The best cross-country ski poles in 2020 and how to choose them

Cross-country skiing is a sporty element that requires an important addition. The review provides popular models of sticks for them. What features do they have? What is the purpose of certain types of sticks? Details are below.

Tips for choosing

Mistakes made when choosing poles for the main ski equipment lead to uncomfortable skiing and quick breakdown of the supporting elements. In order to avoid such an incident, especially for beginners who decide to go skiing, it is worth possessing basic information on this topic.

First of all, you need to pay attention to the ski structure and its purpose. What is it capable of and for which tracks is it better to use it? Therefore, all cross-country skis are divided into the following types:

• "Racing" - racing. They may be labeled "Racing PRO". Used on specialized tracks by athletes (amateurs) who ride at high speeds.

• "Active", "Fitness" - amateur or walking. As a rule, this is the most budget-friendly option for riding in the park.

• "Back Country" - tourist. They are used for driving on loose snow: moving without a track or ski track, off-road. The main consumer audience: hunters, fishermen, tourists.

Tip 1. For classic skating, the emphasis is on the ratio of the length of the poles and the height of the person: the lanyard should be in line with the shoulder;

Tip 2. For people with a small body weight, it is better to use sticks made of (glass-) carbon fiber;

Tip 3. For skiing in cold weather, a cork handle is best;

Tip 4. How to choose support elements for skating? When choosing poles for this type of skiing, the lanyard and chin (or lower lip) should be at the same level.

The selection criteria for supports, in relation to height, has a ratio (in centimeters) to the move according to this plan: size-classic-ridge
150-155	from 120 to 135	130-135
160-165	from 130 to 140	140-150
170-175	from 140 to 150	150-160
180-185	from 150 to 160	160-170
190-195	from 160 to 165	170-175

List of the best stick models

The review is provided with a rating of quality support elements for cross-country skiing. Here are collected the best and most inexpensive, according to customer reviews, sticks, which are distinguished by their reliability and ease of use. Every year, various manufacturers pay attention to improving the quality of goods, replenishing the shelves in the sales market with new models.

Adult sticks

In order to pick up ski poles, you need skill and knowledge of the basic functionality of the product. Various brands with their detailed descriptions are offered to your attention, making it easy to draw a conclusion. The positive and negative aspects of each individual product are based on customer reviews and based on the main indicators of sticks.

"STC Skate 9272"

For what: classic walking, for skating.

For whom: novice athletes, tourists, outdoor enthusiasts.

Sports poles have a combined composition that gives them lightness and strength. Thanks to a special alloy, they can hold heavy loads and fire instantly when pushed. The handle has a classic lanyard with fixation for active hand work, which allows you not to lose the stick. Pointed tip helps maintain stability on icy road surfaces.

Specifications
Manufacturer:	"Birki"
Material:	plastic + carbon
Colour:	orange-black-white
Size (in cm.):	length - 140-170, step - 5, diameter - 1.7
Other indicators:	support element - OG-09, handle - RG-26 for two components, racing lanyard - RP-02
average price	1200 rubles

• Cheap;
• Lightweight;
• Durable;
• Unisex;
• Ergonomic handles;
• Attractive design;
• They shoot great.

• Inconvenient lanyards;
• Traps break with time;
• Brittleness around the foot.

Berger Forester 67-135

Purpose: Nordic walking.

Sticks are available in several colors (about 5 types), which allows you to choose colors for both male and female genders. The lanyard strap is changed thanks to the detachable handle mechanism. The telescopic system is designed to move the poles apart, so they are easy to store and transport. Plastic clamps are resistant to temperature fluctuations, due to which the product can be used all year round.

Specifications
Brand:	"Berger".
Parameters (in centimeters):	length - 135, adjustment from 67, outer diameter - 1.8, and inner diameter - 1.5.
Weight	310 g
Number of sections	3
Material:	handles - cork and polypropylene, sticks - aluminum alloy, tip - rubber
Addition:	the strap is not removable, but adjustable
By price	1100 rubles

• Choice of colors;
• Cost;
• Not heavy;
• Folding;
• Possibility to use all year round;
• Detachable strap.

• Alloy.

"SWIX Quantum Three"

Type: racing.

Where to ride: on the track or off-road.

The presented model is a novelty, as it appeared in development quite recently, and winter skiing fans will be able to fully test them in business next year. Sticks are ideal for professionals.

Construction: sticks, handle without lanyards, paws.

