Many people think that investing in a good pair of ski poles is just as important as your skis, and we 100% agree with that. What are the functions of ski poles? Well, there are a lot, from helping you set a rhythm for turns, to propelling you along flat sections of trail, to having a crutch to lean on in long lift lines, there are literally so many things that ski poles can do. Basically, they’re a very important part of any skier’s equipment. Even better, most of them are pretty affordable! While there are a plethora of ski poles for sale out there, we’ve helped you to narrow them down to just 13! Whether you want the best adjustable ski pole or the best collapsible ski pole, we have it all!
For other skiing gear, make sure to read our list of the 13 best mid-layers for skiing and snowboarding, the 13 best ski bags for travel, and the 13 best heated socks for skiing!
How To Choose The Best Ski Poles
There are a few things that you should always consider when buying ski poles, which are:
Materials
Generally, ski poles are made of aluminum or carbon fiber. In some cases, they’re made of a combination of the 2. Both types of materials have benefits and drawbacks. Aluminum ski poles tend to be more durable and affordable, but they’re also heavier and don’t flex as easily. On the other hand, carbon fiber poles are more lightweight and have better flex. But they’re more expensive and aren’t as durable. If you look hard enough, you might find the best ski poles for sale that offer the best of both worlds.
Weight
The weight of a pole often relates to the material type, but that doesn’t mean carbon fiber is the best pick. If you’re a beginner, we recommend picking aluminum poles as they can help to train you better and are cheaper. Aside from that, the thickness of the pole also plays a role. In some cases, a narrow shaft of any material type tends to be less durable and comes with less stress tolerance, which is why you’d probably want to avoid the lightest pole available.
Price
Just like the best affordable ski jackets and the best budget ski goggles, the best ski poles for sale don’t always have to be expensive. In fact, most of the ski poles on this list are affordable! That said, you should always choose the best option that has a great balance between affordability, functionality, and durability.
Fit
You should always make sure that the best collapsible ski pole that you want suits your height and size. As a general rule, a ski pole should sit slightly below your armpit height. To measure, just turn your pole upside down so that the grip is sitting on the ground and the point and basket are facing skyward. Then, grip the pole right under the basket, and look to see if your arm is bent at a 90-degree angle. If it turns out that your arm and elbow are extended beyond 90 degrees, then the pole might be too short. If your elbow is more bent and your fist rests above your elbow, the pole is likely too long.
Adjustable vs fixed-length
The best adjustable ski pole is great for out-of-bounds use, and particularly when touring. That’s because you’ll typically want a shorter length for the uphill and longer for flat sections and downhill. However, if you exclusively ride inbounds, a fixed-length model will save you some money and have fewer moving parts that can break or fail over time. For those who split their time in and out of bounds but don’t want to buy more than one pole, consider your priorities. Would you rather have a simple and reliable design, or do you prefer having the ability to adjust the length of your poles while touring? Choose wisely!
Do ski poles matter?
If you’re a beginner, most ski poles will serve you just fine. But the more advanced you become, the more the pole matters. Usually, intermediate to expert skiers are faced with more variation in terrain, and different poles will work better in different conditions.
Should you use ski pole straps?
Yes, we highly recommend using them. The straps are important as they allow you to create tension between your wrist and the pole when holding the handle. Plus, they can minimize your risk of injury when you fall.
Volkl Phantastick Poles
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Those who are looking for reliable and visually striking ski poles for sale should consider purchasing the Volkl Phantastick Poles. Aside from being feature-packed, they also come with a comfortable grip and feel very lightweight. Like many other ski poles on the market, this product is also made of 18mm aluminum alloy, which is loved by many because of its durability and weight.
For your comfort, these poles boast a Soft Touch grip with 5 finger grooves. For most skiers, the grooves fit their hands really well, but if you have especially small hands, you may have an issue. Apart from the high-quality grip, there are also comfortable nylon straps. Best of all, these poles are available in 4 different sizes and 4 different striking colors.
What We Love
A great pair of ski poles for sale that’s lightweight and comfortable while also maintaining its durability.
