There are more choices in ski poles these days than ever before. The many different styles and types of poles you'll find offered online or by your local ski shop retailer can make picking the right poles both challenging and time-consuming. Instead of doing hours of research on your own, read on to discover the top ten ski poles, rated by our experts after careful and lengthy consideration.
First, let's take a look at the basics in choosing the best poles for your individual style and level of expertise.
Ski Poles FAQs
1. What Are Ski Poles For?
2. I’ve Heard That Ski Poles Have Swing Weight. What Does That Mean?
3. Which Is Better, a Lightweight or Heavy Pole?
4. Are Lighter Poles Less Durable?
5. Are Lighter Ski Poles More Expensive?
How We Reviewed
Our team of experts spent over forty hours considering twenty-two different poles made of various materials from the best manufacturers in the business. Through careful consideration and head-to-head tests, we narrowed our selection down to these ten best. This list represents an unbiased look at some of the most sought-after poles on the market, carefully selected for weight, durability, price, and availability with skiers of every skill level in mind. Whether you're a beginner or a double black diamond professional, you'll be sure to find something on this list that will fit your needs and your budget.
Overall Price Range of Ski Poles on This List
The ski poles reviewed here range in price from around $25 on the low end all the way up to as much as approximately $225 for longer poles featuring the latest in materials and manufacturing. While the cheaper poles are generally aluminum, even the bargains among this list shouldn't be dismissed. What they lack in lightness they make up for in durability, and it's important to strike a balance—unless you know you're ready for the feather-light carbon fiber models.
COMPARISON TABLE
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What We Reviewed
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The high-strength 7075 aluminum used in these poles promises long-lasting durability and a swing weight that allows a skier to use the poles as breaks or for stick-and-swivel high-speed maneuvering. While this may be seen as more of a beginner's pole, it shouldn't be overlooked by seasoned pros—these poles are designed for the freeride aficionado and are made with a larger, more durable shaft appropriate for those with a more gonzo, over-the-top skiing style. They're not unbreakable, but they're close.
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Zipline is an official supplier of the US Ski Team, and the quality of these poles proves why—2018 Olympic Gold Medalist David Wise uses these poles, and he's in good company, as many other Olympians, as well as World Cup skiers, rely on Ziplines. Made with graphite carbon composite, these feather-light 14mm poles give generous flex but impressive strength, are suitable for skiers of any terrain, and were designed with free riders, half-pipers, and park skiers in mind. Zipline Lollipops are available in a wide variety of colors to match or complement your skis.
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The Leki Checker-X features a black-and-white design that is a clear homage to classic vintage Vans. A very simple, straightforward design with a durable steel tip and large baskets suitable for even the deepest powder, these poles feature a low profile 621 grip on top of 18mm aluminum shafts that are as rugged as they are attractive.
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The Black Diamond Razor poles are a hybrid, with the bottom half made of carbon fiber for generous weight reduction. Intended for back country and touring skiers, the Razors feature a flick-lock mechanism for length adjustment, 4" powder baskets, and a rubber grip that allows for plenty of traction for gnarly uphill climbs.
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Made with rugged 6061 Dural aluminum, the Stovepipe poles are among the more durable poles on our list and at a great price point. Built for both park and downhill skiing, the Stovepipes are elegant in their simplicity and make a great beginner's pole.
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Marketed as a women's ski pole, the aircraft-grade aluminum used in these poles combines incredible durability and strength with a slim, 16mm shaft for the best of both worlds. Featuring a classic poly-rubber grip, these poles come standard with 60mm performance baskets. A handy feature is the nesting baskets that make riding the lift back up the hill that much easier.
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Made with hardened 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, these poles are perhaps the strongest poles on our list. They're called QuickPoles because of their patented construction that allows you to snap these poles into your bindings, making single-handed carry of both poles and skis a reality. Polypropylene-based grips topped with thermoplastic conform to the skier's hand, and these poles also feature a patented DuPont Zytel clip that remains flexible in temperatures as low as -40F.
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Another pair of ski poles designed with women in mind, the Snow Flake poles are made of sturdy 6061 Dural aluminum. The slim 16mm shafts allow for some reduction in weight, and the steel tip at the end results in a nice, balanced swing weight for smaller skiers.
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The Swix Techline poles are an excellent choice for beginner to intermediate skiers. With 18mm shafts made of durable 6061 aluminum, ergonomic grips and straps, and a mid-sized basket intended for versatility, the Techline poles are a great choice for amateur skiers.
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The Artena was specifically designed with women skiers in mind, with a patented trigger-style grip made with thermally reflective material for smaller hands more susceptible to the effects of cold and snow. Featuring an individually adjustable strap, these poles allow for a near-custom fit. Tipped with carbide for a tough and immediate grip, these poles maximize durability while not sacrificing swing weight.
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CONCLUSION
While the "best" ski poles on this list remain a matter of personal preference, we've taken pains to present poles suitable for both men and women, beginners to advanced. If you're not sure you need the lightweight of carbon fiber poles, check out some of the hybrid models, but do be aware that what you lose in weight you also lose in durability. Think about the conditions you're likely to be skiing in and check out basket size to make sure the poles you select will be adequate for the terrain you plan on skiing. Last but not least, keep in mind that the more inexpensive models are great for beginners, and durable aluminum is hard to beat as it will be around for more than a few seasons—but the lightweight carbon fiber models do make for a faster, more exciting downhill. Happy skiing!