From racing to touring, these new poles cover the gamut.
Atomic Redster WC QRS
$250 | atomic.com | 125g/pair (125)
This new fully carbon World Cup race pole, the lightest and stiffest model that Atomic offers, includes a sturdy, supportive strap designed for optimal power transfer. Thin lines of silicone on the strap enhance grip, and a push of the quick-release button frees the strap. “Light and easy to forget about,” wrote one tester. “Planted easily without skidding on firm, icy snow.” Another commented, “Some rebound that’s active and comfortable for this intermediate skier.” Reviewers appreciated the pole’s good swing weight and transfer of energy, and gave high marks to all aspects of its performance. One tester reported that the strap is difficult to remove from the pole grip with one hand. But overall, skiers considered this a high-performance option that warrants the price.
One Way Storm GTX
$150 | onewaysport.com | 75g/m
Construction of this 70-percent carbon pole hasn’t changed, but new this winter are ways to customize it. Purely for fun, the pole comes in four head-turning colors—yellow, pink, orange and blue—and separate kits are available to mix and match shafts, baskets and grips. The pole comes with last year’s tester-favorite strap attachment: a tiny magnetic ball guides the strap into place on the grip, which then clicks closed. Then, a tab slides open the grip on one side, allowing the strap to detach from the pole. Testers lauded not only the convenience but also the ergonomics. “I loved the way the grip kept my hand right against the pole handle,” wrote one. “Comfortable and relaxing for my fingers.” However, most testers found the pole heavy.
4KAAD Code 600
$50 | 4kaad.com | 94g/m
Poles from Finnish brand 4KAAD have been available in the U.S. for a little more than a year, and this no-frills model is an exceptional value-priced choice for beginner classic and skate skiers working on rhythm and balance. The shaft is made of carbon composite, with a cork grip and a biathlon strap, which by design is quick and easy to get in and out of. 4KAAD applies special paint developed with cell phone engineers on all its pole shafts to guard against scratches and dings; in this case, it’s the yellow graphics. Plus, all the brand’s poles contain some recycled materials. On a purely practical level: as one tester pointed out, the narrow baskets are perfectly sized for groomed trails.
NEW BUT NOT TESTED
Atomic Pro QRS
$85 | atomic.com | 175g/pair (155)
This significantly redesigned pole contains 60 percent carbon (the old one had 30 percent), making it noticeably stiffer, while including features from Atomic’s higher-end race poles like a supportive, quick-release strap.
Salomon Escape Outback Vario
$120 | salomon.com | 240g/pair
Part of Salomon’s Nordic touring line, this adjustable aluminum pole has a simple, streamlined strap and foam-enhanced grip, plus an asymmetrical basket that works in all snow conditions.
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