Skimo poles🥢 - MTBIKER.shop

Skimo poles, also known as back country ski poles, are essential equipment for skiers who enjoy off-piste skiing. These poles are specifically designed to provide stability, balance, and support when climbing and descending in a variety of terrain.

What are the basic types of skimo poles?

There are three main types of skimo poles: folding poles, telescopic poles, and fixed poles. Each type has its own advantages and aspects depending on the skier's preferences and intended use.

Folding poles: Folding poles are designed for maximum portability and compactness. They usually consist of several parts that can be folded into smaller sizes for easy storage and transport. These poles are ideal for skiers who prefer lightweight equipment and need to minimize the space their equipment takes up. Folding poles fold and unfold quickly, making them suitable for ski mountaineering. However, they can be less robust and strong compared to telescopic or fixed poles.
Telescopic poles: Telescopic poles have an adjustable length, allowing skiers to adjust the height of the pole to their preference or the terrain they are tackling. They are typically made up of two or three sections that can be extended or retracted and secured with a locking mechanism. Telescopic poles offer versatility and adaptability, making them suitable for skiers who want the flexibility to adjust the height of their poles.
Fixed poles: Fixed poles, as the name suggests, have a fixed length and are not adjustable. These poles are generally the lightest and most durable option among the three types. They offer reliable and consistent support during use and are especially preferred by downhill skiers who value simplicity, weight reduction, and maximum durability. Fixed poles are also less prone to mechanical failure because they have no moving parts. However, skiers need to choose the right length of poles before purchasing, as fixed poles do not offer the option of adjustment.

How to choose the right type of poles?

There are several factors to consider when choosing the type of ski poles:

Use: Consider the type of skiing you will primarily do. If you plan to ski primarily on groomed slopes or in resorts, fixed poles may be sufficient. If you anticipate skiing in a variety of terrain, including back country or off-piste freeride skiing, telescopic or folding poles may provide greater versatility and better usability.
Weight: If weight is important to you, folding poles are usually the lightest option, followed by telescopic poles. Fixed poles tend to be the lightest overall, but lack adjustability.
Packability: If you plan on travelling or covering long distances to reach your ski destination, folding poles are the most compact and convenient to pack. Telescopic poles are also relatively easy to pack, but they can take up more space due to their adjustable parts. Fixed poles are generally the least packable due to their fixed length.
Adjustability: Consider whether you prefer the ability to adjust the length of your pole. Telescopic poles offer the most adjustment options, allowing you to adapt to different terrain or personal preferences. Folding poles have a fixed length but can be folded for storage. Fixed poles don’t offer adjustability, so make sure you choose the right length before purchasing.
Durability: Folding poles can have more moving parts, making them potentially less durable than telescopic or fixed poles. However, advances in design in recent years have improved the durability of folding poles. Telescopic and fixed poles, on the other hand, are generally more robust and less prone to mechanical failure.