In nature or in a park, you can often meet a group of people, or people walking separately one after another, who look like skiers. Most of them are pensioners, but there are also young people and even professional athletes. This beneficial practice is gaining widespread popularity. When you first get acquainted with it, the question often arises - how to choose poles for Nordic walking. Considering that in other countries such a walk is equated to a separate sport, beginners do not have any difficulties with selecting equipment. In our country it is not so popular; in many respects its usefulness and correctness depend on the competent selection of equipment. We will tell you how to do this in this article.
Why are these sticks needed at all?
Before we figure out how to choose the right poles for Nordic walking, let's find out why they are needed at all.
- Firstly, as mentioned above, the very essence of this sport is associated with this equipment. And in order to get the maximum benefit from Finnish walking and not harm your body, you need to devote maximum time to this issue;
- Secondly, this walking affects almost all muscle groups, and this is achieved precisely through poles (they force the muscles of the shoulder girdle to work);
- With them, training is more productive, since the load is distributed evenly across all muscle groups;
- A correctly selected length can significantly minimize the load on the spine, which is why Nordic walking is recommended for people with diseases of the musculoskeletal system, joints and ligaments;
Where and how best to buy
If you see a familiar brand (from the above), go ahead. The plastic handle is impractical. Made from a cork-like material - that's it. A very springy stick, as well as an absolutely rigid one, is not the best option. It should be a little elastic. Are there tips included? If not, be sure to buy it. Select the height if the structure is not sliding
Decide on the material. Pay attention to the loop that secures your hand. The stick fits well in your hand, you like it, the handle is comfortable and not slippery, and your hand feels comfortable in the loop - check the warranty period and take it. If the manufacturer gives a warranty of 2 years - great, 6 months - you need to think before you buy
You can guess it yourself: the shorter the warranty period, the worse the quality of the product.
After walking, wipe your poles dry and remove dirt from them. Leaving dirty equipment in storage is, to say the least, unhygienic.
Can I take a pair from my ski kit?
In this article we will look at how to choose the size of a Nordic walking pole according to height, and also explain what nuances exist depending on the athlete’s level of training. Let's take a closer look at the question that interests many novice walkers: is it possible to use ordinary ski poles?
For Nordic walking, you should purchase specialized equipment; the effectiveness of the exercise and the safety of the athlete depend on this.
Yes, indeed, at the dawn of the development of this sport, people trained with ski equipment, but quite quickly they felt the need to adjust and adapt the poles specifically for walking. Here's why it's like this:
- Ski poles are designed for loose surfaces (snow), and Nordic walking involves moving on any surface: sand, snow, asphalt, soil, grass, etc. For walking on hard areas, a rubber tip is placed on the tip;
- The length of the ski equipment is slightly longer than required for Nordic walking, this is due to the fact that in the first case the poles are involved in sliding, and in the second - in repulsion. The specifics of these actions, as you understand, are completely different.
- Ski equipment does not have a special handle with a comfortable lanyard, which allows you to hold the equipment as comfortably as possible.
Who produces and what they produce
| Height adjustable | ||||
| Manufacturer | Aluminium alloy | Carbon | Peculiarities | Price |
| Our choice: NordicStep Compact Carbon, Finland | 50% | 3-section Folded size, 66 cm Size 110 cm min - 135 cm max Handle - Rubber/cork Weight, 450 g Color - Silver/Purple | 3 250 | |
| CMD sport, Russia-China | Fixed iron tip, rubber nozzle, propylene/cork handle; divisions every 1 cm, weight 480 g, 85 cm folded; | 1600 | ||
| The same Anti-Shock, 3 sections; Fixed metal tip, rubber shoe, propylene/cork handle; | 2300 | |||
| 60% | Full set of nibs in addition to permanent serrated, cork handle, quick release lanyard, 2 sections, weight 400g. | 3700 | ||
| Finpole NOVA, Finland/Russia | 30% | The handle material is rubberized cork, the straps are available in two versions - removable and non-detachable; minimum length 83 cm, weight 330 g; | 3200-3600 | |
| KV Adula, Italy | 100% | Non-removable pobedite tip, removable rubber attachments: rings for sand, disc for snow, 3 sections, 63 cm when folded, weight 450 g. | 5800 | |
| KV Alba, Italy | 80% | Tip made of pobedite alloy, nozzles for sand and asphalt, 2 sections, cork handle, quick-release lanyards for left and right hands, weight 390 g, can withstand load; | 5000 | |
| Excel Nordic Train, Finland | 50% | Serrated pobedit tip, fixed lanyard with division for both hands, cork handle, folded 61 cm, weight 410 g, | 5900 | |
| Leki Smart Traveler Alu, Germany | ultra-durable with anodized surface | Universal tip for any type of surface; ergonomic handle, reflective elements, maximum size 61 cm, weight 400 g; | 9200 |
Video review of CMD Sport telescopic poles with Anti-Shok
Why is it so important that the sticks fit?