Pros:
- Lightweight and sturdy
- Available in many colors and sizes
- High-quality nylon straps
- Comfortable Soft Touch grip
- Durable
Cons:
- Finger grooves may not fit all hands
Black Diamond Traverse Ski Poles
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The Black Diamond Traverse Ski Poles are aluminum 2-section poles with many same features as the high-performance and more expensive ski poles for sale. The grip features a sizeable top pad that’s super comfortable to push down on when skinning steeply. There’s also a secondary grip that’s made of sticky rubber which is very comfortable to grab when side-hilling.
However, the largest asset of these ski poles is probably their durability. This product can really take a beating. You can use it to test snow surfaces, bash dead branches out of your way, and many more. Aside from a few scratches, these poles will show no signs of any durability issues. Best of all, they’re inexpensive! What more could you ask for?
What We Love
The best ski poles for sale that are affordable and highly durable.
Pros:
- Useful grip
- Comfortable secondary grip
- Very durable
- Affordable
- All-aluminum construction
Cons:
- The powder basket is a bit stiff
Line Pollard’s Paintbrush Ski Poles
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When looking for the best adjustable ski pole, you should definitely check out the Line Pollard’s Paintbrush Ski Poles. They’re perfect for time spent both on and off the slopes. The lightweight construction of these versatile poles will surely help you advance through any terrain easily and the adjustable height adds further versatility.
We also appreciate the fact that the baskets can be easily swapped out. For powder days, simply attached the powder baskets to help the poles float above the snow. Meanwhile, for those days that you’d rather cruise the groomed runs, just replace the powder baskets with standard ones for added grip. Furthermore, these poles’ adjustable nature also makes them great for walking and trekking.
What We Love
Easily one of the most adjustable and versatile ski poles for sale right now.
Pros:
- Adjustable height
- Versatile
- The baskets are easy to swap out
- Durable aluminum frame
- A tab on top of the grip helps to keep the pole in place
Cons:
- Tend to slide down if you put a lot of downward pressure
LEKI Checker X Ski Poles
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Another great pair of poles from LEKI that we want to introduce to you is the LEKI Checker X Ski Poles. They’re the perfect option for a new school rider or a free rider looking for some action on the hill. These poles are made from durable and lightweight aluminum to give them more power and stability. As the name implies, they have an eye-catching checkered design. Plus, they taper down to a smaller diameter towards the tip to save some weight.
Apart from the funky design, there’s also the Soft Grip that fits in perfectly in your hands as you launch off of jumps or cruise down the mountain. Additionally, the strong steel tip can pierce through the snow easily and is built for heavy-duty performance. We also like that there’s the Hard Snow Basket that snaps on tightly so you don’t have to worry about it popping off.
What We Love
An affordably priced pair of ski poles that have all the essential features you’ll ever need.
Pros:
- Lightweight and durable
- Funky design
- Soft Grip that fits in perfectly in your hands
- Strong steel tip
- Great for heavy-duty performances
Cons:
- The poles scuff easily
Salomon Arctic Ski Poles
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Are you on a limited budget? Then this simple and lightweight product from Salomon is a great option. Here we have the Salomon Arctic Ski Poles, a pair of affordable ski poles that boast a neutral design that’s perfect for all styles and expert levels of skiers. But don’t get it wrong, we think their design also works well for those just starting out. The neutral design is perfect for modest slopes, and it boasts a lightweight 18mm aluminum that’s perfect for both men and women.
Furthermore, as one of the best ski poles for sale, these ski poles have standard baskets and tips that work well in freshly packed snow. Meanwhile, the ergonomic handles are accented with grippy rubber panels that provide a surefire grip even when you’re wearing bulky winter gloves. Aside from that, they also come with nylon straps for added security as well.
What We Love
A lightweight and sturdy pole that works well for skiers of all skill levels.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Grippy rubber panels
- Sturdy and lightweight aluminum frame
- Beginner-friendly
- Nylon straps for added security
Cons:
- Not the most durable option
Rossignol Hero Sl Ski Poles
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The Rossignol Hero Sl Ski Poles are one of the best ski poles for sale out there, and they come with an aerodynamic and lightweight design that’s great for skilled skiers looking for something that can keep up with their pace. We also like the fact that these poles are made from quality materials that are a bit more durable than most. They’re made from Aluminum Zicral, which makes them super lightweight and tough. With a slight bend, they’re also more resistant to breaking under pressure compared to some of the other options on the market.
