you find a suitable ski-pole.
|
USER HEIGHT |
POLE LENGTH |
||
|
in centimeters |
in inches |
in centimeters |
in inches |
|
124,5 – 132,1 |
4'1" - 4'4" |
95 |
38 |
|
132,6 – 142,2 |
4'5" - 4'8" |
100 |
40 |
|
144,8 – 152,4 |
4'9" - 5'0" |
105 |
42 |
|
154,9 - 160 |
5'1" - 5'3" |
110 |
44 |
|
162,6 – 167,6 |
5'4" - 5'6" |
115 |
46 |
|
170,2 – 175,3 |
5'7" - 5'9" |
120 |
48 |
|
177,8 – 182,9 |
5'10" - 6'0" |
125 |
50 |
|
185,5 – 190,3 |
6'1" - 6'3" |
130 |
52 |
|
193,1 – 198,1 |
6'4" - 6'6" |
135 |
54 |
|
200,7 + |
6'7"+ |
140+ |
56+ |
Ski Pole Baskets
Baskets for ski poles are round, predominantly concave, plastic plates or discs made in different sizes and placed on the bottom part of ski poles. They are mounted directly on the ski pole adapter or ski pole ferrule – depending on the type or model of ski pole itself.
Ski pole baskets prevent the poles from sinking too deep into the snow by expanding the surface of the ski pole at the bottom and thus reducing the force hitting the snow.
But who says ski pole baskets should be boring?
In addition to their practical use, ski pole baskets can also be a trendy and funny accessory when colored and differently shaped baskets are used.
Ski pole baskets are available in many different sizes, shapes and also colors.
Baskets for ski poles are available in various outer diameters and shapes, which are defined by the purpose of the pole itself (trekking poles, ski poles, free-ride and powder poles, Nordic walking, rollerski and Cross-Country skiing poles, etc...).
Types of Ski Pole Baskets
Ski pole baskets come in many types.
Their main categorization depends on the installation method:
- Snap-Fix system:
Snap-fix system offers quick and secure installation of ski pole basket onto ski pole ferrule or adapter. Basket with Snap-fix system is simply pushed with some force onto the narrower part of ski pole adapter of ski pole ferrule where it finds its place and position to fit.
- Threaded version:
Ski pole basket can also be mounted by winding it onto the ski pole adapter or ferrule. Threaded type of ski pole basket is compatible with threaded ski pole ferrule or basket adapter – it is wound on either of them as far up as it goes very easily.
Both versions usually come with inner diameter of approx. 13 mm.
What to Look Out For When Buying Ski Pole Baskets?
When searching for the right ski pole baskets, we must pay attention to the following:
- the type of installation/mounting (thread or Snap-fix are main types)
- basket size and shape (depending on the pole purpose)
- quality of material (low prices are an indicator of poor quality of ski pole baskets, which in this case are significantly more fragile with a high tendency to break)
For maximum safety always opt for higher-quality ski pole baskets as a few additional dollars will go a long way.
When to replace outdated ski pole baskets and how do we know they need replacement?
Ski pole baskets for cross country ski poles and touring poles can get quite worn out through the years and should be replaced when they are damaged to the point where they can not be properly functional:
- the ski pole basket breaks or cracks in any way or direction
- a part of the basket breaks off
- the basket keeps falling off the tip or ski pole adapter (in this case also check both – tip and adapter)
Ski pole baskets can of course be replaced even in their completely functional state, simply due to personal preferences or wishes regarding size, shape or colour.
What tools do we need for ski pole basket replacement?
Required tools for removing the ski pole basket:
- hot air gun (or hair dryer as an alternative)
- Stanley knife
- wooden or plastic hammer
- work gloves
How to Install Ski Pole Baskets?
Installation of ski pole baskets is easy.
Snap Fix Basket Installation
Snap-fix (Snap-on) baskets are simply pushed onto the ferrule or ski pole adapter until they snap into the upper narrow section of the ferrule or adapter. It requires a bit more tooling than the threaded basket, but it's still very easy.
Prepare your tools
Prepare your hammer, ski pole basket and ferrule.
Step 1
Attach the basket to the ferrule.
Step 2
Get a round object, a hexagon screw nut, or similar, to hold the basket in place.
Step 3
Insert the ferrule and basket into the hexagon nut.
Step 4
Wedge the basket and ferrule. Gently hammer the ferrule in place. Be careful not to damage the ferrule. It will snap in place under pressure.
Step 5
Remove the ferrule and ski pole basket from the table.
Step 6
The ski pole basket is finally attached.
New threaded baskets are wound on the ski pole adapter or ferrule with ease once the old ones are removed (unscrewed).
Threaded basket installation
Preparation
Step 1
Insert the threaded ferrule into the threaded ski pole basket.
