How to shorten ski poles

[b1eqff972]

I have a new pair of really nice carbon fibre ski poles. However, they are 122 cm and I really would like to shorten them by 3 cm or so as they "hang" a little bit too much when I ski the bumps.

Any tips as to how to get the grips off? The brand of the poles is Reflex if this is of any help.

Thanks.

Jakob.

[Sledhaulingmedic]

I have a new pair of really nice carbon fibre ski poles. However, they are 122 cm and I really would like to shorten them by 3 cm or so as they "hang" a little bit too much when I ski the bumps.

Any tips as to how to get the grips off? The brand of the poles is Reflex if this is of any help.

Thanks.

Jakob.

It depends on the pole, not just the make. Some, you can loosen the grip from the shaft (see if there's a clamp at thebase of the grip, like goode, or perhaps a screw at the top of the grip).

Got pix?

[Affix Snow]

Truck-rope-pole-rope-Truck.

[Jolly J]

Grasp pole with one hand on grip and one hand near basket

Raise pole above head

Bring Pole down in front of you with as much force as you can muster and raise knee at same time

Strike Pole on Knee

Voila

If not successfull try harder and use opposite knee.

Realistically I've never shortened a carbon fiber pole. In the good old days a pipe cutter or a hack saw worked well.

[el-bagr]

If you have a suitable door, you can put the pole over the door and into the crack between the door and the hinges, pull until the grip is touching the crack, then pull hard. Makes a very immobile vise, essentially.

[skibumnh]

I have a new pair of really nice carbon fibre ski poles. However, they are 122 cm and I really would like to shorten them by 3 cm or so as they "hang" a little bit too much when I ski the bumps.

Any tips as to how to get the grips off? The brand of the poles is Reflex if this is of any help.

Thanks.

Jakob.


We used to do this at my old shop for people, CF poles are a PITA, but its still possible. Basically on most of these the grips are glued to the pole, so you need to try and loosen that bond and expand the grip from around the pole, either soak the grips in a pot of boiling water, or try to get them warmed up with a heat gun. The later is more likely to melt your grips and possibly the resin in the CF if youre not careful. Once you soften that bond, just wrench at em and twist them off. Mark on the pole where you want to cut with masking tape, and cut through the center of that tape line with a fine toothed hacksaw. This reduces the carbon fiber splinter effect. Then just wrench back on the grips. You shouldnt have to reglue them, maybe just head the grips up again before you twist them back on. This whole process is annoying at worst, just takes a little patience and some elbow grease. A bench top vise sometimes helps too.

Oooor, you could just go down to your local ski shop which is most likely in dire straights after this dismal winter, insult them with a $40 offer on some high end scott aluminum poles that are lighter and more durable than what youve got now. (I love late season ski shopping, its like a foreclosure auction.)

[skiyak777]

I have a new pair of really nice carbon fibre ski poles. However, they are 122 cm and I really would like to shorten them by 3 cm or so as they "hang" a little bit too much when I ski the bumps.

Any tips as to how to get the grips off? The brand of the poles is Reflex if this is of any help.

Thanks.

Jakob.

Might have to heat the grips up a bit to get them off.

Cutting carbon fiber cleanly is not that easy. For cutting carbon arrows to length, I have a high speed saw with a carbide disc blade: http://www.eders.com/Apple--Pro-Saw-p2688c612-path2,144,612.html
A dremel tool would work too.

[photographer]

I have a new pair of really nice carbon fibre ski poles. However, they are 122 cm and I really would like to shorten them by 3 cm or so as they "hang" a little bit too much when I ski the bumps.

Any tips as to how to get the grips off? The brand of the poles is Reflex if this is of any help.

Thanks.

Jakob.

I just did this a few days ago the glue on the grips is not that tuff. Put the pole grip/handle between you feet get a good grip on the pole and push the handle/grip off with your feet. Aim the point of the pole away from you chest while doing this then just use a pipe cutter.

[RR]

Might have to heat the grips up a bit to get them off.

Cutting carbon fiber cleanly is not that easy. For cutting carbon arrows to length, I have a high speed saw with a carbide disc blade: http://www.eders.com/Apple--Pro-Saw-p2688c612-path2,144,612.html
A dremel tool would work too.archery too??

good ole masking tape over the area to cut ...great way to minimize the splinters and keep the ends even. before the tape comes off I guess some nail polish on the freshly cut end would be good too. Go thin and let it dry for 10-15 mins before pulling the tape. Speaking of which...go easy pulling the tape.

[TenSeven]

WD40 has a small nozzle tube attachment. Try to slip it under your grips and give a wee spray. Just my 2 cents.

To cut...take them to your local bicycle shop. They have hacksaw guides for cutting CF tubes so that it won't splinter/crack. Bicycle shops cut CF all the time.

[Mr. X]

Remove grip, then use a pipe cutta.

-X

[Justin]

If you have a suitable door, you can put the pole over the door and into the crack between the door and the hinges, pull until the grip is touching the crack, then pull hard. Makes a very immobile vise, essentially.

like he said, use a door dood! yanky yank!

[b1eqff972]

like he said, use a door dood! yanky yank!

Cool! The door trick + heating with a heat gun worked really well. Job's done.

Thanks.

Jakob. :D