High-Tech Ski Poles Are Both Light And Rugged
Product: Life-Link Lightweight Ski Mountaineering Poles
Description: Lightweight, collapsible, high-tech ski poles which quickly convert into avalanche probes. Features include breakaway straps, interchangeable baskets, composite graphite construction, low swing weight and a truly positive locking adjustment system.
Pro: These are featherweights at 20 ounces per pair but plenty rugged for hard backcountry use. Their swing weight (the feel on the wrist when planting the pole) is outstanding, due in large part to the graphite construction in the lower pole. Best of all, once adjusted, these poles actually stay at the desired length due to the “ovalized adjustment system.” Once adjusted, you won’t be stopping every quarter-mile to retighten. The poles are easy to adjust, even with gloves: grab the pole handle in one hand, and then seize the pole’s “grip area” with the other. The grip area’s tacky surface provides a positive grip for a quick twist to adjust pole height. Quickly disassemble the poles and join the two bottom sections for an avalanche probe that takes advantage of the lower shafts’ small diameter another benefit of the graphite construction. If you’re skiing through trees or brush and your basket becomes entangled, you’ll appreciate the breakaway straps especially if you’re traveling at speed.
Con: It wouldn’t be a problem if skiers didn’t fall, but I had a problem keeping the powder baskets attached when I tumbled an all-too-frequent occurrence. The manufacturer says they’ve heard the complaint before, and that it stems from not attaching the baskets properly. To really do the job, you must press past the first “click” to the next level, where the baskets will stay on despite the occasional pratfall.
Comments: These aren’t the cheapest poles on the market, but a good example of getting what you pay for when every ounce counts and there’s little room for compromise, these top of the line poles fill the bill.
Suggested retail: $139.95
Company: Life-Link, P.O. Box 2913, Jackson, Wyo. 83001. Call (800) 443-8620 for dealer information.