Poles?

[Granola Dude]

I know this may seem like a stupid question, but...

Do you prefer poles, or no poles?

personally, i was taught without poles and thats what i shaped my technique around. I've tried poles, but they just seem to get in the way... lol

what do you guys think?

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

what do you guys think?

I think, at least I hope, you're putting us on.

 

[awf170]

defiantly Vikings!!!!

pretty interesting convo about poles on epic...
http://forums.epicski.com/showthread.php?t=31252
I would have to say that I dont really use poles at all, I hate how dont but I really cant use them useless I force myself to and once I stop thinking about it I kinda drag them on my side again. This is on groomers/easier terrian, I use them some when Im on harder terrian. I think the problem is that I didnt use poles the first few years I skied, which probably made me have better balance but made me not be able to use poles. I still cant ski without of them though, it just feels so wierd

 

[Granola Dude]

exactly.. i learned without them and never really tried using them. Now, when i try to use them with my normal style of skiing, it just feels weird...

 

[skibum1321]

It's ridiculously hard to ski hard terrain well without poles. Try to ski bumps well and keep a good rhythm without pole-planting - I don't even know if it's possible. It also helps to keep your hands out front. If you aren't planting your poles, odds are your hands aren't where they're supposed to be. Granted if I'm ripping down a groomer I may not really use them too much, but that's about the only time I don't.

 

[NHpowderhound]

Granola Dude,please dont take this as patronizing or sarcastic,but how well do you ski the zipperline in the bumps? Or natural snow conditions?I couldnt imagine skiing in mougls or powder without poles.
I used to ski with a guy who diddnt use poles and he just had a real hard time skiing anything but groomers. I dont ski with him much anymore :wink:
((*
*))NHPH

 

[riverc0il]

running drills without poles to improve technique is great. there are several good drills that can be done without poles to improve balance and attention to where your hands are (or are not). that said, why ski without poles when you are skiing? as pointed out above, it is especially hard to handle many naturals and steep terrain situations without them. they are a tool, not a cruch.

 

[Vortex]

I hate polls. I like ski poles. They are a crutch for me. They help with my timing.

 

[dmc]

You gotta have poles to ski bumps...

I actually use poles when I snowboard - but only when hauling a huge pack back down the Sherburne at TUX... Poles help me balance in the bumps with 50 pounds on my back..

I used to use them while climbing - but now I pretty much use an ice axe... Still bring poles for hiking though...

 

[billski]

I use them primarily for body position setup.

I only ski without them when I'm with a little tyke who is high mainentance.

 

[DEVO]

Poles are important for balance, body position (they help keep you hands forward if you are using them right) and they set up your upper body for the next turn. I have been trying for years to get my wife and daughter to use their poles properly instead of just letting them hang dowm by their side. I think they are starting to get it.


On side note Dick's Sporting Goods in Danvers had K2 4speed carbon poles for $19.99!!!!!!!! I bought two pairs. They might still have some.

 

[Mark D]

poles are usless for me. hahahaha. i love my one board.

 

[WICKEDBUMPER]

this is a joke, right?
you cannot ski steeps, deeps, or bumps without poles.
I mean...it can be done. you can also ski on 2 2x4s held on with rope if you want. but it sure is hard.
if you never want to get off blues and greens, and actually "ski" - leave those poles in the car.

 

[ctenidae]

I ski with one Pole most every day I ski.
I always have two poles with me, too. Mostly for pushing across flats and holding position in lines.

 

[dmc]

poles are usless for me. hahahaha. i love my one board.

Sometimes when I'm on skis - I forget my poles and skate away... :roll:
It's the snowboard thing...

 

[snosharkrider]

Poles - and actually using them - are a must. When skiing with friends who are beginners, I point out other skiiers not using their poles as an example of what not to do.

The skiers who merely bring the poles 'along for the ride' often sway their shoulders while turning and look uncomfortable down the fall line.

Plus without poles how does one pop a buddie's binding in the liftline!

 

[Brettski]

I'll ski with Poles...they are usually very nice people

 

[ctenidae]

I'll ski with Poles...they are usually very nice people

Hey! That's my joke!

 

[freeheelwilly]

I'm with those that have said (in sum or substance) that you can't ski anything worth skiing without poles. Poles are all about body position and timing. As I've become a better skier I've noticed that my poling was the last thing to improve. I was just looking at some video last night of me skiing a few years back. I was teleing (I don't always - I'm always on freeheel equipment but I often parallel) and everything was fine from the waist down but my upper body was a mess. Every 3rd or 4th turn I would double pole plant. It was ugly. It was backcountry; pretty tight and somewhat steep - to a less critical eye it probably looked fine but believe me: UGLY! Used to be that double pole planting was acceptable in telemark skiing. I guess that was because it was such a feat to coax a useable turn out of skinny skis and leather boots in the first place that poling seemed silly. With the advent of plastic boots and better skis that's not so anymore. Anyway, I guess my point is that poles are essential to skiing good stuff. Plus you like weird skiing without poles - and moving over flats or skating requires poles. Not to mention backcountry. Sorry for the long post. Never would have thought I'd have so much to say on this topic - I guess it's because I watched that video last night.

 

[JimG.]

If your poles seem to get in the way instead of assisting your technique, consider:

1) your poles are too long.

2) you just don't know how to use them.

Saying you ski better without them only means your not skiing as well as you could. Poles are not to be used as a crutch, but good pole touches (notice I do not use the word "plant") are essential to any form of upper level skiing.