why are ski poles bent

Most bent ski poles are designed that way for speed and control in racing, not because they got damaged.

Quick Scoop

The core reason: aerodynamics

Downhill and GS racers ski in a tight “tuck” to go faster, pulling their arms in close to the body.

Bent poles wrap around the skier’s torso in that position, so most of the pole shaft sits behind the body instead of sticking out into the air.

This slimmer, more streamlined shape cuts wind resistance just enough to matter when races are decided by hundredths of a second.

Extra performance benefits

• Reduced drag also lowers the chance of poles flapping or “sailing” at very high speed, which can destabilize the skier.

• The curve helps keep poles from snagging on skis, bindings, or slalom gates when the racer is close to the snow.

• In technical events, racers use their poles to help set rhythm and keep a strong upper‑body position through fast, linked turns.

Why your rental poles are straight

For most recreational skiers, straight poles are cheaper, more versatile, and easier to use in varied terrain and at lower speeds, so that’s what you usually see on the mountain.

Curved poles are mainly a racing tool, used in disciplines like slalom, giant slalom, super‑G, and downhill where aerodynamic gains really pay off.

TL;DR: Ski poles used in racing are bent on purpose so they hug the skier’s body in a tuck, cutting air drag and reducing snagging, which can be the difference between winning and losing.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.