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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
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- 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.
Best uses
- All-mountain resort skiing
- Freeride and glade skiing
- Eco-conscious winter setups
- Hardpack and groomer cruising
Specifications
- Shaft Material
- Perma-treated bamboo cane
- Weight Per Pair
- Approximately 510 grams (18 oz)
- Design Type
- Fixed length
- Grip Material
- Molded recycled plastic
- Included Baskets
- Interchangeable freeride/powder
- MSRP
- Around $135
Pricing
We don't publish a price we haven't verified. The retailer links below open the live listing for this exact model.
Best for
All-mountain resort skiing, Freeride and glade skiing, Eco-conscious winter setups, Hardpack and groomer cruising
Where to buy the Sticks Original
Prices and stock change often, so check the current Amazon offer before you buy.
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The Grass Sticks Original offers an unconventional take on the standard ski pole, substituting mass-produced aluminum and composite shafts for hand-selected, perma-treated bamboo. Designed primarily for all-mountain resort skiers and freeriders, these poles provide a distinctive aesthetic alongside functional performance benefits inherent to natural grass cane. Independent testing outlets frequently single them out for their exceptional environmental credentials and lively flex profile, placing them firmly on the radar of skiers looking to reduce petroleum-based gear consumption. At approximately 510 grams per pair, the Original matches the heft of standard mid-grade aluminum models while delivering a markedly different on-snow sensation. Bamboo possesses natural elasticity and damping properties that filter out hard vibrations on crusty snow and firm groomers. Rather than kinking under sudden loads, the fiber structure bends and returns to true, preventing the permanent deformation that commonly retires alloy poles. While the organic build introduces minor aesthetic and dimensional variations between individual sticks, the overall package remains utilitarian. Fitted with recycled plastic components and interchangeable baskets, the Original is built for standard lift-served days and straightforward sidecountry laps where fixed-length reliability takes precedence over packable versatility.
Target Audience and Intent
The Grass Sticks Original caters squarely to all-mountain resort skiers, tree skiers, and aesthetic-minded freeriders who use a single, dedicated pole length throughout the winter. Because the bamboo shafts are cut to a fixed measurement, they are not intended for dedicated backcountry touring setups that require telescoping adjustments for traversing steep skin tracks. Skiers who prioritize sustainability will appreciate the reliance on rapidly renewable bamboo cane paired with grips and baskets fabricated from recycled plastics. The poles also suit aggressive resort skiers who frequently bend lightweight aluminum poles in moguls or tight woods; bamboo provides a springy resilience under load that forgives heavy impacts. If your ski days revolve around chairlifts, hike-to sidecountry terrain, and variable resort conditions, this pole delivers capable performance with a minimal environmental footprint.
Materials and Craftsmanship
At the core of the Original is a kiln-dried, perma-treated bamboo shaft. Unlike hollow engineered metals, bamboo features a fibrous cellular structure with dense outer walls, granting it high tensile strength comparable to steel on a strength-to-weight basis. The treatment process seals the cane against moisture intrusion, preventing rot and splitting across seasons of wet snow cycles. Topping the shaft is an ergonomic grip molded from recycled plastic, paired with a standard polyester webbing wrist strap. At the base, a steel-tipped carbide point provides purchase on firm surfaces, anchored by a plastic assembly designed to accept interchangeable standard and powder baskets. Because each bamboo stalk grows naturally, shaft diameters vary slightly along their length, meaning no two poles are identical in thickness or node spacing.
On-Snow Ride Characteristics
The most immediately noticeable trait of the Grass Sticks Original on firm snow is vibration absorption. Aluminum poles transmit micro-chatter straight up through the skier's hands and forearms when planting repeatedly on icy or refrozen surfaces. Bamboo naturally diffuses this impact shock, creating a muted, comfortable plant. In terms of swing weight, the poles feel balanced and predictable. Although bamboo is denser than ultra-thin carbon fiber, the mass is distributed evenly enough to avoid feeling sluggish during rapid pole plants in bumps or tight glades. The shaft also remains noticeably warmer to the touch than bare metal when handling the poles without gloves in freezing parking lots or lift lines. The result is a smooth, forgiving pole plant that excels in cold, hardpack environments.
