Aluminum Shaft
Early ski poles were simply sticks, then bamboo (1930s), then steel (1940s and early 1950s). In 1958, Ed Scott invented the aluminium ski pole. Even though ski poles are now made in other materials, aluminum is still one of the main types of ski pole on the market. Besides being a good inexpensive pole for beginners, the aluminum pole is preferred by trick skiers and many racers because it will not bend with the pressure they require.
Alpine Accessories offers a wide range of price choices, starting at the basic $29.00 and ending with the Leki Vantage S with Trigger S Grip Ski Poles at $109.95. Why such a wide range of price you ask? - Let's look at the aluminum shaft. The lesser priced poles will use a lesser priced aluminum alloy which will cause them to be a little heavier and break easier. Pay a little more and you will get stronger, lighter alloys.
- The tip. On the starter poles you will get what is simply called an ice tip. But on the pricier poles you will get a carbide ice tip made of a stronger material.
- Most importantly, the grip. On the low cost poles you will find an extruded plastic grip, a woven nylon strap and a plastic buckle for adjustment. As the price of poles increase, the grips are made with better materials for their anti-slip quality, but still use the basic strap system. And then on the higher price poles, improvements can be found in performance and safety as seen on the (above) Leki Vantage S. Their unique Leki Trigger System gives you an adjustable strap that securely wraps around your gloves but attaches and detaches from the pole by the press of a button. The strap also detaches from the pole if the basket was to get caught in a tree to avoid shoulder and arm injuries.
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Composite Shaft
Manufactures are now producing ski poles made of fiberglass, and other specialized materials. Lightweight composite materials are used to reduce weight and increase the strength of the pole. Poles made of carbon fibre, or graphite for instance, are very light and durable.
These poles also bend a little with pressure, example being when planted hard in the bumps. The advantage to this is the shock absorbancy. You're joints will thank you for this at the end of the day.
Alpine Accessories offers a wide price range to fit everyone's budget, starting at $29.00 and ending at $139.95 . Like the above section on aluminum poles, the material of the pole, the ice tip and the grip determine the cost. Here again, the Leki Composite 16S with Trigger S grip is our top choice with the ease of use when riding chair lifts as well as the safety factor of the detachable strap. I personally would much rather climb up the hill to retrieve a dropped pole than have a dislocated shoulder.
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Adjustable Shaft
A great money saving concept is the adjustable shaft poles. We offer 2 choices.- K2 Sprout Adjustable Ski Poles features a twisting adjustment mechanism that is easy to use and allows the pole to grow with your child. The pole grows from 30" to 42" and costs $39.95. This set of poles could last your child for several years.
- Gabel Adjustable Trekking and Ski Poles can be used for trekking or for
 alpine skiing. It includes 2 baskets; one for trekking and one for alpine skiing. The length is easy to adjust by simply twisting the adjustment knobs on the shaft. The X-ALP pole has a range in length from 26" to 57". Great for walking or trekking up and down hills. The adjustable length also makes it easy for transporting. This too would be a great set of poles for a growing skier and the cost is $69.85
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