How to choose racing skis. How to choose the length of skis according to your height: choose the right size! What types of skis are there?
Greetings, readers of the blog about healthy lifestyle! Winter this season is changeable, some are pleased with the abundance of snow, while others are not so happy. If your area is always full of snow, you might want to consider a physical activity like skiing.
Buying a good set is not as easy as it seems. In this article I will tell you how to choose skis so that they will delight you throughout the entire season. We will talk about running and mountain models, as well as hunting and children's models. It would seem that it would be easier - come to the store and the consultant will select the right option. But, as practice shows, you don’t always know how to answer sellers’ questions. Therefore, before going to the store or when buying online, you need to know the basic parameters by which skis are selected for walking.
Most often, lovers of a healthy lifestyle opt for cross-country and walking skis. They are inexpensive and suitable even for those who are taking their first steps in winter sports. Let's first talk about how to choose the right skis for an adult, and then look at how to choose them for a child.
By the way, do regular blog readers remember about our health marathon? Let me remind you a little about him. Thanks to him, last spring my children and I spent the entire month covering skiing distances around the lake every day, which is almost five kilometers, cutting several laps a day.
Now you can get out of holiday celebration mode and take care of your health again. Try to master skiing or remember your physical education lessons at school! I promise you will love it!
For a beginner, professional options are of no use. Why overpay if you are going to ride mainly on weekends?
Cross-country skiing for beginners is usually selected according to the following parameters:
- Material.
- Rigidity.
- Riding style.
- Weight and height of a person.
Entirely wooden products are becoming increasingly rare today. More often, plastic models with a wooden core are on sale. All-plastic products usually cost more. For a novice lover of an active lifestyle, the standard options are suitable - plastic + wood. They are light, durable, and glide well.
Manufacturers also today offer products with notches under the block. This addition is more often found on children's sets. Why are notches needed? First of all, such models are designed for a classic move so that the foot does not slip back. Such equipment does not need to be lubricated. What are the disadvantages? The notches are not suitable for skating, the riding speed will be lower, and you will get more tired.
But if you are not chasing records and are not going to master skating, solutions with notches are quite suitable for you.
What is your riding style?
The second important point that you should decide on before purchasing is your riding style. On sale today you can find the following options:
- For a classic move.
- For skating style.
- Combined.
If you only run “classics”, then choose the appropriate sets. If you sometimes skate or plan to master it, take a closer look at the universal options. Of course, it is difficult to achieve sports records on combi models, but they are quite suitable for walking.
If you only skate and don’t like traditional skiing at all, then choose skate skis. If finances allow, you can buy two sets. Then the pleasure from riding will be greater. For amateurs and beginners, I advise you to watch training lessons on skating:
How are the skate and classic models visually and technically different?
- Skate skis are shorter and stiffer.
- Skate toes are shorter and rounder.
- Skate models are more durable.
The edging for classic models is also different for skating. Combined options combine the characteristics of both modifications. A beginner can take a closer look at such products.
Once you have decided on your riding style, select a kit based on weight and height. It's easiest for people of average weight. But athletes with a larger physique will have to choose more carefully. For “heroes”, products must be of high quality, inexpensive and durable.
For the classic stroke, the length of the skis is usually calculated as follows: add 20-25 cm to your own height. For the “skate”, products that are equal to or slightly taller are suitable. The easiest way to navigate is using tables. For example, there is such a table for height:
Using these tables it’s easy to choose skis. But as practice shows, sometimes these recommended parameters can be violated. Focus on yourself. If you have the opportunity to try out different sets at a rental or borrow them from friends, take advantage of this. Remember the length that provides the most comfortable ride and choose such sets. For example, short skis are sometimes easier to control, especially on the slopes.
Hardness and softness
An equally important parameter when buying skis is their stiffness. Here you need to focus on the athlete’s weight. Selecting the right model based on a person’s weight is as follows:
- Stand on your skis with both feet in the pad area. If there is a distance between the floor and the block, then this model is not rigid enough.
