How long should my cross-country ski poles be?

Cross-country ski pole sizing

Is it better to have ski poles that are too long or too short?

Too long and the pole can catch on the snow when swinging it forward. It can also disrupt balance when planted causing rotation of the body and/or affect the fore/aft balance of the skier. Too short and it won't provide the necessary stabilisation at edge change.

How long should ski poles be?

Extend one arm out to your side making it parallel to the floor. Check your ski pole length by putting your pole UNDER your arm pit. Your pole should fit under your arm comfortably. Less aggressive skiers - If you are between sizes, go shorter.

How do you know if your ski poles are too long?

“Place the pole upside down on the snow and hold the pole just beneath the basket. If your elbow is at right angles and your arm is parallel with ground, then your pole was just the correct length.

What length ski should I use?

The general rule is for your skis to measure somewhere between your chin and the top of your head. With expert level skiers often choosing skis slightly above their head. SIZE SHORTER, CLOSER TO CHEST IF: Child's weight is less than average for their height.

Do you measure ski poles with boots on?

If you want to check the length, you should do the test wearing your ski boots and skis. Turn the ski pole upside down with the grip touching the ground. Grab the pole below the basket and hold it in front of your upper body.

How do you measure the length of a ski?

Skis are measured along all it's curves, tip end to tail end. This has been the traditional way sice skis are made flat and then bent. Some brands (like K2) have started breaking up this system by printing psychological lengths (like prize tags) 179, 189 etc.

How do you cut ski poles?

DIY: Resizing Fixed-Length Ski Poles

1. Step 1: Boil. Step 1: Grab a pot big enough to submerge the handles of your poles and bring some H2O to a boil. ...
2. Step 2: Check your ribs. ...
3. Step 3: Pull hard. ...
4. Step 4: Cut away. ...
5. Step 5: Glue. ...
6. Step 6: Bonus! ...
7. Step 7: Ski!

Does weight matter for ski size?

Weight. Weight also plays a factor in deciding which skis you'll buy. A good rule of thumb is that, if you weigh less than the average for your height, you should opt for shorter skis. If you weigh more than average, you should opt for longer skis.

What happens if skis are too long?

TLDR; Longer skis have more stability and float better in snow, but they also have a larger turning radius. Shorter skis sacrifice stability (especially at speed) but are quick to respond and easier to make short sharp turns. Short skis turn faster but long skis go faster.

What if skis are too short?

Having skis that are too short to support your weight will have a lack of control, lack of response or rebound, and will not absorb the vibration when at a higher speed.

Are longer skis harder to control?

The length and waist width of your skis determines how much surface area your ski is touching on the snow. A longer, fatter ski will float more in deeper snow, as well as gain speed faster as your weight is more dispersed along the ski. The tradeoff is that longer skis are harder to control.

Are shorter skis easier to turn?

Generally speaking, a shorter ski will be easier to maneuver and turn than longer skis. A shorter ski will be lighter and easier to control for new skiers. When learning to ski, the focus is on learning to get used to the feel of skis, stay in control downhill, and learn to make turns down the mountain.

Are ski poles measured tip to tip?

A ski pole's length is normally measured in cm from the top of the grip to the end of the tip. The length poles are available in, vary in 5cm increments. The length of a ski pole needs to be matched to the height of the person using them, and to the type and standard of skiing they will use them for.

Do longer skis go faster?

Because longer skis generally have a larger turning radius. Therefore, they spend more time in the fall line … which means they can, and do, ski faster than a shorter ski.

Are shorter skis better for knees?

In saying that yes shorter skis will be easier on your knees as there'll be less leverage on them when turning. However you may find it less satisfying & have more trouble controlling them at speed as shorted skis are less statisfying.

Do you ski faster if you are heavier?

Other factors being equal, a heavier skier is faster than a lighter one because his air resistance is lower. So a skier can go faster by increasing mass--becoming as heavy as possible for his frame. Only at about 200 pounds does the advantage of extra weight get wiped out by the increased friction with the snow.

Is skiing a good way to lose weight?

Skiing and snowboarding are great cardiovascular exercises that can help families burn some serious calories and lose weight. The ultimate number burned per hour is based on weight and proficiency, but according to Harvard Medical School, someone who is 185 pounds burns 266 calories in 30 minutes of downhill skiing.

What size skis do I need 5 7?

In general, the proper ski length is somewhere between your chin and the top of your head. For example, a skier that is 6' tall will want to look for skis between 170cm and 190cm. The exact right size for you will depend on your skiing ability and style.

How do you shorten carbon fiber ski poles?

I Ski Better on Retro Day

It makes a clean straight cut. Just slip it over the pole, tighten it down and spin it around the pole, tightening as you go, until it cuts clear through. You can get it at any hardware store.