Telescoping XC ski poles

[dave52]

Has anyone found a reliable and durable pair of telescoping ski poles that they enjoy for XC touring? Are fixed height that much better?

I've been looking at a few pairs but they seem to cap out at <= 140cm, I'm 6'2" so would prefer longer than this, and something that is decently strong to hold up for some years.

The telescoping feature would be great to compact poles for travel, and I drag friends out skiing, having the adjustable pole height for people of different sizes would be nice.

[stilltryin]

I like my Black Diamond Traverse, and my wife likes her carbon version (whatever it's called). No issues, never gave it a lot of thought. According to the numbers on the pole, mine goes to 155cm. Handy for many reasons to adjust (like traversing a slope). I'm also 6'2".

[Stephen]

6'3"
BD Traverse Pro (has safety release straps that work -- "SwitchRelease™ breakaway technology strap").
After 350 miles / 55k vertical, they seem pretty decent.
I fall a lot and have put minor bends in them that I have been able to mostly straighten out, so would say at least as durable as any other option.
Spec'ed to 155cm.

[dave52]

Thanks for the endorsement, nice to hear 2 for Black Diamond

[randoskier]

Has anyone found a reliable and durable pair of telescoping ski poles that they enjoy for XC touring? Are fixed height that much better?

I've been looking at a few pairs but they seem to cap out at <= 140cm, I'm 6'2" so would prefer longer than this, and something that is decently strong to hold up for some years.

The telescoping feature would be great to compact poles for travel, and I drag friends out skiing, having the adjustable pole height for people of different sizes would be nice.

I second the Black Diamond Traverse pole at 155cm! They are durable- I have been skiing this pair since 2017, many KMs and not a few falls. They take it.

I am 5'14" and these poles work great for me. I replaced the stock baskets with these 120 mm baskets. They sell the baskets at Aventure Nordique for about 15 bucks.

[mca80]

Asnes makes telescoping poles to 155cm. I don't have any but I watched a video about them and read Johnny's rave review (of the Combat NATO poles) and will be buying a pair of whatever they have available in the states next season. Seem like the best poles around from what I saw, re strap system and extended grip.

[dave52]

I second the Black Diamond Traverse pole at 155cm!
...
I replaced the stock baskets with these 120 mm baskets. They sell the baskets at Aventure Nordique for about 15 bucks.

Was the basket upgrade something you did because of equipment failure?

Asnes makes telescoping poles to 155cm. I don't have any but I watched a video about them and read Johnny's rave review (of the Combat NATO poles) and will be buying a pair of whatever they have available in the states next season. Seem like the best poles around from what I saw, re strap system and extended grip.

Didn't even think to check if Asnes makes poles, thanks for pointing out. If their poles are like their skis, probably a wise choice.

[greatgt]

Over the years have had three adjustable poles...Destroyed all of them....have had some excel poles for ever......they don't break easily....takes a tremendous demolition to do it.....We also get them long and that helps on the up....Cactus tele on the way down...TM

[connyro]

.....We also get them long and that helps on the up....Cactus tele on the way down...TM

Sorry to be a great big dick but this is not good ski advice. Hands above your head is not good form and will be less stable than keeping your hands down and centered in front of your torso. Yes, even when skiing the trees. Proper weight distribution, including your arms, is key for balanced, controlled skiing. In the BC or groomers, long poles can be choked up on or simply held more or less parallel with the slope. Then you don't need to have your hands up so high.

[connyro]

Another vote for the BD Traverse poles. I used the same uppers for 12 years and just replaced the lowers last season. The BD powder baskets work well too in place of the weird 3/4 ones that come with the poles.