Freelength kits come with a shaft at maximum length with basket attached plus handle and strap free from the shaft. All poles 16mm diameter at handle connection.

Ski*go poles: Racing, Elit, Vasa, XC and Touring. Click photo for a larger image.

Spare Parts

You can obtain replacement parts for all poles. Your local ski retailer will already carry extra handles, straps and baskets from Ski*go or can obtain them quickly and easily. Ferrules (roller tips) are also available for all poles.

Handles

Starting in 2009/10 there are three handle styles available. All three handles are interchangeable with all Ski*go poles. Plug removal can be aided with a small screwdriver through the plug access slots at the sides. Replacement handle kits come with 2 handles and 2 matching plugs. 16mm internal diameter with 88mm depth.

• The Racing handle has a 100% cork wrap completely around the handle.
• The Elit handle has a 100% pressed cork wrapped completely around the handle.
• The Vasa handle (also used with the XC pole) is 100% pressed cork wrapped 75% around the handle leaving a plastic pillar at the rear for easy shop adjustments.

Cork Handles: Racing, Elit, Vasa/XC

Baskets

This describes the baskets that come with the poles as well as the replacement kit, sold in pairs, available from your retailer.
• The touring basket has a standard 10mm attachment to the pole. The larger basket is suited to skiers looking for a wide purchase that works well in ungroomed and fresh snow. Pick is hardened carbon steel.
• The Elit basket (Vasa and XC also) has a standard 10mm attachment to the pole. This medium size basket is well suited for groomed trails. Durable in all skiing conditions including hard icy. Pick is sharpened carbon steel.
• The Racing basket is a small basket suited for groomed trails and all racing conditions. The basket is solidly reinforced to stand up to the most icy and hard packed conditions (Canmore is a good example). The shape and light weight aid significantly in the easy, fast swing of the Ski*go Racing poles. Pick is sharpened carbon steel. In 8mm for the Ski*go Racing pole. Also available in 8mm is the Racing Snow Basket for softer snow conditions.

Race basket

Ferrules

Ski*go has two types of ferrules available starting Spring 2012. Standard ferrules are available in 8mm and 10mm sizes to fit Ski*go poles. Carbonfiber ferrules are available in a wide range of sizes to fit all ski poles -- 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm -- and are extremely strong.

Pole Strap

The Racing & PRO straps are strong and durable. Solid velcro closure is easy to operate while wearing gloves. Fits all Ski*go handles except the Touring handle. Straps are marked for left and for right. Comes in sizes large, medium and small. Replacement kits contain one pair.

Handle and Basket Replacement Technical Information

All Ski*go poles can have their handles and/or baskets removed. No permanent glue is used for either handles or baskets.

We recommend that all handles and baskets be removed by hot water (boiling is fine, but 80°-85°C is enough) or steam. This is the safest method because it will not cause damage to any part of the pole, handle or basket. NOTE: If using a heat gun then always keep this tool about 15cm away and moving around the pole to even the heat and not melt any plastic (handles, baskets).

When using new glue to attach handles and/or baskets please use dual temperature glue. This glue type is more durable and less likely to evaporate while being heated.

Perform removal and replacement operations in a warm room (20°C or warmer) to make the process easier. When attaching new handles or baskets place a small amount of glue on the pole. Remember: careful with a hot air gun. Then warm the handle or basket instead of the glue. The handle or basket will hold enough heat to soften the glue when contact is made. This will ensure pole safety and maximize your time for adjusting the parts to align correctly.

HINT: Select a cup or glass with enough diameter for baskets and/or height for handles. Fill cup with enough water to fully submerge the part. Microwave cup, with water, for 4 minutes. Then submerge part for 30 to 40 seconds. Extract part from cup and then remove the part from pole.
Suggestion: a water bottle with the top cut off usually matches the requirements for the cup.

Poles Selection and Handle Strap Sizing

1. Select the style of pole that suits your needs. The pole styles are described above on this web page. Stiff, stronger poles are more efficient with the energy you expend poling.
2. Select the pole length to match your size and the type of skiing you will doing with the pole. Consult the sizing chart for help.
3. With poles that come with a racing strap choose the strap size that matches your hand size (L, M, S).
4. Fit the strap to your hand. Loosen the locking plug and insert your hand into the strap. Secure the strap with the velcro strap. The velcro strap should hold the strap at the base of your palm's heel. Then tighten the main strap so the inside base of your thumb touches the handle. Now secure the main strap with the plug. Tap the plug in securely with a small hammer.

Pole Size Selection Recommendations

For roller skiing you may want to add about 0.5cm to 1.0cm to the length, depending on the roller skis you are using. Some roller skis are raised from the surface more then others. It will also depend on the type of ferrule (or roller tip) you are using. When using Ski*go ferrules and Ski*go roller skis the Ski*go classic are the same as winter poles while the Ski*go skate should be about 0,5cm longer. Though for 0.5cm you may find this difference small enough to not worry about.

These are recommendations only and there will be some variance from skier to skier based on skill level, strength and body proportions. Racers will also want to have some poles of slightly different lengths to match to different racing course profiles in order to optimize their results. Skigo Roller poles are recommended for roller skiing instead of winter poles so the winter poles are not stressed.