Specifications
Brand name	"SWIX".
For whom:	unisex
Working moments:	balancing, stiffness and weight
Numerical parameters (in cm):	shaft diameter - 1.6 and 1, size - 170, 172.5 and 175, assembled length - 155, rigidity - 3
Net weight	170 g
Strength	more than 70 kPa
Material:	shaft - carbon, handle - cork
The cost	10,000 rubles

• The presence of a system of quickly changing feet;
• For any gender;
• There is an adjustment;
• Durable;
• New;
• Using.

• Cost price;
• Supplied without lanyards.

"SONATA"

For whom: beginner skiers, tourists, amateurs.

For what: park skiing.

The material of the sticks is quite light and tough. The plastic handle contains a lanyard, thanks to which the sticks are attached to the hand. The directional shape of the legs prevents sinking in the snow.

Specifications
Manufacturer:	STC
Profile:	100% fiberglass
Parameters (in centimeters):	oscillation in length from 100 to 155 with a step of 5, diameter - 1.6 and 1
Weight	0.35 kg
Average cost	580 rubles

• Super lightweight;
• Convenient handle shape;
• Reliable and durable;
• Use by a large category;
• Budgetary.

• Not found.

"Nordway Race Skate Carbone"

Application: for the classic move.

The stylish design of the model suits any skier's outfit. The material of the handles ensures less freezing and resistance to icy sections of the track.

Specifications
Preparation level:	expert
Sex characteristic:	unisex
Manufacturer:	"Nordway".
Rostovka (in cm):	140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165,170; diameter - 1.7 and 0.9
Composite material:	shaft - carbon, tip - steel, handle - polypropylene + cork.
Price	2300 rubles

• Decent price;
• Lungs;
• Durable;
• Carbon quality;
• Inert;
• Appearance;
• Moderately tough.

• It is better to replace paws and lanyards immediately;
• Cannot withstand heavy loads.

"Nordic Walking Black"

Designed for Nordic walking.

To: For beginners and semi-professionals.

Telescopic ski elements in a pleasant design. Strong enough and hardy. Suitable for the main category of users.

Specifications
Manufacturing company	"Kaiser Sport"
Numeric parameters	height adjustment - from 82 to 137 cm
Weight (in grams):	one stick - 225, complete set - 550
Stick raw material:	aluminum 6061 (aviation), tip - hard alloy (steel), lanyard - semi-glove, handle - with added cork
Addition:	asphalt nozzles and rings 2 pcs each; locking system of the section on the collet principle
average cost	1900 rubles

• Fast adjustment;
• Additional items;
• Well transported;
• Reliable fixation;
• Good adhesion to the surface;
• The handle does not slip;
• For all ages (young, old).

• For people of small stature;
• Limited service life.

"Turlan"

For what: ski tourism, walking, hunting and fishing.

To: for adults.

You can shorten the sticks by cutting the rod, which is made of duralumin material - grade d16t.

Specifications
Manufacturer country:	Belarus
Sex characteristic:	unisex
Material	rod - aluminum, handles - plastic
Rostovka	150 cm
Weight	600 g
Additionally:	1 month warranty
Amount	1400 rubles

• Price;
• Guarantee;
• For all;
• Strength;
• Application;
• Length trimming capability.

• Weight;
• Not long term of the warranty card;
• Handle material.

"Sportlife Larsen"

Need: for cross-country skiing.

To: for professionals, amateurs.

Specifications
Manufacturer	Russia
Brand name	"Larsen"
Sex trait	unisex
Height indicators (in centimeters):	130-165, step 5
Diameter (in mm):	top - 17, bottom - 10
Net weight	400 g
Support elements composition:	shaft - fiberglass, metal tip, polyurethane handle, lanyard
Warranty card	for a period of 1 year
Color spectrum:	black, white and red
Price	500 rubles

• Modern;
• Distinctive strength;
• Very cheap;
• Positive reviews prevail;
• Palette;
• Everyone;
• For different heights;
• Design.

• Not identified.

Larsen Team

To: for beginners.

Purpose: for walking.

Features: unusual modern design.

Specifications
Brand manufacturer:	"Larsen"
Support diameter (in millimeters):	from top to bottom - 16 and 10
Size in cm:	from 100 to 170
Chemical composition:	coating - powder enamel, plastic support, fabric - aluminum alloy, racing lanyard ("trap" design), handle - synthetic cork + polypropylene
Average cost of supporting elements	800 rubles

• Lightweight;
• Hard;
• Universal;
• For any height;
• Budgetary;
• Appearance.

• Cheap plastic;
• Bend at the slightest load.

