Ski Race Pole Size Guide: Slalom, GS and Super G
Posted by Ryan Ebbers on 19th Oct 2026
Race poles are sized by height and by event. Slalom poles run a little shorter for quick pole plants, GS poles a little longer, and speed poles longest of all. This guide gives a size chart by height, a quick test to check the fit, and what changes for juniors.
The short answer
- Starting point: racer height in centimeters times 0.7, rounded to the nearest 5 cm.
- Slalom: use that length, or 5 cm shorter if the racer likes a lower stance.
- GS: about 5 cm longer than the slalom pole.
- Check it: with the pole upside down and gripped just under the basket, the elbow should bend to about 90 degrees.
Race pole size chart
| Racer height | Slalom pole | GS pole |
|---|---|---|
| 4'0" (122 cm) | 85 cm | 90 cm |
| 4'4" (132 cm) | 90 cm | 95 cm |
| 4'8" (142 cm) | 100 cm | 105 cm |
| 5'0" (152 cm) | 105 cm | 110 cm |
| 5'4" (163 cm) | 115 cm | 120 cm |
| 5'8" (173 cm) | 120 cm | 125 cm |
| 6'0" (183 cm) | 130 cm | 135 cm |
| 6'4" (193 cm) | 135 cm | 140 cm |
Between two sizes? Personal preference, technique and the coach's advice decide. Many racers go slightly shorter in slalom and slightly longer in GS.
The 90 degree test
- Stand on a hard floor, ideally in ski boots, since boots add a few centimeters.
- Turn the pole upside down and grip it just below the basket.
- Your forearm should be about level with the floor, with the elbow near 90 degrees.
Elbow well above 90 degrees means the pole is long; well below means it is short.
Slalom, GS and speed poles
- Slalom poles are straight or nearly straight and are always run with gate guards, because a slalom racer hits gates with the hands and poles. A slightly shorter pole keeps the hands forward and the plants quick. See slalom poles.
- GS poles are bent to wrap around the body in a tuck, which keeps the hands in and the tips out of the wind. They run a little longer than slalom poles. See GS and super G poles.
- Super G and downhill poles carry the deepest bend and the longest length. They are used mostly to push out of the start, since there is little pole planting in a speed run.
Junior race poles
- Size to today's height. A pole to grow into pulls the hands back and throws off timing. Junior poles are inexpensive enough to replace as the racer grows.
- Shaft size: junior slalom poles such as the Leki WCR Evo Lite SL Junior use a 16 mm aluminum shaft. Many adult race poles, such as the Komperdell National Team, use 18 mm, and World Cup poles such as the Komperdell NT WC to 19 mm.
- Aluminum or carbon: aluminum bends where carbon breaks, which suits juniors and anyone hard on equipment. Carbon is lighter to swing, for racers who want quicker hands.
- Junior sizes we stock run from 90 cm to 110 cm, from Leki, Komperdell and Swix.
Rules and fit details
- Baskets are required on race poles, and metal baskets are not allowed under U.S. Ski & Snowboard rules. Replacement baskets are cheap to keep on hand.
- Match guards to grips. Leki Trigger S guards fit Leki Trigger S grips; check the grip system before buying guards.
- Shortening a pole: ask us before you cut. It depends on the shaft and grip.
Still not sure?
Call us at 1-800-741-3985 with the racer's height and events, or bring them into the Boise shop. For the rest of the setup, see our junior race ski size chart and carbon race pole guide.