Whether you’re a beginner enjoying casual outings or a world champion chasing podiums, we offer cross-country ski poles to suit every skill level and purpose. Use this guide to find the perfect poles for your needs.
Key Considerations
Several factors influence your choice of cross-country ski poles. Start by considering your priorities, how, and where you plan to ski:
- Are you skiing leisurely and enjoying nature at a slower pace?
- Will you be heading off-piste or tackling varied terrain?
- Is weight an important factor for you?
Choosing the Right Pole Tube
The tube, or the main shaft of the pole, plays a critical role in performance. Let’s explore the different types available:
Composite Tubes
Poles made of 100% carbon fibre are lightweight and incredibly stiff, making them a top choice for performance-focused skiers. However, they are more fragile than aluminum poles, meaning they don’t tolerate impacts or shocks as well and can break under stress.
If you're looking for versatility, we offer a range of composite poles with varying levels of carbon content, providing options that balance performance and durability to meet your budget and needs.
Aluminium
Aluminium poles weigh more than carbon poles but are more robust and can withstand hits better. Furthermore, the heavier the pole, the greater its negative impact on the pendulum effect, as it requires more effort to swing the pole forward with each stride. This makes a difference on longer outing or more intense skiing sessions.
We recommend aluminium poles for beginners and recreational skiers.
Straps
Choosing the right straps for your cross-country ski poles is essential for optimizing comfort, control, and performance.
World-class athletes have been wearing technical straps shaped like gloves for several years, but most people will benefit from using these straps. We recommend this type of strap for outings on groomed trails as they are more efficient and comfortable.
There are two types of strap mechanism:
Wedged-in straps – these straps are attached to the pole with wedges. The Pro Fit 3D Strap, for example, has a loop at the top of the pole handle for improved adjustability and ease of use.
Connected straps - Connected straps can be clicked off so you can remove your pole without removing the strap. Swix offers two connection systems:
The TCS System
The TCS (Triac Connection System) is featured on our carbon poles, offering unmatched convenience. This system allows you to easily change straps, even while you're strapped in, ensuring quick adjustments on the go by using the Release Tool for TCS System.
The Pro Fit TCS Quick Release XC strap can be released without a tool. Note that poles with TCS Handles are often sold without the strap, allowing you to pick the exact strap type and size to fit your hand.
Just Click System
The Just click system is an extremely intuitive system that allows the skier to detach from the pole without taking off the strap. Simply push the button on the top of the handle and pull the strap out, perfect for short brakes while hiking.
Handles
Handles are typically crafted from cork, a material prized for its natural comfort, superior grip, and ability to wick moisture during skiing. For junior skiers, rubber handles are often used due to their enhanced durability and resilience, making them an excellent choice for young adventurers.
Baskets
Baskets play a vital role in pole functionality. Baskets vary in shape and sizes to suit specific conditions - groomed trails, icy conditions, off trail adventures, or loose snow. The most versatile basket comes with your poles. They can be swaped according to one of these attachment systems:
TBS System
The TBS (Tapered Basket System) is a screw-on mechanism that allows for quick and easy basket changes. With the TBS system, swapping baskets takes just seconds, making it ideal for competitive skiers or those who frequently encounter varying snow conditions. This system is included on many of our pole models designed for high-performance skiing.
Glued Baskets
Beginner and touring poles are typically equipped with glued baskets, offering a secure and durable connection for rugged terrain. However, replacing these baskets requires a bit of a process. To change a glued basket, you’ll need to heat the glue to loosen the bond, carefully remove the old basket, apply fresh glue, and then attach the new basket. While this method is more involved, it ensures a reliable attachment suited for demanding hiking conditions.
The Quantum series are made of carbon composite material, offer excellent stiffness and pendulum and are 100% compatible with Trica components. These come without straps allowing you to pick your preferred strap.
The new Dynamic series includes three beautiful, yet robust composite poles for a wide range of skiing activities from recreational touring to high-intensity training. D2 and D3 come with or without the Just Click system.
The Infinity series of poles are light and robust aluminum poles that combine function with ease of use.