- Stand with both feet on one ski at some distance. If there is no clearance between the sliding surface and the floor, this will also not work. Choose a product with less rigidity.
Why pay attention to this parameter? The fact is that skis that are too soft will make it difficult to move on the track, and skis that are too hard will slip. And the return will obviously not please you. In short, being a beginner and choosing products with inappropriate rigidity, you are unlikely to love skiing.
Sports should be fun, so don't ignore this technical characteristic. For a classic ride, it is better to choose models with medium and low rigidity. And for the “ridge”, in any case, more rigid products are needed. If, when skiing “classic”, at the moment of repulsion the ski does not bend completely, then the equipment is not selected correctly.
We select sticks
It turns out that you also need to select poles according to your height. For the “classics”, sticks up to armpit length are suitable. But for the “ridge” it is better to choose longer models. For a free style, choose poles 15-20 cm shorter than your height. The handle and loop should also be comfortable. It is important to free your hand at any time. The risk of injury is especially high on descents in the forest, when a stick can get stuck in tree roots. Therefore, the stick should be easily removed from the hand.
The weight of the poles also affects the riding comfort. Modern sticks are light and durable, choose them.
Also, when purchasing, pay attention to boots and bindings. Shoes for skating and free skating are usually high. Modern boots are warm and comfortable. For a beginner, you can choose boots on a budget. It’s better to try them on in a woolen or other warm sock, so that even in light frost you don’t have to deny yourself walks.
Soviet-style mounts, 75 mm, can still be bought in hardware stores. They were replaced by more convenient options: NNN, SNS, NIS. For the classic style, you can still get by with more affordable 75 mm fasteners, but for “combi” and skate models it is better to opt for modern solutions. You will get more pleasure from riding. The mount will not touch the snow, which will have a positive effect on speed.
When choosing a ski set for a child, you also need to approach it responsibly, despite the fact that he will quickly outgrow it. When buying a kit for your child, pay attention to the following parameters:
- For a preschooler, skis should be short.
- After 7 years, follow the formula: height + 10-15 cm.
- The height of the poles should be slightly above the chest.
- For the smallest skiers, soft bindings based on belts and elastic bands and semi-rigid ones are suitable.
- For schoolchildren, you can already buy rigid bindings with special boots.
Today in stores you can find ready-made equipment for little skiers. Fastenings can be for both regular shoes and special ones for boots.
How to choose a set of alpine skis
Alpine skis are even easier to choose than cross-country skis. Select kits for beginners based on your weight and height. Another important parameter: riding style. It is better for a beginner to opt for universal models of medium width. Universal models are marked all-mountain.
A beginner climber of the mountain slopes can choose inexpensive models, especially if during the season you will not be able to go to the ski resort often.
Forest skis
Hunting and forest skis are suitable for those who like to walk on virgin soil, go on winter hikes, and go hunting and fishing.
These wide skis come in wood and plastic, with notches. The latter are not so sensitive to moisture, although they are more slippery than wooden products. Plastic skis are lighter than wood skis, but are more suitable for warm weather. In cold weather they roll back.
On wide skis you can go on an exciting hike through the taiga. Read about an amazing place -. You can only ride there on wide models.
You don’t have to pay much attention to the height of forest skis, but shorter models are better in maneuverability. When choosing hiking kits, you should pay more attention to the fastenings. Semi-rigid cable fastenings are better than with belts.
And finally, watch this educational video on how to choose skis:
I hope these simple tips helped you choose skis for your winter walks. Get your whole family on skis and teach your children a healthy lifestyle! We usually have a lot of snow in Siberia; you can ski for several months in a row, which is what we take advantage of. I will be glad to see your feedback and questions!
Skiing is one of the most popular winter sports activities. But for those who have just decided to try skiing, a logical question arises - how to choose skis and poles? You need to select them according to your height.
Skiing is one of the most popular sports activities in winter. But for those who have just decided to try skiing, a logical question arises - how to choose skis and poles? You need to select them according to your height.
