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Pole straps: yay or nay

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~Gotama~
Posts: 821 - Karma: 3,160
I've heard that pole straps can be a hazard when skiing in avalanche terrain because they limit your ability to "swim" if caught in a slide. However, I'm wondering if removing the pole straps makes it more difficult on the uptrack since you lose the vertical support and loose grip offered by the straps. Obviously making sacrifices for the sake of safety is just part of the game, but I'm curious what the experts think about it.
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Jan 4 2015 11:35PM
10 1
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ChasingFlakes
Posts: 822 - Karma: 1,544
I think the idea is that if you're using your poles to the point that you need to straps for support then you are probably doing something wrong . Personally I never use them If I am touring . It's not often i loose my poles anyways . Also before I had my shoulder fixed, I had my shoulder come out when my pole basket got caught in alder.
Jan 5 2015 3:15AM
1 0
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Ghini
Posts: 2261 - Karma: 3,004
I never use pole straps..not shure why you would need polestraps on the uptrack..
I use a bit longer poles with really long grips..on the uptrack and even on steep faces I can place my hand on a comfy possition left and right and keep the poles on the same side after a turn/kickturn, just grip at new possition..
Jan 5 2015 3:46AM
0 0
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Drail
Posts: 14012 - Karma: 10,011
Never. I don't cut them off cause they have their purpose, but I don't use them touring or inbounds.
Jan 5 2015 10:45AM
1 0
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J.D.
Posts: 21362 - Karma: 5,143
This is super weird, my computer is randomly stickying threads.

Anyway, I don't really use them, basically never on the up and on the down it depends on where I am.
Jan 5 2015 1:54PM
0 0
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GrahamGould
Posts: 713 - Karma: 2,439
I feel naked without them. I don't really do anything without pole straps on
Jan 13 2015 10:17PM
1 0
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Martgiblin
Posts: 101 - Karma: 153
I have definitely read somewhere that people caught in slides have felt things they are attached to (such as poles/skis/rucksacks) getting sucked down like you said, and therefore if you are wearing them it is worth taking pole straps off whilst travelling on obvious avalanche terrain.
Jan 14 2015 1:48AM
0 0
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Ciroc.Obama
Posts: 72 - Karma: 171
I can't ski without them, making a pole plant just feels really weird. Touring they serve no purpose.
Jan 14 2015 12:51PM
1 0
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Ciroc.Obama
Posts: 72 - Karma: 171
I can't ski without them, making a pole plant just feels really weird. Touring they serve no purpose.
Jan 14 2015 12:51PM
0 0
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nosnowsnakes
Posts: 301 - Karma: 133
I generally don't use them in the backcountry but I didn't cut them off either. They came in really useful that one time I skated out 100 miles on a road after the sled broke down. (maybe it was only a 1/2 mile but who's counting?)
Jan 14 2015 3:09PM
1 0
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BlackcountryBill
Posts: 955 - Karma: 576
I always use them, uphill or down.
Jan 14 2015 6:39PM
0 0
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,467
NEVER. There is no correct way to wear them if they get snagged on a tree. where i ski we have lots of trees, shrubs, bushes that could easily snag and break a thumb or wrist. only ever use them going up. no professional guide will ever get caught wearing them...
Jan 14 2015 9:25PM
0 0
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BlackcountryBill
Posts: 955 - Karma: 576
BakerpowNEVER. There is no correct way to wear them if they get snagged on a tree. where i ski we have lots of trees, shrubs, bushes that could easily snag and break a thumb or wrist. only ever use them going up. no professional guide will ever get caught wearing them...


Ah, you see we don't have trees, shrubs or bushes where I ski.
Jan 14 2015 9:35PM
1 0
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Casey
Posts: 7871 - Karma: 24,631
When I poleplant I push against the strap to help me balance or take some weight off my step. I am pro straps though I just lost a pole in an avalanche and had to skin out with one pole it sucked.
Jan 15 2015 3:22PM
0 0
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Drail
Posts: 14012 - Karma: 10,011
CaseyWhen I poleplant I push against the strap to help me balance or take some weight off my step. I am pro straps though I just lost a pole in an avalanche and had to skin out with one pole it sucked.


Just brake a branch off a tree next time. I've lost a few poles on pow days in bounds and found a good stick replacement for the rest of the day.

Makes you feel like a mountain man as well when you're skiing around with sticks for poles. the more moss the better!
Jan 15 2015 4:07PM
0 0
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PoLaRpEaK
Posts: 439 - Karma: 555
I never thought about it but usually use mine, might have to get out of the habit.
Jan 19 2015 5:20PM
0 0
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doyle.
Posts: 1624 - Karma: 596
don't do it. You get caught in a tree well with the straps on you could be fucked if your poles get caught on something
Jan 21 2015 1:45AM
0 0
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