Picking the right ski poles is about finding the right combination of features and construction for your ability, style, and type of terrain. They can help you create a rhythm for the turning, help you move easily across flat sections of runs, and provide an anchor as you climb up the mountain when you’re in the backcountry. You can find what we reviewed and what we think are the Best Ski Poles for 2021-2022 down below.
Safe riding!
Our Top Ski Poles for 2021-2022
The K2 Power Composite Ski Poles are designed to reduce wind drag and overall weight and feature a carbon fibre shaft. It’s reinforced with a triax outer wrap for added strength and stiffness. The poles also debut the AsymmPro™ Grip and Strap combination, the most ergonomic, comfortable and easy to use design seen in poles.
| Sizes | 42 | 44 | 46 | 52 |
|---|---|
| Shaft | 16mm Composite |
| Grip | Performance Rubber |
| Basket | 60mm All-Mountain |
| Tip | Carbide Tip |
| Weight | 7oz |
Powderheadz Rating
The Line Grip Stick Ski Poles are the Pointy Stick for you if you are looking for an ergonomic grip that will fit perfectly in your hands. The Snake Grip is contoured to fit easily into your hands. Made from 6061 high grade aluminum this durable new pole comes with 60mm and 95mm baskets that easily screw on and off for hard snow skiing or tearing up the fresh pow.
| Sizes | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 |
|---|---|
| Shaft | 6061 Aluminum |
| Grip | Contoured Snake Grip |
| Basket | Includes 2 Screwoff™ Baskets |
| Tip | Carbide Tip |
| Weight | 19.2oz to 21.6oz |
Powderheadz Rating
The Salomon X North Ski Poles are strong and lightweight aluminum poles that offers durable weight saving for all types of skiing. The classic graphics should match any pair of skis that Salomon has to offer.
| Sizes | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 | 52 |
|---|---|
| Shaft | Aluminum |
| Grip | Mono Material All-Mountain Grip |
| Basket | All-Mountain Basket (Interchangeable) |
| Tip | Standard Tip |
| Weight | 3.2 oz |
Powderheadz Rating
The Black Diamond Razor Carbon Pro Ski Poles are the go-to Ski Poles for any Back Country Rider. It combines a durable upper Aluminum Alloy shaft with a low-weight lower Carbon Fiber shaft and an adjustable FlickLock Pro to adjust the height of the sticks when your navigating through deep pow. The SwitchRelease tech in the wrist strap allows for a quick exit if the poles get stuck in the trees.
| Sizes | 42 – 50 | 46 – 54 |
|---|---|
| Shaft | Aluminum Alloy / Carbon Fiber |
| Grip | Touring Grip |
| Basket | Standard Basket |
| Tip | Ice Tip |
| Weight | 21oz |
Powderheadz Rating
The Atomic AMT SQS Ski Poles features an 18mm aluminum shaft plus ergonomic AMT grips, wide straps, and piste baskets. They are built for the all-mountain skier that takes its to all areas of the resort. Build a kicker, rip a groomer, or glide through some trees, and loop into the Atomic AMT SQS Ski Poles for a good responsive ride.
| Sizes | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 |
|---|---|
| Shaft | 5* Carbon Pole Technology |
| Grip | Ergonomic AMT Grip (2K) |
| Basket | 60mm Piste Basket (2K) |
| Tip | Carbide Tip |
| Weight | 15.7oz |
Powderheadz Rating
The Leki Spark S Ski Poles have been specifically designed to perform for aggressive skiers. The Leki Spark S Ski Poles are made of super-light, high-strength aluminum alloys and a well thought-out Trigger S system that integrates the glove into the grip. You can use traditional gloves as well with the included straps.
| Sizes | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 | 52 | 54 |
|---|---|
| Shaft | Aluminum TS 5.0 |
| Grip | Trigger S Grip |
| Basket | Standard Basket |
| Tip | Ice Tip |
| Weight | 9oz |
Powderheadz Rating
And there you have it! Our current list for the Best Ski Poles of the 2021-2022 Season. There are literally hundreds of ski poles out there and finding the right pair can be a challenge, so hopefully you agree with out choices. Do you think a certain pair of ski poles deserves a spot on our Top Rated Ski Poles list? Let us know? Email us at info (at) powderheadz.com and we will do our best to give it a thorough testing! Need more tips? Look below for a thorough guide on how to determine which pair of ski poles is right for you.
As always, happy riding!
How-To: Buy the Best Ski Poles
Good Ski Poles should be strong enough to plant your turns, light enough so your arms don’t get tired, and flexible enough to withstand any crashes. For beginners, any ski pole will do. But for the more experienced, you may want to splurge a little on poles that have a better strength-to-weight ratio.
Ski Pole Parts:
Grips – Deciding on the type of grip usually depends on your preference and how well it fits in your hand. The most common grip materials are plastic and rubber because neither absorb moisture. Rubber is usually more comfortable and some poles have dual-density foam inside for increased comfort. Higher end models will sometimes have a choke on the ski poles to help hike up steep sections.
Straps – Ski pole straps are usually made with a basic nylon webbing and are designed to keep the poles wrapped around your hands. You really only need to worry about your straps is if they can’t fit around your ski gloves and wrists. Your best bet is to find a pole that has adjustable straps.
Baskets – The plastic, circular baskets are designed to prevent your ski poles from sinking too deep into the snow when you are planting them. Most downhill poles come with standard or “groomer” baskets and are smaller in diameter. Backcountry ski poles will tend to have larger diameter baskets. The circumference of these baskets are usually between 3.5 to 4 inches.
Ski Pole Shaft Materials:
Aluminum – a majority of ski poles have some aluminum in them because they are super cheap to make. They’re also more malleable than carbon and fiberglass and can sometimes be bent back into shape if you crash. More expensive and higher grade aluminum will have a greater strength to weight ratio which will help increase its longevity.
Carbon Fiber – These high-end performance ski poles are lightweight and have a natural flex under pressure in contrast to aluminum. However, if you bend it too much, they will eventually snap. These poles are usually not for those who ski aggressively in the terrain park or off cliff jumps.
Fiberglass – These ski poles are similar to carbon fiber poles but trades low durability with low cost. They have a certain amount of flex to them but will eventually snap. This material is best when blended with aluminum to reduce weight and increase durability.
Skier Profile:
You should decide which type of ski pole to purchase based on the type of skiing you plan on doing:
Beginner to Intermediate Groomers – Fixed length basic aluminum with standard baskets
Advanced to Expert Groomers – Fixed length durable aluminum/carbon fiber with standard baskets
Backcountry – Adjustable Lightweight Carbon Fiber with powder baskets
Terrain Park – Shorter length high-strength aluminum with standard baskets.
This is our current list of Best Ski Poles for the 2021-2022 Season. However, there are tons of Ski Poles out there and we will be updating this list often with the most current information. Think we missed a pair of Ski Poles and that there’s one that deserves a spot on the Best Ski Poles List? Let us know! E-mail us at info (at) powderheadz.com.
As always, happy riding!
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