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About ski poles at Alpenglow Sports
As a core backcountry shop, we only stock collapsible poles for backcountry skiing. These poles have stood up to cornice thwacking, ice clearing, riser flipping, and everything else you'd want out from your collapsible touring pole.
Telescoping or Z-Pole
Curious how to choose between telescoping and Z-Poles? Telescoping and poles are generally more durable thanks to the overlapping sections. We have some experience that telescoping poles are also more reliable thanks to simple, flick-lock closures between sections.
Z-Poles are significantly smaller when collapsed. Compared to a 3 section telescoping pole, Z-Poles are, on average 8 inches shorter or more. If your pack does not have an external option to carry your poles, a Z-Pole is the best option for storing inside your pack.