Splitboard Poles 101

Collapsible poles are the four-wheel drive of your backcountry ascent gear. They keep you from slipping and sliding as you shuffle up the skintrack and give you balance in the bootpack. For best pole performance it’s important to set your poles to the proper length for your height. Check the pole length to height chart below for a sizing guideline. For easy and secure size adjustment also make sure the Powerlocks are set to the proper tension using the instructions below.

Recommended size chart

Height range Recommended pole length
CM IN
145-155 cm 4'1" - 5'1 105 cm
156-164 cm 5'1" - 5'3" 110 cm
165-169 cm 5'4" - 5'5" 115 cm
170-175 cm 5'6" - 5'7" 120 cm
176-180 cm 5'8" - 5'9" 125 cm
181-190 cm 6' - 6'2" 130 cm
191 cm + 6'2" + 135 cm

How to adjust the strap

Illustration of a hand holding a pole strap

Loosen the strap loop: pull on the upper end of the strap loop.

Hand holding a tool with arrows indicating movement direction.

Tighten the strap loop: pull on the lower tail of the strap.

Illustration of a hand using a tool with directional arrows.

Secure the strap length: pull on both ends of the strap loop at the same time to secure the desired length.

How does the Powerlock system function?

Map illustration showing a truck location with an inset magnified view.

Open the Powerlock latch closest to the pole tip.

A stylized letter

Extend the bottom pole section to the marking that says “Extend to here”. Close the latch to tighten the Powerlock mechanism.

A stylized diagram of a splitboard pole

Open the Powerlock latch closest to the pole grip. Extend the middle section of the pole to the desired length and close the latch.

A simple diagram of a splitboarding pole

Push on the pole while planted on the ground to ensure the locking system is tight. If pole slips, readjust strength of Powerlock mechanism.

How to adjust the strength of the Powerlock mechanism

Diagram of a splitboard pole basket

Open the latch to release the Powerlock

Diagram of a splitboard pole basket

Adjust the screw in the Powerlock using a Phillips head screwdriver.

Diagram of a splitboard pole basket

Close the latch on the Powerlock and test its locking strength.

How to change the basket

simple diagram of a splitboard pole basket

Push the hooklets inwards.

Simple diagram of a splitboard pole basket

Take off the basket and the ring.

Simple diagram of splitboard pole basket

Attach the new basket: squeeze the hooklets through the 3 holes until they snap into place.

How to store your poles

Simple diagram of a splitboard pole

Always store them with the latchs open.

Simple diagram of a splitboard pole

Never store them with the latches closed.

Shop men splitboards

Shop women splitboards

Shop youth splitboards

Share & comment