Last tested

2025

Status:ongoing

2026

Free 18

In words
Technical specifications

In words

Intro

There are freeride-focused models that incorporate features that make them ideal as modern touring poles, and the Free 18 is a perfect example. A fixed-length pole, lightweight and nicely balanced, it has a 36 cm cylindrical grip with a minimalist strap that doesn't get in the way when planting your pole upside down in deep snow; the rounded metallic handle top also helps. Also, for touring, we prefer the soft, deformable-style baskets over the tilting kind, coupled with a long tip—which, in this case is particularly thin and works great.

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Technical specifications

Handle material

schiuma

Shaft material

Alu 7075

Type

fixed length

Basket shape

round

Tip description

tungsten carbide, round, slightly hollow

Basket diameter

90 cm

Available sizes

105 > 140 cm (41-55") every 5 cm (2")

Price

79 €

Top stories

Thoughts

Necessity

Editorial

Thoughts

At the heart of every ski (duplicate)

Editorial

Location

Test Center Pontedilegno Tonale

Our freeride base camp

Location

Base Camp Race

Sertorelli Sport Hotel

Location

Test Center Cervino Ski Paradise

To test the equipment and skins for the Race category, we based ourselves in Breuil-Cervinia

Location

Test Center Livigno

For the second year in a row, we headed to Livigno, aka Little Tibet.

Race

Intro

Race: boots

Innovation at the lower end of the market

Instruction

Boots under the microscope

We tested flex, walkability and liner warmth in the Light, Tour and Free unisex models

Intro

Made for women: skis and boots

Strong women

Free

Intro

Free: boots

A new era

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