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Choose cross country ski poles for your needs

Choose cross country ski poles for your needs

There are several important factors to consider when buying ski poles. Most importantly, be honest with yourself about what matters to you and how you plan to use them.

  • Will you use them for relaxed ski sessions?
  • Will you ski outside groomed tracks?
  • Or are you looking for the lightest possible poles for racing?

In this article, we go through the poles in our two most popular series: Triac and Quantum.

What is the pole made of?

Ski poles are made from composite materials or aluminum. All poles in this article are made from composite, with different properties and varying amounts of carbon in the pole shaft.

The lightest poles, such as Triac 5.0, are made from 100% carbon fiber. These poles are used by the world’s best skiers thanks to their unique ability to transfer power efficiently to the snow. Carbon makes the pole both stiffer and lighter.

Triac 5.0 Aero, shown in the image, is the top-of-the-line pole on the market and is used by the world’s best skiers.

Handles and straps on ski poles

We offer several attachment systems for straps, all positioned on the handle at the top of the pole. Let’s start with the straps:

The TCS System

TCS is most commonly used on carbon composite poles. The TCS system makes it easy to change straps and allows the use of Quick Release straps, letting you easily click the straps on and off during your ski session—without removing the straps from your hands.

All Triac and Quantum poles come with this system.

Handles

Triac 5.0 and Quantum 1 feature our new Force handle. This handle is completely new to the market and delivers more power in every pole plant—something that can be decisive in racing.

Triac 4.0, Quantum 2, and Quantum 3 come with a traditional cork handle, while Q4, Q5, and Q6 feature rubber handles.

Cork provides better comfort, grip, and warmth, while rubber offers greater durability.

Baskets

All poles in the Triac and Quantum series come with our popular TBS system, which allows you to change baskets easily without tools. You should choose baskets based on conditions—for example, larger baskets in fresh snow and smaller baskets on hard, groomed tracks.

In 2025, Triac 5.0 secured a double victory at the Vasaloppet, claimed by Stina Nilsson and Alvar Myhlbäck.

Guide: Choose the Right Ski Pole for Your Level

For racing: For those who want the very best

For racing: The level below Triac 5.0

For training and recreational skiing

For recreational skiing

What Should You Choose?

Ask yourself the questions at the top of the article. If you’re chasing a result in long-distance races like Birken, you should go for Triac or Quantum 1. If your focus is training or recreational skiing without racing, Quantum 2 or Quantum 3 are solid alternatives.

Completely new to skiing and looking for aluminum poles? You will find those here.