aaah man, i hate that europe and america dont have the same system.
i've used 1 meter straight, but recently i got some new poles in the mail i cutted them to 1.05 meter. i dont know if im to feel the difference
i like my poles to touch the ground so i dont have to bend over. i think mine are around 46" which is a little long to the freestyle standards of my height, but io used an old sick white and purple pair of kids Scott poles one time, too short
have you tried using a vice, and pulling?, if so I have a tip
What they do at some shops, they lit it sit in hot water for a little bit, and the grips should come off pretty easy
put your pole in between a door the frame (hinge side of door) you can usually slide it over the top, and then clcose the door a little and just pull. you can even do it on the bottom and use your legs like a leg press to do it.