Pole Length

[highpeaksdrifter]

I believe people often buy poles that are to long for them the same way alot of people buy ski boots that are too big for them. Of course having correctly sized boots has a far greater impact on your skiing then poles, but I think pole length can make some difference especially when skiing bumps.

Bottom line: Don't believe your wife or girlfriend or both, your pole size does matter.

I'm 5'8" and I use to use 46" now I use 44" and like them much better. How about you?

 

[Greg]

I'm 6' 1" and dropped slightly from 50" to 48" and wish I dropped further to 46" or less. I do agree that long poles based on the "arm at a right angle" method are detrimental in the bumps.

 

[JimG.]

I believe people often buy poles that are to long for them the same way alot of people buy ski boots that are too big for them. Of course having correctly sized boots has a far greater impact on your skiing then poles, but I think pole length can make some difference especially when skiing bumps.

Bottom line: Don't believe your wife or girlfriend or both, your pole size does matter.

I'm 5'8" and I use to use 46" now I use 44" and like them much better. How about you?

Right on the money.

I'm 6'2" and used 48" poles until last season when I shortened them to 46". At one time I used 50" poles.

Know what? 46" is still too long for me, especially in bumps. So I tooled around one of my last lift served days with my wife's 42" poles. It felt a little weird at first, but I adapted quickly and really liked the feel I got. Felt much more fluid, even on the flats, and I found I could move into my next turn and maximize my hip angles alot more comfortably. And the difference in bumps was unbelieveable! A whole new experience.

Problem is, my wife's poles are kid's poles...it's almost impossible to find lightweight carbon fiber adult poles shorter than 44". So I'm going to get some 44 inchers and cut them down; first I'll use them at 44" to see if I get the right feel at that length.

Great topic!

 

[Greg]

So I'm going to get some 44 inchers and cut them down

This was my next question. How would you go about doing this? Are the grips easily removable? If so, I guess you just want to sawz-all them and reinstall the grips?

 

[JimG.]

This was my next question. How would you go about doing this? Are the grips easily removable? If so, I guess you just want to sawz-all them and reinstall the grips?

Depends on the pole...most have a screw on top that goes thru the grip and secures it to the pole. Remove the screw and you can usually remove the grip.

Once off, there should be a threaded insert in the pole that the grip screws into. Pop that insert out, cut the pole to the desired length, pop the insert back in (using a little epoxy is a good idea) and screw the grip back on.

There are exceptions to that though. Sometimes the grip can just be pulled off the pole.

And some poles have strange plastic locks that keep the grip on. These can be a little baffling until you figure it out.

 

[Greg]

Depends on the pole...most have a screw on top that goes thru the grip and secures it to the pole. Remove the screw and you can usually remove the grip.

Once off, there should be a threaded insert in the pole that the grip screws into. Pop that insert out, cut the pole to the desired length, pop the insert back in (using a little epoxy is a good idea) and screw the grip back on.

There are exceptions to that though. Sometimes the grip can just be pulled off the pole.

And some poles have strange plastic locks that keep the grip on. These can be a little baffling until you figure it out.

Cool. I'll give it a whirl. I think I'd like to go to 46" to start with. Perhaps I'll practice on my old 50" Lekis first. One comment about going with shorter poles. Don't be too agressive with your pole planting at first (you really shouldn't be that agressive anyway). I missed a few pole plants in the bumps at first and it really threw me off. Once I got used to the slightly shorter length, I couldn't imagine going back to the 50 inchers though.

 

[ALLSKIING]

I am 6'1" and using 54". I thought the way to size was to flip the pole over and hold the pole under the basket, then have your arm make an L shape.

 

[Greg]

I am 6'1" and using 54". I thought the way to size was to flip the pole over and hold the pole under the basket, then have your arm make an L shape.

Yes, that's what I meant by the "arm at a right angle" method. I'm surprised that at 6'1" that would put you at 54". I'm 6'1" and that method indicates 50" for me. Perhaps my arms are longer; I'm kind of orangutan-like in that way....

In any case, I would bet that 54" is waaaaay too long for you. Try 50" or 48" or maybe less, especially if skiing in the bumps.

 

[NYDrew]

I'm 5'6 and use a 42'' pole (i think). I use the right angle method and I am just fine in the bumps. Ive tried shorter, i dont like it.

 

[riverc0il]

at 6'1" my regular poles are 50". my next poles will definitely be 48". i find myself occasionally bringing my adjustable BC poles lift serviced when i want to something shorter. i did this when i skied sugarbush and knew i was going to be bashing bumps most of the afternoon on F.I.S. but i prefer a regular ski pole for bumps and natural when possible at ski areas.

 

[Marc]

To make adjustable poles out of non adjustable poles:

Wrap duct tap several times under the grip to produce another grip. Now you have two grip positions and a healthy supply of duct tape whenever you need it.