To begin with, let's still decide what exactly you want to do - cross-country running or learn to go down the mountains? Sports are far from the same, they differ greatly from each other, and the parameters for choosing sports equipment in them are also, accordingly, different.
In skiing, there are several methods of skiing, each of which has separate types of racing skis. First of all, these are the classic icon methods. Also, in sports stores you can find recreational skis for ordinary outdoor enthusiasts. Now, let's figure out how to select them according to your height.
If you are serious about this sport, then classic and skating skis are at your service. The main rule for choosing them is approximately this: if the main method of skiing is classic, then the skis should be 20-30 centimeters higher than your height. For the ridge method, this figure is approximately two times less. As for recreational skis, their size should be 15-20 centimeters larger than your height. However, so that you don’t get too confused in the measurements, we provide a table with all the necessary values.
Table for selecting ski lengths
What about the sticks? For them, too, there is a separate classification according to which they should be selected. Poles for the classic move should be 25-30 centimeters shorter than your height. For skating skis, poles are chosen that are 15-20 centimeters smaller than the athlete.
Table for selecting the length of poles
(cm) Length of poles for
classic stroke (cm) Length of poles for
ridge travel (cm)
If you are planning to put your child on skis, then it is worth remembering that the method of selecting skis in this case is somewhat different from the standard one. The determining role in the choice of sports equipment for children weighing up to 40 kilograms is not height, as in adults, but weight. If your child weighs from 10 to 20 kilograms, then skis 70-80 centimeters tall are suitable for him. For guys in the weight category from 20 to 30 kilograms, skis with a length of 90 centimeters are optimal. For children weighing from 30 to 40 kilograms, you should buy meter skis. As for the sticks, everything is the same as for adults - they should be 25-30 centimeters less than the child’s height.
Speaking of mountain skis, we note that their selection depends not only on your height and weight, but also on the conditions in which you are going to use them. For non-professionals, manufacturers divide skis into three categories: carving, which are divided into fan carving (allowing you to turn almost lying down) and autocarving (have a lightweight steering system), freeride and universal. Carving ones are intended for those who ride on prepared slopes. For those who like to travel over rough mountainous terrain, we advise you to take freeride skis. However, skiing on them is almost inaccessible for beginners due to their complexity. So-called universal skis are suitable for them, which can be ridden almost anywhere.
Table for selecting alpine skis according to your needs
Recently, wide opportunities for children to engage in skiing have appeared in our country. Naturally, a child also needs to carefully select equipment according to his height and weight. Note that children's skis range in size from 70 to 120 centimeters. As a rule, unlike adults, they have a simplified design, without control amplifiers and other things. Below we provide an approximate table of selection of alpine skis for children.
Table for selecting alpine skis for a child
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In the winter season, skiing is a favorite sport for many. In addition to the fact that skiing is associated with a long stay in the fresh air, it also provides physical activity, strengthens muscles and develops endurance. Yes, it’s just fun and great to go to the winter forest with the whole family for an unforgettable experience. In order for your child to love such trips, you need to choose the right ski kit for him.
At what age should you buy skis?
The age at which a child can start skiing is, of course, not strictly defined. It depends on the desire of the child himself and the patience and perseverance of the parents. A child who has barely learned to balance on his feet is unlikely to enjoy riding.
Set for a small skier
Some parents teach children to participate in active sports as early as 2 years and 5 months. At this age, you can already take your baby on his first ski trips, but be prepared that you will often have to take his skis off, ride him, entertain him with games, etc.
A 3-year-old child already has much more developed concentration, perseverance and focus on results. Children 4–5 years old can easily spend about half an hour on the ski track and enjoy skiing down small slides.
Mountain or cross-country
It is recommended to start skiing with cross-country skiing. They make it easier and safer to learn to maintain balance and master sliding skills. However, parents who actively ski from the mountains often put their children straight into downhill skiing. On the ski slopes today you can often see nimble skiers gliding quickly down the slope, while they are barely knee-high in height to an adult. Constantly striving to learn and master a new space, a child often shows perseverance that is enviable for an adult. Therefore, when choosing the type of skis, you need to be guided not only by your own preferences and safety issues, but also by the child’s inclinations.
