The best cross country ski poles in 2022 and how to choose them

Cross-country skiing is a sporting 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? Detailed information is provided below.

Selection Tips

Mistakes made when choosing poles for the main ski equipment lead to uncomfortable skiing and a quick breakdown of the supporting elements. To avoid such an incident, especially for beginners who decide to go skiing, it is worth having 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? 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 pleasure. As a rule, this is the most budget option designed for riding in the park.

• "Back Country" - tourist. Used for driving on loose snow: movement without a track or ski track, off-road. The main audience of consumers: hunters, fishermen, tourists.

Tip 1. For classic skating, the emphasis is on the ratio of the length of the sticks and the height of a person: the lanyard outlet 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 cold weather riding, a cork handle is best;

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

The criteria for choosing supports, relative to height, has a ratio (in centimeters) to the course according to such a 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 provides a rating of quality supporting elements for cross-country skiing. Here are collected the best and most inexpensive, according to customer reviews, sticks that are reliable and easy to use.Every year, various manufacturers pay attention to improving the quality of goods, replenishing the shelves on the sales market with new models.

adult sticks

In order to pick up ski poles, you need skill and knowledge of the main functionality of the product. Attention is offered to various brands with their detailed description, 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: beginner athletes, tourists, outdoor enthusiasts.

Sports sticks have a combined composition that gives them lightness and strength. Thanks to a special alloy, they hold heavy loads and instantly shoot when pushed. The handle has a classic lanyard with fixation for active work with hands, which allows you not to lose sticks. The pointed tip helps maintain stability on icy roads.

Characteristics
Manufacturer:	"Birki"
Material:	plastic + carbon
Color:	orange-black-white
Size (in cm):	length - 140-170, pitch - 5, diameter - 1.7
Other indicators:	supporting 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.

• Uncomfortable lanyards;
• Traps break with time;
• Fragility around the paw.

Berger Forester 67-135

Purpose: Nordic walking.

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

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

• Choice of colors;
• Price;
• Not heavy;
• Folding;
• Ability to use all year round;
• Removable 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 fans of winter skiing will be able to fully test them in the future next year. Sticks are ideal for professionals.

Design: sticks, handle without lanyards, paws.

Characteristics
Brand	SWIX.
For whom:	unisex
Working moments:	balance, stiffness and weight
Numerical parameters (in cm):	shaft in diameter - 1.6 and 1, size - 170, 172.5 and 175, assembled length - 155, stiffness - 3
Net weight	170 g
Strength	more than 70 kPa
Material:	shaft - carbon, handle - cork
Price	10000 rubles

• Existence of system of quickly replaced paws;
• For any gender;
• There is an adjustment
• durable;
• New;
• Usage.

• Cost price;
• Supplied without lanyards.

SONATA

For whom: beginner skiers, tourists, amateurs.

Why: park skating.

The material of the sticks is quite light and rigid. The plastic handle contains a lanyard, thanks to which sticks are attached to the hand. The directional shape of the paws does not allow you to fall through the snow.

Characteristics
Manufacturer:	STC
Profile:	100% fiberglass
Parameters (in centimeters):	fluctuation in length from 100 to 155 in increments of 5, diameter - 1.6 and 1
Weight	0.35 kg
Average cost	580 rubles

• Super light;
• Comfortable handle shape
• Reliable and durable;
• Using a large category;
• Budget.

• Not found.

Nordway Race Skate Carbone

Application: for the classic move.

The stylish design of the model fits any ski outfit. The material of the handles provides less freezing and resistance to icy sections of the track.

Characteristics
Level of training:	expert
Gender trait:	unisex
Manufacturer:	Norway.
Rostovka (in cm):	140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165.170; diameter - 1.7 and 0.9
Compound material:	shaft - carbon, tip - steel, handle - polypropylene + cork.
Price	2300 rubles

• Decent price;
• Lungs;
• durable;
• Carbon quality;
• inert;
• Appearance;
• Moderately hard.

• Paws and lanyards should be replaced immediately;
• Can't withstand heavy loads.

Nordic Walking Black

Designed for Nordic walking.

Who: For beginners and semi-professionals.

Telescopic ski elements are a nice design solution. Fairly strong and durable. Suitable for the main category of users.

Characteristics
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 - half-glove, handle - with the addition of cork
Addition:	nozzles for asphalt and rings, 2 pcs.; locking system of the section on the collet principle
average cost	1900 rubles

• Quick adjustment;
• Additional elements;
• 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 whom: for adults.

