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Nov 05, 2024

Yardsale P1 Poles Review: Clever Magnets, Custom Colors And Refined Straps Set A New Standard - Forbes Vetted

Every year, the ski industry gets caught up in a trend or innovation. Last year, my social feeds spotlighted essential bucket list ski spots like Zermatt and Niseko. This year, everyone’s buzzing over

Every year, the ski industry gets caught up in a trend or innovation. Last year, my social feeds spotlighted essential bucket list ski spots like Zermatt and Niseko. This year, everyone’s buzzing over BOA boots. That kind of focus on trends is commonplace in so many industries, but it can steal the thunder from smaller brands doing interesting things. Perhaps that explains why you haven’t yet heard of Yardsale—a California company that’s building a better ski pole.

The P1 poles from Yardsale are a new take on a classic design. But are they worth the upgrade?

A “better ski pole” sounds like a paradox, I’ll admit. If ski gear were ranked on a hierarchy of importance, poles would hover near the bottom, below boots, bindings, skis, helmets, goggles and layers. From the rhythmic jangling to the occasional dance with glove straps, we endure the ski pole’s imperfections because, in theory, the design has limited potential to be improved. But does it? I’ve found that Yardsale’s colorful, modular, magnetized ski poles resolve some frequent challenges.

After testing a pair of the brand’s signature aluminum P1 poles both on- and off-piste for over a month, here are some noteworthy takeaways.

Magnets make life easier, especially when it comes to outdoor equipment. For example, many multi-tools employ magnetics to lock deployed tools in place. Smith’s line of MAG snow goggles utilize magnets to secure lenses firmly in position. They’re everywhere, if you don’t notice them.

Yardsale’s P1 poles take a clever and insightful approach by integrating magnets into the handles and baskets of both poles. When aligned correctly, these magnets quickly snap together, creating a seamless connection between the poles from top to bottom. In theory, this makes it easier to pack the poles neatly into a ski bag, carry them to the lift line, loop them over your skis when they’re left on the rack and so on.

In reality, my testing revealed that the magnets are indeed effective and accommodating. I found them to be most helpful when schlepping my skis and poles from the parking lot to the resort, but the magnetic connection comes in handy countless times throughout the day.

Initially, I spent a few additional seconds playing connect-the-poles because the magnets are only so strong—they don’t forcefully snap the poles together. But after a day or two of finessing, I got the hang of it, and the process became a breeze.

The adjustable hook-and-loop straps allow for adjustments on the fly.

If you asked skiers to share their ski pole grievances, I imagine a select few would call out their love-hate relationship with pole straps. Some find them to be too loose, others see them as constricting, and then there are those who refuse to use them altogether. Either way, these flimsy pieces of fabric are designed to prevent you from losing a pole in the snow, but they’re annoying when a thick ski glove gets caught sliding in or out of the loop. And they’re just as troublesome to shorten or lengthen if doing so means disassembling the handle.

To simplify the pole strap, the P1’s straps use a stiffer yarn and 3D knitting that helps them retain their open, circular shape. To make on-the-fly length adjustments, a hook-and-loop mechanism along the strap eliminates the need to dismantle the handle to change the size of the loop. You could, for example, lengthen the pole strap by a few inches in the time it takes you to catch a ride to the top of your local hill—it’s quick and easy.

Honestly, I don’t mind a loose, open loop, so I went with the set-it-and-forget it method during the initial setup, and I haven’t had any gripes with the straps since. I don’t imagine most skiers will need to make on-the-fly strap adjustments, but the opportunity to modify the strap is there.

While we’re disassembling the P1s, it’s also worth mentioning that they sport a modular design, so you can color customize a set. Currently, they offer four colors to choose from, allowing you to mix and match the pole, handle, strap and basket colors to complement your entire kit, all for no additional charge (though an optional GoPro mount will run you an extra $20). This perk isn’t going to woo every skier, but for anyone who cares about slope style, it’s a customization feature you won’t easily find elsewhere.

Yardsale

Material: Aluminum | Available lengths: 110, 115, 120, 125, 130 centimeters | Weight per pair: 1.3 pounds

As novel as the P1 poles are, there’s more to their magic than just magnets and straps.

First, there are the baskets. They're shaped like pills, and this design choice, according to Yardsale, is driven by functionality. Essentially, the width of the baskets matches the width of the handles exactly, which ensures the magnets between the poles connect effortlessly every time. Yardsale claims the shape won't impact your skiing, but in deep powder, I might lean towards a larger basket for added stability and support. You can purchase a set of powder baskets separately, or reach for the new backcountry-ready P2 poles.

Regarding aesthetics, the P1 poles look unique, with soft colors, clean lines and metallic details that might remind you of the Apple Pencil or the Ember Mug, familiar objects that blend technology with everyday use. This distinct appearance is no coincidence, either—Yardsale's co-founder, Kelly McGee, previously worked as a product design engineer at Apple.

And of course, there’s the price tag. At $139, a pair of P1 poles might seem a bit steep at first glance, but they’re about as expensive as a pair of high-end poles. And unlike high-end poles, the P1’s modular design that allows you to customize the colors makes it just as easy to swap out a damaged handle, shaft or basket—no need to chuck the whole set due to a bent pole or busted grip.

After a lot of inbounds and out-of-bounds testing, the rubberized handles appear to be in good shape and the aluminum shafts, though scratched and scored, show no obvious signs of damage.

The stiff, adjustable straps and forward-thinking details give the P1 poles their distinctive look.

The P1s aren’t perfect. The standard baskets are a bit small for deep powder and the resize-able straps won’t really impress regular skiers. I also think the design is a bit polarizing—you either like it or you don’t.

But as a self-identifying gear guru who appreciates innovation, I respect Yardsale’s approach to a product that hasn’t seen a meaningful update in quite some time. The magnets, straps and modular design are undoubtedly distinctive, and helpful, too. I wouldn’t recommend ditching your current poles if they serve you well, but I would consider adding these to your shortlist the next time you’re in the market for a new pair.