MODD Innovations: Advancing Cross-Country Ski Equipment
Background Ski pole technology has remained largely unchanged for over 30 years, with modern racing poles offering performance similar to those from 1993. This stagnation motivated the founding of MODD in 2004, driven by a desire to use science and technology to enhance ski equipment performance. Our focus has always been on maximizing forward speed while minimizing energy consumption, all within an environmentally sustainable framework.
The first MODD product, the pro racing ski boot featuring a clap system, was used by Mikael Östberg in World Cup races from 2005-2008 and at the 2006 Turin Olympics. This innovation laid the groundwork for today’s modern skating boot system.
In 2007, MODD began developing the next generation of ski poles, an effort that is now transforming the industry.
MODD CustomFlex technology The CustomFlex technology marks a new era in cross-country skiing by allowing skiers to select the optimal pole flex based on their individual weight and strength. Historically, all kinds of skiers used poles with the same flex, a misconception rooted in the belief that stiffer poles are always better. In reality, poles that are too stiff cause energy loss when they are in a near-vertical position. The CustomFlex technology enables a slight bend at the start of each push, optimizing force transfer and allowing skiers to choose the lightest pole suitable for their specific needs.
MODD Carbon Fiber Tubes The MODD ski poles feature a revolutionary carbon fiber tube technology called MODD MINtape. MINtape can combine extreme stiffness with low weight and high strength. Compared to high-end poles from other leading manufacturers, MODD P1 ski poles are more than 10g lighter. It is strong, and offer optimized flex. Our tubes come in two types, P1 (extreme stiffness-to-weight ratio) and P2 (very high stiffness-to-weight ratio). Both models are available in three diameters to match varying skier preferences:
- 1XX: Small diameter with low flex
- 2XX: Medium diameter with medium flex
- 3XX: Large diameter with high flex
The MODD AirGrip is our new patented grip design, allowing the weight to be reduced, and to extend the movement and increase the speed at the end of each push.
Laboratory tests at Dalarna University show that the AirGrip system significantly enhances performance and endurance, reducing lactate levels by as much as 0.7 mmol compared to traditional grips (at racing speeds). Download Test Report Even with high-frequency skiing, the AirGrip adds extra millimeters every push, boosting average racing speed. The AirGrip system features an innovative quick-release mechanism, enabling rapid pole swaps within seconds.
MODD Aerodynamics
The innovative design of the MODD carbon fiber tubes establishes a new standard for aerodynamic performance. The aerodynamics has been verified in simulations using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The CFD simulation in the chart below was carried out in a 100 mm wide wind tunnel with a steady airflow of 400 l/s, corresponding to a wind speed of 47 km/h. The inlet pressure required to move the air was recorded, with lower pressure measurements indicating reduced drag generated by the pole. Results demonstrate that the MODD P1/P2 1XX ski poles (for example P1 160) significantly outperforms competitors, making it the most aerodynamic ski pole currently available.
MODD ECO-reuse System In addition to their superior performance, MODD poles are designed with sustainability in mind. All materials are recyclable or reusable, and damaged carbon fiber tubes can be repaired using leftover pole segments or using our custom repair-segments. This innovative feature ensures that MODD poles continue to outperform competitors, even after repairs, and can be reused indefinitely, preventing waste.
