Ski poles are considered necessary equipment by some, while others consider them an unnecessary burden. It all depends on experience and skiing style, but there's no denying that ski poles come in handy. Primarily in their basic application, they help maintain balance. In this case, it is particularly important for people who are just beginning their adventure with skiing. Additionally, poles help to push off and thus increase the speed of skiing. They help in turning, as well as skiing in powder. There is no denying that their application differs somewhat depending on the specific discipline (downhill skiing differs from cross-country skiing). The most commonly sold ski poles are made of aluminum. They are inexpensive, not too heavy, durable, but very rigid, which adversely affects the comfort of skiing and results in later pain in the wrist area. For some time now, poles made of fiberglass, carbon, or made of a mixture of both of these materials can be found in stores. They are lighter, more elastic, and incredibly durable. Poles differ from each other depending on the discipline within which we want to use them.