The Best Ski Poles for Downhill Use in 2024

Choosing the right ski poles can make or break your time on the slopes. With so many options out there, it’s important to know what you’re looking for. That’s where we come in. In this guide, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of ski pole materials, construction, and intended use, so you can make an informed decision based on your skiing style and preferences.

When it comes to ski poles, there’s a lot to consider. Are you all about durability, or are you willing to sacrifice toughness for lighter weight? Do you stick to groomed runs, or do you crave off-trail adventures?

We’ll break down the pros and cons of aluminum poles versus carbon fiber designs, giving you the lowdown on what sets each type apart.Here is our top picks for 2024:

1. Leki Detect S Ski Poles

For skiing across various terrains, robust aluminum ski poles are the optimal choice. Their durability is unmatched—often bending rather than breaking upon impact, unlike carbon fiber alternatives—while still offering a lightweight option for extended days on the slopes. Among the standout aluminum downhill poles is the Leki Detect S, praised for its rugged build, ergonomic grips, and an innovative strap system detailed below.

While it may lack the featherlight sensation of full carbon poles, the Detect S remains reasonably light at just over a pound per pair. Its tangible durability instills confidence for long-term use and comes at a more affordable price compared to most carbon counterparts, undercutting them by $20 or more. This well-rounded design caters to the needs of most resort skiers.

The “S” in its name denotes Leki’s Trigger S system, which enables easy separation of the strap from the pole. While the time saved during chairlift transitions may be minimal, there’s a notable safety aspect to this feature: a built-in spring that releases the strap under upward tension, preventing potential hazards from swinging ski poles.

Overall, the Detect S excels in performance, features, and affordability, making it our top recommendation for all-purpose ski poles in the 2024 season.

2. Atomic BCT Freeride SQS Ski Poles

Atomic, a respected name in the skiing world, presents the BCT Freeride SQS pole, tailored for adventurous freeriders who seek off-trail and sidecountry thrills. Renowned for its toughness, this pole boasts a straightforward design crafted from high-quality 7075 aluminum, ensuring resilience during aggressive riding sessions.

Atomic has integrated their SQS technology—abbreviated for Safety Quick Release System—which promptly detaches the strap from the pole in case of entanglement, akin to Salomon’s S3 technology featured in their Arctic poles. This additional safety measure, combined with the BCT Freeride’s robust build, renders it suitable for everything from groomer carving to terrain park jumps.

Priced at $120, the Atomic BCT Freeride SQS occupies a somewhat unique position in terms of pricing. It sits below carbon alternatives like the Leki Carbon 14 3D and Black Crows Furtis in cost but surpasses aluminum designs such as the Evo Merge ($50) and Salomon Arctic S3 ($70) in durability and performance.

As mentioned earlier, the Arctic also incorporates an auto-release strap feature, albeit with a slightly less durable 6061 aluminum construction compared to the Atomic’s 7075 alloy shaft. Whether the extra $50 justifies the upgrade is subjective, but the BCT Freeride SQS delivers commendable all-around performance and durability, leaving little room for dissatisfaction.

3. Evo Merge Ski Poles

Consider Evo’s budget-friendly Merge Ski Poles as a practical choice. Priced at $50 and available in a variety of colors (three at the time of publication), these poles cater well to casual resort skiing.

Featuring an 18-millimeter aluminum shaft, moderately sized grips, and standard hardpack-friendly baskets, they fulfill the needs of recreational skiers. And did we mention their affordability? At $50, they stand out as the most economical option on our list, often dropping further in price during sales.

Despite their low cost, the quality of these poles is surprisingly commendable, thanks to Evo’s in-house brand. However, it’s essential to maintain realistic expectations regarding their performance. They lack the premium, barely-there feel of higher-end options, and the hard-plastic grips may not provide the utmost comfort.

Additionally, the aluminum construction may bend under significant stress, and the standard baskets may not perform well in deep snow. Nevertheless, for casual resort skiers with modest expectations, there’s little to fault with the Evo Merge Ski Poles.

4. Salomon Arctic S3

Similar to the Evo Merge mentioned earlier, another noteworthy yet budget-friendly ski pole worth considering is the Salomon Arctic S3. Like the Merge, the Salomon model boasts a rugged, no-frills downhill design with a robust 18-millimeter shaft, ideal for aggressive resort skiing.

