Poles: carbon vs. metal

[ski diva]

I've always had metal poles, but lately I've been thinking about making the switch to carbon. So I'd like to know: anyone have opinions on metal vs. carbon? What sort of poles do you have, and how do you feel about them? And what about graphite?

 

[Jilly]

I have the Scott graphites. Love them. Thin, light and strong.

 

[cyn]

I have the Scott graphites, too.
My husband loves his carbons. He says they're way lighter. I'm happy with mine for now, though.

 

[Shellski]

Carbon definitely. They are light and strong, but the biggest advantage for me is they are thinner than aluminium poles. I have very small hands, and I find it tricky to wrap my hand around a pair of metal poles when I have gloves on, they are quite awkward to hold on to. I have two pairs of K2 poles that are pretty too, they match my skis.

 

[abc]

I confess I ski better without them... :( (at least on the groomers)

(sorry, I don't have anything to contribute..)

 

[volklgirl]

I've had my Goode Tigers for, uhhhhhh, 20ish years . Other than a little of the graphics getting scraped off, they're still in great shape. I love how light and flicky they are, and the grip fits my hand really well,

I'm all about carbon/composite except for racing. When you're pushing out of the gate, you DON'T want the flex inherent in composite poles. So, for racing, I have sturdy aluminum poles (straight for SL, "aero" for GE/DH).

 

[Quiver Queen]

I have Leki's that are angled carbon on top, a little shock absorberr in the middle, and aluminum on the bottom. Very lightweight, strong, and have an easy swing. Expensive, but I like them so much I bought a second pair just to keep in reserve.

As for getting your hand around the grip, a good ski shop should be able to help you with that, regardless of the composition of the pole itself.