Choosing the Correct Length of Classic Cross-Country Ski Poles and Pole Options for Backcountry Use
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- čas přidán 30. 03. 2021
- In this video, I describe how to choose the correct length of cross-country ski pole for use when classic xc skiing. Also, I discuss the way in which I choose xc ski poles for use when xc skiing in the backcountry, off-trail, and off-track. Essentially, my selection is based on the condition of the snow and how it will affect classic cross-country ski technique (aka diagonal striding).
If it's firm snow, I'll use a fixed length (appropriate for my height), aluminum classic cross-country ski pole with a wider (than track ski pole) basket. For snow deeper than four inches, I'll use a collapsible, aluminum ski pole with a full basket so that I can shorten them in order to enable me to pole naturally when diagonal striding. For example, you'll be dragging normal length classic xc ski poles in deep snow.
One other note is that although I use collapsible ski poles in deeper snow, my priority is to be able to diagonal stride not to be able to make one pole longer for the downhill side and one shorter for the uphill side on a traverse, for example. So, that's the short answer. For a more in-depth look at this topic, watch the video!
Also note that I don't do traditional gear reviews. So, you won't find me endorsing or promoting specific brands or manufacturers of ski poles. I prefer to simply offer my thoughts and approaches, as well as the principles by which I make backcountry decisions so that you can then decide for yourself what the best option will be for you.
In this video was running Fischer Spider 62mm skis with NNN bindings and a pair of Fischer XC Control boots.
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Please note that I produced my series of articles and videos tagged “Cross-Country Skiing Explained” with the beginner or intermediate cross-country skier in mind. Therefore, I don’t intend to address racing-oriented philosophy, technique, or gear selection.
Classic Cross-Country Ski Components:
Introduction to Classic Cross-Country Skis (Part 1)
tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...
Geometry of Classic Cross-Country Skis (Part 2)
tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...
The Grip Zone of Classic Cross-Country Skis (Part 3)
tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...
Types of Bindings for Classic Cross-Country Skiing (Part 4)
tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...
Ski Boots for Classic Cross-Country Skiing (Part 5)
tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...
Classic Cross-Country Ski Poles (Part 6)
tahoetrailguide.com/cross-cou...
FAQs about Classic Cross-Country Skiing
tahoetrailguide.com/faqs-abou...
Waxing Your “Waxless” Cross-Country Skis (for beginner and intermediate xc skiers):
Introduction to Waxing Your Waxless XC Skis
tahoetrailguide.com/waxing-yo...
Step-by-Step Waxing Tutorial
tahoetrailguide.com/waxing-yo...
FAQs About Waxing Your Waxless XC Skis
tahoetrailguide.com/faqs-abou...
Considerations for buying cross-country ski gear (new and beginner xc skiers):
Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 1)
tahoetrailguide.com/buying-cr...
I've produced this collection of articles and videos about backcountry travel and exploration with the beginner and intermediate adventurer in mind. This is the demographic for whom I most often served while working in the Lake Tahoe outdoor recreation industry. In essence, these informational projects I create and publish are extensions of the many conversations we've had over the years.
Please note that, although I encourage you to venture out of your comfort zone, you need to know your limits and when to turn back. Tahoe Trail Guide and its contributors are not liable for property loss or damage, personal injury, or death. Always consult multiple sources when venturing into the backcountry. Always be prepared for the worst case scenario. Your safety is your responsibility.
Copyright © 2021 Jared Manninen
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During covid winter, it was hard to find ANY equipment for sale, let alone in the proper size. I needed new poles in 140-145 cm, and ended up with 150. I do classic skiing mostly on groomed trails. I have VERY long arms, which might make a difference in the length equation? But They are definitely too long. I made the adjustment of raising arms a wee bit more in the front, and consciously angling the pole a bit more. I got very used to this. BUT what do you think of cutting the poles down in length? I dont race, just pleasure ski, so if the physics of the pole are slightly compromised, i am not terribly concerned. Thanks for your videos!
Hey Elise,
Thanks so much for watching, and for the comment/question :)
Finding gear was definitely a challenge for most people this season. Frustrating to see so many people wanting to get into xc skiing, but having a challenge just acquiring appropriately sized gear. As far as modifying your technique, I applaud your efforts. But, I'd definitely recommend trying to get the right length. I've use 140cm poles for years, but I'll occasionally try some 145cms just to change things up. Consistently, though, I get annoyed at that slightly longer pole because it doesn't allow me to naturally swing my arms for diagonal striding.
Another option for those longer poles would be to use them for skate skiing (if you ever plan to do that in the future). Often the length of a skate ski pole is about 10cm longer than those for classic skiing (or as tall as your chin-nose). I use 150cm for skate skiing. So, before you decide to cut your current poles down you may want to consider that option.
But you're question about cutting down ski poles to make them more appropriately sized for your classic skiing technique is a good one. Yes, it's totally possible to cut them down to size. And, realistically, it's a pretty standard practice in the cross-country skiing world (and not just for racing). At the xc ski resort that I work at, I have (or, in many cases, helped a co-worker) cut down a set of poles just about every week this season.
The process is generally pretty simple, but not necessarily easy depending one what type of pole you're working with. You may or may not want to do this yourself, but below is the process in a nutshell to give you (and anyone else who may have the same question) an idea of what you're in for:
1) Determine how many centimeters you want to cut off.