Step 2
Push the ferrule all the way down to the threads.
Step 3
Simply screw the ferrule and ski pole basket in place.
Ski pole basket attached!
Bask in the glory of the finished product :)
Pro Tip:
In the case of the Snap-fix system, a mild soap can help with installing the basket. Simply lubricate the ski pole adapter or ferrule with mild soap to achieve an easier slide of the basket over the wider part of the tip or adapter.
Warming up ski pole baskets, adapters or ferrules must not be performed by flame or boiling water.
How to remove old ski pole basket?
Removing ski pole baskets with thread
Threaded ski pole baskets are replaced very easily – they are simply unscrewed from the pole tip or ski pole adapter.
After cleaning the pole end the new basket is screwed on with the same ease. Be sure that it’s screwed on right up to the top and check it every now and then to prevent losing it by it accidentally unscrewing itself.
Removing Snap-fix ski pole baskets
Ski pole baskets with Snap-fix system (Snap-on baskets) need to be replaced with the help of a few tools.
First the existing basket has to be warmed up with a hot air gun (temperature upto 50 °C) or with a hair dryer. Warmth gives the basket better flexibility and ensures easier removal. The warm ski pole basket can in some cases be removed by pulling it off the ski pole tip or basket adapter by hand only, but more often it has to be cut with a Stanley knife towards its center hole prior to pulling it off.
In cases when ferrule together with Snap-fix basket is already separated from the ski pole, then the basket can be removed from the ferrule simply by punching the ferrule out of the inner basket hole with a plastic or wooden hammer.
Ski Pole Grips
What Are Ski Pole Grips and Straps?
Ski pole grip straps are an important ski pole accessory and they represent a security band that prevents us from losing the pole especially in alpine skiing.
In Nordic sports (Nordic walking and especially Cross-Country skiing and roller skiing) the strap also has another very important role – it offers extra support for a harder and better push.
Most ski pole grips on the market are made of hard plastic and soft elastomer (rubber-like material). These last ones are quite popular and comfortable to use, plus they can be produced in different colors.
A special category of ski pole grips are grips made of a mixture of natural cork and soft elastomer which results in the most comfortable feeling when holding these grips – they feel extremely soft and warm in cold winters.
The Choice of Ski Pole Grip Depends on the Purpose of Use.
You can choose among the following grip types:
- ski pole grips for alpine poles
- alpine grips for ski poles for kids
- grips for Cross-country, rollerski and Nordic walking poles
Ski pole straps are usually simply designed and symmetric. Most of them are available with the system for adjusting the loop around the wrist to achieve ultimate security.
First, you put the hand up through the strap, let the pole come down and then let the palm of your hand sit comfortably on the strap while holding the grip.
For free-ride and skiing on terrain with trees, shrubs and bushes, straps should not be used due to the potential arm joints injury in case the basket of ski pole gets caught into branches, tree roots, rocks,... and pulls your arm away from the body.
It's also advised, that straps shouldn't be used when powder skiing: in case of falling forward into the snow our hands stay 'trapped' in straps under the snow and they prevent us from digging ourselves out (danger of suffocation).
How to Remove Ski Pole Grips
Removing ski pole grips from the shaft depends on the material of the grip itself and whether it was glued on or not. The type of glue also dictates the removal method.
- Ski pole grips made of hard plastic are usually easily removed from the pole shaft simply by pulling them off. First check if the grip is also screwed on the shaft from the top and if it is, then remove the screw and see if the grip comes off. If not, dip the grip into hot water for approx. 2 min., so the grip warms up to the point where it can be pulled off. The shaft can be also put in a vice that is not tightened – just enough to hold the grip while pulling the shaft out with a twisting motion.
If hard plastic ski pole grip was glued onto the pole with hot melt glue, the glue will soften while warming up the grip, but if the two-component epoxy glue was used, which doesn't soften much with warmth, then the grip can be removed only with cutting it apart with a small saw.
- Ski pole grips made of soft elastomer (rubbery material) or soft cork should not be removed with warming them up. After removal of the screw from the top of the grip, put the shaft in a vice that is not completely tightened – just enough to hold the grip while pulling the shaft out with the twisting motion. In case the soft grip was glued onto the shaft and it can't be removed from the shaft nicely - there's no other way but to cut the grip apart with a Stanley knife or small saw.
How to Change Ski Pole Grips
The change of ski pole grips can be performed at home with basic workshop tools.
Most ski pole grips are mounted onto poles simply by being pushed onto the pole shaft from above with a thin layer of glue if needed.
