When it comes to choosing gear, we tend to focus on skis and boots, but in backcountry skiing (BC), ski poles are an essential piece of equipment. At BCs in the great outdoors, ski poles are used in a completely different way than on the slopes. So, we asked Amari of Ishii Sports, who has experience at BCs and extensive knowledge of gear, about how to choose and use poles
The role of poles in the backcountry
Many skiers don't use poles when riding in parks, but poles have many roles in backcountry. For example..
- To gain propulsion when climbing
- To maintain balance when skiing
- To avoid getting stuck in powder while skiing
- To operate bindings and other equipment
- Sometimes used as a probe for avalanche gear
Poles are essential, especially in the backcountry, including when climbing, and they play an important role in terms of safety
Pole structure
The pole structure is as follows. Let's review the names of each part and what you should pay attention to when using a BC
its
shape and material. Many grips are ergonomically designed with a three-dimensional shape to maximize grip comfort, but some are shaped for use with mitten gloves or designed with the ski swing in mind. The main material is lightweight thermoplastic polyurethane. Some also use elastomer, a soft, rubber-like material with elasticity, to enhance grip.
The shaft
material significantly impacts the swing weight and balance.
jointed
(extendable) and fixed. Furthermore, the extendable type also has two types of locking mechanisms.
When skiing in the backcountry or powder, if the size and shape of the basket isn't suitable, it can make climbing and skiing difficult. It's somewhat problematic for use on groomed slopes
Points to consider when choosing poles
We asked Amari about the key points to consider when choosing a pole
"Poles designed for use in the backcountry often come in models that can be used as probes when necessary, or have an extendable style that allows you to adjust the length to suit the depth of the powder. The shaft material affects durability, weight, and operability. There are also a variety of grip shapes and materials, and of course it's best to choose one that fits comfortably in your hand
I think the poles that are right for each person will vary depending on the user's skiing style. However, the reality is that at first, it's hard to know what really suits you. You need to actually try out different poles and gain experience. Roughly speaking, as long as you keep these two points in mind, you can enter a BC
① Comes with a snow basket
② Has a length adjustment function
With that in mind, here are my own thoughts on how to choose:
Skiers with a background in alpine and basic skiing place great importance on pole work, which involves using the wrists and elbows as fulcrums. Therefore, poles with a lighter swing weight and tapered tips (thinner diameter and thickness) tend to feel better
I believe that skiers with a background in freeskiing tend to ski well using what is called the rotational movement in skiing technique, so I think that a low-center-of-gravity pole with a ring that moves forward slowly would be a good fit
Check out the key points of each part!
Length adjustment function "lock"
Clip-lock type(a type that fastens with a clip)
The locking parts of clip locks come in "plastic" and "aluminum" types, but the aluminum type is by far the stronger. The plastic type is at risk of breaking if subjected to excessive force. The clip type is less likely to break than the twist type
Twist lock type (turn to tighten)
Twist locks have a smaller locking mechanism than clip locks, which means the stock itself has better swing balance, but if you tighten it too much, the internal parts can break, and if you tighten it too little, it can cause the length to change the moment you attach the stock
Pole length
As for the standard length, the general guideline is "height x 67%." When skiing, you should use this as a guide to find the length you like. For example, I value "snowboarding in powder just like on the slopes," so I'm 157 cm tall and my pole length is 107 cm. I think that generally, poles are a little shorter
When hiking uphill, it is easier to handle if the length is adjusted a little longer, so I usually adjust it to be about 5cm longer before climbing
Basket size
Powder baskets are essential in the harsh winter. Without them, your poles will sink into the snow. Also, in the backcountry, if you don't have the right basket, you won't be able to grip the snow when climbing, making it difficult to walk. Your first choice should be one that is labeled "powder basket" or "wide basket" by the manufacturer
Furthermore, even powder razors come in a variety of shapes and soft materials. The feel of the swing and the sensation of using it vary, so it's up to your personal preference to decide
Length of the ferrule
Some people care about the length of the spike from the snow basket to the tip. With BC, it is more convenient to have a certain length to use when climbing and when attaching and detaching bindings
Shaft material
The shaft needs to be moderately heavy and durable. The materials are usually aluminum or carbon. The shaft in the back of the photo is aluminum, and the shaft in the front is carbon
However, there are many different types, and the characteristics vary depending on the material
Aluminum: While there are many varieties, high-end models offer superior strength. Racing models tend to use a higher proportion of aluminum.
Carbon: Lightweight, and allows for thinner shafts, resulting in a lighter swing. Excellent shock absorption.
Bamboo: Lightweight and looks cool.
Nowadays, even carbon poles have aluminum alloy reinforcement inside, and to be honest, there are many things you can't really tell until you cut the pole in half! (laughs) There are many mountain ski models that combine strength and balance by using different materials for the upper and lower shafts
Price
As for price, if you are particular about your choice, you will inevitably end up with a more expensive model. (In comparison, more expensive models are easier to get off and put less stress on your hands when hiking uphill.) However, if you just want to be able to use them in the mountains, I don't think you need an expensive model. Just because a model is cheap doesn't mean it's prone to breakage!