Another thing that we truly love about this product is the triangular-shaped race shaft. This means that the pole is thicker at the top and thinner at the bottom, which allows you to really cut through the air as you reach top speeds. There are also asymmetrical handles that are more attuned to your natural grip.
What We Love
An ideal choice for those in the market looking for the best ski poles for sale that can help them reach top speeds.
Pros:
- Triangular-shaped race shaft
- Asymmetrical grips
- Great for speed
- Made from tough Aluminum Zicral
- More resistant to breaking under pressure
Cons:
- Expensive
Black Diamond Razor Carbon Ski Poles
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As one of the best ski poles for sale, the Black Diamond Razor Carbon Ski Poles are very versatile. They come with carbon lower shafts that provide decreased vibration and greater strength, as well as improved handling over all-metal poles. Available at a competitive price, there’s also a rubber grip that provides great comfort and a steady hand-feel.
These lightweight-yet-stiff poles are designed for long ski tours into the backcountry or for use as Nordic walking poles. Considered the best adjustable ski pole, it’s also equipped with its very own FlickLock Pro technology that lets users adjust the length of the pole on the fly with a flick of a thumb. There’s the new SwitchRelease breakaway technology too, which allows you to easily ski tight trees.
What We Love
Manufactured by a trusted brand, it has great features and is highly adjustable.
Pros:
- Pretty stable
- Rubber grip for better comfort
- Lightweight yet stiff
- FlickLock Pro technology
- SwitchRelease breakaway technology
Cons:
- Not the cheapest option
Black Diamond Carbon Whippet Ski Poles
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We’re confident to say that the Black Diamond Carbon Whippet Ski Poles are a great option for those that want the best adjustable ski pole out there. That’s because they can do practically anything! From skiing to mountaineering, and even hiking, you name it all! These poles function well as 3-section, aluminum ski poles, and the top is where the magic is! The top has a removable steel ice pick that assists when traversing, especially in icy and dangerous conditions. This optional piece can be easily removed with the click of a dial and stowed safely when skiing downhill.
Another praiseworthy feature is the ¾ basket. While the powder-specific basket is wide enough to plant in deep snow, it cleverly reduces the overall weight and footprint by shaving down the sides. Overall, we’re really happy with these ski poles. If you’re looking for the best adjustable ski pole that can also mimic an ice ax in basic mountaineering terrain, this product is the one to get.
What We Love
The perfect pick for those in the market for a ski pole that can also replace their ice ax in steep terrain to save weight.
Pros:
- Very easy to use
- Feel like normal ski poles
- Highly durable
- Versatile
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Won’t be used often by most skiers
Atomic Backland FR Ski Poles
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There are so many reasons for you to like the Atomic Backland FR Ski Poles, a pair of high-quality poles designed by pro skier Chris Benchetler. For us, these best ski poles for sale deserve to be purchased because they’re easy on the wallet and packed with many great features. Also light and thrifty, they’ll support any skiing adventure you have in mind. As the best adjustable ski pole, this product is also adjustable in length, allowing you to shorten it for your ascent and lengthen it for downhill skiing.
Aside from that, these poles can also be pulled apart beyond their maximum telescoping length to reveal a Phillips screwdriver at the end of one shaft and a flathead screwdriver at the end of the other. These tools are very useful for quick gear adjustments. Last but not least, there are wrist straps that feature padding for increased comfort and adjustments for proper sizing.
What We Love
High-quality ski poles that let you adjust to varying terrain and come with a built-in screwdriver.
