How to Choose Ski Poles

This product is not available.
Offering the ideal combination of weight, durability and performance for backcountry skiers, the Black Diamond Razor Carbon ski poles stand up to years of skin tracks and powder laps.
Shop similar productsImported.
View all Black Diamond Men's Ski PolesBest Use | Backcountry Skiing |
---|---|
Basket Type | Powder |
Shaft Construction | Aluminum/carbon fiber |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 4.5 oz. |
Gender | Unisex |
Adjustable | Yes |
Collapsed Length (in.) | 36.2 inches |
Minimum Length (in.) | 39 inches |
Maximum Length (in.) | 48.8 inches |
Collapsed Length (cm) | 92 centimeters |
Minimum Length (cm) | 100 centimeters |
Maximum Length (cm) | 125 centimeters |
32 in./80cm | 34 in./85cm | 36 in./90cm | 38 in./95cm | 40 in./100cm | 42 in./105cm | 44 in./110cm | 46 in./115cm | 48 in./120cm | 49 in./125cm | 52 in./130 cm | 54 in./135cm | 56 in./140cm | 57 in./145cm | 59 in./150cm | 61 in./155cm | 63 in./160cm | 65 in./165cm | 67 in./170cm | 69 in./175cm | 71 in./180cm | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Height Range (Downhill Skiing) | < 3'4" | 3'5" - 3'8" | 3'9" - 4'0" | 4'1" - 4'4" | 4'5" - 4'8" | 4'9" - 5'0" | 5'1" - 5'3" | 5'4" - 5'6" | 5'7" - 5'9" | 5'10" - 6'0" | 6'1" - 6'3" | 6'4" - 6'6" | 6'7" + | ||||||||
Height Range (XC Skiing) | <4'7" | 4'8"-4'9" | 4'10"-4'11" | 5' - 5'1" | 5'2" - 5'3" | 5'4" - 5'5" | 5'6" - 5'7" | 5'8" - 5'9" | 5'10" - 5'11" | 6' - 6'1" | 6'2" - 6'3" | 6'4"-6'5" | 6'6"+ | ||||||||
Height Range (Skate Skiing) | <4'7" | 4'8"-4'9" | 4'10-4'11" | 5'-5'1" | 5'2" - 5'3" | 5'4" - 5'5" | 5'6" - 5'7" | 5'8" - 5'9" | 5'10" - 5'11" | 6'-6'1" | 6'2"- 6'3" | 6'4" - 6'5" | 6'6"+ |
Please note, this sizing chart is meant to serve only as a guideline.
Sizing downhill poles: Stand in your ski boots on a level floor. With your poles upside down—grips touching the floor—grab the pole beneath the basket so that the top of your thumb touches the basket. Your elbow should now be at a 90-degree angle. If the angle is less than 90 degrees, get a shorter pole. If the angle is greater, get a longer pole.
Sizing XC poles: Stand in your XC ski boots on a level floor. Place the pole tips on the floor next to your feet. The top of the grips should reach your arm pits.
Sizing skate poles: Stand in your skate boots on a level floor. Place pole tips on the ground with the pole shafts perpendicular to the floor. The poles should reach from the ground up to a point somewhere between your chin and your lips.
For more information, please see REI Expert Advice.
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
These poles work great. Handles feel heavier than need be, but that may be a good thing for longevity. Baskets stick in the snow pretty well, never had that with a basket, where I have to literally extract the basket out of the snow at times. But again, they are likely durable and I am thankful for that. They are not breaking. Screws need tightening so carry a screwdriver if you want equal length. They have not full collapsed as other poles I have tried. I love them! Lightweight and good performance.
I bought this as a gift for my grandson. He had "hinted" that this was on Santa's list. He was thrilled that "Santa" had been paying attention and he loved his new poles. Truth to tell, I really didn't know what special kind of poles they were as I had only ever used regular skiing poles. But he showed me the features and how they could be adjusted as needed for the terrain he would be hiking in. I was quite impressed and based on his demonstration, I would recommend these poles.
Absolutely love these poles for back country outings. They are so much lighter than my 30-year-old black diamond aluminum poles! Make sure to tighten the length adjuster when new, and then they will serve you well. Such a great light and pleasant swing weight. They help you fly up the mountain!
Bought these poles a month ago out-of-season. The ski areas are closed right now but the poles look and feel great. Just what I needed. Can't wait to try them out next Winter.
Lightest, most stylish poles I've ever owned. I double them as trekking poles when hiking and they hold up great! Highly recommend
Poles are reliable and durable! This my second pair and they are perfect for back country in the Cascades!
Great poles although the tension clamp can slip a little bit