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Before buying Nordic walking poles, you need to know everything about their varieties and features. They are of two types:
- telescopic;
- fixed.
Fixed sticks
Fixed walking poles do not have a height adjustment function, therefore they are considered the most reliable. This type does not have additional systems that can break down or fail over time. To select the height of the stick, you need to take into account the parameter of the sole and growth. When you get this number, it should be rounded to the nearest five centimeters.
I must say that with the right choice of sticks, it will be quite convenient for you to do various things with them. Poles are usually sold in sports stores, and they have a graduation of 5 cm.
Telescopic sticks
As for telescopic stick models, they can have 2 or 3 sections. They are compact, as they can be fixed along the length and spread apart, their use will be convenient for your walking. The advantage of telescopic poles is that you can take them with you and they won’t take up much space in your suitcase or bag.
Some models of sticks have a special anti-shock system. It is a shock absorber located in the inner stick, which hits the surface upon impact and absorbs all harmful vibrations that can harm a person’s joints. Such a mechanism is available only in special Scandinavian sticks.
What material are walking sticks made of?
In the process of creating the poles, carbon and aluminum are used, as well as fiberglass. Aluminum poles are not subject to corrosion. They are resistant to damage and not dangerous at all, they are also fire resistant. In addition, the price of the sticks is very affordable.
Glass fiber is a composite material that consists of a synthesizing binder and glass filler. Such material has an impressive weight and excellent strength indicators. All the positive aspects and advantages make the material more famous.
CFRP or carbon is a composite type product that is made using carbon fiber. The main advantage of carbon is that it is strong and lightweight. This material has good resistance to atmospheric pressures, it does not take on corrosion, as well as any deformation. All these advantages are reflected in the cost of products.
What kind of handles should sticks have?
The attachment of arms and handles is called a lanyard. They are divided into two types:
- in the form of a strap;
- in the form of a glove.
The fasteners can be adjusted to the width of the palm, and if necessary, you can always tie them tighter to strengthen or loosen the strap on the lanyard. Some models come with gloves that can be detached from the poles. This function is considered comfortable when using special walking poles.
Sticks have plastic handles, they are usually made from cork, but in some cases they can be made from durable rubber. Materials combined with plastic are an excellent base for a pen.
Varieties of pole tips
Nordic walking poles have a solid shoe and a tip that makes walking on asphalt easier. Carbide tips come in different types, and they look like a claw in appearance. And, other types of tips are created in the form of a peak. For these types of handpieces, you can choose accessories that allow you to walk on loose soil and sand.
The alloy used in making the handpieces can withstand enormous stress. This tip is used on soft ground, snowy or sandy ground. In order to use it on other soils, a slipper is used for protection. It comes in different shapes and consists of plastic, rubber, or other more durable materials. The shoe acts as a shock absorber in the process of hitting the stick on the soil or hard surface.
These are all elements to consider before heading to the sports store to buy poles. This purchase is calculated for several years in advance, and not for one day. It is worth paying attention to the positive and negative aspects of certain models of sticks in order to choose the most suitable ones.
For more than 40 years in a row, Exel products have been of consistently good quality. She started working back in 1972 and all this time she never ceases to delight many athletes with equipment with a particularly long service life. The first walking poles were also developed here, so you need to trust this manufacturer. The champions of the world Nordic walking competitions have won thanks to the quality products of this company.