Guide to Choosing the Right Cross Country Ski Poles

Cross-country ski poles play an important role in the sport of cross-country skiing. There are different poling techniques in classic cross country and skate skiing, and this is important to keep in mind when choosing cross country poles. In this guide, we will dive further into cross country pole length, material, grips, tips, and more.

If you are already familiar with the specifics of XC poles, feel free to go and explore our complete selection of cross country ski poles. If not, please continue reading, to get familiarized with the most important things to consider when choosing cross country ski poles.

Feel free to jump to the topic that interests you most:

Cross Country Ski Poles Sizing: What Size Cross Country Ski Poles Do I Need?

When choosing cross country poles, you should aim to buy poles that fit your height and skiing style. In other words, finding the proper cross country ski pole length is a matter of matching the pole length with your height, while considering your style of cross country skiing.

Nordic ski pole sizing is essential because it affects power transmission, comfort, and stamina. Poles that are too long can strain your shoulders and arms, while poles that are too short may cause you to lean too much forward while skiing, resulting in reduced power transmission and balance.

The recommended length of skate ski poles differs from the recommended length of classic ski poles due to the differences in poling techniques. Classic skiing poles are shorter than skate skiing poles, and for good reasons.

A technique such as the classic double poling technique requires the skier to lift the poles to plant the poles firmly in the ground before them. Force is applied to the poles by leaning the upper body forward to generate propulsion. If the poles are too long, it will strain your shoulders and make it more difficult to put force into the pole. If the poles are too short, you will not be able to apply the same amount of force to your strides.

Skate ski poles are generally similar to classic poles, except for the fact that they are longer. The poles simply need extra length to reach the ground, since they are usually held in a V-shape towards the ground. Longer poles allow skate skiers to reach further out to the sides and behind. This maximizes the distance over which they can apply force and generate momentum.

Skiing style

General reference

Classic ski pole length

30 cm (or 12”) shorter than skiers’ height

Skate ski pole length

20 cm (or 8”) shorter than skiers’ height.

Note: In competitive cross country skiing, adherence to specific regulations is imperative. According to International Competition Rules from FIS (the International Ski and Snowboard Federation), the length of poles should not exceed 83% of your body height, a measurement taken while wearing cross country boots.

If you're unable to find poles precisely matching your height, there is no reason to get frustrated. Beginners are advised to opt for slightly shorter poles, while seasoned skiers typically gauge whether sizing up is preferable based on their experience.

For backcountry cross country skiing, adjustable ski poles with larger snow baskets are essential – we'll explore this further in the dedicated section on backcountry ski poles.

Cross Country Ski Poles Shaft Materials – Stiffness and Weight

Cross-country ski pole shafts are made of either fiberglass, carbon fiber, or a combination of the two. The amount of carbon in a pole determines how stiff it is. Cross-country poles made of 100% carbon are stiffer than poles made of 50% carbon and 50% fiberglass. Some models are also available in aluminum. Aluminum cross country poles are usually intended for backcountry cross country skiing, since they are better suited to the wear and tear of longer trips in the wilderness.

The advantage of stiffer poles is that you get as much power transmission as possible while skiing. This translates your effort into maximum speed on the trails. With a softer pole, you cannot transfer as much power. On the other hand, a softer pole is easier on your arms when skiing long distances. If you have problems with sensitive elbows, you may benefit from using a softer pole. For roller skiing, which takes place on harder surfaces, a softer pole is a good choice - discover our selection of roller ski poles.

The stiffness of the pole also affects the weight of the pole – the stiffer the pole, the lighter it will be. With a lighter pole, you need less force to move your arms forward at the beginning of each stroke.

In other words: If you are a fast skier and want the best equipment, buy stiff and light poles. If you ski at a more leisurely pace – if your reason for going out enjoying the wonders of nature rather than focusing on speed and exercise – a softer pole will be just fine.

Grip Materials and Strap Designs on Cross Country Poles

Grips play a crucial role in the performance and comfort of cross country ski poles. They directly impact your ability to maintain control and stability while skiing. Grips are typically crafted from materials such as rubber, cork, and foam – each offering unique advantages.

Rubber grips provide a secure, non-slip hold, making them well-suited for all-weather conditions. Cork grips are known to retain heat better than other grip materials. This helps to keep hands and fingers warm. Foam grips offer a lightweight, cushioned feel, reducing hand fatigue during longer excursions and providing a comfortable grip.

In addition to grips, the importance of pole straps cannot be overstated. Pole straps are essential for maintaining control of the poles. It's crucial to adjust the strap length correctly to ensure optimal performance. The ideal adjustment allows you to release your grip on the pole handle while still maintaining close control during strides.

By choosing grips that suit your preferences and by ensuring proper strap adjustment, you can enhance your skiing experience and maximize performance on the trails.

Are you looking for spare grips or straps for your cross country poles? Browse our selection of cross country ski poles accessories to find spare grips and straps.

In the video below, you will find easy-to-follow instructions on how to change ski pole grips.

Backcountry Cross Country Ski Poles - Adjustable Ski Poles With Larger Snow Baskets

Choosing cross-country ski poles with large baskets is essential for backcountry skiing. Larger baskets provide a substantial pressure surface in the loose snow outside marked tracks, ensuring proper support in varying snow conditions.

Extendable ski poles are indispensable equipment for backcountry cross-country skiing. When crossing the mountain, the ability to customize the length of each pole independently is crucial. With adjustable ski poles for backcountry cross country, you can keep your arms level with each other when you are traversing steep terrain, also known as side-hilling.

In backcountry skiing where slopes can vary drastically, having the flexibility to adjust pole length enables skiers to adapt to changing conditions quickly. Shortening the poles for uphill climbs promotes an efficient, upright posture. Conversely, lengthening the poles on flat or downhill sections provides better leverage and stability.

You will find adjustable ski poles in our selection of cross country ski poles. On top of the page, you can filter the results by length, and if you choose the options that cover a range (like xx cm - xx cm), you will find all our models of length adjustable poles.

Switching Ski Pole Tips on Cross Country and Roller Ski Poles

Over time, the tips of your poles will wear down and require replacement. You may also want to switch the tips on your cross country poles to harder roller ski pole tips that are suited for asphalt if you want to continue using your regular poles for training on roller skis.

In the video below, you get easy-to-follow instructions on changing the pole tips on cross country or roller ski poles. Remember to measure the diameter of your pole before selecting ski pole tips for cross country or roller skiing.

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