Ski
poles consist of a shaft, a handle and a basket.Handle
The most common is the strap type, with a loop of leather or webbing to attach the pole to the wrist. Almost all rental poles are this type. The sword-grip type consists of a moulded guard, which extends round the back of the hand.
Basket
For skiing on piste, the size of basket is irrelevant and many skiers prefer small baskets. In powder, a larger basket prevents the pole from sinking.
Shaft
This is usually made of a light metal such as aluminum, although composite materials offer an expensive, lighter and currently trendier alternative.
Straight poles are cheap and adequate for most skiers.
Corrective angles (a slight, forward bend below each handle) may help the skier to plant the pole correctly. A forward and a backward bend, on the other hand, cancel each other out and make little difference.
Aerodynamic poles are important for downhill racers and speed skiers.
