Choosing Nordic Walking Poles - Nordic Walk Pole length

There are many things to consider when choosing your Nordic Walking poles.

In the bag

The 2011 collection of Exel Poles are now available for pre-order and we want to assist all our Nordic Walkers to make sure the choose the right poles for right reasons.
Pole Length

To determine the right pole length.

1. Calculate 0.68 x height in cm and round down to nearest pole size.

2. Standing on a flat surface, hold pole vertical with elbow pushed next to side of body
( upper arm vertical, lower arm at right angles to the upper arm)

Height of Person
Ft In cms          Pole Length
5 0   152            105
5 1   155            105
5 2   157            105
5 3   160            110
5 4    163           110
5 5    165           110
5 6    168           115
5 7    170           115
5 8    173           115
5 9    175           120
5 10  178           120
5 11  180           120
6 0    183           125

Factors affecting pole length
There are various factors that might affect pole length. Some examples that might affect the biomechanics are
hip impairments, body geometry e.g. Leg length shorter than normal. In each of these cases as shorter
pole is recommended.

To determine the right length for you, we suggest you try the nearest size in your class to help you decide
which is most comfortable.

Ideally your choice has to be the right one for you. A lot of walking on hard surfaces, high mileage and/or
painful joints we recommend a pole with a higher proportion of carbon fibre.

Walking on soft surfaces and normal joint action. All poles are suitable.
In the future you may have a range of poles suited to different activities or terrains.

The best all round pole is the : ALIS trainer poles we supply for you to use in class but equally all poles are high in
quality and durability.

You may find other pole other places which may be totally unsuitable for what you want to do.  e.g. Trekking poles are totally unsuitable for Nordic Walking.  We do not recommend attempting to Nordic Walk with a trekking pole it is not designed for this activity.   These  alternatives will also differ vastly in quality and durability. For example they may not be heat treated and this may result in the pole shattering or you may find theydo not have good quality paws for walking on hard surfaces or replacement parts when parts wear out. One of my previous clients bought a pair of poles and immediately went through the ends of the paws rendering them next to useless on hard surfaces. Also he was unable to obtain replacement parts. Another client bought a pair of poles and they had no rubber paws available. So again a false economy.

We want you to make the choice that is right for you, should you have any questions or need further advice
on selecting the right pole for you please contact us as soon as you can. We will send your a price list and brochure for information and answer any questions you may have.  Happy Nordic Walking, snow has been predicted which will enable us to go Nordic Ski Walking.  Hooray!