Pros:
- Built-in screwdriver
- Padded straps
- Adjustable length
- Affordable
- Designed by Chris Benchetler
Cons:
- Not as light as other options
LEKI Detect S Ski Poles Air
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Who doesn’t want a pair of sturdy aluminum poles? They’re perfect for all-mountain skiing, durable, and plenty lightweight. For days at the resort, you don’t want anything else besides them. Here is the LEKI Detect S Ski Poles Air. As the best aluminum ski poles for sale, they’ve captivated many skiers with their tough construction, ergonomic grips, and innovative strap system.
If you’re wondering, the S in the name stands for LEKI’s Trigger S system that allows you to separate the strap from the pole easily. We find it super practical for getting on and off the chairlift. There’s also a safety element to the design. Meanwhile, the built-in spring will release the strap under upward tension, disconnecting you from a potentially hazardous swinging ski pole.
What We Love
A pair of sturdy ski poles that has a good balance of performance and price.
Pros:
- Ergonomic grips
- Innovative strap system
- Durable and tough construction
- Trigger S system to separate the strap from the pole easily
- Built-in spring to release the strap under upward tension
Cons:
- A bit pricey for aluminum poles
LEKI Tour Stick Vario Carbon Ski Poles
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Say hello to the best collapsible ski pole from LEKI, the LEKI Tour Stick Vario Carbon Ski Poles. They offer fantastic features in an ultralight, foldable design. Since they pack pretty small, you can literally store them in your backpack and they’ll hardly take up space. Or, you can also attach them to the side of your ski boots bag if you want. Thanks to the Speed Lock 2 external locking mechanism, the length of these poles can be easily adjusted.
Meanwhile, the shaft is made from resistant aluminum and carbon fiber, making it strong and very lightweight. Aside from that, we also like that these poles are specially constructed for even more stability and safety. Easy to handle, there’s a button that releases the pole tension. There’s also a reinforced neoprene strap with convenient fleece lining for maximum comfort.
What We Love
A great option for skiers looking for the best collapsible ski pole that’s high-performing.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Foldable design
- Speed Lock 2 external locking mechanism
- Durable construction
- Neoprene strap with convenient fleece lining
Cons:
- ServiceVersion
LEKI Carbon 14S Ski Poles
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Released in 2020, the LEKI Carbon 14S Ski Poles have been loved by many skiers that have gotten their hands on them. As one of the top ski poles for sale, they check all of the boxes of what beginners and advanced users want in their poles. They’re lightweight, super durable, and have smart grips that will make your experience with these poles better. Although slightly more expensive than your friend’s best collapsible ski pole, we promise that they’re well worth it.
What makes these poles truly shine is the Slalom Grip that’s enhanced with the Trigger S System. These grips are slightly angled so that they fit comfortably in your hand, while the nylon straps affix to your wrist for an effortless grip that stays in place. Just like the name suggests, these poles are made from durable carbon materials that make them lightweight. In fact, they’re a little thinner than some of the other poles that you can find on the market.
What We Love
A great option for skiers looking for sleek ski poles that can keep up with their snowy adventures.
Pros:
- Thin and lightweight
- Slalom Grip
- Trigger S System
- Suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers
- Very durable
Cons:
- Slightly expensive
Black Diamond Expedition 3 Poles
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Black Diamond is no stranger when it comes to the world of winter sports, especially skiing. Among all of its high-quality products are the Black Diamond Expedition 3 Poles. These poles are a favorite for those looking for the best collapsible ski pole. These amazing ski poles can be used in all seasons for skiing or trekking, and they include powder and trekking baskets. They’re made from 100% aluminum, so you don’t have to worry about their weight and durability. As a pair, they weigh only 1.02lbs, which is very impressive.
Among all of their features, perhaps the best one is the 3-section design. Each of them uses Black Diamond’s FlickLocks that are highly reliable and easy to use. The strap is easily adjusted and fits well with or without gloves. When fully collapsed, these poles measure 25 inches long and are great for travel or to attach to your backpack.
What We Love
These poles can be used in all 4 seasons for a multitude of activities besides skiing.
Pros:
- Collapsible and portable
- Comfortable grip
- 100% aluminum
- Come with powder and trekking baskets
- 3-section design
- Adjustable strap
Cons:
- These poles can get stuck when bushwacking