If the terrain allows you to choose between two types of skiing, perhaps you should not rush into purchasing skis at first, but invite your child to try both types of loads by renting equipment.
Selection of skis for children of different ages
Up to three years
At this age, skis are chosen to be short and wide. The child does not yet need to develop speed, hone technique or fit into turns. He must learn to maintain balance and master sliding. Long skis will only make pushing and cornering more difficult.
The first ones to use are short (40 cm) wide (8 cm) plastic skis with rounded ends. Once you gain confidence, you can switch to wooden or plastic skis equal in length to the child’s height. Plastic is a more versatile material, as it is equally suitable for wet and dry snow.
Skis for the little ones
At an early age, purchasing special boots is hardly advisable. The size of a child's feet changes quickly. In addition, it will have time to grow from the first skis in one or two seasons. Therefore, metal fastenings with rubber straps are considered the best option. This design can easily be attached to a child’s comfortable, familiar winter shoes.
Keep in mind that there is no need to purchase poles at this age, since the main goal at this age is to gain balance when skiing and master the principles of sliding.
From 4 to 10 years
If you are buying skis for a child who by this age has already learned to ski on a simple model, it makes sense to purchase a more sporty option. Narrower (5 cm wide) and longer skis are selected. Ski length is calculated using the formula: height + 15 cm.
Children's skis with semi-rigid binding
Age 11–15 years
For teenage children, skis are selected not only based on weight and height, but also depending on their preferred style.
There are three types of cross-country skis:
High-quality skis do not differ from each other in weight, length and width. Make sure that the sliding side has a smooth groove and is free of scratches and cracks.
Important! Children's skis must be soft. Hard skis will not allow you to make comfortable pushes and can turn being on the track into torture.
A typical mistake is buying skis “for growth.” Keep in mind that longer skis also have greater stiffness. This means they will be difficult to operate for a small child.
When choosing materials, plastic is preferred. Firstly, it is more durable, stronger and more resistant to changing weather conditions than wood. Secondly, wooden skis are gradually leaving the market, and it will soon be impossible to find them at all.
Table of the correct ski length depending on the height and weight of the child
| Child's height, cm | Child's weight, cm | Ski length, cm |
| 100–110 | 20–25 | 105–115 |
| 110–125 | 25–30 | 115–135 |
| 125–140 | 30–35 | 135–165 |
| 140–150 | 35–45 | 165–180 |
| 150–160 | 45–55 | 180–195 |
| 160–170 | 55–65 | 195–200 |
Fastenings
Types of bindings for children's skis:
Boots and bindings of the old type are much cheaper than modern ones, but are suitable only for the classic ride.
Which boots to buy
If the child is no more than 6 years old and does not show a persistent desire to turn ski racing into a favorite pastime, the issue of purchasing boots need not be raised. Sliding semi-rigid bindings will allow you to use skis for several seasons, even taking into account the constant growth of your feet and changes in shoe size. If a child shows enviable constancy and perseverance in skiing, then you can buy special shoes.
Boots designed for old-style bindings range from size 28. Distinguished by their relatively low cost, they cannot boast of versatility: such shoes are not suitable for skating.
Modern shoes equipped with SNS and NNN fastenings are much more expensive. Keep in mind that your child’s shoes and bindings will last for one or two seasons.
How to choose ski poles
We have already decided that the youngest children taking their first steps on the ski track do not need poles. When the child masters the principle of sliding, pushing off and alternating steps, then we can talk about poles, which will give additional speed and confidence on the track.
For children 3–7 years old, choose sticks that reach the armpits. The model should be equipped with rubberized handles and straps so that the poles do not drop or get lost when walking. The tip of the stick should not be sharp. The tip is in the shape of a ring or an asterisk.
For older children, poles are selected taking into account their riding style. In skating and classic styles, poles of fundamentally different lengths are used. If for classics you need to choose poles no higher than your armpits, then for skating they should reach shoulder height.
