On roller skis, pole tips are crucial for good power transfer to the asphalt. Over time, the tips wear down and lose their grip. Luckily, you can often restore them by sharpening them.
How do you know the pole tips are worn?
Common signs are:
- the poles slip when you plant them
- the tips feel smooth or rounded
- double poling feels weaker than before
Worn tips lead to poorer technique and less effective training.
The tool you need
To sharpen pole tips, use a diamond file.
It lets you:
- restore the tip’s shape
- create a sharp edge
- improve grip on the asphalt.
Step 1 – clean the tip
Start by:
- brushing off dirt
- wiping the tip clean
This makes sharpening more effective.
Step 2 – file the sides of the tip
Place the diamond file against the side of the tip.
File with light strokes along the tip.
Focus on:
- restoring a clear edge
- creating a sharp point
Avoid filing too much in the same spot.
Step 3 – check the result
Once the tip is sharpened, it should:
- feel sharp
- have a clear edge
- not be rounded or smooth.
You’ll often notice the difference in grip right away on your next training session.
How often do you need to sharpen?
It depends on how much you ski, but many skiers sharpen:
- a few times per season
- or when the grip starts to feel worse.
Maintaining the tips regularly makes a big difference to both technique and feel.
Tips
- Sharpen a little and often instead of a lot at once.
- Check the tips after sessions on rough asphalt.
- A diamond file lasts a long time and is one of the most useful tools for roller skiers.