Durability and Edge Resistance
Where conventional aluminum poles permanently bend under awkward falls and lightweight carbon shafts can shatter from sharp impacts, bamboo behaves differently. It possesses high elastic deformation, allowing the shaft to flex deeply during falls or pole-plants against buried obstacles and then rebound to straight. This resilience translates to exceptional longevity under normal resort usage. However, the organic material is susceptible to cosmetic damage. Metal ski edges can nick, gouge, or chip the outer protective lacquer over time when crossing skis in the lift line or slashing through firm crud. While minor surface splintering rarely compromises the structural integrity of the cane, it requires occasional inspection. Applying a dab of clear epoxy to deep edge nicks helps preserve the seal against ongoing moisture intrusion.
Fit and Setup Considerations
Because the Original is a fixed-length pole, getting the sizing right at the point of order is critical. Standard sizing conventions apply: when holding the pole upside down beneath the basket, your elbow should form roughly a 90-degree angle. Skiers who spend considerable time in deep powder should factor in the basket sink, potentially ordering an inch longer than their standard hardpack measurement. The included baskets utilize a push-on, friction-fit design that allows users to swap between compact resort discs and wider powder baskets without specialized tools. The molded grips feature a relatively neutral contour that accommodates both medium and large gloved hands comfortably, though skiers with very small hands may find the grip girth slightly broad compared to race-specific poles.
Market Context and Alternatives
Retailing near $135, the Grass Sticks Original sits at a mid-tier price point where buyers typically cross-shop against high-end 7075-series aluminum models or entry-level carbon poles. Competitors like the Black Crows Meta offer bright styling in a durable aluminum format for roughly half the price, but they carry the risk of permanent bending if fallen upon. Carbon alternatives, such as fixed-length options from Goode or Leki, offer lower swing weights and stiffer plants for hard-charging carvers, yet they lack the eco-conscious appeal and organic flex of bamboo. Skiers considering the Grass Sticks are generally paying a modest premium over basic metal poles for handmade craftsmanship, sustainability, and superior impact flex, making it a compelling niche product rather than a bargain utility choice.
How we picked
We started with a long list of ski poles that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Edge hold and stability
- Grip on firm snow and composure at speed for the intended skier level.
- Versatility across conditions
- How the ski or board handles groomers, crud and fresh snow in one day.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
Sticks Original — frequently asked questions
- Is the Sticks Original worth it?
- We rank it #5 in Ski Poles. 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…
- What is the Sticks Original best for?
- Best for all-mountain resort skiing, freeride and glade skiing, eco-conscious winter setups and hardpack and groomer cruising. Standouts: bamboo naturally absorbs impact vibrations on hard, chattery snowpack. and shafts flex under heavy stress and spring back rather than bending permanently..
- What are the downsides of the Sticks Original?
- Fixed-length design cannot be adjusted for changing backcountry skinning angles., Natural cane leads to minor diameter and weight variations between poles. and Outer bamboo finish can chip or gouge from sharp metal ski edges..
- What are the key specs of the Sticks Original?
- Shaft Material: Perma-treated bamboo cane · Weight Per Pair: Approximately 510 grams (18 oz) · Design Type: Fixed length · Grip Material: Molded recycled plastic · Included Baskets: Interchangeable freeride/powder
- Target Audience and Intent — what should I know about the Sticks Original?
- The Grass Sticks Original caters squarely to all-mountain resort skiers, tree skiers, and aesthetic-minded freeriders who use a single, dedicated pole length throughout the winter. Because the bamboo shafts are cut to a fixed measurement, they are not intended for dedicated backcountry touring setups that require…
- Materials and Craftsmanship — what should I know about the Sticks Original?
- At the core of the Original is a kiln-dried, perma-treated bamboo shaft. Unlike hollow engineered metals, bamboo features a fibrous cellular structure with dense outer walls, granting it high tensile strength comparable to steel on a strength-to-weight basis.
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