'24-25 What ski poles do pro shops recommend?

The staff at pro shops have a keen eye for quality, having looked across a wide range of brands, tested them out on the snow themselves, and gathered feedback from users. Poles are often the last item on the hard gear list, so it's a good idea to use their discerning eye. So, we asked them which new models for the 2024-2025 season they most highly recommend

KANG ｜BAMBOO FREERIDE

◆Official Website:https://www.full-marks.com/kangpoles/

It's made from recyclable materials, so it's environmentally friendly. The design is good, and the grip is very long, so it's convenient to hold it at different heights when hiking

KOMPERDELL｜CARBON CLOUD Bamboo Vario

◆Official Website:http://www.igrek-okumura.jp/

These easy-to-use poles have a stylish design and lightweight carbon fiber construction, while the bamboo shafts give them a classic look. The genuine leather makes them easy to grip, and the grips become more comfortable with each use. The telescopic section also provides excellent holding power. These poles are perfect for a variety of situations

LINE ｜PAINTBRUSH

◆Official Website:https://elevateoutdoorcollective.com/

With its telescopic function, two interchangeable baskets, and a simple, easy-to-grip grip, this versatile rod is perfect for any condition

LINE ｜VISION

◆Official Website:https://elevateoutdoorcollective.com/

This telescopic pole is made of aluminum and carbon fiber. The lower part of the pole is aluminum and the upper part is carbon fiber. With a 95mm powder basket and adjustable length from 103.5 to 145cm, it can be used on both slopes and in the backcountry. The comfortable grip is also a plus

POLEFREAK | FAT BLAST

◆Official Website:https://kumonostore.thebase.in/items/79364652

POLEFREAK is a little-known pole brand produced and sold by a single pole craftsman with extraordinary dedication. Their "FAT BLAST" pole is manufactured using a process called aluminum extrusion, resulting in exceptional balance and lightweight construction that gives a sense of status when you hold it.

Furthermore, they offer a "bending" service for early orders only. They will bend it to your specifications. With appealing options such as powder baskets and genuine leather straps available in various colors, you can create a truly personalized model!

SINANO｜FAST BC Carbon

◆Official Website:https://sinano.co.jp/

Amazing value for money! These telescopic carbon poles are among the best-priced in the industry. Don't underestimate them just because they're cheap. The combination of ultra-lightweight aluminum and carbon makes them lightweight, while the unique T-grip, designed for Japanese users, brings the center of gravity closer to your hand, allowing you to manipulate the pole with fewer movements, making quick balance movements in snowy mountains easy.

The T-grip makes it easy to apply weight to your palm, and kick turns are also easy. The powder basket is also generously sized, making these poles satisfying for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers. The Mt. Peaks store manager was also impressed with their performance when he used them in Hakkoda!

The distinctive T-grip is easy to use in the backcountry. The lever lock allows for easy adjustment even on snowy mountains. The combination of aluminum and carbon materials places the center of gravity closer to the hand, making the swing lighter and easier to control

SWIX｜SONIC R1

◆Official Website:https://swix.jp/

These carbon poles are incredibly lightweight and durable. Many poles with multi-handle grips tend to feel heavy and have poor weight balance.
However, the "SOINIC R1" provides the same feel as poles used on groomed slopes.

There are actually very few poles that use carbon shafts on both the upper and lower sections, but the sonic R1 has carbon shafts on both the upper and lower sections. As a result, the shock absorption performance when planting the poles is outstanding. Minimizing the amount of paint used is also an important point in striving to reduce weight. The

specially shaped powder ring may also be a factor in the feeling of lightness, as it reduces material resistance and air resistance!　
These poles are highly recommended for skiers who use pole work to time their turns.