2) Remove the ski pole handle, either being super careful with a heat gun or by wrapping the handle in a durable plastic bag and submerging it into a pot of boiled water (just long enough to let the glue that holds the handle on the pole to soften). This is, by the way, the most challenging step especially if you're dealing with carbon fiber poles with cork handles (super finicky and easily susceptible to damage). Aluminum poles with plastic or rubber handles are the easiest to cut to length and the most forgiving.
3) After removing the handle, measure the appropriate length to cut, and then use a hacksaw to cut the length of ski pole that you want removed. Then, smooth out that rough edge with some sandpaper.
4) Heat up the end of a basic glue stick with a heat gun and apply a few swipes of that glue on the length of the ski pole on which the handle will rest.
5) Once the glue is on the ski pole, heat the glue up a bit more with a heat gun (so that it can act as a lubricant to slide the handle back onto the pole.
6) Make any necessary alignment adjustments to the ski pole handle immediately after putting the handle on the pole.
If you don't want to attempt this process yourself, try to find a local xc ski shop that can. Again, it's a relatively common practice for most ski shops.
Not sure how much all the helps, but that's my two cents :)
Again, thanks for the watching. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Nice video Jared! I'm new to cross country skiing and the information is helpful. Thanks for the content!!
You're welcome, Sharon 🤗 Thanks for tuning in, and for the kind words! Let me know if you ever have any questions.
Thanks for the video, just started XC after 60+ years of Alpine! Been using my downhill poles until I had a better understanding for XC, you nailed it! See you sometime in Paige Meadow’s😎
Thanks so much for the kind words, Kent!
I imagine it's a bit of a seismic shift going from alpine to cross-country, but I'm glad you're giving it a go! Yeah, and the ski poles are a bit taller. haha :)
Let me know if you ever have any questions. And, at some time, I'll hopefully make it up to Paige Meadows to do some xc skiing!
Cross Country skiing is the best!
Agreed! Thanks for watching :)
Where’s a good place to get ski poles. I ski a mix of woods and fiends but snow is typically deep and light.
Thanks for watching, and for the question!
Realistically, you should be able to get backcountry-related ski poles from any major outfitter. REI obviously comes to mind. But Gear West, out of Minnesota specializes in cross-country ski gear and they most likely would offer a decent selection from which to choose. They have a big online presence.
Some brands you might want to consider are Leki, Black Diamond, and Backcountry Access. The BCA Scepter pole that I'm using in this video is technically a backcountry alpine ski pole, but it works really good in deeper snow for cross-country skiing. So, anything like that seems suitable for your intended use of deeper and lighter snow. A full or really wide basket will prevent the tips from plunging too far into the snow with each pole plant.
Anyway, not sure how much that helps so let me know if you have any other questions :)
I’m 6’1 and wished they made 140-170mm poles… and made them burlier. Keep bending my Black Diamonds.
Hey Louis,
Thanks so much for tuning in, and for posting the comment :) I appreciate it!
I'm pretty short and don't use such long poles, but I totally understand your frustration. At the xc ski rental shop that I work at each winter, it's always hard to keep longer xc ski poles. And, it it's definitely hard to buy them. I know they sell them up to about 175cm because we have a handful of them in those sizes (for tall skate skiers), but it's not easy to find them. And, they're usually a composite pole versus an aluminum pole, which I feel tends to be a little more durable.
Then, if you're looking for a collapsible ski pole for backcountry use, good luck. I don't think I've ever seen them longer than 145cm. Seems like they should be able to produce something that telescopes out to at least 170cm. I suspect that the problem lies in the fact that most backcountry ski poles are designed for backcountry downhilling (where they use shorter poles than xc skiing).
Anyway, thanks again for watching. And let me know if you have any success finding some longer and more robust xc ski poles!
@@JaredManninen black diamond makes 155 collapsable poles (expedition 2) but since i use them at 155 they easily bend. Pretty good pole otherwise but I do wish it was longer so it would be stiffer at 155. Snowbase is horrible here in Quebec so far, hope its deeper where you are.
@@unkoil451 Nice. Thanks for the info on the Expedition 2. I agree with not wanting to extend the poles out all the way. I usually use 140cm poles when xc skiing and since most of mine extend to 145cm, I tend to use a shorter length (like 135cm) so as not to extend them all the way out and make them weaker.
We definitely have plenty of snow right now. In fact, we just broke a December record at 193.7 inches (on Donner Summit)! Crazy times, especially when Boulder, CO, is currently on fire. If I could I'd send you some of our snow because we have so much of it.
Thanks again for contributing to the conversation :)
What day we at???85..86..
Haha! Hey Darin :) Actually this was only day 83. I spent Monday birding and today editing. But I'll be getting day 84 tomorrow. Gonna do a slightly longer backcountry tour with some friends. Then, I'll be back up at the xc ski resort for the weekend so I'll be able to log at least three more days ;)
Go get at it, brother....pulling for ya on the East coast👍🏻🏔🎿
@@dronk311 Awesome! I am feeling pretty confident. When I was out on Tuesday I was actually really surprised at how much snow was still in locations that I would've assumed was melted. Keeping the dream alive!