Table for calculating the length of poles
| Height, cm | Length of poles for classic walking, cm | Length of skating poles |
| 100 | 80 | 90 |
| 110 | 85 | 95 |
| 115 | 90 | 100 |
| 120 | 95 | 105 |
| 125 | 100 | 110 |
| 130 | 105 | 115 |
| 140 | 115 | 125 |
| 150 | 125 | 135 |
| 160 | 135 | 145 |
| 170 | 145 | 155 |
Video: how to choose skis for a child
Choosing skis for a child is a simple and enjoyable task. The diversity of the modern market will allow you to choose something that is not only suitable in height and size, but also to your liking. Before you go shopping for skis for your child, evaluate how often he intends to use them. If winter walks occur in your family from time to time, it may be more advisable to abandon the purchase altogether and use rental services.
Skiing is one of the popular sports, as well as a favorite hobby of many people. Some people prefer extreme driving, while others don’t mind a quiet ride around the park. In any case, when purchasing modern skis, it is important to take into account not only the riding style and terrain features, but also such indicators as the height and weight of the skier. It’s difficult to make a choice today, since sports equipment stores offer hundreds of models, both for skating and for walking. Let's try to understand the main indicators that you need to pay attention to when choosing skis.
Selection of skis based on the height and weight of the skier
The selection of skis by height differs depending on the type of product. It is also worth considering the length and stiffness of the ski. For example, novice athletes are advised to choose shorter models. On such products you will be able to move with any convenient equipment, but if a beginner buys skate skis, he will not be able to ride them in the classic style. Therefore, we will consider the most popular types of skis.
Selection of skis for classic skiing
Classic type skis are distinguished by their configuration, since they must always be parallel to each other when moving along the ski track. As a rule, such products are longer than skate products, but the maximum value does not exceed 207 cm. In addition, they are distinguished by their softness, this is necessary so that when pushing off, the ski block touches the surface of the snow, in this case, during the push, the products will not slip back. But such skis should not be too soft either, otherwise during sliding, the block will sag too much, going deeper into the snow, as a result of which they will slow down.
When choosing the stiffness of a suitable ski model, weather conditions should be taken into account. For example, soft and elastic products are more suitable for cold winters, since in this case you will not need to apply a large layer of ointment. But for above-zero temperatures it is better to choose rigid models.
Professional skiers differ in their riding style; as a rule, they push off from the snow surface with a powerful push, so for the “pros” hard products are suitable, on which athletes can do long-term skiing.
If you choose classic type skis, then their length should exceed your height by 25-30 cm. Poles, unlike Nordic walking poles, on the contrary, it is better to choose 25-30 cm less height, although if you have excellent physical fitness and want to increase the load, then you can purchase longer products.
To choose skis by weight, you need to check how much their stiffness suits your body weight. To do this, just use a flex tester. First you need to find the center of gravity of each ski and put a mark on this place with a marker. After this, you need to place the products on a flat surface and stand on them. In this case, the toes of the shoes should be located on the line marked earlier. Try to relax and distribute your weight evenly on both legs. Have someone take a thin piece of paper or a feeler gauge no thicker than 0.2mm and run it under one ski. In this case, the tester should move freely at a distance of 20 to 40 cm forward and backward from the marked center of gravity. If a sheet of paper or probe does not go further than 5 cm, you need to take softer skis.
There is a similar method for determining the rigidity of products. To do this, all the weight must be shifted to one leg. Next, you also need to use paper or a probe, which should move freely 10-15 cm from the control point.
Selection of skis for skating
Skate skis are so called because when moving, a skier uses the same running technique as a speed skater. To do this, he pushes off the snow surface with the inside of the ski, at this moment transferring all his weight to the sliding ski and vice versa. It is worth noting that skating is more suitable for those who have well-trained arms and body.
Skis of this type are shorter in length than classic skis; their maximum length is no more than 192 cm. When riding skate skis, the athlete should not allow the middle part of the ski to come into contact with the surface. Therefore, such models must be tougher than classic ones. And if you plan to use them only for walking, then it is better to choose more elastic and soft products that are easier to maintain balance on.
