Shortened pole is the only way to go. Definately more control and allows a more aggressive stance. Here's a pic of mine. I may have gone a little overboard (-5), but with the 4 degree bars it is perfect for me. The pole still sits in the hood fine. I would recommend taking a couple inches off first, then if you want more you can do it again. Nikad is right. You can do it right on the ski without removing any of the cables or wires. I just tape of my mark and cut with a die grinder with a 4" cut off wheel. The fiberglass is only like an 1/8 inch thick and the foam is like an inch+ thick. The cables are inside the foam. Just cut through the fiberglass with the die grinder (shallow cut around 3/16 of an inch deep), then cut the foam with a filet knife (being careful not to hit the cables and start/stop wires), then drill out the rivets, remove the rest of the pole out of the cast aluminum bracket (I use a wood chisel to split the fiberglass in two places and pull out the pieces with a pair of pliers. Wire wheel on the die grinder to remove the epxoy and corrosion), finally a little epoxy and slide the pole back into the bracket. Once you get to this point make sure you have it on straight before the epoxy dries. Just use your hood, make sure the clearances are the same on both sides. Finally, rivet the shortened pole in place.
A couple pointers. Use Stainless steel rivets( not for corrosion resistance, for strength). They are much stronger. Aluminum ones will break, I repeat aluminum ones will break! Also sand the base of the pole before you try sliding it into the cast aluminum bracket.
Damn, sorry for the book
Hope it helps.
