Ski touring poles · Test magazine 2026
Tech talk with Tom Seidensticker, OGSO
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) · Print page 63
Tests, reviews and background on OGSO
YoYo is a new two-section pole from OGSO with a modular ice axe attachment, modular camera mount and removable strap for those who like to ride without a strap. Where did the basic idea for this innovation come from?
The basic idea for the YoYo came from my own experience on the mountain - from many small observations over the years. That's why I questioned every single area of a ski pole. This is how the modular YoYo platform ultimately emerged from many practical considerations. Looking at the pommel, I noticed that many traditional shepherds' and Alpine shepherd's staffs have had a round pommel for centuries. This is no coincidence. Anyone who loads a stick from above benefits from this shape. The round knob distributes pressure more evenly across the palm, allowing for different grip positions and improving control. I also rethought the handle accordingly. There is a protruding hump on the lower handle. This improves power transmission and enables more precise handling with the thumb and index finger. It also prevents your hand from slipping. The long handle allows you to quickly move your hand on steep slopes without constantly adjusting the length. This means I can adjust the pole length to the terrain in seconds. The loop can be removed when climbing. When descending in powder, the mountaineer should not wear a wrist strap in order to have a better chance of survival in the event of an avalanche. In hard, steep terrain you should secure the ski pole on your wrist so as not to lose it. The loop is made of Dyneema and has been tested up to 22 kN. The camera attachment enables filming without interference and with a dynamic viewing angle.
Is the ice axe attachment an equivalent replacement for a lightweight ice axe?
The ice axe attachment is not a complete replacement for a conventional lightweight ice axe. It is aimed at experienced mountain athletes who want to protect themselves on short, technically demanding sections without having to carry a separate ice ax with them at all times. It provides additional safety, especially on steep terrain, and can help slow down a fall when descending. For demanding alpine tours, glacier climbs or longer ice passages, we of course still recommend a fully-fledged mountaineering ax. In a static load test, the pole with the ice axe attachment installed was tested up to a force of 5 kN. Both the shaft and the ice axe attachment withstood this load without any structural damage.
What was the objective when developing the baskets for the YoYo?
When developing the basket, it was important to OGSO that it offers enough buoyancy in deep snow while being compact enough for technical terrain. The basket has a diameter of 8.5 centimeters and is made of two materials. The side areas are curved and flexible. The curvature prevents it from penetrating the snow too easily, and the flexibility makes it easier to pull the basket out of the snow by deforming it. The rear area is harder and serves as a scraper. This makes it easy to remove snow and ice from the skis, especially before attaching or after removing the skins. The front tip is also made of harder material. This means I can use the touring binding without having to bend over on steep terrain. This is not only easier, but above all safer. The basket is replaceable.
You chose aluminium as the material for the shafts. Why? Are additional carbon, Kevlar or Titanal versions planned in the future?
The YoYo was developed for intensive use in alpine terrain. It carries accessories, is transported in a backpack, hits rocks and is used for many hours under demanding conditions. Aluminum offers exactly the balance of stability, weight, longevity and reliability that we wanted to achieve. However, that doesn't mean that carbon doesn't play a role for us. On the contrary: for the 2026/27 season we are bringing a full carbon ski pole onto the market. However, we never start our development with the question: “Which material sounds most attractive?”, but always with the question: “What task should this product fulfill?” Only then do we select the material that best meets these requirements.