In order to decide how to choose skis for skating based on height, just remember the following: such models should be 15 cm larger than the athlete’s height, and the poles should be 15 cm smaller. Thus, the size of skis according to height will be optimal.
In order to determine the weight, on skate skis it is also necessary to determine the center of gravity, put a mark on it and stand on the product, distributing the weight. In this case, the probe or paper should move freely 40 cm to the nose of the products and 10 cm from the heel of the boot to the back of the skis. If you stand on one ski, then you need to subtract 10 cm from these values.
Selection of combined skis
This type of ski can be used for both skating and classic skiing. The maximum length of combined models is 200 cm. But to use different riding styles, it is better to choose skis with a length of no more than 192 cm, in this case, during skating, the “heels” will not touch each other. The design of Combi skis is more reminiscent of classic models, but their length should be determined a little differently. Combined skis should be 20 cm larger than the skier's height, and as usual, it is better to choose poles 20 cm shorter, unless you plan to train with increased loads.
Selecting skis based on height and weight, the table of indicators of which is presented below, will not take much time. Most importantly, do not forget to take into account other characteristics. If we talk about mini-skis for children, then there is a different story, which we will look at in more detail.
| Skier's height, cm | Length of recreational (combined) skis, cm |
| 190 | 205-210 |
| 185 | 205-210 |
| 180 | 200-205 |
| 175 | 195-200 |
| 170 | 190-195 |
| 165 | 185-190 |
| 160 | 180-185 |
| 155 | 175-180 |
| 150 | 170-175 |
| 145 | 160-170 |
| 140 | 150-160 |
| 130 | 140-150 |
| 120 | 130-140 |
| 110 | 120-130 |
Selection of children's skis
When choosing sports equipment for young skiers, you must first assess the child’s level of preparation for such training. For children, it is better to choose products that do not develop high speed, are controllable and reliable. If we talk about growth, then:
- Skis for children 3 years old should be 100 cm long, provided that the child’s height is also 1 m. If it is less, then it is accordingly better to choose shorter models;
- Children's skis from 4 years old should be no more than 110 cm long, with a similar height;
- It is better to buy children's skis from 5 years old with a length of 120 cm, while the child's height should be about 115 cm.
You will find the remaining indicators (for children from 6 to 11 years old) in the table.
| Child's height, (cm) | Ski size, (cm) | Approximate age, years |
| 120 | 130 | 6 |
| 125 | 140 | 7 |
| 130 | 150 | 8 |
| 135 | 150/160 | 9 |
| 140 | 165 | 10 |
| 145 | 170 | 11 |
As when choosing adult skis, when purchasing products for a child, you need to take into account his weight. The shortest skis, 70 cm long, are ideal for children weighing up to 20 kg. Next, the division occurs as follows:
- If the baby’s weight is 20-32 kg, then choose models with a length of 90 cm;
- For children weighing 32-42 kg, products with a length of 100 cm are more suitable;
- If your child weighs more than 41 kg, then when choosing skis, you need to take into account the height of the young skier (the skis should reach the nose).
Choosing children's skis based on the child's height and weight is very important, since only with the correct ratio of these indicators will children be able to train correctly. If your child has not yet practiced winter riding, then choose skis for him that will reach his chin, that is, shorter models.
In custody
When choosing skis, also consider the manufacturer of the sports equipment. Cheap analogues will have worse grip on snow surfaces, so it is better to give preference to companies that have proven themselves in this industry. Before buying, it is better to try to ride the model you like, since everything in this matter is very individual and depends on your weight, height, level of training and physical activity.
Skating skis: how to choose, what are their features, size chart, best brands. Skating skiing is one of the most popular types of active recreation in winter, because its load is comparable to fitness training, only it is carried out in the fresh air.
A person on such skis uses all the main muscle groups, so the popularity of this sport is growing not only among athletes. The problem of making the right choice is especially relevant for beginner skiers, although the features of skate skis are also important for those who are accustomed to classic skis.
