Last updated on December 30th, 2021 at 01:07 pm
Carbon and aluminum are the two most common ski pole materials, and both have unique benefits for riders. Carbon fiber poles are more lightweight, but aluminum is a durable and inexpensive option. When comparing carbon vs. aluminum ski poles, the right material will vary depending on your skill level, skiing style, and preferred terrain.
When you’re trying to get a premium skiing experience, it’s easy to look for the most expensive pair of skis you can afford and skimp on the rest of your gear.
If you’re reaching for the cheapest set of poles to match your top-of-the-line skis, you’re setting yourself back. It’s sometimes subtle, but the differences between ski pole materials can have positive or negative impacts on your ride.
The most common poles for downhill skiers are carbon fiber and aluminum. You don’t always need expensive sets, but you do have to understand the use of carbon vs. aluminum ski poles. This article will detail the benefits of carbon and aluminum designs and how to choose the right ski pole types for your riding style.
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Do Ski Poles Matter?
Ski poles are not 100% necessary for any terrain. You may feel perfectly comfortable with or without poles. Still, in nearly every ski environment, using poles provides at least some marginal benefit.
Some instructors note that young beginners can benefit from starting without poles. With fewer aspects to think about, skiers can focus on developing their technique with their legs before moving on to using ski poles. In many cases, beginner adults benefit from using ski poles right from the start.
Using ski poles allows you to time your turns and maintain speed. You also get help staying balanced through your turns, maintaining a rhythm and control with pole planting. And if you get caught on a narrow flat or uphill section, poles can be used to give you a boost and maneuver across slower terrain.
There are many types of advanced terrain where the balance and maneuverability that comes with ski poles are essential. Mogul skiing, glades, and backcountry are some areas that require tight responsiveness and momentum, both of which are made possible with ski poles.
Design Differences in Carbon vs. Aluminum Ski Poles
Aluminum ski poles first came onto the mainstream scene in the mid-1900s. Until that time, bamboo and wood were the primary materials used in ski poles. Given its lightweight composition and natural resistance to rust, aluminum became an obvious choice over metals like steel for experimenting with ski designs.
As a stiffer and lighter pole, aluminum provided better balance than wooden poles, as well as less swing weight for more agility and control. Despite its lightweight, it was also strong enough to handle pressure from pole plants and incidental contact.
Carbon fiber was developed in the 1950s and later applied to American ski technology. The new ski pole design was even more lightweight than aluminum but didn’t sacrifice strength. A carbon fiber pole is less likely to bend and doesn’t have the same vibration that comes with a metal pole.
Are Carbon Ski Poles Better Than Aluminum?
Intermediate to advanced skiers prefer carbon fiber ski poles, and they are generally considered superior to aluminum in many regards.
One of the main benefits of carbon ski poles vs. aluminum poles is the weight. An aluminum pole may weigh 300 grams (10.6 oz), for example, while a carbon pole with similar size specs may weigh 250 grams (8.8 oz) or less.
A lighter pole puts less strain on a skier for a few reasons. Not only are they easier to lift, but they also create less inertia during the constant motion that comes with adjusting for turns.
With lower inertia, carbon ski poles require less energy than aluminum to control, and you can ski longer without wearing down your body. The light weight also translates to more precise pole planting, as the greater control makes for more accurate placement and timing.
Unlike a metal pole, the stiffness of a carbon fiber ski pole absorbs shock and dampens vibration. Along with the lower weight, this makes the maneuverability and sustained control of a carbon pole better than its aluminum counterparts.
You’ll also find some carbon fiber poles available in smaller widths than aluminum poles as well, reducing the weight even further. Aluminum ski poles have a general range of 14-18mm in diameter, while a carbon ski pole may be as skinny as 10mm or less. For a skier trying to increase and control their speed, the lightest possible pole gives them the best chance to do so.
