Tester and test conditions:
My height (1.83m) and weight (82±2kg) are probably less relevant for the versatile test of these length-adjustable ski poles than the conditions and my skiing style under which they had to perform. The first few missions were limited to the groomers and some side country. After that, things got a bit rougher in the park to explore the range of use for the periods with less powder. A train journey in a board bag from AT to CH and back, including jostling for space and tight transfers, tested the cosmopolitan skills of both ski poles and people. After some benevolent snowfall, I took the poles on a glacier tour and some powder hunting in couloirs and still shady and unfortunately often sharky northern sector. So I really threw myself into this test. It will come as no surprise to you that the equipment and tester also relaxed in the ski hut and in the umbrella.
Graduation day for 'fat boy slim':
After showing you the range of test conditions, let me give you the all-clear: both poles are still intact. The signs of wear are limited to one(!) mini-scratch in the KANG print. That is fine. So first things first:
Optics: I like the design more and more every day - thinner sticks now seem strange to me. (A+)
Functionality: Supposedly you don't have to reinvent the wheel. Maybe so. But when KANG brings out a freeride pole that not only delivers in the white room, but also on the piste, in the park, between the trees, on glacier ski tours and in the après bar, then you can put this supposed wisdom in the phrase corner. (A+)
Ruggedness: I would say that rough forces and everyday use had an impact on the test material. However, there has not yet been a brutal crash on the sticks (fingers crossed). Apart from the aforementioned, minimally damaged KANG logo, I have so far only noticed a slight vibration in one of the two sticks, although I had to go into the micro-scale material analysis to feel this at all. This in no way limits the functionality. Also worth noting are the robustly designed brackets for adjusting the length - these have so far made an indestructible impression. (A-)
Sustainability: Aluminum in the ski pole business is nothing new. Recycled aluminum, on the other hand, has the potential to be a game changer. The remaining materials are still - it has to be said - tried and tested plastic (handle, basket, etc.). (A)
Other than that: Looking for a flaw, I find what I'm looking for in the labeling for the length setting. The scale is probably printed in the same process as the KANG logo, only this time in a delicate dark gray on a black background. The scale is therefore really difficult to read, but this may not matter over time because it is foreseeable that it will wear off sooner rather than later due to frequent adjustment of the length. My suggestion: don't use it at all and simply adjust the ski poles by feel and eye. (C)
