Subscribe now to our regular newsletter and get a €10 discount* or 15% off the list price**.
xspo-logo

Skating cross-country poles - maximum power transmission and stability for dynamic movements

For efficient, fast skating-style tours, you need skating cross-country poles that combine lightness, stiffness and precision. At XSPO, you will find models that offer you maximum thrust and reliable control thanks to optimised geometry and high-quality materials - so that every kick is right and you glide through the winter terrain with power and elegance.

Purpose, scope and requirements

Skating cross-country poles are designed for skiers who value speed and direct power transmission. Whether on wide competition trails, relaxed training sessions or rapid descents: the extra length and high rigidity enable powerful push-off phases and ensure that you can maintain your speed without losing energy. Adjustable hand straps and ergonomic grips guarantee a secure hold, even during intensive workouts and quick changes of direction.

Important properties, technical features and materials

MaterialAluminiumrobust and inexpensive; good combination of weight and stiffnessLower restoring force than carbon; slightly heavier
CarbonExtremely light; high rigidity and direct power transmissionmore sensitive to lateral impacts; higher price
HandlePlasticEasy to clean and durable; resistant to moistureCan appear somewhat hard with intensive use
corkPleasant feel and heat retention; natural cushioningMore cost-intensive; keeps out moisture less
LoopNeopreneQuick-drying and close-fittingCan become stiff at very cold temperatures
Soft loopComfortable and pressure-freeLess dimensionally stable under high loads
Platenarrow (≈40 mm)Reduces drag; ideal for hard, firm trailshardly any buoyancy in deep snow
wide (≈65 mm)plenty of contact surface in soft snowslightly more resistance on fast descents
TopCarbideexcellent grip on ice and hard-packed surfacescan be louder on soft snow
Stainless steelCorrosion-resistant and durableless sharp for the toughest ice conditions

The way to the right skating pole

  1. Determine the correct length
    For skating, choose your height multiplied by 0.89 as the optimum pole length. This allows you to utilise the entire hip thrust without restricting your movement.
  2. Select stiffness
    Choose aluminium (medium stiffness) or carbon (very stiff) depending on your weight and power. The stiffer, the more direct the energy transfer.
  3. Test the grip and strap
    Try out how the grip feels in your hand and whether the strap offers a secure hold. Choose cork for longer comfort, plastic for robustness.
  4. Match the basket to the location
    Narrow baskets minimise resistance on hard trails, while wide baskets ensure secure flotation in deep snow or off-piste.
  5. Adapt the tip to the surface
    Carbide tips are the first choice on icy race tracks, stainless steel tips score with their durability and universal applicability.

At XSPO, you benefit from expert advice, a wide range of tested brands and personal support - so that your skating tours are a complete success.

Frequently asked questions about skating poles

  • What characterises skating cross-country poles?
    They are longer than classic poles, extremely stiff and their construction enables efficient, powerful push-off movements.
  • How do I measure the right length for skating poles?
    Multiply your height by 0.89 - this length ensures the optimum hip and shoulder circumference for the impression.
  • Which material is recommended for skating poles?
    Carbon for maximum rigidity and lightness, aluminium as a robust and cost-effective alternative.
  • When do I use wide plates instead of narrow ones?
    Wide discs (≈ 65 mm) offer more flotation in deep snow or when changing tracks off the main trail.
  • Are carbide tips absolutely necessary?
    On hard, icy trails, carbide tips are almost indispensable for reliable grip and precision.
  • Which grip variant is better in the cold?
    Cork grips keep your hands a little warmer and dampen vibrations better than plastic grips.
  • How do I care for skating poles after the season?
    Clean the tips and plates, allow the poles to air out dry and store them without tension to maintain their stiffness.

Skating cross-country poles - maximum power transmission and stability for dynamic movements

For efficient, fast skating-style tours, you need skating cross-country poles that combine lightness, stiffness and precision. At XSPO, you will find models that offer you maximum thrust and reliable control thanks to optimised geometry and high-quality materials - so that every kick is right and you glide through the winter terrain with power and elegance.

Purpose, scope and requirements

Skating cross-country poles are designed for skiers who value speed and direct power transmission. Whether on wide competition trails, relaxed training sessions or rapid descents: the extra length and high rigidity enable powerful push-off phases and ensure that you can maintain your speed without losing energy. Adjustable hand straps and ergonomic grips guarantee a secure hold, even during intensive workouts and quick changes of direction.

Important properties, technical features and materials

MaterialAluminiumrobust and inexpensive; good combination of weight and stiffnessLower restoring force than carbon; slightly heavier
CarbonExtremely light; high rigidity and direct power transmissionmore sensitive to lateral impacts; higher price
HandlePlasticEasy to clean and durable; resistant to moistureCan appear somewhat hard with intensive use
corkPleasant feel and heat retention; natural cushioningMore cost-intensive; keeps out moisture less
LoopNeopreneQuick-drying and close-fittingCan become stiff at very cold temperatures
Soft loopComfortable and pressure-freeLess dimensionally stable under high loads
Platenarrow (≈40 mm)Reduces drag; ideal for hard, firm trailshardly any buoyancy in deep snow
wide (≈65 mm)plenty of contact surface in soft snowslightly more resistance on fast descents
TopCarbideexcellent grip on ice and hard-packed surfacescan be louder on soft snow
Stainless steelCorrosion-resistant and durableless sharp for the toughest ice conditions

The way to the right skating pole

  1. Determine the correct length
    For skating, choose your height multiplied by 0.89 as the optimum pole length. This allows you to utilise the entire hip thrust without restricting your movement.
  2. Select stiffness
    Choose aluminium (medium stiffness) or carbon (very stiff) depending on your weight and power. The stiffer, the more direct the energy transfer.
  3. Test the grip and strap
    Try out how the grip feels in your hand and whether the strap offers a secure hold. Choose cork for longer comfort, plastic for robustness.
  4. Match the basket to the location
    Narrow baskets minimise resistance on hard trails, while wide baskets ensure secure flotation in deep snow or off-piste.
  5. Adapt the tip to the surface
    Carbide tips are the first choice on icy race tracks, stainless steel tips score with their durability and universal applicability.

At XSPO, you benefit from expert advice, a wide range of tested brands and personal support - so that your skating tours are a complete success.

Frequently asked questions about skating poles

  • What characterises skating cross-country poles?
    They are longer than classic poles, extremely stiff and their construction enables efficient, powerful push-off movements.
  • How do I measure the right length for skating poles?
    Multiply your height by 0.89 - this length ensures the optimum hip and shoulder circumference for the impression.
  • Which material is recommended for skating poles?
    Carbon for maximum rigidity and lightness, aluminium as a robust and cost-effective alternative.
  • When do I use wide plates instead of narrow ones?
    Wide discs (≈ 65 mm) offer more flotation in deep snow or when changing tracks off the main trail.
  • Are carbide tips absolutely necessary?
    On hard, icy trails, carbide tips are almost indispensable for reliable grip and precision.
  • Which grip variant is better in the cold?
    Cork grips keep your hands a little warmer and dampen vibrations better than plastic grips.
  • How do I care for skating poles after the season?
    Clean the tips and plates, allow the poles to air out dry and store them without tension to maintain their stiffness.