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Specs that matter. Gear that fits.

Ski Poles · Discipline · Racing

Should I buy racing ski poles, or are they overkill if I'm not competing?

Racing poles are built specifically for alpine race events—slalom, giant slalom (GS), super-G, and downhill. They feature aerodynamic cone-shaped baskets that cut through the air, and GS poles have a curved shaft that wraps around your body in a tuck position to reduce drag. They're also extremely lightweight, which matters when every hundredth of a second counts.

However, if you're not actively racing, these poles are probably not the right choice. The specialized features that make them great on a race course make them less practical for everyday resort skiing. They tend to be more fragile than all-mountain poles, and the curved shafts and tiny baskets aren't helpful when you're cruising groomers or skiing bumps. You'd be paying a premium for features you won't benefit from.

Stick with alpine/all-mountain poles for general resort skiing—they're more durable, versatile, and affordable. Save the racing poles for race day.