How to Choose Ski Poles

Whether you get your thrills charging pillow lines or cruising corduroy, the Original Grass Sticks bamboo ski poles are lightweight, incredibly strong and built with the environment in mind.
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Made in USA.
View all Grass Sticks Men's Ski PolesBest Use | Downhill Skiing |
---|---|
Adjustable | No |
Shaft Construction | Bamboo |
Basket Type | Standard |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 2 oz. |
Gender | Unisex |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
44 IN | 46 IN | 48 IN | 50 IN | 52 IN | 54 IN | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Height Range (Downhill Skiing) | 5'3"-5'6" | 5'7"-5'9" | 5'10"-6'0" | 6'1"-6'3" | 6'4"-6'6" | 6'7"+ |
Our recommended lengths should put your forearm just lower than a 90 degree elbow angle. Traditional sizing could have you at a taller pole, or at a 90 degree angle. A slightly shorter pole will promote a more forward stance and is great for bumps, trees, and powder. If you like the length of your old poles, don't change! We recommend that you measure (don't trust the printed length) the total length of your old poles, from the top of the grip to the very bottom of the metal tip.
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I love running bamboo poles, and the grass sticks Are an awesome addition to my collection. Definitely attention getters. Everyone always asks me about them.
The poles are cool and easy on my elbows, but the tip broke after less than two months (about 18 days) of moderate use. Manufacturer only offered waiting a protracted length of time for a replacement, a self-repair kit, or pay for and expedited replacement. When pressed, they stated in their email this is a known defect they are working on. I'd wait until it's fixed or their customer support improves.
I have been using these poles for the last couple of weeks and really like the look, feel, and utility of them. Grips have a tacky feel that makes them easy to hold, shafts have a slight flex and forgivingness, baskets are large enough not to get lost in soft snow, and the retro look gets a lot of comments. Add the feel good of supporting a small local business and renewable resource to feel even better about this purchase. I have a friend whose been using these for years and they appear to hold up well over time.
As a kid, my first ski poles for Nordic and alpine skiing were bamboo. They were hand me downs from my uncle and one pair had been used by my grandmother and great aunt skiing logging roads in the NH White Mountains in the 1920s. Years later I am looking for alpine poles and am ready spend a little more $ on carbon fiber or anything other than aluminum, which always ends up bent or snapped. I walk into Berkley REI and see the grass sticks and I don’t hesitate. I was transported back to 1978 when skiing was introduced to me. So far I have used the poles 23 times this season and I love them. From groomed to off piste they work and work well. In the bumps they flex well and absorb shock. The silicone rubber grips and baskets are bomb proof and grip well. The cotton canvas straps are a classic (only issue is they could be a little bigger for larger gloves/mittens on colder days.)
I’ll admit I was a little hesitant to try bamboo poles. But after bending yet another pair of aluminum poles I figured what the heck and got some Grass Sticks. They deliver on all levels. They feel as light as any alloy poles. They have a nice balance that swings through nicely making pole plants a breeze. The grips have a softer more comfortable feel than most out there. The straps that come with them are functional and simple. I upgraded my straps to Mtn Straps for the additional ability to adjust length and for their fun designs. The baskets Grass Sticks uses give me good float on powder days and don’t drag when ripping groomers. And durability? Well I’ve taken some pretty good tumbles since getting them. One time feeling the pole bend an impossible amount beneath my 200 pounds. After clearing the snow from my goggles, I expected to see my pole busted. But no, just like Grass Sticks touts it had sprung back straight and looking like the day I opened the package.
I'm hard on equipment and ski about 40xs per year. I used to buy cheap poles and I'd bend/break a couple poles per yr. I've had mine about 4yrs and love them. Broke a basket once, but grass sticks replaced with a full set at a greatly reduced rate. All the kids say they are 'steezy'. 100% reccomend. The only thing I'd do differently would be to but the extended grip, the type that allows you to grip lower on the pole for uphill skinning excusions.
Fun poles, but I can see cracks developing along the length of the poles already. I have skied with these for approximately 10 days this season.
So cool! I love these because they say, "I am here to have a good time." Highly recommend.
Great sticks made in Colorado. Feel great. Light. Sturdy.
Lightweight, durable and customizable. You can even order different color baskets directly from their website and good customer service from a small team. Thanks!