#4 on this list
Speed Vario 2.0
Dynafit
The Dynafit Speed Vario 2.0 is an ultralight adjustable pole tailored for fast-and-light ski tourers, ski mountaineers, and fitness-oriented backcountry travelers. When covering thousands of vertical feet in a day, every gram on your hands translates directly into fatigue, and the Speed Vario 2.0 addresses this by paring its measured weight down to an impressive 15.5 ounces per pair through extensive use of carbon fiber. The upper section of the pole is composed of carbon fiber to minimize swing weight, while the lower section utilizes durable aluminum to resist rock strikes and sharp ski edges. This hybrid construction gives the pole the stiffness and dampening feel of carbon near the hands, alongside the strike resistance where the pole meets technical terrain. The Pressure Lock mechanism provides a low-profile, clean adjustment method that keeps the pole sleek. Naturally, shaving weight to this extent introduces trade-offs in brute durability. The thinner shaft profiles and lightweight locking hardware require more mindful handling than beefy all-aluminum utility poles. It is not designed for park laps or heavy resort beatings, but for dedicated backcountry speed and high-alpine efficiency, its balance of weight and stiffness is hard to top. **Highlights** - Ultralight hybrid build pairing a carbon upper with an aluminum lower - Exceptionally low swing weight for rapid cadence on the skin track - Extended EVA foam grip sleeve for sidehilling versatility - Flexible powder basket adapts to varying snow angles - Streamlined, low-profile locking mechanism **Watch-outs** - Higher price point compared to aluminum competitors - Less impact-resistant against direct rock strikes than heavier poles - Requires gentle handling of the locking mechanism in deep freeze conditions
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#5 on this list
Sticks Original
Grass
The Grass Sticks Original offers an eco-conscious, distinctly aesthetic alternative to traditional aluminum and carbon ski poles without sacrificing real-world strength. Handcrafted using perma-treated bamboo shafts, these fixed-length poles appeal to resort cruisers, freeriders, and backcountry skiers who want an organic material that naturally dampens chatter while delivering surprising toughness. Bamboo possesses high tensile strength and natural elasticity, allowing the Grass Sticks Original to flex significantly under load and spring back true, where aluminum might permanently bend and carbon might fracture. Weighing around 510 grams per pair, they are comparable in mass to standard aluminum resort poles. The bamboo handles cold temperatures well, feeling warmer to the touch than bare metal. The poles feature comfortable, recycled-plastic ergonomic grips, polyester straps, and interchangeable powder baskets. Because each pole is made from natural cane, shaft diameters and weights can vary subtly from pair to pair. They are fixed-length, meaning they lack on-the-fly adjustability for varying touring angles, but for skiers who prioritize sustainability, durability, and a unique look on the mountain, Grass Sticks delivers authentic performance. **Highlights** - Crafted from sustainable bamboo with high natural tensile strength - Excellent natural vibration absorption on firm, chattery snow - Flexes under heavy impact rather than permanently kinking - Components built with recycled plastics and interchangeable baskets - Warm-to-the-touch natural shaft feel in freezing weather **Watch-outs** - Fixed-length design lacks adjustability for changing terrain - Natural variations in shaft thickness and weight between individual poles - Bamboo can chip or scratch aesthetically from crossing ski edges
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Speed Vario 2.0 | Sticks Original |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (Pair) | 15.5 oz (approx. 440 g) | — |
| Shaft Material | Carbon upper, aluminum lower | Perma-treated bamboo cane |
| Lock Mechanism | Pressure Lock system | — |
| Grip Material | Extended EVA foam | Molded recycled plastic |
| Basket Style | Flexible touring powder basket | — |
| Approximate Price | $180 | — |
| Weight Per Pair | — | Approximately 510 grams (18 oz) |
| Design Type | — | Fixed length |
| Included Baskets | — | Interchangeable freeride/powder |
| MSRP | — | Around $135 |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Speed Vario 2.0
- Exceptionally low paired weight reduces uphill arm fatigue on long ascents
- Hybrid construction balances low swing weight with lower-shaft rock resilience
- Extended EVA foam grip provides quick hand placement shifts on steep sidehills
- Flexible powder baskets articulate effectively across changing snow surfaces
- Premium retail price sits higher than most standard aluminum options
- Lighter hardware requires mindful clearing in wet, freezing snow conditions
- Not engineered for heavy resort impacts or aggressive park skiing
Sticks Original
- Bamboo naturally absorbs impact vibrations on hard, chattery snowpack.
- Shafts flex under heavy stress and spring back rather than bending permanently.
- Eco-conscious construction uses renewable bamboo cane and recycled plastics.
- Organic material feels noticeably warmer to the touch than bare aluminum.
- Fixed-length design cannot be adjusted for changing backcountry skinning angles.
- Natural cane leads to minor diameter and weight variations between poles.
- Outer bamboo finish can chip or gouge from sharp metal ski edges.
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