Our patented pole design features thin "pencil " shafts for better balance and feel. Most of our shafts are the same diameter at the top and bottom. Carbon composite poles are about 30% lighter and up to six times stronger than aluminum alloy poles, don't bend, are more durable, and have an excellent feel and balance.We're not just lightweight in the store, but we're even more lightweight on the slopes as compared to larger diameter poles that have more wind drag. More wind drag equals exponentially more weight the faster you ski. Lightweight poles simply perform better than heavy ones. Goode Carbon Neutral Ski Poles | Lt Blue | 125 | Christy Sports