7 Best ski poles of 2022/2023
Finding the perfect ski pole can be a challenging task. Not only does the proper pair of poles stop you from bumping into the person in front of you in the lift line, but they are also important to your on-slope performance and comfort. Poles, like skis or boots, are important pieces of equipment. The proper pole can help keep you safe in the backcountry or keep those rhythmic turns flowing on the piste. The right type of pole made out of the right materials can make all the difference.
Before Purchasing a pair of ski poles consider:
- The length of the pole – this is important and will depend on your height and skiing style.
- The material of the pole – there are a variety of materials that are used to make ski poles. For example, aluminum poles are strong and durable but tend to be heavier than carbon fiber or titanium.
- The type of pole – there are many different types of poles, ranging from straight to adjustable to telescoping. Straight poles tend to be the most durable while collapsible or telescoping poles are easier to pack and store.
Once you’ve considered all of these factors, it’s time to start shopping! Use the reviews below to find the perfect ski poles for your needs and get ready for an amazing on-slope experience.
Read our review of the best ski watches
What are the Best Ski Poles?
Here is my ranked and reviewed list of the best ski poles of 2022.
The 7 Best Ski Poles of 2022
- Best Overall Ski Poles: The Leki Detect S
- Best Budget Ski Poles: Rossignol Tactic
- Best Backcountry Ski Poles: Black Diamond Razor Carbon Pro
- Best Freeride Ski Poles: Black Crows Furtis
- Best Bamboo Ski Poles: Grass Stick Original
- Best Womens Ski Poles: Salomon Arctic Lady
- Best Splitboard Ski Poles: Voile Camlock 3 Touring Poles
1) Best Overall Ski Poles: Leki Detect S
Overview
The Leki Detect S is my top pick for the best overall downhill poles. They are great all-around poles that offers good value, durability, and performance.
The Detect S is made from aluminum and has a rubber grip. They also feature Leki’s Trigger S safety release system, which allows the poles to release from your wrist if you fall.
The grip features an extra soft surface and slim design to optimize gripping power comfort. It comes with big mountain and cobra baskets meaning it can be used on both groomed and off-piste terrain.
The Detect S is a great choice for all types of skiing, from groomers to backcountry powder. It is also a good choice for those who want a durable pole that will last for many seasons.
Specs
- Weight Per Pair: 8.8 ounces (249g)
- Length: 44″ to 54″ (110cm – 135cm)
- Shaft Diameter: 16mm
- Color: black, red, black/silver
Key Features
- Top-of-the-line model made with quality materials.
- Very sturdy and durable.
Price
The Leki Detect S ski pole has a price tag of $139.99
Recommendation
The Leki Detect is a great all-around ski pole that offers good value, durability, and performance. This is why it is my recommended top pick for the best overall ski poles.
2) Best Budget Ski Poles: Rossignol Tactic
Overview
The Rossignol Tactic is my pick for the best budget ski poles. They are durable aluminum poles with rubber grips. They offer all-mountain versatility that balances strength and weight. The ergonomic grips help to absorb vibrations resulting in a more secure grip and greater comfort.
Specs
- Weight Per Pair: 8.6 ounces (245g)
- Length: 44″ to 54″ (110cm to 135cm)
- Shaft Diameter: 16mm
- Color: black/red, black/silver
Key Features
- Made with quality materials.
- Very sturdy and durable pole.
- A great choice for anyone looking for a performance ski pole.
Price
The Rossignol Tactic ski pole has a price tag of $49.95
Recommendation
The Rossignol Tactic is my recommended top pick for the best budget ski pole. It is made with quality materials, is very sturdy and durable, and is a great choice for anyone looking for a performance ski pole.
3) Best Backcountry Ski Poles: Black Diamond Razor Carbon Pro
Overview
The Black Diamond Razor Carbon Pro is my top pick for the best backcountry ski pole. It is an aluminum-carbon fiber construction with pro-level features. The SwitchRelease™ strap technology offers a lockable release function providing an added safety feature for backcountry skiing. The Forged Aluminum Flickock Pro makes for a lighter and stronger adjustable ski pole, exactly what backcountry skiers need.
