I want to start this by giving props to Grivel for trying to inovate the extended grip, fixed length pole. I see what you’re doing, I bought the product, I love the effort.
That being said…
Every innovation makes this pole worse.
There are essentially two factors that make this pole stand out from Batons de Alain and the like; mechanical breakaway straps and a directional basket.
The breakaway strap design is atrocious. The plastic bit that detaches is made of the cheapest, flimsiest plastic I’ve ever seen used in high end mountaineering gear. If the strap material they used was any good, I’m quite sure it would immediately break when loaded in a downward direction. That brings us to the strap. It’s not even proper spectra cord. It’s the cheapest, flimsiest cordage you can find. Like stuff you’d see attaches to a $99 family camping tent from big five and they don’t even tie it well. Instead of a fisherman’s or something, they just use two overhand knits that unravel the second you look at them wrong. They not adjustable, not comfortable, not good. I replaced them with some 3mm spectra which was an improvement.
Next, the baskets. Also not good. They’re supposed to be directional, one way for uphill, the other for down. Well, both directions suck for uphill. You have your voice if essentially no basket or an extremely stiff basket that prevents the tip from penetrating properly.
There is good! The pole and grip are essentially the same at the Batkns. Light, sting, functional. I eventually removed the strap entirely and replaced the basket with a traditional style and now have a good set of poles.
Honestly, I appreciate Grivel for taking a chance, you gotta go for it but this probably should have stayed in D&D for another year. Better luck next time!
Grivel Anarchist Pole
While poles with extended foam grips aren’t anything new, Grivel has managed to create a unique offering with the Anarchist pole. Keeping the classic extended foam grip that allows for nearly unlimited hand positions, the Anarchist gains Grivel’s Mutant basket, which allows the user to swivel the basket between a race or more traditional basket configuration. In the asymmetrical race configuration, the basket has less surface area in the front and more in the back, allowing the pole to easily pivot forward and thus improve uphill efficiency. In the symmetrical configuration, which resembles traditional powder baskets, the ferrule of the pole is in the center of the basket, allowing the pole to feel balanced when being pressed into deep snow.
While wrist straps are falling out of style with many skiers for fear of injury, Grivel incorporated an adjustable cord pole strap with their Strap Safety Release (SSR) system. This allows the strap to release when pulled above 90°, providing an extra margin of safety for your shoulders. Rounding out the Anarchist is the tried and true one-piece 7075 aluminum construction, which finds a compelling mix of durability and weight savings.
If you value a durable pole with a versatile basket design, the Anarchist pole from Grivel is for you.
- Durable 7075 aluminum shaft is in it for the long haul.
- EVA extended foam grip makes switching hand positions while skinning or making jump turns a breeze.
- Mutant basket can be switched from ascent mode (asymmetrical) to descent mode (symmetrical) easily and efficiently.
- Strap Safety Release System releases when the strap is pulled above 90°, helping prevent injuries if the pole gets snagged.
- Spare SSR straps and Mutant baskets can be found here.
| Specifications | |
| Lengths (cm) | 115, 120, 125, 130, 135 |
|
Weight |
220g [130] |
| Weight (pair) | 440g [130] |
|
Collapsed |
N/A |
| Sections | 1 |
| Grip | Extended foam |
| Basket & Tip | Mutant basket |
| Diameter | |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
7075 aluminum, EVA foam grip |
| Strap | SSR System (Strap Safety Release) |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Everyday touring, steep skiing, ski mountaineering |
| Notes | Reminiscent of Batons but with a unique basket and lightweight strap |
| Bottom Line | Versatile fixed-length pole |
| Compare to other Fixed Length Ski Poles | |
Related Products
Questions & Reviews
Comment on this review:
11/24/2023
Will these poles only take the mutant baskets or could I put small summer baskets on them?
11/24/2023
Hi Michael, only the Mutant baskets fit onto the pole. You might be able to knock them off but it's an all-in-one grommet / basket contraption. You'd need to put another basket grommet on and then screw / slide your new baskets onto that.
Answer this question:
Earn store credit by writing reviews. Learn more.