What I value most is "grip"
When choosing poles, I pay particular attention to grip, because my main goal is to be able to ski in the same way as on the slopes
Grip shapes can be broadly classified into three patterns depending on how you hold the pole:
① Thumb and index finger type
② Little finger, middle finger, and index finger type
③ Thumb covering the grip head.
I find the grip where the thumb covers the grip head, as shown in this photo, to be the most relaxing and provides the most stable arm positioning. The KG-M grip introduced below is just right for me, as I don't have large hands, and has a grip head shape that makes it easy to cover with the thumb.
If you're going to be skiing for a long time, like "top to bottom," you need to be careful about this, otherwise your arms will pump up and you won't be able to do the stock work necessary to maintain balance and timing. In the worst case scenario, you might even drop your poles
Therefore, I would like to recommend the KG-M grip from Kizaki.
This grip is recommended for people with relatively small hands and those who have trouble with the large grip size of overseas models. It can also accommodate various grip styles,
making it attractive for a wide range of users.
KG-M
φ11, 14,
16, 18 (left and right set) ¥1,650
◆Official Website:https://art-nko.com/kizaki/ski-accessory/
My go-to ski poles are the "Swix Sonic R1."
They are incredibly lightweight and durable carbon poles. Ski poles with multi-handle grips often feel heavy and have poor weight balance.
However, the "Sonic R1" provides the same feel as ski poles used on groomed slopes. Currently, there are actually very few ski poles that use carbon shafts on both the upper and lower sections, but the Sonic R1 does. This results in exceptional shock absorption when planting the poles. Minimizing the amount of paint used in the finish is another important point in reducing weight. The
specially shaped powder rings also help to reduce material and air resistance, which may contribute to the feeling of lightness!
The grips may look large and difficult to hold at first glance, but surprisingly, that's not the case. I would highly recommend these poles to skiers who use pole work to time their movements.
By the way, the original product is too long for me, so I cut 10 centimeters off. Please contact the store for more information!
SWIX｜SONIC R1
◆Official Website:https://swix.jp/
This is the recommended model for beginners to BC!
My top recommendation is the Blackdiamond Laser Carbon Pro Pole. It offers great value for money, performance, and ease of use, so you won't go wrong with it as your first pole
Blackdiamond |Laser Carbon Pro Pole
This high-spec pole offers excellent swing balance and a wide range of functions. Its lightweight and durable two-piece construction combines a 14mm diameter aluminum shaft with a 12mm diameter carbon shaft. It also features a switch release strap that can be released in an emergency
The Flick Lock Pro secures the rope after adjustment. A grip ring is included, which is convenient for traverses
Weight: 524g (100-125cm)
542g (115-140cm)
Size: 100・115cm
◆Official HP/https://www.lostarrow.co.jp/store/g/gBD42141100/
If you're an experienced drinker, this is the next one you should buy! (Recommended by Amari)
Komperdell | Carbon Cloud Bamboo Vario
Everything is perfect except for the look, balance, and price! The CARBON CLOUD BAMBOO VARIO stock has been continuously updated with running changes while maintaining its original appearance .
CARBON CLOUD BAMBOO VARIO
This unique pole boasts a nostalgic look and high-tech performance. The upper shaft is made of bamboo-reinforced carbon fiber, while the lower shaft is made of titanium for exceptional lightness and excellent swing balance. It's 40% lighter than standard carbon fiber poles. Komperdell is the only manufacturer that produces its own carbon fiber and carbon fiber poles
￥45,650
◆Official Website:https://www.igrek-okumura.jp/
summary
Finally, Amari taught us the key points of choosing a pole
"When choosing poles, you should consider the material, functionality, and ease of use, and then you can also choose based on price and your personal preference for appearance. I think the most important things are appearance and the desire to use them. This is because poles are gear that can be used for a long time, and I think the most important thing is to feel attached to them
"Using good gear with affection for a long time"
is a keyword I believe will become even more important in the future. As skiers and snowboarders who directly feel the effects of climate change and environmental issues through the filter of the mountains, our way of thinking and mindset about the equipment we wear is also shifting. You can also see that if a model doesn't change, it won't become outdated. I hope you all will choose a piece of equipment that you grow to love more and more with each trip!
The person who taught me
Yuki Amari
He pursues climbing from spring to autumn and mountain skiing from winter to spring. He is a mountain specialist who is active in the mountains in tune with the rhythm of the seasons. In summer, he climbs Mt. Mizugaki and Mt. Ogawa. In winter, he often goes out into the backcountry in Niigata and Nagano
He started trail running last year to learn more about mountains. His favorite mountain is Yatsugatake. His current goal is to complete a 100km ultra marathon and obtain a guide qualification. His goal in life is to continue enjoying the mountains even when he becomes a grandfather