| Nordic ski poles are measured and labeled as their total length from end-to-end in centimeters. From the end of the tip to the end of the handle/grip. This is not the functional length since the basket is usually at the snow surface and straps hang down a bit from the top of the handle.
Advantages of Longer Poles (with good technique)
:: Can help bring the hips forward in both skate and classical techniques
:: More effective double poling
:: Touring Skiers will get more support in deeper snow when the skis are riding higher than the pole plants
:: Can help engage core torso muscles with V1 on hills
Advantages of Shorter Poles (maintaining good technique)
:: Easier to engage core stomach muscles with V2
:: Easier to maintain balance with diagonal stride in classical technique
:: Easier to bring hands forward in all techniques, and get poles perpendicular to snow
:: Easier to clear poles when contouring slopes while touring in deep snow
Longer Pole Method: Good for racing, and skiers who prefer longer poles.
Skate Poles: Convert your height to centimeters. Multiply by .9 or .91 depending on preference and terrain. Equals your pole length in centimeters.
Classic and Touring Poles: Convert your height to centimeters. Multiply by .83 to .85. depending on preference, purpose and terrain. Equals your pole length in centimeters.
Cross Country Ski Pole Size Chart (Shorter Poles)
This chart is calculated by taking your height in centimeters and subtracting 20cm for Skate and 30cm for Classical & Touring. We regard it as starting point for general and recreational skiing, new skiers, and for skiers who prefer shorter poles. These are the Swix and One Way recommendations. Note: The Classic and Touring measurements will work for leisure skiers, however we believe more athletic or aggressive skiers will prefer longer poles.
| Skier Height (inches)
|
Skate (centimeters) |
Classic (centimeters) |
Touring (centimeters) |
| 4’3 – 4’5 |
110 |
100 |
100 |
| 4’5 – 4’7 |
115 |
105 |
105 |
| 4’7 – 4’9 |
120 |
110 |
110 |
| 4’9 – 4’11 |
125 |
115 |
115 |
| 4’11 |
130 |
120 |
120 |
| 5’0 |
132 |
122 |
122 |
| 5’1 |
135 |
127 |
125 |
| 5’2 |
137 |
127 |
125 |
| 5’3 |
140 |
130 |
130 |
| 5’4 |
142 |
132 |
130 |
| 5’5 |
145 |
135 |
135 |
| 5’6 |
147 |
137 |
135 |
| 5’7 |
150 |
140 |
140 |
| 5’8 |
152 |
142 |
140 |
| 5’9 |
155 |
145 |
145 |
| 5’10 |
157 |
147 |
145 |
| 5’11 |
160 |
150 |
150 |
| 6’0 |
162 |
152 |
150 |
| 6’1 |
165 |
155 |
155 |
| 6’2 |
167 |
157 |
155 |
| 6’3 |
170 |
160 |
160 |
| 6’4 |
172 |
162 |
160 |
| 6’5 |
175 |
165 |
165 |
| 6’6 |
175 |
170 |
170 |
|
