Choosing bamboo: Calcutta vs Tonkin bamboo

When you buy a pair of Rimfors poles, you can choose between two distinct types of bamboo: Calcutta bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus) or Tonkin bamboo (Pseudosasa amabilis). They both have advantages. The former is solid, or has very thick cell walls, and therefore generally weighs a little more than Tonkin bamboo. The nodes are also closer together on Calcutta bamboo, which makes it even stronger. Both varieties are tapered from one end to the other, but Calcutta bamboo tapers more, making it similar in shape to regular aluminum ski poles.

In short, Calcutta bamboo is stronger but heavier, and Tonkin bamboo is lighter but not as durable. If you are a powerful skier who ski hard, Calcutta bamboo may be the most suitable. If you often go backcountry skiing and are picky about extra grams, maybe Tonkin suits you best.

  • Calcutta bamboo for extra durable ski poles, approx. 300 grams/pole (125 cm)
  • Tonkin bamboo for the lightest possible ski poles, approx. 250 grams/pole (125 cm)

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Calcutta bamboo is often solid or have very thick walls, while Tonkin bamboo is always hollow, with walls varying in thickness.
Calcutta bamboo is often solid or have very thick walls, while Tonkin bamboo is always hollow, with walls varying in thickness.
When dried, Calcutta bamboo (bottom) has a yellow ”caramel” color. Tonkin bamboo is usually more ”sandy” beige in color.
When dried, Calcutta bamboo (bottom) has a yellow ”caramel” color. Tonkin bamboo (top) is usually more ”sandy” beige in color.