Your Ski Poles Are Too Long! A Deep Dive In Pole Planting and Technique
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- Опубликовано: 28 сен 2024
- You may not be aware that your ski poles are too long unless you are a beginner or ski racer. Find out why your current ski pole length is probably too long and why going shorter could help enhance your technique and style. Paul Lorenz and Tom Gellie help illuminate this topic that will have you skiing away with tips, know how and reasoning for choosing and using your ski poles.
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I started on 125 cm poles. Then changed to 120 cms. I'm now questioning whether even the 120s are a little too long for me. I may hire some 115s this weekend to test out. A great and informative video!
Fun interactions and agreement. One thing that might be mentioned that fits with what you were saying with respect to the arm position is that the shoulders need to be dropped so that the neck is longer. Once the shoulders are dropped, the tension comes out to enable a smooth and more natural pole touch or plant.
Best ski poles video ever!!!!!!! Thanks Tom and Pauli!!!!
I use 115 cm poles, though everyone tells me too short I don't pay attention, as far as it is convenient for me. Now I'm even more confident this is my pole length. Thanks for the video, very useful!
I can’t believe I just watched a 50 minute video on poles. Great video and heading over to look at Paul’s adjustable poles.
Glad it was helpful!
I'm so glad you tackle this subject Thom. I see so many skiers with too long of a pole. And I often tell equipment sellers to change the way they evaluate the pole lenght customers need. One ski shop where they know me have started to implement this but the other ones just look at me like "screw this know it all jackass" 😂 and its fair 😅
Aside than this, loved the discussion. There is definitely more nuance than I tought about this. I was kinda stuck in a mentality that everyone should get shorter poles. Thanks for that.
As a rollerblader I have had to come up with some wild alternatives to poles and something way less effeminate from figure skating arm extensions. I think we can have a very interesting conversation Tom.
Why does it matter if it looks effeminate ? 😂 its all in your head
because it doesn't fit or represent the look of the sport I am trying to explore/create. Its taking the base body mechanics from one sport/genre and adapting the movement style to fit a more aggressive sporty downhill ski/skate/blading style. @@simongloutnez589
I can't believe I just watched 50 minutes on ski poles and still wanted more. Boy did I learn a lot, thanks guys
Haha cool hey! Paul has such a depth of knowledge on skiing technique it’s hard not to want to hear more.
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Don't be shy about promoting your product, it's cool!
I agree! It’s a great product that genuinely is helpful
Just reached 7:57 in the video and you're echoing exactly what I said in my previous comment. I'll add that I've tried adjustable poles and I didn't really care for the feel. They always felt a bit flimsy to me (at least the ones I've tried) but I do like the idea of having different poles for different terrain. In steeps it could definitely be helpful to have that extra couple inches to get to that platform a split second earlier. Or in park having shorter poles, although I'm of the camp that thinks no poles are best in order to save your thumbs.
I agree that for some turn types, shorter poles are better. But you could have told the essential matters in 10 minutes max. A 50--minute video on just the pole length is far too long for me.
Interesting subject that drew my attention but editing in some visual references and skiing footage versus watching a podcast would have held my focus.
As far as hand position I like to imagine I'm jump from rock to rock down a stream. The hands need to be in front and to the side and used to make small balance adjustment.
Great video guys. As an intermediate/advanced skier a lot of your comments resonated with me. At 182cm, I have always used 125cm poles. This season, my instructor in Avoriaz suggested trying 120cm poles. The difference was incredible where I started to "work" into the turns and it transformed me from being a lazy skier (passenger) to an active skier (driver). The pole drag as you described it should be taught as standard - it has helped me tremendously on steeps and moguls where my balance was questionable.
Love my black diamond viper green poles ! I can change length if I hike or Mogul or just everyday ski run
I am considering using my Black Diamond poles too…. I suppose it doesn’t matter if they can be used for both hiking and skiing….
I discovered this issue last season. The instructor told me my stocks were too long. Trying to do moguls was not helped with my longer stocks.
That’s right
Started using a pole last year that was 3 quarters of inch shorter and liked it. Now I'm curious if I could go another half inch. Great video
That’s what’s nice about the adjustable. I change mine depending on snow and turn types as well
Thanks for this, very interesting. How do steeps affect what you do with your pole length?
