Seems like an interesting concept, though I’m not certain I get the physics/physiology based on the youtube video…
http://www.nordicskiracer.com/cgi-bin/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=2871
Never seen such a thing.
First time I have seen this and at present do not buy the blurb that a longer pole may be used- when skating first came into the mainstream - very long poles were used but over time research and experience reversed this logic.
First time I have seen this and at present do not buy the blurb that a longer pole may be used- when skating first came into the mainstream - very long poles were used but over time research and experience reversed this logic
That’s true. When skating first came out it was thought longer was better. You could just use brute upper body strength to keep you moving - that was until your arms blew up! However over the years it’s gone the other way and pole length is now more related to your own technique and turn-over - generally a bit shorter may be better if you have very effcient tech. and a high turnover. This is just what I have felt and seen over the years.
Kraftstaven means the power pole. It is a Swedish invention, and I have seen it on Swedish web TV. If I am not totally wrong, it is meant to be used in mostly classic competition where double poling is an essential part of the race. Several of the top racers did nothing but double poling at last year’s Vasaloppet. Imagine 50 miles with nothing but you upper body (those guys should start with IM).
You will find more information here http://www.kraftstaven.se/home.html
We can’t change our height and to a minor extend the length of our arms. This is what determines pole length. A longer pole does not automatically mean more upper body force is used, in fact beyond a certain height it means that the pole will literally plant behind the heal if you lift your hands up to shoulder height. There are some basic physics at play with respect to engaging the abs and once the pole gets too long this is no longer possible, until you do a massive lat pulldown to get the hands low enough to engage the abs, which effectively reverses the firing pattern. You want to engage core muscles first and move outwards from there through the lats, shoulders triceps and hands, like you are cracking a whip. If the pole are long, the lats have to engage before the abs at which point you have lost the timing and benefit of using your upper body as a whip.
From the website:
08-09-10
Kraftstaven available for purchase through website 2008/2009!
In order to keep our base-price at 3 500 SEK:- (approx. 350 Euro) including tax we will run the sale of Kraftstaven through our website this season also. Shipping is not included.
===========================
Damn - at $350 Euro I guess I won’t be finding out if I like them anytime soon!
Cool idea though… I am curious to see if they really work and catch on (or get banned :p)
Dev makes some good points…but I would argue for you Mr Khai…are you not pretty new to skiing? (like a few years?)
You should be concentrating on the 3 key points:
- Body position
- Timing (aka V1, V2, etc)
- Application of power
I was 8-10 years into my ski life before i got to #3!
You dont need any expensive ski toys…just go ski!
Ah - see, I have no intention of running out to buy new toys to make me a faster skier - but I **am **curious about them! I want to know about all the latest cutting edge stuff that might make a difference in WC racing - but it certainly doesn’t mean that I think I need it. 
Right now my biggest problem is balance. I’m sure body position is a big part of this as well, but I need to work on being stable on a flat ski. Once I get that refined I’ll be able to worry more about points 2 & 3. 
It took me more like 15-18 years to get to 3…at least in the face of declining engine, this is one sport that I can keep getting faster with better technique…Khai, this is the only video you need to watch for skating…all techniques covered to perfection: