Choosing ski poles for the classic move

Skiing brings a lot of fun and health benefits. However, in order to start your favorite activity, you need to properly prepare. Attention should be paid not only to the selection of skis, boots, suits, but also poles, without which skiing is simply impossible.

Ski poles for classic skiing can be made of different materials.

• Fiberglass... Inexpensive inventory, lightweight, but easily bends and breaks. Suitable for walking on special ski trails.

• Carbon... Lightweight material, has good rigidity, strength, and is able to withstand heavy loads. Suitable for both regular walks and for participation in sports training or competitions.

• Aluminum... The budget option is durable, very difficult. The equipment is suitable for riding in places where the track has already been prepared. In other cases, it is recommended to choose lightweight models.

• Composite material with the addition of graphite. The latest technology allows you to create inventory with high strength properties. Such a composition has great wear resistance.

• Titanium... This material has high strength, durability, lightness. It is used to create equipment for professional sports.

There are three types of ski poles.

• Direct... Versatile models are suitable for both beginners and experienced athletes.
• With a bend... Models are only used in sports. They help improve aerodynamics on downhill gradients.
• Telescopic... Models are easily disassembled and assembled. They are most often used by ski tourists on ski tours.

The size of the ski poles must be matched to your height. This helps to maintain balance while riding. If the size is too large, then the load on the arms, shoulders increases, and the legs relax. Hands have to be raised above normal, there is no necessary bend in the elbow. All this affects the correct ride when riding, as well as the entrance to the corner. If the size is small, then there is no load on the muscles of the arms, shoulders. The time for turning when riding is shortened, the support disappears. Excessive bending leads to tension in the lower back, and in the future - to back pain. The balanced work of all muscle groups avoids unnecessary injury, excessive stiffness, and rapid fatigue. The correct size allows you to use the correct riding technique, which is especially important for beginners.

The rules for the selection of poles for cross-country skiing have their own characteristics. For the classic move, the height of the stick is determined by subtracting from 25 to 30 cm from the height of the skier in cm. And the height can also be calculated using the formula by multiplying the coefficient 0.83 by the height. Thus, the acceptable length of a stick is no more than 83% of a person's height. The required indicators are presented in the form of a table, where the appropriate size of ski poles corresponds to a certain height. For example, for a classic with a height of 165 cm, the height of the stick is 136.95 cm, with a height of 175 cm, the height of the stick is 145.25 cm. Rounding of hundredths to whole numbers is allowed.

It is recommended to check the inventory in operation before purchasing. To do this, you need to hold it in your hand at different angles. The stick should be securely held in your hand. The rubberized grip prevents any friction or sliding. It is important to pay attention to any discomfort. The additional components that come with the skis also have their own characteristics. They are easy to replace, but it is more advisable to immediately select the appropriate device.

• Pens... Models differ in the form of execution, material of manufacture. You can find handles made of treated rubber or plastic. Cork-based variants are more commonly found on professional sports poles. They are characterized by high adhesion rates, low thermal conductivity. Modern models are lightweight and comfortable.
• Lanyards... For the manufacture of inventory, natural leather is often used. And also you can find lanyards made of high-strength synthetic fiber. In one case or another, they should be soft, easy to use. Ordinary straps are suitable for skiing. For sports, it is better to choose valves. They grip the wrist tightly, which makes it possible to use sports riding technique. It is recommended to purchase models with the ability to adjust the size.
• Paws... Equipment is required to provide support, hence safety. When skiing on a dedicated track, you can purchase small paws. If you are planning walks in places where there is no track, then it is better to choose a large size.
• Handpieces... There are options in the shape of a cone, as well as in the shape of a point with teeth. Models are made of high strength metal. There are options with galvanized coating. The tips have different weights. They can be changed depending on the desired effect.

It is recommended to purchase sports equipment in specialized stores. Among the manufacturers who have a good reputation for producing quality products are the Austrian company Atomic, the American company Head.