I wonder if the friction mechanism will make it impossible to adjust while on the hill because of how tight they can get?
Tom, are Paul’s Play snowsports ski poles manufactured by Komperdell? //Marshall
i had leki twist lock poles that could slacken off and need tightening up sometimes,sometimes having to take it fully apart and adjust the screw.they needed lubrication at least every season,i forgot one time and they seized up..i much prefer leki snap locks...if i'm not hiking i like lightweight carbon fibre for easy flicking fwd with just the wrist.boatrowing style is the way
you have to be a boatrower telemark
i had very very quiet arms .
I've been telling skiers there poles were too long for the last 40 years!
Hey Gellie, as if you have EVER used those old Vokle straight skiis, you started on short, shaped skiis you Nancy boy. Take those skis out for a rip and show us how you carve those turns. Girlie man Gellie on long skis that's a joke.
Thanks Tom! That was really fun and I’m sorry I didn’t have a better microphone 😂 great to see that people found it interesting and useful! Look forward to doing another one again in the future 😊
My poles have an extended grip (Black Crow Oxus) and I found that it allows me to shorten them on the fly when I need (usually moguls), really useful design.
adjustable poles are really handy
Especially in the backcountry.
Brilliant conversation! I learned to ski in Europe and there was quite a bit of emphasis on pole planting. However, I reckon mine are probably too long. They are however very light, which I like (Dynastar, aluminium racing poles).
Only thing I would add to this video... is videos of the dynamics of the turn while he is talking about it. The video at the beginning really said it all in image (bumps and speed groomers). I think for the advancing skier but not yet expert (which really is who this video if for as the expert realizes more what is spoken as they already have felt the quick transition in bumps and low angle with speed) videos with active skiing slow mo would help delineate the use of pole he speaks. Great video and discussion. I agree totally with the conclusions.
I'm 5'10" and love the 44 inch pole on piste. Uphill will require a longer pole for planting and pushing. So an adjustable pole for backcountry. Short for bumps and trees and steeps ....as well as helis and other tricks. Steep terraine also requires short poles as you are inherently closer to the snow.
I bought an adjustable pole after watching one of you two 's video. It helped a lot for me to learn carving. And when i get tired, i make it longer.
So I’ve just got home to Melbourne after a months skiing Beaver Creek, where a week into the trip I said to my brother in law mid run on grouse mountain ‘my ski poles are too long’!
I moved my hold to just under the grip (about 13 cams lower) and it transformed the rest of the bumps run. Suddenly my weight was getting properly forward and the difference was incredible.
And then this shows up on my feed. Was about to look for new poles - problem solved & a set of Plays ordered.
How’s that timing!
Key points from the video:
Using long ski poles is a common mistake many skiers make, especially beginners.
Shorter ski poles are more appropriate for advanced skiers as they allow for a better body position during transitions.
The ideal ski pole length depends on your height, ability level, and skiing style.
Using adjustable ski poles is a good option as it allows you to experiment with different lengths.
Pole planting is a technique used to help with balance and timing during turns. It is not just about timing, but also about helping with the edge change in the transition.
When using adjustable poles, it is important to find the length that allows you to keep your elbows relaxed and your hands slightly outside your elbows.
The speaker recommends not using the "flick" technique for pole planting, as it is less precise and can lead to instability.
Overall, the video emphasizes that using the right length ski poles and proper pole planting technique can significantly improve your skiing experience.
Holy molly. It's been forever since I was suspecting that my ski poles are too big! I basically stopped using them because they got in the way so much in transitions for this reason!
Who talks about ski poles.....seriously?? This was long overdue! Thanks Tom and Pauly for addressing such an important topic. Cheers
我真的觉得雪仗有点长了 怎么办 扔掉呗
Hi Guys, that was really great. I loved hearing about the experimentation journey, pole product development and personal views. That was really great. I think ive been told not to drag my pole before because if you are you it's a sign you are out of balance. Im going to experiment with inside pole dragging again now from a spatial awareness perspective. I suspect i will like it . thanks Rich
Glad this was helpful Rich. Come back once you’ve tried and let us all know what you discover!