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

Characteristics
Producing country:	Belarus
Gender trait:	unisex
Material	rods - aluminum, handles - plastic
Rostov	150 cm
Weight	600 g
Additionally:	1 month warranty
Sum	1400 rubles

• Price;
• Guarantee;
• For all;
• Strength;
• Application;
• Possibility of cutting length.

• The weight;
• Not a long warranty period;
• Handle material.

"Sportlife Larsen"

Need: for cross-country skiing.

To whom: for professionals, amateurs.

Characteristics
Manufacturer	Russia
Brand	Larsen
gender	unisex
Growth indicators (in centimeters):	130-165 step 5
Diameter (in mm):	top - 17, bottom - 10
Net weight	400 g
The composition of the supporting elements:	shaft - fiberglass, metal tip, polyurethane handle, lanyard sling
Warranty card	for a period of 1 year
Color spectrum:	black, white and red
Price	500 rubles

• Modern;
• Outstanding strength;
• Very cheap;
• Positive reviews prevail;
• Palette;
• Everyone;
• For different growth;
• Design.

• Not identified.

"Larsen Team"

To whom: for beginners.

Purpose: for walking.

Features: unusual modern design.

Characteristics
brand manufacturer:	Larsen
Support diameter (in millimeters):	top to bottom - 16 and 10
Rostovka see:	from 100 to 170
Chemical composition:	coating - powder enamel, plastic support, material - aluminum alloy, racing lanyard ("trap" designs), handle - synthetic cork + polypropylene
Average cost of supporting elements	800 rubles

• Lightweight;
• Rigid;
• Universal;
• For any height;
• Budget;
• Appearance.

• Cheap plastic;
• Bend under the slightest load.

baby sticks

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

"Sport MAXIM Ski Racer"

To whom: lovers.

What it’s 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 paws are resistant to frost, 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
Rostov:	140-165 cm
Details:	nylon handles and braid, loop lanyard, fiberglass rod
average price	330 rubles

• Affordable;
• Various color palette;
• Light weight;
• Tape adjustment;
• durable;
• Universal;
• Fall safe.

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

Nordway Active Jr

Destination: ideal for Nordic walking.

Who: Children up to a certain age.

Sticks, due to the kind of material, provide comfort while riding.

Technical capabilities
Provider:	Nordway
Level of training:	for beginners
Rostovka see:	100-125
Diameter:	16 and 8.7 mm
Support elements:	fiberglass rod, steel tip, plastic handles
Sum	390 rubles

• Convenient holders;
• Mass of supports;
• Beautiful;
• Strong;
• One year warranty;
• Excellent price;
• Children are happy.

• Fragile (may break if accidentally hit).

"Karjala Touring Country Al"

Purpose: for active skiing.

To whom: for everyone.

Features: sticks are resistant to corrosion.

Characteristics
Provider:	RF
Brand:	Karjala
Parameters (in cm.):	length - 125, height - 155, product packaging (in mm): depth and width - 20, height - 1250
Weight without packaging:	300 g
What are the support rods made of?	aluminum alloy
Price	730 rubles

• Long service life;
• Comfortable straps and racing feet;
• Cost price;
• Everyone;
• Light weight;
• Convenient on trails.

• Material.

Madshus CT90 JR

What it's for: walking.

Who is it for: Beginners.

The model has an ergonomic handle and adjustable strap, which provide comfort and ease of use. The model is a novelty of this and the next season.

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

• Design;
• For all;
• The strength of the sticks;
• Ergonomics;
• Time frame of the guarantee;
• There is everything you need to ensure security.

• Expensive.

Tornado Junior Clip

Model type: racing, for biathlon.

For whom: juniors.

This support is one of the novelties of this and next season for skiing. It has a narrow specialization and is characterized by high cost. Due to the special arrangement of the lanyard (at an angle), it provides an instant return of the sticks 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;
• The location of the lanyard;
• Lightweight;
• Warranty card;
• Quick stick release.

• Price;
• Not for all.

Conclusion

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

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

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

The best manufacturers of ski supports 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 known in comparison and operation, and for this you need to analyze a large number of pairs of sticks from different companies.

To the question, which brand of stick is better to buy? You can answer based on personal experience. A more simplified option is to view reviews on a particular model and analyze reviews.

What are the best models to buy? The most common sticks 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 above. They are actively used for long trips.

Foldable sticks are convenient to take on various trips, as they occupy a small area and are easily transported.

Aluminum alloy sticks are the most economical option, but they are not effective for heavy loads.