True to its name, the Arctic also features Salomon’s S3 safety technology, akin to Atomic’s SQS system in their BCT Freeride poles, automatically disconnecting the strap in case of a fall. While the design remains basic, with a single all-mountain basket and subtle color options, the Arctic fulfills the requirements of most resort skiers at an accessible price point.

Comparing the Salomon Arctic S3 to the Evo Merge, both offer similar performance overall. The Merge takes the lead in price, being $20 cheaper, but the S3’s auto-release strap adds appeal for beginners and those seeking extra safety measures.

Although the Merge offers three color options compared to the Salomon’s two, including more vibrant choices, the Arctic S3 is still a strong contender, featuring a stronger 6061 aluminum shaft compared to Evo’s 5083 variety.

5. Black Crows Furtis Ski Poles

Unlike the aluminum counterparts mentioned earlier, Black Crows has opted for a carbon composite construction for their high-end Furtis poles. While carbon is generally less durable and more prone to breaking from hard impacts, Black Crows has addressed these concerns by employing a robust 22-millimeter shaft, the thickest among our selections by 4mm.

Although carbon’s susceptibility to cracking under stress remains, it would require significant force to snap these poles. Additionally, weighing just over 1 pound per pair, the Furtis feels exceptionally light in hand, catering to those who prioritize weight.

However, the main drawback of the Black Crows Furtis, typical of carbon constructions, is its cost. Priced at $180, it stands as the most expensive downhill design on our list, closely followed by Leki’s $170 Carbon 14 3D (though featuring a much thinner 14mm shaft less suited for long-term aggressive use).

Another downside is the Furtis’s rounded and basic grip, which may not provide the same comfort for extended use as more ergonomically designed options. Casual resort skiers less concerned with weight may find considerable savings with a simple aluminum model like Black Crows’ Meta.

Nonetheless, we admire the Furtis for its balance between weight and durability, with features like the 90-millimeter powder basket and extended grips making it a viable option even for occasional touring.

6. LEKI Carbon 14 3D Ski Poles

Leki’s Carbon 14 3D stands out as a premium resort design packed with cutting-edge technology at a competitive price point. With the latest update to their renowned Trigger strap system, Leki has enhanced the release angle to 220 degrees, facilitating easier release during crashes.

The poles offer exceptional feel and swing weight, while the carbon fiber construction provides a pleasing flex for seamless transitions between turns, contrasting with the stiffness of aluminum alternatives. Despite their slender 14-millimeter diameter, the Leki poles boast a durable build that withstands the rigors of daily downhill skiing, although they’re not recommended for terrain park use.

Like other pure carbon ski poles, the Carbon 14 3D has notable drawbacks in terms of price and durability. Priced at $170, it ranks as the second-most-expensive downhill ski pole on our list this season. Moreover, its thin construction and standard baskets limit its versatility to groomed runs.

For comparison, the Black Crows Furtis offers wider and more adaptable powder baskets, along with a thicker and more resilient carbon composite construction, for just $10 more and a negligible weight increase. However, for those with the means and the inclination to ski frequently, the Carbon 14 3D stands as another excellent high-end ski pole from one of the industry’s leading brands.

Ski Pole Buying Guide

Choosing the Right Ski Poles

Intended Use: Determining the appropriate ski poles for your skiing style is essential for a satisfying experience on the slopes. Below are common skier profiles and our recommended ski pole types:

• Casual Groomed Runs: Fixed-length basic aluminum pole with standard baskets.
• Hard-Charging Groomers: Fixed-length durable aluminum or carbon with standard baskets.
• Backcountry Touring: Adjustable lightweight carbon fiber with powder baskets.
• Mixed Snow Use: Fixed aluminum or carbon fiber (or combination of both) with replaceable baskets.
• Terrain Park: Shorter-length, high-strength aluminum with standard baskets.

Ski Pole Shaft Materials:

Aluminum

Aluminum is the predominant material in ski pole construction due to its affordability and durability. While lower-grade alloys are common in budget-focused models, higher-grade aluminum offers greater strength-to-weight ratio, enhancing performance and longevity.

Though prone to bending, aluminum poles can often be reshaped if bent. They are suitable for casual resort skiing, with options like the $50 Evo Merge providing cost-effective reliability.

