Introduction
The experts at Nordic Walking UK (now WALX) dispel the common misconception that you select fixed length poles rather than adjustable. They also answer common questions…
When Nordic Walking first appeared in the UK in just after the millennium, it was linked solely to cross country skiing and supported by pole manufacturers who produced poles for that activity which at the time were FIXED Length. Many ski pole manufacturers in Europe wanted to take advantage of the rapid growth of Nordic Walking but didn’t have adjustable poles, so they literally fixed a traditional nordic handle, strap and tip to their fixed length ski poles. The market was flooded with cheap fixed length poles. To that end, the early Nordic Walking Instructors used and recommended them. The bizarre fact was, in Europe, Nordic Walking was (and still is) a sport promoting a very precise technique based around replicating the propulsion of being on Cross Country Skis, yet (as you will read below) most people were using the wrong length poles because they were fixed length. One manufacturer’s 115cm poles were a different length than another’s. In short; it was a nonsense. If a technique was so precise, why would you allow the main piece of equipment, the poles, to be the wrong length?
As the sport developed, it was only the likes of Leki and Fizan that recognised the importance of having the right length poles was essential and invested in the R&D to create robust adjustment mechanisms to poles.
As Nordic Walking UK, we came from the fitness industry and took the principles of the concept but we saw it more as an outdoor cross trainer and as we evolved, we created programmes to be tailored towards a range of markets and abilities. We recognised that even at the learning stage, it was essential for people to have the right length poles but more importantly, if we do our job right, as the user progresses and improves their technique, they are going to need longer poles!
Although Nordic Walking remained as a Sport in Europe, the majority of training providers now recommend poles with adjustment for the reasons below
1. The 5 cm increments do not allow for accurate height of the user
Fixed length Nordic walking poles come in height adjustment increments of 5 cm but when we size poles for people here at WALX and Nordic Walking UK we often find that even 1 cm difference can alter the movement pattern and comfort of a walker. We also see discomfort and injury from fixed length poles which are either too low or too high – simple biomechanics tell us that it is noticeable. If you increase your shoe heel height by a 5 cms, you would notice it and walk differently.Therefore we only advise fixed length poles for those who are confident they need that specific size, otherwise we prefer to get the height just right and prepared to adapt longer term too.
2. Beginners will start at one height and then often need to increase it
If beginners are trained properly, they will see an improvement in spinal mobility, core engagement, and posture. For that reason we do not advise the spend on fixed length poles which may well not be right for them longer term.
Martin Christie, the co-founder of brining Nordic Walking to the UK and the person who has taught over 4000 Instructors, told us ”It never ceases to amaze me just how much we need to extend a walkers poles after a few weeks as they begin to stride out and stand taller. Their technique and use of poles also improves as their fitness levels increase. I think having them even slightly too long or too short initially will impede this improvement and of course, the walkers is stuck with that initial purchase which is a shame”
3. Sometimes you need to change pole height due to terrain
On some walks, it might be advisable to adjust the pole lengths to come with very steep terrain – on a long climb up to a mountain refuge for example where the ground is rising up in front of the walkers over a few hours ( and vice versa on the way down) Whilst Instructors do teach how to adapt technique and pole use both for up and down typical hills, adjustable poles make sense in this scenario.
4. Fixed length Nordic walking poles are no good for travel
Whilst most adjustable poles come apart for travel and will fit into a suitcase (poles are not allowed in the cabin unless medically advised) Fixed lengths poles will need to be put through sports luggage when travelling and can be awkward to fit into small car boots or carried on buses too.
What about the claims that adjustable poles will slip or are unsafe?
As Nordic Walking UK we created the demand for up to 50,000 pairs of poles per annum and have been selling poles by all the major brands for nearly 20 years. Less than 1% of poles we sell are fixed length. We can confidently say that if you choose a quality manufacturer with a maintainable adjustment mechanism (such as a robust twist lock or clip lock)there is no risk of slippage. Adjustable Nordic walking poles by reputable brands such as Fizan are designed to withstand 60kg of downward pressure and are robustly tested. Cheaper poles from petrol stations, supermarkets etc may be less reliable and if made of inferior alloys can also be prone to bending or reacting to temperature changes which can impact on adjustment reliability. Look for aircraft quality alloys such as 7075 or carbon if you are not concerned about its non recyclable credentials.
Quality clip locks can be regularly tightened to ensure good grip
Whenever we hear of an incident where slippage has occurred on poles, we have established that the user has over twisted the twist lock or not tightened the clip lock lever as directed. Thats why we provide comprehensive videos on how to adjust poles for height but also how to ensure the adjustment mechanism is maintained. See HERE
We confidently use adjustable poles for walkers over 20 stone and feel that is better than using the wrong height of poles. We also work with partners in hospitals and clinics who use adjustable poles for rehabilitation and stability – ergonomics are important in these cases and our two vat tax exempt models are used because they can be adjusted specifically and in some instances that may even be one pole shorter than the other!
Are push button adjusters a better option?
No – These also are set at increments so are not specific enough. We have tested such mechanisms and no longer use them because our expert engineers that have worked extensively in this arena estimate that punching holes in an alloy shaft weakens it between 30%-50%. We have also seen many of these poles with extensive wear around the adjustment areas which could lead to catastrophic failure.
Don’t adjustable poles rattle or vibrate more?
Cheap ones might do but it is minimal with good quality poles. If the sections of the shaft are held together with a maintained and robust adjuster mechanism and are made of good quality alloy or carbon it will be minimal. The position of the adjuster(s) and how many there are make a tiny difference so those seeking a superior ‘feel’ to the pole plant with poles adjusted to their height should seek ‘extendable’ where the adjustment mechanism is closer to the handle.
To conclude
Adjustable poles are more suitable for all level of Nordic Walkers from beginners to experts. They are both safe and convenient, as long as you choose a good quality brand and maintain them.
The benefits of having adjustable poles over a fixed length pole are that they can be adjusted to the exact height required, are suitable for travel and adjustable for tricky terrain.
The WALX (Nordic Walking UK) store sells a full range of poles with thousands of those a year being fully adjustable. If Disabled adventurer Jamie McAnsh (pictured) who weighs over 100kg, can use them to climb Kilimanjaro, it is a myth to suggest pole users must not select them! The store does also sell fixed length poles to a minority of competent Nordic walkers who know they are comfortable at one of the pre set height lengths but remember; Pole length is determined by a number factors, i.e height, arm length, stride length, ‘technique’ and; depends what you are using them for!
Martin explains “Our Instructors all use adjustable poles as do their regular walkers. In our view any manufacturer or organisation that advises Instructors to use fixed length poles must be motivated by the fact they will need to buy a lot more to go in their teaching packs! – We are really concerned that this old myth seems to be re surfacing again and have to question the motives of those providing such advice.”