The Razor is a great choice for backcountry skiers, with powder baskets, solid construction, and safety features.
specs
- Weight Per Pair: 18.4 ounces (524g)/19.1 ounces (542 g)
- Length: (44″ to 50″/ 45″ to 55″ ) (110cm to 125cm/115cm to 140cm)
- Shaft Diameter: 14 mm aluminum upper/12 mm carbon fiber lower
- Color: black/blue
Key Features
- Carbon fiber poles.
- 75mm powder baskets.
- Touring strap release function for backcountry safety.
Price
The Black Diamond Razor Carbon Pro has a price tag of $169.95
Recommendation
The Black Diamond Razor Carbon Pro is my top pick for the best backcountry ski poles. It is made with quality materials, is very sturdy and durable, and is a great choice for anyone looking for great backcountry ski poles.
4) Best Freeride Ski Poles: Black Crows Furtis
Overview
The Black Crows Furtis is my top pick for the best freeride ski pole. They are a formidable mountain companion for any skier looking for light carbon fiber poles. With its large 22mm diameter and 100% composite carbon fiber construction the Furtis is a strong and ultra-light companion for anyone looking to take a fixed-length pole backcountry skiing.
The Furtis is a great choice for free-ride skiers looking for light durable fixed length backcountry carbon poles. The powder baskets and straight handles will be a great addition to your ski gear.
Specs
- Weight Per Pair: 8.8 ounces (250g)
- Length: 44″ to 54″ (110cm to 135cm)
- Shaft Diameter: 22mm
- Color: black, black/yellow
Key Features
- Carbon poles.
- Cight weight.
- Large 22mm diameter shaft.
- Minimalist style.
Price
The Black Crows Furtis has a price tag of $229
Recommendation
The Black Crows Furtis is my top pick for the best freeride ski pole. It is made with quality materials, is very sturdy and durable lighteight design and, and is a great choice for anyone looking for backcountry poles.
5) Best Bamboo Ski Poles: Grass Stick Original
Overview
The Grass Stick Original is my top pick for the best bamboo ski pole. They are beautifully handcrafted, high-performing, eco-friendly bamboo poles built with custom options by ski bums and river rats in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
The Original is a great choice for anyone looking to get back to the roots of skiing. Custom styling and design truly make these one-of-a-kind ski poles.
Specs
- Weight Per Pair: N/A
- Length: custom
- Shaft Diameter: 22mm
- Handle/Basket Color: black, white, transparent, blue, green, pink, purple, orange, red
Key Features
- Custom design.
- Hand crafted.
- Eco-friendly.
- Unlimited 2-year warranty.
price
The Grass Stick Original has a price tag of $199
Recommend
The Grass Stick Original is my top pick for the best custom bamboo ski poles. It is made with quality eco-friendly materials, includes a 2-year warranty and is a great choice for anyone looking to add some style to their ski gear.
6) Best Ski Poles for Women: Salomon Arctic Lady
Overview
The Salomon Arctic Lady is my top pick for the best ski pole for women. It is made from a high quality aluminum pole with an all-mountain grip designed specifically for women.
The Arctic Lady is a great choice for all types of skiing, and is a good choice for those who want durable ski poles that will last for many seasons.
Specs
- Weight Per Pair: 7.4 ounces (210g)
- Length: 43″ to 49″ (110cm to 125cm)
- Shaft Diameter: 14mm
- Color: grey/green, black/grey, white/grey
Key Features
- Strong, durable and light.
- Grip designed for women.
- Stylish range of colors.
Price
The Salomon Arctic Lady has a price tag of $40.00
Recommendation
The Salomon Arctic Lady is my top pick for the best ski poles for women. They are lightweight aluminum poles and have a grip designed specifically for women’s hands. The Arctic Lady is a great choice for all types of skiing,
7) Best Splitboard Ski Poles: Voile Camlock 3 Touring Poles
Overview
The Voile Camlock 3 Touring Poles are my top pick for the best adjustable ski poles. These 3-section poles are the perfect backcountry poles for split boarders. The durable aluminum cam levers make for quick change outs between skinning and riding allowing the poles to be easily stowed in you pack. The 20cm foam hand grips are ideal for climbing or traversing. The handle is topped with Voile’s signature Topsheet Scraper, great for cleaning out snow when converting from uphill to downhill mode.
