How to Measure Ski Poles
Ski poles are essential in skiing. They help the skier balance and steer the skis. Next to a good pair of skis, ski poles are the most important piece of equipment a skier will use. To make sure you’re ski poles are perfect for you and will be help you the best, you will need
to measure the poles. Here are some tips to help you measure ski poles.
- Start by standing up straight. Hold both your arms out in front of you with your forearms parallel to the ground with your thumbs facing up. Then, raise your elbows about three to four inches, keeping your pinkies parallel to the floor. Have someone measure from your thumb to the floor. This is how long your poles should be.
- Make sure that the pole is the right length. Take the ski pole and turn it upside down. Grab it below the basket. If your arm makes a 90 degree angle, then it is the right length.
- Try different poles at a ski shop. The method mentioned above works well, but the best way to find a pole that fits you well is to try a few different ones. Sometimes just a couple inches will make a difference. Find a store where you can stand with the poles and hold them in your hands. Better yet, ask around to see if you can rent poles to try out in a ski hill.
- Give your ski poles a trial run before committing to a length. You will want to make sure you have the perfect length. If you have one that is too short, you will be bending down a little while you ski and you can also throw your balance off when you use the pole to turn. If your poles are too long, you will be leaning backward and can also throw your balance off.