Kit advisor

This is your one stop advice shop for all things nordic walking. If we haven’t answered your question here then please email us and we’ll be happy to help. All our staff are keen nordic walkers and can provide individual help.

Should I buy a fixed length or adjustable pole?
We recommend that most people consider buying a fixed length pole. Nordic Walking poles should be as light as possible and the mechanism used to make a pole adjustable does increase the swing weight of the pole. Adjustable poles are useful for travelling, so you can collapse the pole for easier carriage, or if its going to be shared by people of different heights.

What length pole do I need?
A good guide to pole length is to take your height in cms and multiply it by 0.68. Then round up or down to the nearest 5 cms. So for example I am 5’ 5” or 160cm. When you stand with your upper arm at your side your elbow should for a 90° angle or slightly less.

Why is the carbon content of the pole important?
As with most things, when it comes to nordic walking poles you get what you pay for. As a general rule the more expensive the pole the higher the carbon content. For example, our top of the range Exel Extreme pole is nearly 100% carbon and the more basic Exel Trainer pole is 45% carbon. The carbon content of the pole affects weight and the poles shock absorbency. The higher the carbon content the lighter the swing weight of the pole and the greater shock absorbency and strength the pole will have.  So why does this matter? Well you should consider the surface you are going to be walking on, the frequency and level at which you nordic walk and whether or not you have any injuries or medical problems.  If you are always going to be walking on soft surfaces like sand or grass then shock absorbency is not so important and a lower carbon content is enough.

If on the other hand you walk a lot on tarmac, have a shoulder or joint problem, or want to work out at a high intensity a number of times a week then you may want to consider a higher carbon content pole. If it helps our most popular selling poles is the Exel Sport which is 85% carbon.

How long will my poles last?
All Exel pole shafts have a life time guarantee. In fact the only part of the pole that will wear out (or get lost!) are the rubber asphelt paws. You can easily buy replacement paws.