 Poster: A snowHead
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After a short debate with someone, I really would like to know if length of poles is a personal thing, or if there is a 'proper' length?
I have 120's and would like some a little shorter, whereas 2 of my very close amis have 130 and 135, both of they are verrryyy similar height to me...
are they the ones with the right poles?
or are we all right, because thats just what we like?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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george_1, yes, no, maybe (I expect I'll be told I'm wrong any second now!)
The "normal" way of selecting the right pole length is to turn the pole upside down, and grab it under the basket. You arm should be bent at a right angle.
There are other schools of thought that would say to go with shorter poles on piste and longer off.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Wear The Fox Hat, Thats how I selected my poles originally, and have grown a bit since then, but they seem to be getting better as I grow.
I think I would be with the 'shorter poles off piste', it makes sense....
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george_1, The idea of me weighing in on a technical issue is pretty laughable, but... my understanding is that the classic length is that which causes a 90 degree angle between your upper arm and your forearm (and you test this indoors by turning the pole upside down and holding it below the basket.) However, I have a tendency - as do many people - to lean too far back and have therefore had my poles cut down a bit, in order to force me forwards.
Come in somebody with real expertise, please!
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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george_1, I'd go along with what Wear The Fox Hat, as a guide and after that it's what you feel confortable with until a snowhead instructor tells you your poles are too short or too long.
I'm confused.....what did I just say.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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Wear The Fox Hat, george_1, Yes, plainly the fact of the pole sinking more deeply into powder will make a difference.
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george_1, I think this is a tricky but interesting subject. According to the WTFH guide I should use 125 & have done so from the age of 20 ish onwards, but when I started to ski frequently (last year - 2 -3 times a week) I used shorter & shorter poles until I got to 115 - which I loved & used solidly. My dad tried to get me away from this length - by buying me some really posh 120's as a compromise - but on plastic, I still reach for the shorties???? I am 5'11 ish.
We have discussed body length & leg length before - but I don't remember the conclusion 
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george_1, I usually use 115 (I'm 5'4" and used the "holding under the basket" technique to establish the "right" length) but at the EoSB I was given 105 which I found much easier to manage. Unfortunatley ssh said they were too short so I swapped them for the usual 115 and promptly went back to pole dragging. I'll def go for shorter next time
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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rpft, I should use 125s as well (and did for years). I think my current ones are 120.
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Wear The Fox Hat, do you prefer the shorter ones? why did you try/buy them in the first place? (off piste?) I can't help thinking it is body / leg length - the angle must be different.
holidayloverxx, I used to drag my poles too - I am so much happier with shorties 
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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rpft, I prefer the shorter ones, because I'm not dragging them, and am more likely to use them as they were designed, but mainly on piste.
Not sure about the body/leg length bit, cause you hold the pole in your hand for the measurement, and you hold it there when skiing as well.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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| rpft wrote: |
| .....There must be some technical reason why I really prefer the poles of someone 7" shorter than me.....? |
Maybe your hands are too low & shorter poles allow you to get away with it as they don't drag? That's what I did.
Shorter poles are easier in bumbs though.
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You know it makes sense.
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I've had the 'hang the pole upside down from the basket' thing explained before, however, what wasn't clear then or now was where is the measurement taken to when a pole says how long it is. Is it from the handle to the basket, the handle to the end of the pole, just under the handle to either the basket or pole end etc. I can measure this distance from my right angle hand to the foor, but would like to know how this distance relates to the advertised pole length. Also if the bit from the basket to the ground comes into play then do I need to know how long this bit of the pole is. I haven't explained that very well, but hopefully someone can see what I'm getting at.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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rpft, Yes, I get the concept, but, for example, if I wanted to order poles off the internet I couldn't swing them upside down and play with them could I? but I could measure the distance between hand and floor if I knew how that distance related to the advertised size of the poles. Does that make sense?