Baby sticks

The assortment for this category of users is not so large in comparison with adults, but there is plenty to choose from. According to customers, the following brands are the best child support systems.

"Sport MAXIM Ski Racer"

To: amateurs.

What for: skiing, most often, for off-piste skiing

Available in several colors (blue, red, yellow), which will allow the model to be used for any gender. The feet are frost-resistant, made from an excellent alloy that does not allow snow to stick to them. This support is considered the cheapest option to purchase.

Specifications
Provider:	Russia
Rostovka:	140-165 cm
Details:	nylon handles and tape, loop lanyard, fiberglass shaft
average price	330 rubles

• Affordable;
• Various palette of colors;
• Low weight;
• Ribbon adjustment;
• Durable;
• Universal;
• Safe to drop.

• High thermal conductivity of the handles;
• Not for heavy loads;
• Narrow specialization.

"Nordway Active Jr"

Purpose: Ideal for Nordic walking.

To: children under a certain age.

The poles, due to the kind of material, ensure ride comfort.

Technical capabilities
Provider:	"Nordway"
Preparation level:	for beginners
Size in cm:	100-125
Diameter:	16 and 8.7 mm
Support elements:	fiberglass rod, steel tip, plastic handles
Amount	390 rubles

• Convenient holders;
• Support weight;
• Beautiful;
• Strong;
• One year warranty;
• Great price;
• The children are happy.

• Brittle (they can break if accidentally hit).

"Karjala Touring Country Al"

Purpose: for active skiing.

To: for everyone.

Features: The sticks are corrosion resistant.

Specifications
Provider:	RF
Brand:	"Karjala"
Parameters (in cm):	length - 125, height - 155, product packaging (in mm): depth and width - 20, height - 1250
Unpacked weight:	300 g
What the support rods are made of:	aluminum alloy
Price	730 rubles

• Long service life;
• Comfortable straps and racing pads;
• Cost price;
• Everyone;
• Light weight;
• Convenient on the slopes.

• Material.

"Madshus CT90 JR"

For what: walks.

Target audience: beginners.

The model has an ergonomic handle and an adjustable strap, which provide comfort and convenience during operation. The model is a novelty for this and upcoming season.

Specifications
Manufacturer:	"Madshus License"
For what height:	100-125 cm in 5 steps
Tube diameter (in mm):	16 and 9
Material	shaft - strong fiberglass, plastic - handle, steel - tip
Guarantee period	1 year
Support price	900 rubles

• Design;
• For all;
• The strength of the sticks;
• Ergonomics;
• Warranty time frame;
• There is everything you need to ensure safety.

• Expensive.

"Tornado Junior Clip"

Model type: racing, biathlon.

For whom: juniors.

This support is one of the novelties of this and next ski season. It has a narrow specialization and is distinguished by its high cost. Due to the special positioning of the lanyard (at an angle), it provides an instant return of the poles to the hand.

Main characteristics
Country:	Switzerland
Manufacturer:	"KV +"
Rod weight:	82-84 g / m, diameter - 16.5 / 10 mm
For growth:	125-150 cm
Floor:	unisex
The constituent elements and their matter:	handles - cork, tip - steel, shaft - fiberglass and carbon
average cost	4200 rubles

• Strong sticks;
• Stylish;
• Effective repulsion;
• Lanyard location;
• Lightweight;
• Warranty card;
• Quick release of the stick.

• Price;
• Not for all.

Output

The popularity of models depends on many factors, one of which is the service life, the reliability and strength of the structure, the purpose and technical aspects of the ski poles.

The functionality of the models is diverse, but there are some similarities. The most important differences are the use in conjunction with ski equipment, the materials of the supporting structures and the cost.

The presented ski pole review was selected according to the following criteria: affordable price, customer reviews and technical characteristics.

The best manufacturers of ski poles are indicated in the description of the model parameters, from which we can conclude that the list of companies is huge and it is difficult to judge which models are good, since everything is learned in comparison and operation, and for this you need to analyze a large number of pairs of poles from different companies.

When asked which brand of stick is better to buy? The answer can be based on personal experience. A more simplified option is to view reviews for a particular model and analyze reviews.

What are the best models to buy? The most common poles are those made of durable metal (steel) and with a height adjustment function. How much does such a support structure cost? Prices start from 1000 rubles and more. They are actively used for long journeys.

Folding poles are convenient to take on various trips, as they take up a small area and are easy to transport.

The most economical option is aluminum alloy poles, but they are not effective for heavy loads.