One-Piece or Telescopic Nordic Walking Poles: Which Should You Choose?
It is one of the first questions future Nordic walkers ask themselves. One-piece or telescopic? The answer depends on your level, the use you have in mind and the frequency of your practice. Note from the outset: in Nordic walking strictly speaking, only one-piece poles are approved by the official federations. Folding poles belong to hiking with poles, a different practice.
The one-piece pole: the only approved reference
A one-piece pole is made of a single shaft, with no adjustment mechanism. This construction gives it three decisive advantages:
- It is lighter, since it has no clamping system or internal mechanism.
- It is stiffer, and therefore more efficient at transmitting the push.
- It has no play that could loosen mid-session.
At every plant, the push travels directly from the strap to the ground, without being lost in a segment that moves or twists. Over 5 km, the difference is already noticeable; over 20, 40 or 80 km, it becomes decisive. It is the only type of pole recognised by the Nordic walking federations, INWA internationally and the FFA in France, for official practice. Certified instructors unanimously recommend it as soon as you practise regularly.
The telescopic pole: a possible introduction, but with limits
A telescopic pole is made of two or three nested, adjustable sections. Its main advantage is adjustability: it suits several people of different heights and lets you get started without knowing your ideal length exactly. This versatility comes at a price, though:
- Clamping systems add weight.
- They create a zone of mechanical weakness that can loosen.
- They filter vibrations less well, especially if made of aluminium.
Even with a good clamping system, stiffness remains below that of a one-piece pole: part of the push dissipates in the joints, which reduces the efficiency of propulsion and compromises the learning of correct technique.
The length question: why the one-piece pole is not a problem
You choose the length of your Nordic walking poles once, and never touch it again. The formula is well known: walker's height (in cm) × 0.68, rounded to the nearest 5 cm. After that, it is technique and intensity that evolve, not the length of the pole. This is why in competition all poles are one-piece: precision, lightness and reliability take priority over the ability to adjust everything along the way.
Comparison table
| Criterion | One-piece | Telescopic |
|---|---|---|
| Nordic walking approval | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Introduction only |
| Stiffness | Excellent | Good to average |
| Weight | Lighter | Slightly heavier |
| Length adjustment | No | Yes |
| Transport | Bulky | Compact |
| Durability | Very high | Depends on the mechanism |
| Recommended profile | Any serious practitioner | Discovery, club loan equipment |
Which pole for which profile?
- You are starting out or want to introduce several people: the telescopic can help for a discovery session, but switch to a one-piece as soon as you know your size.
- You practise twice a week or more: invest in a carbon one-piece.
- You are after performance and perfect technique: only the one-piece offers the optimal response to every push.
Curved one-piece poles: the MØNARC® case
The MØNARC® Arcs de Marche® are 100% T700 carbon one-piece poles. Their particularity comes from their full curve: it changes the push angle (measured by Université Grenoble Alpes) to direct the force more towards the front, while keeping the advantages of the one-piece: stiffness, lightness, stability. You get a pole built for Nordic walking, and able to withstand an ultra-trail, an ultra-walk or a vertical kilometre without flinching.
The MØNARC® Arcs de Marche®
Curved 100% carbon one-piece Nordic walking poles, 140 g per pole, designed in France and assembled in France. Seven fixed lengths from 100 to 130 cm, delivered ready to walk with straps, tungsten carbide tips and a made-to-measure bag.
Key takeaway: In Nordic walking, only the one-piece pole is approved by the official federations. The telescopic can suit an introduction or club loan equipment, but is not equipment for serious practice. Folding poles belong to hiking with poles, a different discipline.