When Should You Replace Your Ski Poles?

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Ski poles are essential tools for balance, rhythm, and maneuvering down the slopes. While they’re built to withstand a lot, they don’t last forever. If you’ve been skiing for a while, you may wonder: when is it time to replace them? Let’s discuss the signs of wear, how to inspect your poles, and whether a change in your skiing style or ability means it’s time for an upgrade.

What Wears Out on a Ski Pole?

Ski poles might look simple, but they have a few key components that can degrade over time:

1. The Shaft: Whether aluminum or carbon, the shaft is the backbone of your pole. Aluminum poles can bend or dent, while carbon poles are prone to cracking under high stress.
2. The Grip: Constant handling wears down grips, making them slippery or uncomfortable. Grips might even crack in extreme cold or if dropped repeatedly.
3. The Strap: Straps can fray or weaken, especially if exposed to moisture and UV light over many seasons.
4. The Basket: These little discs at the base help your poles stay steady in the snow. Baskets can crack, break, or even fall off after significant use.
5. The Tip: Pole tips take a beating against icy terrain and rocks. Over time, they can dull or snap.

How to Check Your Poles for Wear

Inspecting your poles is easy and can save you from sudden failures on the slopes.

For Aluminum Poles:

• Look for Bends or Dents: Lay your pole flat on the ground. If it doesn’t roll smoothly, it’s bent. Minor dents might not be a problem, but major ones can weaken the shaft.
• Inspect the Surface: Check for deep scratches or signs of corrosion, especially if you’ve used your poles in wet salty conditions (see note on aluminum corrosion below).

For Carbon Poles:

• Feel for Cracks: Run your hand along the pole to detect any cracks or weak spots.
• Flex Test: Gently flex the pole. If it feels softer or creaks, it might be compromised.

General Checks:

• Examine the grips, straps, baskets, and tips for visible wear or damage.

My Pole Is Bent a Bit: Should I Replace It?

A slight bend in an aluminum pole might not ruin your day, but it’s worth addressing. Small bends can sometimes be straightened carefully—keyword: carefully. If you overdo it, the pole could snap. SportsRec has a helpful article on how to straighten bent poles. For severe bends or cracks, replace the pole. Creases are another instance where pole replacement is necessary because it’s gone beyond the point of repair.

With carbon poles, bending isn’t the issue; it’s cracks. If you spot a crack, retire the pole immediately. Cracked carbon can break unexpectedly under pressure, which isn’t ideal at 30 mph downhill.

What If My Skiing Style or Ability Changes?

If you’ve recently leveled up your skills, your poles should evolve too.

• Aggressive Skiers: You might need a sturdier pole with reinforced shafts to handle harder terrain and faster speeds.
• Powder: Longer poles are helpful when skiing powder as your pole will sink down into the snow more than on groomed runs.
• Intermediate Skiers: Your needs may vary as you venture out into more powder so poles with easily interchangeable baskets are useful.
• Advanced Skiers: Pole weight becomes more important so opt for high-tech materials like carbon or titanium for maximum strength and minimal weight.
• Freestylers: Shorter poles are often better for tricks and jumps.
• Backcountry Skiers: Adjustable poles are great to adjust for steep ascents, powder skiing and mixed snow conditions.

Upgrading your poles to match your current needs can improve performance and comfort.

Additional Tips for Ski Pole Longevity

• Protect the Tips and Baskets: Avoid jamming poles into rocky terrain.
• Store Them Properly: Keep poles in a dry place to prevent corrosion or strap degradation.
• Replace Components: If grips, baskets, or tips wear out but the shaft is fine, you can often replace these parts instead of buying new poles.

But wait – Aluminum doesn’t rust, does it?

Aluminum ski poles do not rust in the traditional sense. Rust occurs when iron reacts with oxygen and moisture, forming iron oxide, commonly known as rust. Since aluminum does not contain iron, it cannot rust.

When exposed to water and oxygen, aluminum forms a thin layer of aluminum oxide on its surface. Unlike rust, this layer is actually protective, preventing further corrosion. That’s why aluminum is popular for outdoor gear like ski poles—it’s lightweight and resistant to damage from moisture.

However if your aluminum ski poles are exposed to salt (like from salted roads or coastal conditions), they may experience pitting corrosion. This happens when salt accelerates the breakdown of the protective aluminum oxide layer. To avoid this, rinse your poles with fresh water if they’ve been in contact with salt and dry them thoroughly before storing.

Summary

Ski poles are durable, but they don’t last forever. Wear on the shaft, grip, strap, basket, and tip can affect performance and safety. Regular inspections help spot damage early. For aluminum poles, look for bends and dents; for carbon poles, check for cracks. A slight bend in an aluminum pole might be okay, but cracks or severe damage mean replacement is necessary.

If your skiing style or ability changes, upgrading your poles to match your new needs is a smart move. Keep your poles in good condition by protecting the tips, storing them properly, and replacing worn parts as needed. A trusty pair of ski poles can be your best friend on the mountain—make sure they’re ready for the adventure!