I'd have to try them on to be sure, but the ones pictured above appear to be a variation on one of the sharper versions I steer clear of, correctly or not (though it appears to be one I haven't seen up close myself, maybe). I hope not. That nicely curving, sharp mold ridge is the thing that a hard fall can smack your thumb or wrist up against powerfully, to ill effect, is my understanding.
Way back when, these were the poles of choice; almost everyone used them. I still do (since the eighties?). The knock at the time that lead to their swift demise was indeed that they would bruise, strain, sprain or break ligaments, bones and stuff in and around the thumb on hard falls. I've experienced pain and strain from falls with a few of the various molds, and these I threw away long ago.
There were at least six slightly different plastic shapes/molds that I've found and tried on. To me maybe half or less than half were safe or at least safer, the rest not (and to other folks at the time as well, in articles and by word of mouth): it was less generally known at the time not all of them were dangerous, is my recollection - but all of them took the blame anyway. I could be wrong here.
I've owned four different molds, and only two or three of these seem safe(r), at least from my experience. These safer ones are more rounded, less sharp in terms of the molding, and in terms of catching and providing a sharp plastic breaking or straining point for the thumb, etc. to impact on. I've stockpiled the two safe(r) models I most like over the years, from ski swaps (super cheap), since they have not been sold for a long time, and are out of favor.
Unfortunately, none of the safe versions I'm aware of are molded to fit on a thinner and lighter pole, like the super light ones available today. At the same time, most of the tops of these are easily removed, and can go on any shaft of the same diameter. (I suppose I could devise some sort of wrap on a lighter pole to then fit these molds over - I keep meaning to try this.)
I suppose if you want to bash jumps and stuff intermediate is ok, I really don't see the shop I got it at recommending it for an intermediate. Unless they're young and... very adventurous.
. Worse case, they are fun and a great addition to the decor of any true ski house.
It is a real “sleeper” ski. James’ pair looks cool.
