‍♀Best Nordic Walking Poles in 2020 - Features of Choice

Nordic walking or Nordicwalking is becoming more and more popular all over the world. It first appeared in the 40s of the last century, when Norwegian skiers came up with this technique to keep fit in the summer. Its advantage is that it is suitable for physically unprepared people.

For example, for people of advanced age, or people after a serious illness. It engages all muscle groups and helps to train the body and accustom the muscles to constant stress. You only need sticks to practice. The correct selection of equipment will ensure the best results from your exercise. Below we will discuss how to choose the best Nordic walking poles and which ones are better to buy for beginners.

The benefits of Nordic walking

Many muscle groups are involved during Nordic walking. Most of the load falls on the lower back and legs. Therefore, the tension in the region of the cervical and thoracic spine and joints decreases. It's no secret that a sedentary lifestyle leads to the curvature of these sections and increased stress. Therefore, Nordic walking helps relieve tension and back pain.

However, one should not think that these departments do not work at all, as the sticks are responsible for the soft load of the muscles of the chest, arms and all parts of the back. This means that the body receives a complex load and spends more calories.

What are the other benefits of Nordic walking:

• simplicity: everyone can master the walking technique in one lesson;
• safety: with high efficiency, the risk of sprains, bruises or ligaments rupture is practically zero;
• availability: firstly, the average price of sticks is 1000 rubles; secondly, you can walk everywhere, no special paths are needed; thirdly, the whole family can be taught to this kind of sport;
• weight loss: in an hour you can burn up to 600 kcal per hour, and exercising on simulators for the same time - no more than 300-400 kcal;
• it is prescribed for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and for the prevention of vascular and heart diseases, dementia and increased lymphatic drainage, it is also believed that Nordic walking reduces the risk of breast cancer in women by 20%;
• decrease in psycho-emotional stress: walking soothes and relieves stress;
• new acquaintances: often people sign up in groups for joint activities, which is more fun and more productive.

Of course, you shouldn't think that Nordic walking is the best sport and a panacea for all diseases. But in combination with other exercises, within a limited time or physical capacity, this is an excellent cardio workout.

How to use sticks correctly

The correct technique will provide the best results. Before training, you need to warm up the muscles to avoid damaging them. Then you need to walk so that the sticks do not touch the ground. When stepping with the left foot, the right arm is moved forward and vice versa.Once you have established a rhythm, lower the sticks to the ground with each step. When raising the arm up - the bending angle is not more than 45⁰, when feeding back - the arm is straight. Do not turn your body while walking and do not place undue stress on your hands.

Choosing the right poles will ensure that the elbows are loaded rather than the wrists.

What to look for when choosing sticks

There are some selection criteria that have been established by the European Nordic walking federations:

• do not take telescopic - sliding or folding;
• what are they made of: recommended material for manufacturing - fiberglass and carbon fiber;
• material for handles - rubber compound, cork, plastic;
• convenient lanyard for fixing the hand;
• metal tip - thorn;
• tips for walking on different surfaces (asphalt).

Let's analyze each item in more detail.

Folding sticks: to take or not to take?

To begin with, it is worth deciding on the purpose of use: telescopic ones are well suited for transportation of equipment and activities on vacation, since they take up less space. If not, then monolithic - one-piece models will do. The main disadvantage of sliding poles is the risk of unexpected folding with increased pressure, this will lead to injury in the event of a fall. But such models are often equipped with an anti-shock system: a spring is inserted into the frame, it acts as a shock absorber and softens the shock when walking. Telescopic poles generally have a lower cost than solid ones. Folding models are made of aircraft aluminum, less often - carbon.

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The best folding models

ERGO-50 Plus

Product from the middle price category (1500-1800 rubles), equipped with a rubber tip, anti-shock system, with adjustable length from 90 to 140 cm, folded - 85 cm. It is made of aluminum. Adjustable lanyard. Weight - 550-600 gr.

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MD Antishock

A glove lanyard is a distinctive feature. There is an anti-shock system. Length: 85 - 140 cm, weight 480 g. Comes with a rubber tip for hard ground or asphalt. Cork handles, material - lightweight aluminum. Price: 2200 - 2600 rubles.

