Two years ago Akers catalog had a nifty looking ski pole — carbon fiber, powder basket, high end, backcountry pole. At that point, I decided I really did not need to spend the money on new poles. My old ones worked well enough.

Fast forward to this year when I am working towards the PSIA certification. I need to improve my pole swing for my classic style skiing. Part of the problem is that my current poles are a little too short. So this made a great reason to go buy those spiffy poles. Only, now they are all sold out!