Rundle Volt Pole Kit
It is hard to not be overly enthusiastic about how we feel about Rundle ski poles.
Maybe it is because of fond memories of skiing at Canmore under the shadow of Mount Rundle...but no, that's not it. Although that experience is highly recommended!
Our recommendation is due to at least three features.
First up is value. All good performance poles will be light and stiff, Rundle delivers this at an often significantly lower price point.
Second is the comfort of the straps. These quick-release straps are available in many more sizes compared to other pole manufacturers, a big plus for getting a proper fit. And the comfort is quite possibly the best we have experienced. Plenty of support without excess bulk.
Third is their interchangeable basket system. Simply put, the simplicity and reliability is on another level. Easy to swap out, and utterly foolproof to stay on the pole. Also very nice is that the standard basket size isn't the silly barely there mouse footprints seen on poles made for hard World Cup courses, these are less likely to punch through the snow surface. Larger and smaller baskets, and rollerski tips, are available separately.
The model on this page is the Volt. The Volt is an ideal pole for junior skiers or small adults. Actually lighter in weight than the next price point up in the line, the Cascade, the Volt emphasizes light weight over shaft stiffness, but the Volt is plenty stiff enough for junior racers. For taller and stronger skiers who might overpower the Volt (especially over 155cm) the Cascade is a better choice.
Sold as a kit with the handle not attached. Easily cut to desired length. Hot melt glue recommended to attach the grip.
Grip uses real cork on the handle. Strap has a quick-release feature
Hot melt glue not included
100% Carbon fiber shaft
Shaft weight 71g/m
It is hard to not be overly enthusiastic about how we feel about Rundle ski poles.
Maybe it is because of fond memories of skiing at Canmore under the shadow of Mount Rundle...but no, that's not it. Although that experience is highly recommended!
Our recommendation is due to at least three features.
First up is value. All good performance poles will be light and stiff, Rundle delivers this at an often significantly lower price point.
Second is the comfort of the straps. These quick-release straps are available in many more sizes compared to other pole manufacturers, a big plus for getting a proper fit. And the comfort is quite possibly the best we have experienced. Plenty of support without excess bulk.
Third is their interchangeable basket system. Simply put, the simplicity and reliability is on another level. Easy to swap out, and utterly foolproof to stay on the pole. Also very nice is that the standard basket size isn't the silly barely there mouse footprints seen on poles made for hard World Cup courses, these are less likely to punch through the snow surface. Larger and smaller baskets, and rollerski tips, are available separately.
The model on this page is the Volt. The Volt is an ideal pole for junior skiers or small adults. Actually lighter in weight than the next price point up in the line, the Cascade, the Volt emphasizes light weight over shaft stiffness, but the Volt is plenty stiff enough for junior racers. For taller and stronger skiers who might overpower the Volt (especially over 155cm) the Cascade is a better choice.
Sold as a kit with the handle not attached. Easily cut to desired length. Hot melt glue recommended to attach the grip.
Grip uses real cork on the handle. Strap has a quick-release feature
Hot melt glue not included
100% Carbon fiber shaft
Shaft weight 71g/m
It is hard to not be overly enthusiastic about how we feel about Rundle ski poles.
Maybe it is because of fond memories of skiing at Canmore under the shadow of Mount Rundle...but no, that's not it. Although that experience is highly recommended!
Our recommendation is due to at least three features.
First up is value. All good performance poles will be light and stiff, Rundle delivers this at an often significantly lower price point.
Second is the comfort of the straps. These quick-release straps are available in many more sizes compared to other pole manufacturers, a big plus for getting a proper fit. And the comfort is quite possibly the best we have experienced. Plenty of support without excess bulk.
Third is their interchangeable basket system. Simply put, the simplicity and reliability is on another level. Easy to swap out, and utterly foolproof to stay on the pole. Also very nice is that the standard basket size isn't the silly barely there mouse footprints seen on poles made for hard World Cup courses, these are less likely to punch through the snow surface. Larger and smaller baskets, and rollerski tips, are available separately.
The model on this page is the Volt. The Volt is an ideal pole for junior skiers or small adults. Actually lighter in weight than the next price point up in the line, the Cascade, the Volt emphasizes light weight over shaft stiffness, but the Volt is plenty stiff enough for junior racers. For taller and stronger skiers who might overpower the Volt (especially over 155cm) the Cascade is a better choice.
Sold as a kit with the handle not attached. Easily cut to desired length. Hot melt glue recommended to attach the grip.
Grip uses real cork on the handle. Strap has a quick-release feature
Hot melt glue not included
100% Carbon fiber shaft
Shaft weight 71g/m
Procedure for cut-to-length XC poles
The listed length of a cut-to-length pole is with is with the grips installed; the shaft length will of course measure less.
There is no industry standard for the length of a pole grip and the length of the grip above the strap varies widely. The functional length of a pole is not overall but tip to strap. If you are planning to make your new poles the same functional length as an old favorite, keep this in mind.
To build a pole to your desired length the first step is to mark a cut mark on the pole shaft. For your desired pole length, subtract that number from the listed length.
As an example, if the pole kit length is 170cm that will be the finished length with the grips installed as is. If the desired length is 151.8 cm, then subtract this from 170. Ex: 170 – 151.8 = 18.2.
Measure from the open/unfinished end of the pole and make a mark at 18.2cm. This is where you will cut the pole down
Cutting procedure.
Not necessary, but it can be helpful to have a single wrap of tape (preferably masking type) around the cut mark. Carbon fibers are very brittle, and this can help reduce splintering.
Use a very fine tooth saw, best is a hacksaw. Use the saw to make a light score cut all the way around. Now make the cut.
Remove the tape and use a fine mill file or sandpaper to round off/smooth out the edge.
Glueing.
The biggest mistake (but easy to reverse) is to apply the hot melt glue and apply the grip without making sure the grip and basket are aligned! It can help to use a marker pen or grease pencil to make a vertical marking line on the shaft to help align with the basket.
Use a heat source to warm the shaft and the interior grip (careful! Just warm, don’t risk melting the grip plastic).
The best heat source is a heat gun. Hair driers are a maybe. A blowtorch or candle can be used but be very cautious. Next, heat up the glue stick until the end starts to melt.
Apply the melted glue to the pole shaft (and if necessary, do some more heating), others like to smear a drop into the opening of the grip. You need surprisingly little melted glue!
Without delay squeeze the grip onto the shaft being aware of alignment!
If a do-over is needed, it is often better to place the grip end of the pole in a pot of boiling water instead of using a heat gun as a heat gun used too aggressively can delaminate the cork on grips using a cork lamination.