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Nordic Sport-17

Sturdy, suitable for people weighing 100 kg or more. Length: from 85 to 140 cm.Weight: 550 g. The lanyard is a semi-glove that is divided into right and left hands. Semi-cork handle. The stick material is aluminum, there is a tip for hard ground, for snow and a "shoe" for asphalt. Anti-shock system. Cost: about 3500 rubles.

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START Tour 50% Carbon

Carbon poles provide better cushioning. There are models with two and three sections. The three-section model when folded is only 65 cm long, and the two-section model is 80 cm. Weight: 380 g. Length: up to 135 cm. The handle is made of cork, and the lanyard has Velcro and can be divided into right and left hands. The set includes a sand ring, tips for ice, snow and asphalt, as well as half-gloves. The cost of such a pair is almost 4500 rubles.

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Fizan NW Trainer

Model with combined type (fixation with adjustable length). The material contains up to 80% carbon, which means that the shock absorption is higher than that of its predecessors. Length: from 105 to 130 cm.Weight: 380 g. Quick-detachable half-glove lanyard with Velcro sits comfortably on the wrist.The set includes a ring for sand and loose snow, a tip for asphalt and hard ground, as well as ice.

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Best stick material

Fiberglass is considered the best material, as it absorbs vibrations well with a relatively low weight. The downside is low density and the possibility of quick breakdown.

Fiberglass Stick Walker

Monolithic model, great for beginners. Weight: 125 g, and the length can be adjusted to suit your height. The kit includes a claw tip for walking on asphalt and a rubber shoe. The adjustable trap lanyard holds the hand well. The handle is made of plastic. The cost ranges from 900 to 1200 rubles.

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Then comes carbon and aluminum. Carbon absorbs vibration better. For beginners, a 25-30% carbon model will suffice. Please note: elasticity may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer with the same carbon index. The best representatives of carbon poles are presented above.

Aluminum models can stimulate elbow inflammation due to poor vibration absorption. They are more suitable for running on snow because the snow itself absorbs vibration.

Best KV + Zaluna Clip Aluminum Sticks

Telescopic two-piece poles with a length of 80 to 135 cm are good for beginners, but in terms of functionality they are completely unsuitable for professionals. By weight - 480 gr. Rubber handle with detachable half-gloves. Cost - 2500 rubles.

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Choosing the right handle

With Scandinavian walking, the hands work no less than the body: alternating the grip of the handle with the "opening" of the palm. Therefore, the palms often sweat and slip on the handle, therefore the material should be soft, absorbent and anti-slip.

Handles are made from the following materials:

1. plastic: does not absorb moisture, is hard and can rub the palm, usually the disadvantages of this handle are compensated for by a moisture-absorbing heat;
2. cork: they absorb sweat from the palms well, do not rub or slip, minus - they can peel off;
3. rubber: used mainly in the manufacture of professional models, as they combine strength and moisture absorption.

Cheaper models have plastic handles. If you choose from the middle price category, it is better to pay attention to the rubberized handles or made of material that imitates cork.

The main requirements of the handle are small thickness, ease of grip in the palm, no sliding and rubbing.

How to choose the right lanyard and what are its features

A special device is attached to the handle - a greenhouse. It resembles a fingerless glove. Needed to "return" the handle to the palm when the stick is released.

All greenhouses are divided into 3 main types:

1. Basic: there is no division into right and left hands, so there is a risk of incorrect return of the stick to the hand, they are quite rare.
2. Separated into right and left hands: they provide a comfortable "fit" of the hand and increase the accuracy of movements, can be adjusted. The most common model.
3. Professional lanyard: fits only on professional models of poles, is a harness for positioning between the thumb and forefinger and is adjustable in length. The fabric of the harness absorbs moisture.

A properly fitted lanyard ensures the anatomically correct position of the wrist. To grab the lanyard, you need to measure your palm as shown in the image. If the circumference is from 12 to 20 cm, then the lanyard will be 5-8 cm. If the circumference is 20-30 cm, then the size of the lanyard will be 9-12 cm.

Correct tip

The tip is the part that comes into direct contact with the walking surface.It is selected according to the type of surface (snow, sand, ice, etc.). With the wrong choice, there is a risk of breaking the sticks and increasing vibration. It is better to choose models with removable tips so that you can change them. In cheap models, the tips cannot be changed. Also, don't choose a plastic tip.

