Watch Out!

By Otta Bounds Randy Ranked #433 - Backcountry Ski Poles December 1, 2004

I love these poles, BUT don't use them to manipulate Naxo or Fritschi bindings! I used my poles for alpine resort skiing for a whole season. The ability to change baskets is cool and there is security in having a probe even when inbounds and fringe skiing. Then, I made the mistake of taking them out while using Naxos. I used a pole to unlock the binding to freeheel mode and POP went the pole tip. The shaft enters the plastic ferrule/tip and it broke at the end of the shaft. There is about 1.5 inches of the plastic ferrule that is not protected by the shaft inside. I saw it happen and was able to save the piece and re-attach it with a metal insert and epoxy. Unfortunatly, the weak spot in the pole is exactly where you put the leverage pressure to lock, unlock, or adjust the height of the heel of the bindings. Back to the aluminum poles for the backcountry.

View Details: Life-Link Alpine Extreme Composite Probe Poles

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