Carbon Fiber

High-performance and backcountry ski poles frequently incorporate carbon fiber for its lightweight and flexible properties. Carbon fiber poles offer a natural flex and reduced weight compared to aluminum.

However, they are more susceptible to splintering and breaking under heavy stress, making them less suitable for aggressive skiing styles. Quality carbon poles, like the Salomon MTN Carbon S3, may integrate aluminum components for added durability, crucial for off-piste skiing where impacts are common.

Bamboo

Bamboo ski poles, such as the Grass Sticks Original Bamboo, provide a sustainable alternative to aluminum and carbon. Bamboo offers flexibility and durability, flexing under pressure rather than breaking. Its environmental benefits, requiring less processing and energy for manufacturing, appeal to eco-conscious skiers.

However, bamboo’s long-term durability compared to aluminum remains less proven, making aluminum a safer choice for aggressive skiing and park use.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is less common in ski pole construction due to its lower durability compared to carbon and aluminum. However, it offers lightweight and flexible properties at a lower cost. Hybrid aluminum/fiberglass designs provide structural support while reducing weight.

Fiberglass poles are suitable for skiers seeking a balance between affordability and performance, although they may not withstand heavy impacts as effectively as aluminum or carbon options.

Shaft Diameter

The diameter of a ski pole shaft significantly influences its durability and suitability for different skiing conditions. Models on our list range from 10.4 millimeters for the Goode G-Carbon to 22 millimeters for the Black Crows Furtis.

Thinner poles like the G-Carbon or Leki Carbon 14 3D are lightweight but less robust for off-trail skiing where impacts are common. Thicker poles in the 14- to 16-millimeter range strike a balance between weight and toughness, ideal for aggressive riders or terrain park enthusiasts.

Ski Pole Weight

Ski pole weight is particularly crucial for backcountry skiers but can also enhance the skiing experience for resort-goers. While material type largely determines weight, shaft thickness also plays a role.

Thinner constructions are lighter but less durable, making the absolute lightest ski pole options less advisable. Strike a balance between weight and durability, especially for backcountry skiing where poles must withstand various conditions.

Adjustable vs. Fixed-Length Ski Poles

Adjustable ski poles are preferable for out-of-bounds skiing and touring, allowing you to adapt the length for uphill, flat, and downhill sections. Look for reliable locking mechanisms and quality materials from reputable brands like Black Diamond, G3, Leki, and K2. However, fixed-length poles offer simplicity and reliability for inbounds skiing, saving costs and minimizing potential failure points.

Parts of a Ski Pole

Grips

Ski pole grips come in various materials and shapes to suit individual preferences. Common materials include plastic and rubber, with rubber offering greater comfort. Some poles feature grip extensions or metal rings for adjusting grip position, beneficial for varied terrain. Consider grip length and material for comfort and control.

Straps

Ski pole straps are typically made of nylon webbing and should be wide enough to accommodate ski gloves. Premium models may include padding for added comfort. Some brands incorporate safety technology into straps, such as Atomic’s SQS or Salomon’s S3, providing added security in the event of a fall.

Baskets

Ski pole baskets prevent excessive sinking into snow and come in two types: powder and standard. Powder baskets offer greater surface area for deep snow, while standard baskets are suitable for groomed runs. Choose poles with replaceable baskets for versatility in varied snow conditions.

Additional Features

Some ski poles include unique features like stainless steel picks for self-arresting or hooked tips for adjusting heel risers. Consider these features based on your skiing priorities and intended use.

Women’s-Specific Ski Poles

While none of our listed designs are women’s-specific, some manufacturers offer dedicated models with smaller grips and shorter length options. Fit and feel are crucial, so consider women’s-specific designs if they better suit your preferences.

Choosing the Proper Ski Pole Length

Selecting the correct ski pole length is essential for optimal performance. Measure the pole length to ensure the grips are at a comfortable height with your arms bent at a 90-degree angle. Consider factors like skiing style and terrain to determine the appropriate length for your needs.

Summing Up

Whether you’re a casual resort skier looking for an affordable option or a hardcore freerider seeking top-of-the-line performance, there’s a ski pole out there for everyone. From the rugged durability of aluminum to the lightweight flexibility of carbon fiber, the options are endless.

But no matter which ski poles you choose, remember that safety should always be your top priority on the slopes. Look for features like quick-release straps and durable shaft materials to ensure that your ski poles can withstand whatever challenges Mother Nature throws your way.