The Camlock 3 is a great choice for splitboarders and snowshoers looking for collapsible ski poles that can fit in a pack. They are also a good choice for those who want a durable pole that will last for many seasons.
Specs
- Weight Per Pair: 21 ounces (620g)
- Length: 26″ to 53″ (65cm to 135cm)
- Shaft Diameter: N/A
- Color: black/blue
Key Features
- Collapsible for easy pack storage.
- 20cm foam traverse style grips.
- Topsheet Scraper handle.
Price
The Voile Camlock 3 Touring Poles have a price tag of $159
Recommendation
The Voile Camlock 3 Touring ski pole are my top pick for the best adjustable poles. They are made from quality materials, are very sturdy and durable, and is a great choice for anyone looking for a performance ski pole.
FAQ
What are the Best Ski Poles?
The Leki Detect S Ski Poles are my top overall pick for the best ski poles. They are made from quality materials, are very sturdy and durable, and is a great choice for anyone looking for performance downhill ski poles.
What material is best for ski poles?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Some skiers prefer aluminum poles because they are lightweight and durable. Others prefer bamboo poles because they are environmentally friendly and have a more natural feel. Carbon fiber poles are lightweight have a lot of flex. This makes them great for skiing in powdery snow.
Ultimately, it is up to the skier to decide what material is best for them.
Are composite ski poles better than aluminum poles?
Some skiers prefer composite ski poles because they are lightweight and have a lot of flex. This makes them great for skiing in powdery snow. Others prefer aluminum poles because they are more durable and have a more solid feel.
Do ski poles really make a difference?
Ski poles can definitely make a difference in your skiing. They provide balance and stability and can help you generate more power when skiing. Ski poles are also important safety tools when skiing in the backcountry.
What is the best ski pole Length?
To find the recommended ski pole length, flip the pole upside-down and grab it underneath the basket. If the ski poles are the right length, your arm and elbow should form a 90 degree angle. More advanced skiers may want to use ski poles that are slightly longer or shorter, depending on their preference. The table below is a guide to ski pole length based on height.
| Skier Height | Pole Size (in.) | Pole Size (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 ft. 6 in. and under | 30 in. | 75cm |
| 3 ft. 8 in. | 32 in. | 80cm |
| 3 ft. 10 in. | 32 in. | 80cm |
| 4 ft. | 34 in. | 85cm |
| 4 ft. 2 in. | 36 in. | 90cm |
| 4 ft. 4 in. | 36 in. | 90cm |
| 4 ft. 6 in. | 38 in. | 95cm |
| 4 ft. 8 in. | 40 in. | 100cm |
| 4 ft. 10 in. | 42 in. | 105cm |
| 5 ft. | 42 in. | 105cm |
| 5 ft. 2 in. | 44 in. | 110cm |
| 5 ft. 4 in. | 46 in. | 115cm |
| 5 ft. 6 in. | 46 in. | 115cm |
| 5 ft. 8 in. | 48 in. | 120cm |
| 5 ft. 10 in. | 50 in. | 125cm |
| 6 ft. | 50 in. | 125cm |
| 6 ft. 2 in. | 52 in. | 130cm |
| 6 ft. 4 in. | 54 in. | 135cm |
| 6 ft. 6 in. and over | 56 in. | 140cm |
Should I choose fixed-length ski poles or adjustable?
This decision is mostly a matter of personal preference. Adjustable ski poles are great for people who want to change their pole length depending on the conditions. If you ski both alpine and telemark or are a split border touring in the backcountry, you may prefer adjustable poles. Fixed poles are more traditional, and some skiers feel that they provide better stability.
Conclusion
There is no one perfect ski pole for everyone. The best ski pole for you will depend on your individual skiing style and preferences. However, all of the ski poles on this list are great choices for anyone looking for quality ski poles in 2022.
