Purchasing new ski poles is a big investment, and should not be underrated. Ski poles are the second most important piece of equipment (behind the boot) and the only piece of equipment that you physically hold onto, swing, and lift. If you do the math, at the polling rate of 30 per minute, 1,800 per hour (X2 for two poles) using our XC Signature, compared to the average high-end pole in its class, you’ll lift 2.07 pounds less weight per minute. In a 50k marathon (with a three-hour average), that’s 372.6 less weight to lift! That’s a lot less weight to lift during a race, and that’s why your decision is so important!
The most important shaft properties of your ski poles are the overall weight, swing weight, stiffness, and strength. Swing weight refers to the pendulum motion of a pole as it is swinging forward against your directional path. The stiffer the pole, the more of your energy goes into forward movement and less into bending the pole. Strength refers to the durability of the pole.
Most name-brand ski poles are made in China using the same 20-year-old-plus technology; many under the same roof. Our poles do not use the ancient Chinese method of constructing carbon. We have developed our own way in which we align the fibers to achieve premium strength in all directions. Besides, when is the last time you or anyone you know purchased something BECAUSE it was made in China? When you directly compare our USA-made poles in weight, stiffness, and retail price with the Chinese, you’ll see we’re selling at an average of $150 less and offering a two-year warranty! Why shouldn’t you choose our poles?
Take your height (with shoes, in cm), and subtract 20cm for skate and 30cm for classic. In most cases, this will result in classic poles that reach the center of the shoulder bone, and for skate about the height of your mouth or chin.
They do this especially in shorter races such as sprints. World Cup skiers have chosen to use 5-7.5cm longer poles than recommended above because their upper body strength allows them to have greater benefits with the added reach. There are, of course, individual preferences, but in general World Cup skiers use 2.5cm longer poles than the average skier.
Classic style requires a higher poling cadence and if done well during striding, a pole should always be planted. The increase in length (usually 10cm) for skating is due to bigger movements (horizontal on plain), and allows for greater speed while always using the two poles simultaneously. All of this combined (if we haven’t confused you yet) allows you to use longer poles!
Besides the 100% carbon fiber structure and two-year warranty, USSPC aims for two key principles: minimum swing weight and maximum durability. Also, our comfortable grips that don’t chafe your hands and deluxe thermal straps that are the easiest to adjust to different glove sizes are becoming something people are raving about because they are that much better! Once you try them out for yourself you’ll know why.
If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, please contact us immediately. Returns are accepted within 14 days of receiving products. Shipping costs for the return are the responsibility of the customer. Either a refund or company credit will be given once the product is received and inspected.