Six Foot Italian

If you're a six foot Italian, you probably want a fifty inch pole. Ski pole height is a preference, but the rule-of-thumb is that in your skis, on the snow with the tip in the snow, your forearm ought to be level with your elbow at your side. To fake it in the store, invert the pole and grab it under the basket with your elbow by your side. Your arm should be parallel to the floor.
Once you know your length, you need to decide on shaft composition. What is it made of, aluminum, carbon fiber or composite? It's a weight/strength thing. Also, the shape may be different. Fat, thin, tapered and corrective angle are all choices. For regular ski days I like thin, carbon fiber poles that are easy to sit on on the chairlift and don't suck the heat out of my leg, not to mention that they are light. For powder days or backcountry, I like adjustables, short for ascending, long for skating and uneven for traversing. Powder baskets are a must.
Grip choice is usually the one that comes with the shaft you like. Corrective angle grips are great as are styles that allow the strap to detach.
If they look good, too, buy them and put your name on them!