Hi Tom, this is Rich , your thredbo ski locker buddy that lives downstairs so to speak . Will be trying to use that inside pole as a feeler . Love your content buddy 😊
@@richardqueenscliff1565ahhh cool! You off overseas to ski?
Yeah 😊Japan in Feb and Italy in March
Been using shorter poles for the last 12 years with the exception of 1 year. I found some really cool, old, 70's scott poles. They were maybe 2 or 3 inches longer but fit the old idea of what a ski pole length should be so I decided to see what they would feel like. I bought new grips and baskets but by the end of the season both my wrists were jacked up. When I would ski moguls fast and aggressively I would occasionally jam my wrists due to extra length. This was 4 seasons ago and my wrists are still kinda messed up. I also noticed I would miss pole plants occasionally. I would go to make a pole plant on a bump, but instead of getting a solid poke plant on the tip on thr bump my pole tip would bump into thr snow a second to early due to thr extra length and it would cause me to get momentarily thrown off. Those poles broke, I bought another pair, chopped them down to what I like and haven't had an issue since. Staff trainers and examiners always say something if your poles are a little shorter though. My level 3 examiner told me I needed to get thr correct length of poles. I passed that exam despite it but he brought it up several times.
I got for a Leki race G poles (those that are curved) for xmas I have a carving level but im not a racer there is any major problem to push me and change it with a normal straight one ? I never ski with such kinda of poles. Thanks
Very well explained , not so many people pay attention on pole length, but actually is so important topic and have big impact on ski stance, I also had same conclusion , I am 183 cm and start with 125 cm ,than I changed to 120..115 at the end few years ago I finished with 115 cm for dynamic carving and shorter for moguls. And inside pole drag also ..like 3rd point in snow contact , give as information about body position and can have impact on balance if we need.....similar like knee drag in motorcycle ride
Great conversation Tom and Paul, a neglected topic that many people play down.
The whole world seems to love over-long poles, based on a perennial rental shop protocol for uninformed staff ( the 90 degree elbow - poles upside down)..
Interesting stuff. I was thinking the pole drag was a bit lazy and ruined the look of your tracks in powder. I was trying not to drag, and it feels odd, and now you have helped explain why. That wee experiment can be put in the cupboard.
Guys, the pole plant initiates the movement of bending down and forward against your boot tongue and as you rise to unweight your skis, you should be able to swing your wrist keeping your lower arm almost parallel to the pitch angle.
I got to use poles to get up when I fall down!
I'm working on my Level 3 and I was advised of this. Improved my mogul skiing
Great video. Bought the poles, joined BPS and signed up for ski camp all because of a video highlighting poles (and the hand drag and look down the mountain videos). If you give poles this much attention....
Welcome aboard!
Great video….Learned a lot here
Thanks for the video. Start spending more time in the bumps last year and quickly discovered that my long ski poles weren’t working. Picked up a pair of adjustable this off season and forgot that they were sitting in my garage. This remained me to break them out and start experimenting with shorter lengths yesterday. I often find myself with my hands at my hips and yesterday with the shorter poles they pretty much stayed out in front with relaxed shoulders without much thought. Now to break the flicking habit and get a firmer grip/plant…
Flicking is not a bad habit; it allows for a relaxed pole swing. You need to grip at the moment of planting the pole. Try a few run without straps and see how relaxed you can be.
Economy of motion . . .
Always good to break down the physiology and kinesiology of body movement.
Pole length and swing weight are critical for flow in my skiing.
Thanks so much for sharing your insight and confirming many of my thoughts !
Thanks for listening !
Thanks for the topic!
Pole planting seems to be
Very underrated
Growing up and leaning mogul skiing, pole planting was essential and has helped me as I am middle aged now and still on the moguls!
Love the idea of where your company has placed the lock on the pole!
Interesting discussion, especially using the pole drag as a spatial awareness cue. I've been experimenting with different lengths on my adjustable touring poles thru the off season (here in UK snowdomes) & find shorter settings great for moguls but really awkward otherwise (because I'm consciously having to move my arm down to pole plant, throwing my balance off). In fact slightly longer lengths seems to work for me (altho' in down unweighted turns I have noticed my hands automatically moving down the long touring grips!).
Switching between alpine and telemark skiing, adjustable poles come in handy.
Great video