You will learn how to choose Scandinavian walking poles using the table below, but for now, let's figure out why size is so important.
Selecting the length of Nordic walking poles according to height is of great importance; the productivity of the activity and the correct load on the muscles depend on this. A short pair will overload the spine and also forcefully shorten the stride length. As a result, the muscles in the back of your legs will work at half strength, but you will still get tired quickly due to overstrain in the back area. In turn, a pair that is too long will not allow you to adhere to the correct walking technique, since you will not be able to slightly tilt your body forward.
The healthiest walk in the world
Nordic, Scandinavian, Finnish, Nordic walking is the simplest and most accessible sport.
If during a standard walk the legs are loaded, then during the Nordic walk the muscles of the back, neck, shoulder girdle and abs work. But the spine is blissful. Instead, sticks are loaded. This is very important for older people and for those who are hampered by excess weight or spinal diseases. Slow walking unloads the joints of the legs, which is necessary for those suffering from joint diseases. Compared to the usual, even fast steps, the Nordic version speeds up the pulse, gradually training the cardiovascular system.
Nordic walking strengthens the cardiovascular system
Attention! Nordic walking was accidentally invented by Finnish skiers back in 1940. They simply walked in the summer, leaning on their ski poles to stay in shape. Later it turned out that this activity is suitable not only for athletes, but also for completely healthy and sick people, men and women, young and old.
Nordic walking is respected and promoted by pulmonologists, because it promotes better lung ventilation. Even for those losing weight, this sport is irreplaceable. Scientists have found that during intensive Nordic walking, men and women spend more calories than usual.
As it turns out, Scandinavian wrestling provides tremendous pleasure and promotes the production of the “happiness hormone.” What could be better than a leisurely, comfortable walk in the fresh air?
How to calculate the size correctly?
In Nordic walking, the height of the poles is selected according to height; there is a standard formula:
Height in cm*coefficient 0.7
At the same time, more trained athletes are allowed to add 5-10 cm to the resulting value. Beginners are advised to adhere to the “right angle” rule - if you place the poles directly in front of you and stand straight, your elbows will form an angle of 90 °.
You should also take into account some aspects related to health and age. For example, it is difficult for older people to take long steps, so they should choose shorter poles (but not less than the value calculated using the formula above). The same point is taken into account for sore knee joints.
It is not always with tall stature that nature bestows a person with long legs. If your legs are short, you should also not choose too long poles.
Here is an approximate table that will help you select Nordic walking poles according to height:
Stick material: pros and cons
Fiberglass. Very light weight, effectively absorbs vibrations. Its strength is ensured by a mixture of glass and carbon fiber. Unfortunately, such material is very fragile and does not exclude breakage.
Carbon fiber (carbon). The addition of carbon fiber ensures the strength of the poles while maintaining the quality of fiberglass (shock absorption and light weight). The higher the carbon content, the stronger the sticks. The recommended percentage of carbon should be between 50% and 80%. For beginners, poles with an index of 20–30% are quite suitable. Moreover, it must be remembered that poles from different manufacturers with the same carbon index may differ from each other in elasticity.