Tip types:

• Studs - made of metal, well suited for dense snow;
• For asphalt and other dense and hard surfaces, they are in the form of a "shoe", "claw" or lance.

The material also plays a big role:

• carbon fiber - increases traction and is quieter on impact, more durable than conventional tips;
• para-amide fiber - Kevlar and rubber are present in the composition, which makes the area for contact with the surface softer.

Choice of sticks by height

Usually the formula is used: a person's height in cm * 0.68. However, it’s not that simple. When calculating, the training group is taken into account: the higher the training, the higher the sticks. Since lengthening the sticks, the load on the muscles also increases. There is an overview table that will help you roughly decide on the choice of length:

Growth	Newbies	Continuing	Professionals
150	110	110-115	110-120
160	115	115-120	115-125
170	120	120-125	120-130
175	125	125-130	125-135
180	130	130-135	130-140
190	135	135-140	135-145

After choosing the length, you need to conduct a "test drive", because even with the right choice in terms of height, there is no guarantee of complete ease of use.

Rating of the best manufacturers and their models in 2020

When compiling a rating of high-quality and inexpensive poles, the following criteria were taken into account:

• popularity of models;
• reputation of the company;
• reliability;
• price range.

LEKI

This German company has been producing equipment for tourists since the 40s of the last century. Today it mainly manufactures ski and trekking goods. They are of high quality and reliability. Leki also produces special models, taking into account the anatomical features of a woman's hand, as well as telescopic four-section models starting from 38 cm.

Leki Walker XS

Special telescopic aluminum poles for children. The special handle ensures maximum safety during use. Reflective elements will protect the child. Product weight: 380 gr. Length: from 80 to 110 cm. Cost: 3900-4500 rubles.

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Leki Smart Traveler Carbon

The poles are made of 100% carbon fiber, due to which they are extremely durable. The three-section telescopic poles are only 61 cm long when folded, maximum length: 135 cm. Weight: 400 g. The velcro tee is made in the form of a glove. Cost: 15,000 rubles.

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Leki Spin

Telescopic aluminum poles weigh 440 grams. The handles are made of soft and porous material. Ring tips included. Length: from 110 to 130 cm. Cost: 4000 rubles.

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KV +

The models of this company are distinguished by a good ratio of price and quality. The company was founded in the 90s and has always sold products of the middle price category. KV + is available in both telescopic and fixed length sticks.

KV + Fun 10% Carbon

The budget poles are made using 10% carbon. Cork handle. And the lanyard is made in the form of a glove with Velcro. Length: 100 to 135 cm in fixed size. Weighing 340-370 gr. The set contains tips for asphalt, a "visor" for sandy soil and a fixed metal spear. Price: 3,000 rubles.

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KV + Terri 80% Carbon

It is new for 2018. When folded, its length is 56 cm. A new reliable locking mechanism has been installed. The length of this three-section telescopic stick is from 56 to 135 cm. Weight: 400 g. The handle is made of rubberized cork.New mechanism of the hothouse (Quick Lock), which allows you to quickly unfasten it from the handle. The tip is made in the form of a "claw" for dense snow or ice. The set includes a ring for soil and a "shoe" for asphalt. Price: 9,000 rubles.

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Black diamond

This American manufacturer guarantees high safety, ergonomics and extra strength when using the equipment. Initially, he produced equipment for climbers, starting in 1957. A distinctive feature of the sticks of this company is the ability to use them both at the initial stage and at an advanced level.

Alpine Carbon Z

The most famous, popular and comfortable model of the entire line. Selling out very quickly, so you often need to pre-order. The advantage is that they can be used not only for Nordic walking, but also for mountaineering. The cork handle and soft lanyard provide excellent moisture absorption. The telescopic model with four sections when folded is only 69 cm. Total length: up to 130 cm. Weight: 561 g. Cost: 7 800 rubles.

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Conclusion

Deciding which company's product is better is not so easy. It is impossible to make a single rating, since everything depends on such factors as professionalism, the difference in price, height and how much a person is designed for, and much more. Therefore, when choosing, rely on the basic characteristics and personal feeling of use.