New measuring system for Swix poles from the 22/23 season

There are two main reasons for changing the measurement system:

1. The length now printed on the pole will correspond to the effective length of the pole. The length will then be the same regardless of which handle you choose.
2. The new measuring system is similar to the way poles are measured according to the rules defined by FIS.

• The length of the pole is measured from the top of the strap. Previously, this measurement was taken from the top of the handle.
• This makes the system compatible with FIS regulations.
• You will get the same length, regardless of the handle on the pole.

The change will apply to almost all cross-country ski poles. The exceptions are children’s poles and mountain ski poles.

Not sure if a pole has an old or new length measurement?  Look for the red tag “new length” on Swixsport.com.

If you’re a regular cross country skier, it won't matter unless you’re buying new poles. If you renew your 155-cm poles, the correct length will be 150 cm after the new measuring system.

Choosing the right pole length becomes much easier. If you are allowed to use 155-cm poles (according to the FIS rules), you can buy 155-cm poles. You no longer need to convert the pole length to FIS's length rules.

No, this isn't necessary.

Almost all cross-country ski poles launched in the 22/23 season follow the new measurement system. If in doubt, you can check by measuring if the marked length corresponds with the length from the tip to the strap attachment.

To match your 155-cm pole from 2021, order 152.5-cm and cut off 1.5-cm

Yes.

As of now (autumn 2022) there is no standard for how to measure poles. It is up to each manufacturer. Swix is the first to start using the “FIS method”.

No, the standard lengths of the poles will not be exactly the same. By standard length we mean the lengths you can buy in store.

In the new measuring system, we measure the pole length from the tip up to the strap attachment. Previously, the pole length was measured to the top of the pole. The strap is attached 4 cm lower than the measuring point used previously, i.e. the top of the pole. This means that poles marked with e.g. 155 cm according to the old system will measure 151 cm using the new measuring system (155 cm – 4 cm = 151 cm).

In order for the poles using the new measuring system to be the exact same length as the poles using the old system, we had to start with standard lengths of 151 cm, 153.5 cm, 156 cm, 158.5 cm, etc., which of course is not particularly appropriate.

So: Your old poles marked with a length of 155 cm correspond to new poles of 151 cm. As 151 cm is not a standard length, you must choose between new 150-cm poles, which then become 1 cm shorter than your old poles, or 152.5 cm (provided that the pole model has 2.5 cm length intervals) which become 1.5 cm longer than your old poles.

If it's particularly important for you to have exactly the same length of poles as before, you will need to buy 152.5-cm poles and cut them by 1.5 cm.