Aluminum. Such poles do not absorb vibration well, which very quickly increases the risk of problems for the upper extremities, in particular, inflammation of the joint capsule of the elbow joint. In cross-country skiing, this problem does not exist as the snow absorbs vibrations.
What to look for when purchasing
Next, we'll look at how to choose the best Nordic walking poles based on quality and functionality.
So, you came to the store, having previously calculated your recommended length. The consultant led you to a stand with dozens of varieties of sticks. What should you pay attention to? Before choosing poles for Nordic walking, let's find out what they are and what they consist of.
- Today the market offers two types of models - constant length and telescopic (folding). The latter are convenient to take on the road, but they quickly become unusable, since a constantly functioning mechanism will inevitably become loose. But this type allows you to more accurately select the length according to your height, and also, if you feel that you are ready to increase the load, you can easily add the necessary centimeters.
However, experts who are seriously involved in this sport still recommend buying canes with a fixed length and a solid barrel - they will last you longer, are more durable and, therefore, are considered professional.
- The design is made of 3 parts: a handle with a lanyard, a shaft and a tip with a rubber tip. In a high-quality model, all abrasive elements - the tip, the lanyard - are removable and easy to replace. It is advisable to choose a rubber handle - it is not afraid of moisture or sweat, and lasts longer. A lanyard is a special mount that fits on your hand like gloves. Try them on right in the store - they should fit exactly on your hand. Choose a tip made of tungsten and pobedit alloy - they are the strongest. To walk on hard surfaces you will need rubber pads. The best quality shaft is carbon. Aluminum and fiberglass ones are also on sale, but they are inferior in quality to carbon fiber.
We looked at which Scandinavian walking poles are best to choose, depending on the material used to make the parts and the type of construction. What else should you consider when purchasing?
- Don't look at the brand or price tag. Beginners don't necessarily have to buy an expensive pair from the latest line from a cool brand. You can learn and practice successfully with cheap equipment, the main thing is to choose the right length and height of Nordic walking poles. Make sure that the shaft contains at least 10% carbon and this is enough for a start!
- Among other things, good poles should be stiff, light and durable.
What materials should Nordic walking poles be made of?
The purpose of these equipment is to unload the back, joints of the arms or legs during classes. This means that you need to find a product that will not break or complicate the process. There are three types on store shelves:
- Aluminum. High quality, durable, inexpensive. Their disadvantage is that they do not spring.
- Plastic. Lightweight, flexible, reliable. The disadvantages include high cost.
- Made from fiberglass. Very light weight, absorbs vibrations well, but very fragile.
The higher the carbon content index, the more resistant the equipment is to pressure. For people of large build, trainers recommend buying models with large amounts of this substance. They will reduce the impact of impacts on hard surfaces and relieve stress on the shoulders, elbows, and wrists.
Rating of the best offers
Now you know how to calculate the length of Nordic walking poles and understand what they are like in terms of quality and materials. We have made a short review of the brands that produce the best equipment and invite you to familiarize yourself with it. We hope that with the help of this review you will be able to finally understand what Nordic walking poles you need.
EXEL Nordic Sport Evo – 5000 rub.
Exel is the most famous and one of the first brands that began to produce equipment for this sport. It was in this company that they first understood why specialized Nordic walking poles, different from ski poles, were needed, and successfully set up production.
This fixed length model is made of fiberglass with 30% carbon inclusion. Among their advantages are durability, impeccable quality, and comfortable lanyards. There is only one minus - an inconvenient removable belt.
LEKI Speed Pacer Vario – 12,000 rub.
The brand is also widely known in the world of Scandinavian sports. These poles are considered hybrid - they are not completely fixed, but they cannot be called telescopic either, because they allow you to adjust the length within 10 cm, no more.
With this model, you will not encounter the problem of how to properly set up Nordic walking poles - the mechanism is intuitive and convenient. The shaft is completely carbon, so the cane is very light. Also, among the advantages are a convenient and high-quality mechanism, the ability to withstand loads of up to 140 kg, rubberized handle and fangs. The main disadvantage of the model is its price; not everyone can afford such poles.
