Do you use pole straps?

[MissySki]

I use traditional straps as I take my mittens off a lot in a lesson and the Leki system makes it harder to take them off as it is usually snug around the glove or mitten.

I keep my Leki straps reasonably lose on my mittens. They don’t inhibit my hand going in and out at all. I did purposely buy replacement straps that were larger than the ones that came with my poles though, because my mittens are pretty large and the original ones did make it more snug. I tend to take my hands in and out a lot too, but usually because I want to take pictures etc.

 

[snoWYmonkey]

I keep my Leki straps reasonably lose on my mittens. They don’t inhibit my hand going in and out at all. I did purposely buy replacement straps that were larger than the ones that came with my poles though, because my mittens are pretty large and the original ones did make it more snug. I tend to take my hands in and out a lot too, but usually because I want to take pictures etc.

I am mildly envious that it works for you. Maybe my nordic background means that i like the tighter fit as I do use the leki system for nordic skiing still. With the trad strap I can still quickly leverage with a snug fit for alpine skating and poling and remove the mittens. I wear a mitten inside a mitten, I look like a heavyweight boxer

 

[dloveski]

I am a LEKI snap on convert---love love them.

(BTW: I have a new pair of 110cm used once I need to sell).

I'll never go back to straps now.

 

[Iwannaski]

Is it absurd that this Midwest intermediate is considering Lekis?

 

[ski diva]

Is it absurd that this Midwest intermediate is considering Lekis?

No.

 

[Iwannaski]

No.

Payback is really something.

 

[Mistletoes]

I have begun skiing with my pole straps off (what a relief not to have to stop to put them on at the top). To my surprise, when I fall (I fall, yes I do) those poles are still in my hands. My auto-pilot sees to that, because conscious thought is sure not happening in that split second as I hit the snow.

So is this the case with others? If so (perhaps it's not so), why did we ever need those straps?

Always use them, just habit I suppose. Was taught by instructor to always put hand up and through strap rather than down.

 

[snowski/swimmouse]

If I don't have the straps on, then the poles are no longer with me. Heck, all they have to do is stick in the snow when I push off...

 

[MrsPlow]

A tree decided it wanted to hold on to one of my poles today. I've never used pole straps as my first poles didn't have any and just continued with that over the years. I think it paid off today - I had to shuffle my way back to pick up the errant pole but will take that over wrenching my shoulder or wrist which was a possibility it had been attached to me.