Selection of skating skis
Skate skis differ from classic skis in the following parameters:
- length;
- rigidity;
- absence of notches;
- difficulty in management.
For the ridge style they are made either wooden or plastic. Plastic ones are available in a wider range, so there is more choice in this segment.
You can check the stiffness of skis in a store in a simple way - place the sliding surfaces opposite each other and press them forcefully together with your hands. You should carefully look at the clearance between them - if it is wide enough (3-5mm), then such equipment has sufficient rigidity, and if it is too small (1-2mm), then the skis will be too soft for you.
If you squeeze the skis with one hand, the clearance between them should not be less than 2-3 mm. In specialized sports stores, there are special devices for checking stiffness - flex testers. Consultants in such stores will help you make a more accurate choice based on the client’s needs.
The length of skate skis should be only 10-15 centimeters greater than the athlete’s height. Their length is shorter than that of the classic ones, since skating always poses the risk of one ski stepping on the other from behind. By the way, the longer the sliding surface, the higher its rigidity, therefore, if skis suitable for your height do not pass the rigidity test, then you can take longer ones, but not going beyond 15 cm, otherwise their handling will deteriorate. You need to choose sticks using approximately the same method, only their length will be 10-15 centimeters less than your height.
It is important to pay attention to the binding and boots for skating. It is better to take fastenings with mechanical fastening and a stiffness of 115, especially for this style of walking. And only high boots that cover the ankle, otherwise the legs, especially for beginners, will hurt very sensitively.
As for the controllability of skis for skating, the choice here depends on the place where you will ski them. If you plan to ski on soft snow, then skis can be taken with softer tips. For skiing on hard trails with hard snow, skis with stiffer tips will be more suitable. And, of course, there should be no notches in the central part.
Skate ski care
Caring for skating skis comes down to two main steps:- proper storage;
- quality lubricant.
To lubricate skating skis, you will need gliding ointments. Unlike classic ones, holding ointments are not needed for skates. As for gliding ointments, it is easier for amateurs to buy a universal set of lubricants so that they can easily select the ointment depending on the temperature. By the way, such kits are usually equipped with a rubbing pad for applying ointment.
Universal kits usually contain ointments for temperatures below zero; special liquid lubricants are intended for temperatures above zero. But the selection of such lubricants is almost a jeweler’s work, so those who like skating at above-zero temperatures and wet snow are better off not using lubricants at all. Plastic skis will glide well anyway.
In cold temperatures, one important rule to remember is to never throw oiled skis on the snow until they have cooled, otherwise the snow will stick to the warmer surface and your skiing will be ruined.
And, of course, new skis will require several treatments until they begin to glide properly. Therefore, do not despair if immediately after purchase you were unable to choose the right ointment; experience and the best quality of skis come with time.
The best manufacturers of skating skis
Among the manufacturers of skating skis, there are three main brands that are well known among amateurs and professionals:- Fischer
- Salomon
- Atomic
- Rossignol
Skate skis from the French company Salomon are more popular among women, as a special line is produced for them. However, many amateur men also love the skis of this company, as they are distinguished by excellent handling and maneuverability, thanks to the characteristic nose and narrowed heel. Modern technologies give Salomon skis particularly suitable characteristics for skating.
The Austrian manufacturer Atomic is popular among teenagers and juniors. His skis are lightweight and durable, sufficiently rigid and simple.
And finally, Rossignol skis are preferred by advanced amateurs and professionals. Although this company is famous for alpine skiing, skating skis are also very good, both in terms of the technologies used and in terms of stability and gentle load distribution. The only drawback of skating skis from this company is the relatively high price.
New IFP platform for skating
Manufacturers of popular skating skis Rossignol and Fischer have released a new product this season: an integrated IFP platform for the new TURNAMIC bindings. This binding system is compatible with NNN boots, but will likely be the impetus for new boots.Its feature is easy installation and adjustment of fasteners on horizontal plates without additional tools, just with your hands. TURNAMIC fasteners slide along the plates and are easily fixed in any position. In the near future it will become clear how much the new platform will influence the development of skating.
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