Ski Pole Tips and Ferrules
What Are Ski Pole Tips and Ferrules
Ski pole ferrule is a high quality plastic component that is installed to the bottom end of the ski pole. Its inner shape can be cylindrical of tapered – depends on the type of the pole shaft it's mounted on. Ferrules for ski poles come with various inner diameters which are determined by the outer diameter of ski pole shafts they are combined with.
Tips for ski poles represent the very end of the ski pole – they are inserted into ski pole ferrules and they have different shapes based on the ski pole model:
- pointed XC shape for Cross-Country and rollerski poles
- rounded shape for hiking, trekking and alpine ski poles
Ski pole tips can be made of steel or tungsten carbide. Tungsten carbide (also known as widia) is the most frequently used material for tip inserts of our ski pole ferrules. It is a chemical compound containing powder forms of cobalt and tungsten carbide which are during a specific sintering process fused together into a dense "hard metal".
How To Choose the Right Ski Pole Ferrule or Tip
The main criteria that dictates the right choice of ski pole ferrule is its inner shape.
The bottom part of the pole is either tapered (conical) or cylindrical. Based on that fact the right inner shape of the ferrule is chosen.
The second criteria are its size and the third one is the shape of the tip insert.
Ferrules for tapered shafts are mainly used on rollerski, alpine and Cross-Country skiing and also Nordic walking poles.
Poles for Nordic sports and rollerski are usually combined with well pointed XC tip inserts (carbide or steel). On the other hand, poles for alpine skiing and also some Nordic walking poles are equipped with rounded alpine tip inserts (carbide or steel).
Tapered shaft ferrules come with different inner diameters (IDs), so it's necessary to make all needed measurements before making a purchase.
Please check the instructions for choosing the right size of ski pole ferrule by measuring the diameter of poles with conical (tapered) bottom shafts:
Ferrules for cylindrical shafts are mostly mounted on hiking and trekking poles (including all kinds of bamboo poles). They are all equipped with rounded alpine tip inserts (tungsten carbide or steel) and they are available with different inner diameters determined by the outer diameter (OD) of the bottom pole shaft - most commonly 12, 14 and 16 mm.
When is the right time to replace existing ski pole tips and ferrules?
Ski pole ferrules and pole tips are the most exposed part of not only ski, but any style poles, ranging from winter touring poles to summer trekking and hiking poles as well.
They provide a secure connection with the ground and of course they get worn out or even broken in some situations.
Ski pole tips and pole ferrules need replacing in the following cases:
- the steel tip becomes blunt
- the tip is worn down to the point where it’s inserted into the ferrule or tapered pole shaft
- the carbide tip insert cracks, and can’t provide safe contact with a hard surface (paved, iced or rocky ground)
- the ferrule bursts vertically or horizontally
How to remove a tip from a ski pole and what tools do we need?
Worn out ski pole tip inserts (steel or carbide) can be easily removed from the ferrule or ski pole shaft with pliers.
Replacing ski pole ferrules for cylindric shafts
Ski pole ferrules and plastic tips for cylindric shafts are usually screwed onto the pole shaft, so they can be simply unscrewed from the pole ends.
Removal of tips and ferrules for tapered shafts
Ski pole tip replacements for conical ski pole shafts are, in most cases, glued onto the tapered pole ends – the right procedure for their removal is described in the two sections below.
Required tools for glued tip removal
To perform a successful ski pole tip removal you need:
- hot air gun
- pliers (with wider cutters/pipe grip)
- sand paper (grade 600)
- work gloves
Sometimes it’s good to use a nitro cleaner to clean the pole end – it depends on the glue type which was originally used for tip installation.
Note: If you don't own a hot air gun, you can use a hair dryer.
What is the right procedure for ski pole tip removal?
To remove glued ski pole tips and ski pole ferrules we suggest the following steps:
- warm up the pole end, including the ferrule, with a hot air gun to the point where the glue softens
- use the pliers to pull the old ferrule from the pole shaft
- wait for the pole end to cool down and then sand the remnants of old glue from the pole with sand paper (grade 600)
- clean the pole end properly before mounting a new tip replacement (use nitro cleaner if needed)
Conclusion
All kinds of ski poles together with rollerski, hiking and trekking poles are a piece of equipment that needs maintenance and care. Now and then some part of the pole becomes worn out, outdated, it breaks or breaks off even.
That is the moment when a decision on simply buying new pair of poles or repairing the existing ones has to be made.
The easiest way is to throw the poles away and buy new ones. But with care and consideration of our planet's health, the wisest choice might be just to replace the broken or worn out part.
This is a part when we jump in. We offer you all kinds of ski pole replacements from tips to grips, made of various materials and in different sizes and colors. We might have just the part you're searching for and your old poles could have another round or two!
We welcome you to visit our web shop www.ski-poles-accessories.com and if in doubt, please contact us. We're happy to help!