Indigo Epic -- Adjustable Backcountry Skiing Ski Pole

By Lou Dawson

Indigo Epic ski pole is light and adjustable - perfect for backcountry skiing.

Making adjustable length ski poles that work has been a never-ending quest of ski gear designers. At least before now.

With the introduction of the Indigo Epic backcountry skiing pole, an adjustable that has it all, the quest may be over.

Numero uno problema with adjustables is that most adjustment mechanisms are prone to failure, jamming, icing, and locking that's difficult to reverse.

Black Diamond Flicklock poles solve most of those problems, but have a bulky external mechanism that functions well mechanically, yet tends to catch on clothing, pack straps (and climbing ropes if you're into that sort of thing), is easily flicked to the open position if you catch it on a tree branch or strap, and involves some guesswork to keep pole lengths consistent when your'e in a hurry or visibility is limited. Indigo's solution: go back to the basic push-button catch design, cover the buttons with tough clear plastic, add moisture seals to prevent the dread ski-pole-freeze, mix in some carbon fiber -- and bueno!

More, ever been frustrated with a push-button length mechanism continuing to catch at the wrong length when you're in a hurry while backcountry skiing? No mas. A very very cool feature of the Epic: push in a button, THEN TURN THE SHAFT 1/4 turn, slide to desired adjustment range aligning with markers on lower shaft, turn back, slide a bit, and CLICK, you've got your adjustment.

The feature list of these things reads like the dealer manual for a Lexus:

Rotate the baskets to easily remove for replacement or use of pole as snow probe.
Adjust the straps with an amazingly easy and clean system.
Straps include a break-away safety that appears to actually work.
Grip is the classic "racer" style -- lean and clean.
Tip is easily replaceable (allowing easy shortening for customized length and weight).
Weight is 9.2 ounces per pole (size small), that's exactly the same as an equivalent (cut to length) Black Diamond flicklock.
Press third grip indentation for a GPS readout in LCD on top of grip.

As with much of our modern gear for backcountry skiing, there is little downside to the Indigo Epic. I'd like an option to attach the Black Diamond Whippit, and perhaps an optional platform style grip. It's surprising they're not a few ounces lighter, considering the amount of composite -- my guess is that strength won out over weight savings. After all, these things have to endure the high speed tele maching of the Indigo boys -- a brutal specification.

Indeed, these may be the Lexus of ski poles. Perhaps a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for. Treat yourself to some luxury and pick up a pair. Downside? With these guys in your hands you'll probably end up skiing more and working less -- but who needs a Lexus, anyhow?

(Just kidding about the GPS)

BUT -- nothing shall leave the Dawson shop without modification!
One of the best mods for adjustable poles is to shorten the length so max extension is no longer than you'll ever use. While the weight reduction is minimal, they'll feel like they weigh less by having less "swing weight," collapse down shorter for carrying on your pack or stashing in your luggage, and work better for steeper "crampon and ski pole" snow climbs. Follow along while we do an Epic hack!

Heat tip with heat gun or a HOT hair dryer, try rotating gently as you heat, till it breaks free.

Compare fully extended Epic to existing ski pole of your favorite length. Decide how much you're going to cut off the Epic.

Lightly clamp the shaft in a vise, heat gun the tip, and rotate tip 'till it comes loose.
Cut the shaft with a hacksaw (cut slow so as not to cause a fiber strip out and run up the shaft).
Notice the tapered shape of the existing shaft-end. Using a disk grinder or course file, taper the new end to match. Test shape by placing tip back on shaft, it should fit snug but not require more than a light tap or two. Make a reference mark to be sure you're getting the same amount of insertion as the old shaft taper allowed.
Clean some of the old glue out of the tip by lightly running a loose fitting drill bit in and out of the socket.
Mix up some one-hour epoxy, spoon plenty in the socket and smear liberally on the tapered end of the shaft, then put it all together. (A better glue would be a flexible urethane epoxy, will change these instructions to spec that if our tips come off -- but so far so good.)
Cure overnight indoors before using.

Tip removed, note taper on pole shaft that must be matched after cutting by grinding or filing.