Dynafit Blacklight Pro Pole

This is about as light and minimalistic as you can go for an all around touring pole. There are race poles that are lighter but they typically lack the extended foam grip, accessory hook at the top of the grip, and powder baskets. The kevlar woven into the lowers makes them feel much more durable than competitors carbon poles - I've whacked them on things that would have destroyed other brands.

Hard to expect much from such a simple pole but there are still things I would change if I could. Firstly, the option to swap the baskets for a directional race style basket would be appreciated, but it's only designed for round free-spinning baskets. Secondly - the hook at the top of the grip is a cool idea but I never use it - I find it much easier to use my baskets to flip my heel risers, and my fingers to flip my toe levers. Thirdly (and this is why I only give it 4 stars) is that the extended foam grip is kind of useless. I run these extra long and have to choke down frequently for side-hills and for downhill. The foam is dense and narrow, and only marginally better than just grabbing straight carbon. It needs at least 1 big ridge/knurl somewhere to keep your hand from slipping down the shaft - especially with thicker gloves. I've been tinkering aftermarket modifications to help with this.

Finally a perfect touring pole! As someone who appreciates light and functional gear, I've struggled to find touring poles I really like. Other fixed length poles I've tried are too heavy or don't have good straps (or any). These poles strike a great balance of durability and light weight material. The swing weight is awesome for the way up, and I appreciate having straps for long approaches. On the down, it's easy and comfortable to choke down lower on the handles. Try 'em, you'll like 'em!
For sizing purposes, I'm 5'11" and the 135cm is perfect.

I got these poles because they were very light, had an extended foam grip, and were on sale. They work fine for skinning in dry conditions and skiing firm snow. They are frustrating to use when its snowing or booting something soft because snow sticks to the grips. I have used several other poles that also have this issue, but these are the worst offenders with regards to icy/snowy grips.

Are these poles sold as singles or as a pair?

Hi - is there a general guide to skimo pole length (for fixed length poles obviously)? I'm 5' 10" and would primarily use for racing situations. Thanks!

For me, the ideal backcountry ski pole should be light, stiff, durable, and ideally some sort of lower grip for choking up when side hilling or for linking jump turns. So, I was excited to see the Dynafit Blacklight Pro pole land on Skimo Co’s shelf early last fall. Having spent most of my backcountry days out this season on the Blacklight Pro pole I was pleasantly surprised with it's overall durability and features. Dynafit added a Kevlar carbon lower shaft which was quite a noticeable difference comparted to other carbon poles I’ve used in the past even after days of technical booting and chuting. As much I loved the famed Les batons ‘d Alain poles I found my inner skimo racer always trying to shine through and desiring the advantage of pole straps to help with upward propulsion but still wanting a lower foam grip on the shaft that would make me perform jump turns like Andrew McLean. Thankfully, Dynafit incorporated some low profile easy to adjust pole straps that fit the bill nicely as well as a pleasant extended foam grip to fit all my steep skiing needs. On some occasions I do find myself wanting a bit more of a beefy material on the pole strap for some added comfort as they do tend to slip slightly overtime under load. In another attempt to satisfy my inner spandex wearing racing mentality, in the future I would also swap out the stock powder basket for a three-quarter style basket for more efficiency when booting and tracking on the skin track, but so far, the current powder baskets have served me well. Overall, I have been super happy with these poles as a great everyday lightweight touring pole that possesses some added skimo inspired features.