Ski touring poles · Test magazine 2025
Tech talk with Max Bolzer, KOMPERDELL
Managing Director · Print page 63
Who is Max Bolzer? Managing Director at KOMPERDELL
Max Bolzer is Managing Director at KOMPERDELL, responsible for development and purchasing. He joined the company in 2011 as a golf product manager and later also took responsibility for new pole developments. Outside work, he spends time in the mountains hiking in summer and skiing in winter.
In his interview for the BACKLINE 2025 test magazine, Bolzer discusses ski touring pole development. He emphasises clear user benefits, whether through new straps, grip technologies or lighter, stronger shafts. KOMPERDELL develops and manufactures its own tubes. According to Bolzer, carbon fibre orientation, fibre quantity and resin are tailored to specific requirements to combine low weight with resistance to breakage. The company uses 7075 aluminium for its aluminium poles. Technical examples include the Power lock 3.0, which he says has an average holding force of 200 kilograms, and lightweight touring grips with a nose for operating binding heel risers.
Bolzer describes extensive testing before market launch and a free repair service, including for customer mishaps, as part of the company's approach to reliability. He sees future innovation potential primarily in adjustment systems designed to enable lighter, safe and affordable ski touring poles.
What makes a good ski touring pole today, and what does Komperdell particularly value in its development?
Simply creating a new design does not meet our standards. When developing, we always focus on the best benefit for the end-user. A fundamental new development must always bring a clear advantage for the user, be it a new strap system, a new grip technology, or more stable or lighter shafts.
What are the most important innovations and technologies in the current Komperdell ski touring pole models?
We offer by far the lightest touring pole in the world. Thanks to our in-house shaft production, it is not only light but also particularly robust. Furthermore, our Power lock 3.0 closure is the strongest on the market, with an average holding force of 200 kilograms. Our poles can therefore be relied upon in every situation. The new touring grips are not only particularly light; with the grip nose, you can also effortlessly operate the climbing aids, making every touring adventure a pleasure.
How does Komperdell handle the conflict between achieving the lowest possible weight and high resilience in alpine terrain?
Since we develop and manufacture our own tubes, for carbon shafts we can fine-tune the fiber lay-up direction, the quantity, and the resin to individual requirements, in order to produce particularly light and break-resistant shafts. For our aluminum poles, we also stand for the highest quality and exclusively use high-grade 7075 Aluminium. Our poles are therefore not only light but also durable.
Safety and reliability also play a major role in ski touring poles – how does Komperdell meet this demand?
Before a new pole comes to market, it always undergoes extensive testing to ensure only the best product reaches the end-user. Should something happen nonetheless – whether it's a customer's mishap or a production error – we take care of it quickly and straightforwardly as part of our free repair service. Without any questions or proof of purchase.
Where does Komperdell see the greatest innovation opportunities in the ski touring sector?
In the future, we see opportunities primarily in innovative adjustment systems to offer lighter, safer, and – in times of reduced disposable income for the population – affordable poles.
