Line Pollard’s Paintbrush ($90)
Eric Pollard’s pro model features creative details inspired by the skier’s art, like wave patterning on the straps and baskets. The price is great for a telescoping ski pole, and the grips have small tabs to make flipping your risers a breeze.
Dynafit New Speed Vario 2 ($150)
If you’re the fast and light type, opt for this 100 percent carbon model from Dynafit, which weighs just seven ounces. Adjustable from 105 to 145 centimeters (a wider range than other telescoping poles offer), it’s designed for quick transitions, with an easy-to-use tab to change the length.
Soul Poles Torched Soul Custom ($169)
This indie Park City, Utah, brand makes its shafts out of bamboo, which bends when aluminum or carbon might snap. The result is sustainably sourced and won’t fail, whether you’re stomping cliffs or tomahawking off them. Plus, you can have your poles engraved.
Black Crows Duos Freebird ($150)
Black Crows’ backcountry option features an extra-long foam grip for optimal positioning on steep or uneven skin tracks. The baskets attach to a spherical mount and adjust to the slope angle as you move uphill.
Black Diamond Razor Carbon Pro ($150)
Maybe you’re used to this dilemma: choosing between durable but heavy aluminum and light but breakable carbon. This year’s version of the Carbon Pro offers a little bit of both, with the former up top and the latter on the bottom to reduce weight. Quick-release pole straps offer peace of mind in trees.
Faction Faction ($69)
With an aluminum shaft and low-profile baskets, Faction’s eponymous, no-frills pole is all you need for frontside shredding. Bold colors like hot pink and bright yellow make you easy to spot from the lift.