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
| Material | Aluminium | robust and inexpensive; good combination of weight and stiffness | Lower restoring force than carbon; slightly heavier |
| Carbon | Extremely light; high rigidity and direct power transmission | more sensitive to lateral impacts; higher price | |
| Handle | Plastic | Easy to clean and durable; resistant to moisture | Can appear somewhat hard with intensive use |
| cork | Pleasant feel and heat retention; natural cushioning | More cost-intensive; keeps out moisture less | |
| Loop | Neoprene | Quick-drying and close-fitting | Can become stiff at very cold temperatures |
| Soft loop | Comfortable and pressure-free | Less dimensionally stable under high loads | |
| Plate | narrow (≈40 mm) | Reduces drag; ideal for hard, firm trails | hardly any buoyancy in deep snow |
| wide (≈65 mm) | plenty of contact surface in soft snow | slightly more resistance on fast descents | |
| Top | Carbide | excellent grip on ice and hard-packed surfaces | can be louder on soft snow |
| Stainless steel | Corrosion-resistant and durable | less sharp for the toughest ice conditions |
The way to the right skating pole
- 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. - Select stiffness
Choose aluminium (medium stiffness) or carbon (very stiff) depending on your weight and power. The stiffer, the more direct the energy transfer. - 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. - 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. - 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
| Material | Aluminium | robust and inexpensive; good combination of weight and stiffness | Lower restoring force than carbon; slightly heavier |
| Carbon | Extremely light; high rigidity and direct power transmission | more sensitive to lateral impacts; higher price | |
| Handle | Plastic | Easy to clean and durable; resistant to moisture | Can appear somewhat hard with intensive use |
| cork | Pleasant feel and heat retention; natural cushioning | More cost-intensive; keeps out moisture less | |
| Loop | Neoprene | Quick-drying and close-fitting | Can become stiff at very cold temperatures |
| Soft loop | Comfortable and pressure-free | Less dimensionally stable under high loads | |
| Plate | narrow (≈40 mm) | Reduces drag; ideal for hard, firm trails | hardly any buoyancy in deep snow |
| wide (≈65 mm) | plenty of contact surface in soft snow | slightly more resistance on fast descents | |
| Top | Carbide | excellent grip on ice and hard-packed surfaces | can be louder on soft snow |
| Stainless steel | Corrosion-resistant and durable | less sharp for the toughest ice conditions |
The way to the right skating pole
- 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. - Select stiffness
Choose aluminium (medium stiffness) or carbon (very stiff) depending on your weight and power. The stiffer, the more direct the energy transfer. - 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. - 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. - 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.


