BobK
Member
My 2 piece Komperdell Backcountry & Snowshoe poles have served me well for 4-5 years. For winter use I add big powder baskets (5” nylon and leather spinning style). They extend to 155cm – essential for good skiing (I use 160 in set tracks) but collapse when I switch to snowshoes. The plain steel tip (maybe 3/16” high and about ¼“ diameter) has a recessed X and has worn down and become rounded such that there is no longer any grip on icy surfaces. I don’t think I can sharpen the tip to a point (as I routinely do on worn XC ski pole tips).
I recently purchased carbide replacement tips (at EMS) and while the plastic does fit over the pole end, the snow baskets will not fit over the tips (tip diameter bigger than hole in baskets). I went back to EMS and they did not have either different tips (that fit the baskets), or any tip/basket combination for deep powder (all small plastic baskets) even for new poles. Regardless – none of their new poles extend to 155cm.
My goal is to have a carbide tip that will not slide on ice (I do use rubber tips in summer) but still allow a powder basket. Does anyone know of a way to modify or add an accessory for these poles? I’m open to removing the existing tips if I can reliably get a good replacement. I would even drill a hole in it to insert a screw (such as hex head) if it would grip well.
New carbide tipped poles are an option but they would need to extend to 155cm and have good powder baskets (removable). I searched this site (and another) for this info with no success. These poles have been very reliable and the twist-lock mechanism has never failed. I’m hesitant to retire them.
I recently purchased carbide replacement tips (at EMS) and while the plastic does fit over the pole end, the snow baskets will not fit over the tips (tip diameter bigger than hole in baskets). I went back to EMS and they did not have either different tips (that fit the baskets), or any tip/basket combination for deep powder (all small plastic baskets) even for new poles. Regardless – none of their new poles extend to 155cm.
My goal is to have a carbide tip that will not slide on ice (I do use rubber tips in summer) but still allow a powder basket. Does anyone know of a way to modify or add an accessory for these poles? I’m open to removing the existing tips if I can reliably get a good replacement. I would even drill a hole in it to insert a screw (such as hex head) if it would grip well.
New carbide tipped poles are an option but they would need to extend to 155cm and have good powder baskets (removable). I searched this site (and another) for this info with no success. These poles have been very reliable and the twist-lock mechanism has never failed. I’m hesitant to retire them.