NORDICPRO Travel Carbon 60 – 4,000 rub.
A telescopic model that can be shortened to 65 cm. The shaft contains 60% carbon, so the sticks are light and stable. The lanyards are removable, the handles are made of cork. With this equipment, you can easily choose the appropriate size (length) of poles for Nordic (Swedish) walking, it easily fits into a suitcase, and has an affordable price.
The downside is the joints, which over time begin to emit a characteristic clicking sound, which gets on the nerves of many.
ECOS Pro Carbon 70 – 4500 rub.
The cool folding sticks are 70% carbon, 30% fiberglass and weigh just 175g! The handle is made of polymer foam, which successfully combines the environmental friendliness of natural cork and the durable qualities of rubber. The design folds up to 85 cm, the maximum folding is 145 cm. All mechanisms, components and joints are of very high quality and reliable. The downside is that the shoes are tight, but many athletes are not inclined to consider this fact a disadvantage.
MASTERS Training Speed – 6000 rub.
In order to correctly adjust folding poles for Nordic walking, in addition to theoretical knowledge about the correspondence of height and length, you will need a high-quality design. This model is considered one of the best telescopic canes available on the market today. They are made of aircraft aluminum, lightweight, with clip clasps that are absolutely silent. Fitting is very easy and the lanyards are also adjustable. The kit includes pobedite tips. The downside is the abrasion of the shoes, but this is inevitable, characteristic of most Scandinavian poles.
Well, we are finishing the publication, now determining the size and length of Nordic walking poles will not be a difficult task for you. We advise you to approach this issue responsibly and choose exactly the model with which your training will be most effective. Don’t look at your friends and don’t listen to the advice of your “colleagues” - it’s better to study the theory yourself, come to the store and consult with a consultant. The final decision is yours, and remember, within 14 days you have the legal right to return your purchase to the store if you feel that the design is not comfortable for you. Save your receipts!
Pole configuration: what you need to know?
To purchase a high-quality model, you should choose products with iron tips. Cheaper equipment is usually equipped with tips made of quick-erasable materials. The most expensive devices are equipped with tips of increased strength.
It is advisable that the kit include tips made of special rubber to make walking on an asphalt path or other hard surface easier. Such devices reduce slipping and produce less noise.
The lanyard is another important element. This is a device on the handle that allows the walker to fix the arm in the correct position. The lanyard must be strong. For comfortable sports activities, it is recommended to choose models that use soft-touch material to make the lanyard. To properly fix the stick on the wrist, use special Velcro on the lanyard. The sizes are selected individually: excess friction or pressure on the hand is unacceptable, as is excessive freedom of the hand.
The handle must be made of durable and non-slip material that would not change its properties in any weather and temperature. Those made from natural cork have the best characteristics, but they also have disadvantages - a high degree of wear and tear. As an alternative, special rubber is being considered, the sensations from contact with which are similar to those provided by natural cork. The handle, made of rubber, is comfortable to use and easy to clean.
Some walkers use special gloves. This accessory usually has a universal size and is easy to fit to your hand. Particular attention should be paid to the strength of the straps on the glove. The training should not take place with discomfort; the pressure of the glove should be evenly distributed over the wrist and palms.
What equipment can be called 100% suitable?
So, based on the information provided, you have chosen a set of Finnish walking poles. It is better to try different types of canes before purchasing. If you like a couple of sports equipment, you should once again make sure that the equipment:
- fits the length;
- has a comfortable thin handle;
- the shaft of the stick is light and elastic;
- if you are going on a hike, then the poles are folding;
- the length of the lanyard is adjusted and it fits comfortably on the hand;
- The equipment is equipped with a rubber tip for traveling on hard surfaces.
Attention! A pair of rubber tips included with purchase is usually enough for 1 season. While walking in the mountains, it can wear off in 1 trip. Wand tips are sold separately.
Have you chosen the right option? All that remains is to master the walking technique.