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Megamum, the reason why I say 'don't worry about the size' is because I too have tried measuring - but gave up when I realised the manufacturers weren't particularly accurate. My new posh lightweight ones are 120 - but in reality, about 117 (don't tell my dad  ) whereas my (very) old scott 125's - were closer to a 126/7. If you are going to MK you are welcome to try mine & I'll bring my older ones too.
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Megamum, crossed threads!! No - you are absolutely right - it really is about how they feel - don't think I would buy poles without having a feel first. As per my last thread - hopefully you will come to MK & can try my weird selection 
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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I don't know whether I'll be able to get to MK in August - I must have missed the thread regarding this trip - it would depend on timing and on finances. What I do know is someone started chat about poles on the MBB and I said that the pair I had been using had felt weird all morning, and when I held them up they were 4" different!! 
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Megamum, Ah but you are meant to use the longer pole in your downhill hand and swap them after you turn.... honest....
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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I'm a firm believer is shorter poles than the traditional measure having experimented a bit recently - on Saturday I was using poles 10cm shorter than my regular poles. If you get adjustable poles you can of course experiment freely.
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fatbob, I can see that in bumps , truly deep powder and on a groomed piste, but what about steep terrain, jump turns, and Slow Dog Noodles?
Last edited by Ski the Net with snowHeads  on Mon 25-06-07 22:28; edited 1 time in total
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Still no-one has admitted that they have an answer to my question though. Come-on Snowhead's I can't believe I've got you stumped!!
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Megamum, it doesn't matter, it's a way outdated method anyway.
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| Megamum wrote: |
| rpft, Yes, I get the concept, but, for example, if I wanted to order poles off the internet I couldn't swing them upside down and play with them could I? but I could measure the distance between hand and floor if I knew how that distance related to the advertised size of the poles. Does that make sense? |
Why not just try them & buy them in real shop ? Postage costs will outweigh any savings you make online anyway.
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You know it makes sense.
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fatbob, It's OK - hypothetical situation, as I'll probably stick with what I get given. Mind you I'm still interested in the answer. Come-on have I got you all stumped - cockle doodle do!!
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Megamum, The measurement is the total length of the pole from the tip up to the top of your hand grip, excluding the flat safety bit on top of the handle. There your firework has been doused. 
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Poster: A snowHead
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| comprex wrote: |
| fatbob, I can see that in bumps , truly deep powder and on a groomed piste, but what about ... Slow Dog Noodles? |
Tend to use chopsticks rather than poles when I visit Korea. 
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Megamum,
The lenght of the pole is from tip to tail or handle, the total lenght. The variations maybe that any new baskets put on don't sit exactly in the right place. My Salomon poles with powder baskets have this issue. I have now have BD carbon adjustables so that will solve that anyway. I prefer my poles to be on the long side and I am shade under 6ft 2. I use 130's, there is nothing worse than poles that are too short....!!! well, there is, but you get my drift.
However, if you don't rely on a pole plant, then the question of lenght doesn't really matter. New school carving might not concentrate on pole plants much either.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Thank you folks, that's what I wanted to know!
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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As all above. The worry with shorter poles as that it makes your stance more bent over.
I have this on advice from a ski instructor who told us to go back to the shop and get longer ones (much to the surprise of the shop) as it made you stand upright and have more correct balance.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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GordonFreeman,
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The worry with shorter poles as that it makes your stance more bent over
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Not if you BZK!
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I'm jumping in with both feet and not going to read all that everyone has posted.
I bought shorter poles at the recommendation of my fellow bears. In theory it was supposed to get me forward and into a better carve position. After taking a bump lesson, I was informed that my stance was too compact and I was forced to go back to my old poles for a few days.
I found out, I'm much happier with my old poles in the old length, and I'm skiing more upright.
I guess you can say I STOOD the test, and am happier!
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SnowHot, is that the final word or will you move to shorter poles when you have an upright torso and highly retracted legs on the same bump run?
Front Four are a'waitin'...
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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JT, just to deviate new skool carving ain't much use on a 45 degree slope with death cookies all round...
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DM,
I saw a new skool vid the other day and lo and behold...all the old stuff was right there in front of you for the steep section...
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FAQ
meet at MK in aug?
