Is it 'Bad' to ski with shorter poles?

Posts: 666 - Karma: 12

Karma: 12

Posts: 666

Ridiculous

Mabey it's just because I haven't bought new poles in such a long time, but I'm 6'0'' and the recommended 50in length for poles seem really long. I think I'm going to go with 48 inch poles, is there anything bad with going a little shorter?

Thanks,
Jake

Oct 27 2007 9:53PM

0 0

lyndon

Posts: 7266 - Karma: 127

Karma: 127

Posts: 7266

Crazy Fool

Its all preference. Im about 5'9", and when I use poles, I have a set that are 33", and another set that is 36". I prefer shorter, especially because I ski all park. Its just that much less to carry and worry about falling on.

Oct 27 2007 9:56PM

0 0

TimothyLord

Posts: 2114 - Karma: 568

Karma: 568

Posts: 2114

Addict

i ski with super small poles when i do

Oct 27 2007 10:00PM

0 0

Rippy087

Posts: 666 - Karma: 12

Karma: 12

Posts: 666

Ridiculous

So I could probobably even to 46 inchers? When I go to my shop I'll see how those feel, I just tried 52s 50s and 48s and the 48s felt the best, didn't even think of going any lower.

Thanks,
Jake

Oct 27 2007 10:02PM

0 0

lyndon

Posts: 7266 - Karma: 127

Karma: 127

Posts: 7266

Crazy Fool

I personally prefer the shortness. They are only there for balance (for me atleast). For me, I can ski with or without poles, and I dont notice a difference.

Oct 27 2007 10:12PM

0 0

Lineskiah11

Posts: 2029 - Karma: 21

Karma: 21

Posts: 2029

Addict

same here i like having short poles because they do help with balance, but they are real light and dont get in the way. i personally like having them pretty short because you dont really notice them but it does help my balance compared to no poles

Oct 27 2007 10:16PM

0 0

skinnylove

Posts: 6807 - Karma: 167

Karma: 167

Posts: 6807

No Life

Short poles are overly fun in the park. I had a pair of 20's or something like that for awhile. It was just like having nothing in my hands. It was fun.

Oct 27 2007 10:18PM

0 0

paone

Posts: 593 - Karma: 266

Karma: 266

Posts: 593

Ridiculous

yea i think im going for shorter poles this year and metal ones for that matter i used carbon fiber ones and they r too flexible but yea i used shorter poles for a bit and there soo much easier to do grabs and shit with

Oct 27 2007 10:22PM

0 0

Sharko

Posts: 2274 - Karma: 4,101

Karma: 4,101

Posts: 2274

Addict

Yes, it is "bad" to ski with short poles. It is morally reprehensible.

Oct 27 2007 11:23PM

0 0

fouldsys

Posts: 7404 - Karma: 39

Karma: 39

Posts: 7404

Crazy Fool

i have a mogul background so its against my nature to use long poles

Oct 27 2007 11:26PM

0 0

s10w

Posts: 23 - Karma: 10

Karma: 10

Posts: 23

Lame

its all personal preference. I started out as an XC skier(switched to alpine when I was 9), still do some around my house. So i prefer a longer pole, it just seems natural to me. I'm 5'8" and i ski with a 50in pole. Granted they have gotten in my way in the pipe before, but I ski the trees mostly.

Oct 28 2007 9:34AM

0 0

Jwenz

Posts: 8893 - Karma: 7,633

Karma: 7,633

Posts: 8893

Crazy Fool

Well, when I bought poles the guy was like you need longer ones, and I thoroughly explained to the guy how I liked them shorter. I mean I really don't like them too too short, but I think i got 46 inch poles and I am 6 feet

Oct 28 2007 10:02AM

0 0

ShredtillURdead

Posts: 2024 - Karma: 93

Karma: 93

Posts: 2024

Addict

hahaha i love how racer dickheads at shops try to tell you what you want/need for freestyle. ignorance is funny

Oct 28 2007 10:08AM

0 0

fragglemuffin

Posts: 3312 - Karma: 444

Karma: 444

Posts: 3312

Addict

ya....most shop guys tell people that a good sized pole is perpendicular to your lower arm when your arm is benta a 90 degree angle.....thats only good for racing and skiing bumps in my opinion...i a shop guy told me to go for 40 inch poles, id probably go for something around 36"

Oct 28 2007 10:13AM

0 0

MrScruff

Posts: 575 - Karma: 10

Karma: 10

Posts: 575

Ridiculous

Outside of the park that's about right as longer poles encourage you to keep your weight forward

Oct 28 2007 10:17AM

0 0

skidemon22

Posts: 4418 - Karma: 1,937

Karma: 1,937

Posts: 4418

No Life

i think its bad to use shorter poles, but ir eally use my poles, and not for balance. like, wen i drop in, i use them to get every ounce of speed at first, cauz my park isnt well designed. and i go longer so i can get more power with out bending to much. idk, i just prefer them a bit longer to shorter.

Oct 28 2007 10:52AM

0 0