Aluminum Benefits
The strength of carbon fiber is offset by its stiffness, which leaves it prone to breaking. On a hard pole plant, a carbon pole won’t have the give of an aluminum pole and will potentially fracture under the stress. The same is true if it makes a hard impact against a tree.
An aluminum pole is more susceptible to bending than carbon fiber, but they are unlikely to break. If you want durability and longevity, you can bend an aluminum pole back into shape if it takes a hit.
Outside of technical specs, one notable advantage of aluminum ski poles is the cost. Aluminum poles are almost always less expensive than carbon fiber and composite poles. The Lockjaw Carbon from K2, for example, is $125 per pair while the aluminum equivalent is only $100.
When to Use Carbon vs. Aluminum Ski Poles
Carbon ski poles are high-performance technology, but aluminum ski poles have not been replaced by any means.
Technology has continued to evolve. There are more high-grade aluminum models available with improved stiffness and weight. Many adjustable poles will also feature aluminum on one half and carbon on the other to marry the best of both worlds.
With their durability and low cost, aluminum ski poles may be a better choice for a wider range of skiers across skill levels and different terrains. Let’s look at where you should choose aluminum and who will enjoy carbon fiber ski poles.
All-Mountain
Aluminum ski poles are ideal all-around poles that can handle a variety of terrain. They’re heavier, but if you like to transition around the mountain, aluminum can hold up. You can ride from groomed trails to glades and powder bowls without worrying about them cracking from impacts or compression.
Backcountry
Backcountry touring involves tons of variety in uphill, flats, and downhill skiing. In each situation, the ideal ski pole length will change, as you’ll need a shorter pole for uphill and a longer pole for flat and downhill sections.
Telescoping poles come in handy in backcountry skiing, able to shift between optimal lengths for the various settings. With a telescoping pole, there is an upper piece and a lower piece, which slides up into the upper piece to shorten the pole.
As there are two independent pieces, many manufacturers use carbon fiber on one part and aluminum on the other. The combination offers the benefits of both materials, making the pole lighter and more flexible.
For a fixed pole, aluminum can be a safer choice in backcountry situations, as their ability to bend makes them hardier in deep powder and when making contact with trees and rocks. Still, with the rigorous nature of touring, many skiers prefer the light weight of carbon for long days of going up and down the backcountry.
Downhill Racing
Downhill racers need complete control, and a lighter pole provides it. With a lower swing weight, carbon fiber ski poles are easier to use in timing and executing turns. As arms swing out for balance and braking, you can then bring them back into a tucked position faster to regain speed.
Aluminum still has its place in downhill racing, and you’ll see many aluminum options in curved racing poles. Some racers prefer them because they handle compression better. On intense terrain like moguls, aluminum is the most beneficial option.
Terrain Park
The use of the ski pole in the terrain park is much different than any other setting, and many riders prefer to use none at all to avoid injury. Due to the higher potential for impacts, skiers usually opt for shorter, aluminum ski pole types.
Beginner Skiers
When you’re just getting into skiing, aluminum is a wise choice. Aluminum ski poles are inexpensive and lightweight enough for any rider. As you develop your style and preferred mode of riding, aluminum is suitable for more settings, so it can keep up wherever you take it.
Advanced Skiers
Once you find your style and are advanced enough to focus on perfecting form, you’ll want to switch to carbon fiber. Carbon ski poles are more expensive, so you’ll want to make sure you research and invest wisely. But once you find the right carbon pole for your style, the ease of movement will equal tighter turning, better-sustained momentum, and reduced wear on your body.
Choosing the Right Poles
Ski poles may seem simple, but there’s a lot to consider, from length to basket size and grip. In terms of material, carbon vs. aluminum ski poles offers different benefits for different styles. With our guide on the best uses of these popular builds, you’ll be able to make your next pole purchase with confidence.
There’s more to skiing than poles, and we’ve got you covered with updates and tips on every aspect of the sport. Check out our blog for advice on getting the best value and performance out of your gear.
