When you look at skis in the collections of popular brands, your eyes literally run wide: at least three dozen models are only for adults. Picking up “your” pair of skis can be difficult even for an experienced skier, let alone a beginner. Find among the variety of "your skis" or at least reduce the number of options will help the main characteristics of alpine skis, which each manufacturer publishes both on the site and in the catalog.
How to choose skis according to their characteristics
Alpine skiing radius
The radius of alpine skiing, or more precisely - the radius of the sidecut, simply "radius", and sometimes you can also find the "radius of the arc", is measured in meters. A characteristic that determines how steep turns will be, which are easiest to perform on such a ski. The smaller the cutout radius (11 ... 13 m), the stronger the ski is tuned to frequent and fast turns, the larger this parameter (17 ... m), the more inclined this ski will be to smooth turns. Of course, an experienced skier will be able to "drive" a ski with a large radius into a short arc, and on skis with a large cutout - that is, with a small cutout radius, he will pass a long arc. But it will take a little more strength and skill to do this. This means that the pleasure of riding will be somewhat less.
This is not the most important of the characteristics when choosing. The lighter the ski, the easier it is to control, but at the same time it will go less stably in the direction given by the skier, it is easier to knock it off course. For beginners, this is useful - after all, the skiing speed is still low, and you learn faster on skis that are easy to control. As experience grows, so does the speed of skiing, more and more stable alpine skis with predictable behavior and on uneven snow are required - and the skis become a little heavier. Women's skis are shorter and lighter, lighter bindings are installed on them, so their weight is in the region of 4.5 - 5.5 kg / pair, men's are longer, more powerful and heavier, their weight is from 5 to 7 kg, you can meet more heavy models, especially for high-speed freeride.
Ski width
Ski width is measured in millimeters. The width of the waist of skis is one of the key characteristics that determines the all-terrain qualities of skis. Waist width up to 73 mm is typical for models for skiing on prepared slopes. The narrower the waist, the faster the ski can move from turn to turn, change the direction of sliding on a hard slope. Waist width in the range from 73 ... 75 mm to 85 ... 90 mm - the most versatile models ( all-mountain) for skiing on prepared slopes, on broken snow, and on shallow virgin soil. The wider the waist, the better the ski floats in deep snow. Accordingly, alpine skis with a waist wider than 90 mm are chosen by those who hardly plan to ride on prepared slopes.
ski geometry
The geometry of alpine skiing is given in the catalogs in the form of numbers, for example 120/73/103 mm, next to it is the length of the skis - the size for which the geometry is given. The wider the toe in relation to the width of the waist, the more willingly the ski starts turning. And the narrower the heel, the easier the ski goes into slipping. In other words, a ski with a geometry of 125/73/97 mm will “dive” into the turn faster, and it will be easier to “drop your heels” on such skis than on skis with a geometry of 120/73/103 mm.
Dropping heels is a slang expression. This is a technique that is used to stop or change direction in the event of an unexpected obstacle - for example, a skier who has fallen in front of you. In this situation, the most natural movement is to put the skis across the slope, for which the skis are released into slippage with the effort of the legs - they begin to slide sideways, and the heels of the skis slide more than the socks.
Rigidity of mountain skis
The stiffness of skis is not standardized in some units, and you can only compare the two models in terms of stiffness with your own hands. In the general case, we can say that within the same line of skis, models for more experienced skiers are tougher, but you will have to compare with models from other manufacturers either “manually”, or by studying the design of the skis - how many layers of metal are in each of them, what the core is made of and so on. The more layers of metal, the stiffer the ski, the wider the ski, the stiffer it is with the same design, and so on.
The distribution of stiffness for different skis can be different - some models are characterized by uniform stiffness along the entire length, as a rule, these are models for prepared slopes, while others (universal models and skis for freeride - skiing off-piste) have a softer toe and heel, and an average part is noticeably stiffer. The most powerful reinforcement is the layers of metal located below and above the core, or only below. Alpine skis with two layers of metal will almost always be stiffer than models in which one layer of metal is replaced with lightweight fiberglass or carbon.
How to choose skis for height
Rostov skiing
When choosing alpine skis for height, it is important to understand that in most cases a skier can ski on several sizes, depending on how he likes to ride, his level of technique, what slopes he prefers, what model of recommended skis, etc. Alpine skiers try to use sizes that are close to generally accepted. One of the reasons is that all men use skis with a size of 165 cm on slalom, and all women use 155 cm. cm): 165 cm for lovers of a short turn, 170-175 cm for medium and large arcs; for women (weight 40 - 80 kg and height 150-180 cm): respectively 155 - 165 cm.
Subtleties in the selection of skis for height
Shortening the size by 5-10 cm should be taken into account: for skiers who specialize mainly in carving skiing (on well-prepared slopes), for skiing on short and gentle slopes, if your weight or height is less than the above, for beginners, at the special request of the instructor, vacation girls who prefer careful and leisurely skiing.
Lengthening the size by 5-10 cm from the main one should be done if: your weight, height is higher than indicated, you are going to ride on steep and long slopes, for carvers who prefer larger arcs and high speeds. Lengthening the size by more than 5-10 cm from the main one is advised for those who ski in deep fluffy snow and radical supporters of traditional technology (make sure that the geometry of the recommended models is also not too radical).
We wish you happy shopping and great riding!
Skiing as an element of entertainment, and later as a sports and competitive discipline, originated quite a long time ago. The idea of creating more comfortable and narrow analogues of snowshoes for hunting needs was met with approval, and the world saw, in fact, the first coming of skis as a full-fledged equipment for practical use.
However, a truly powerful catalyst for the development of technologies for the production of ski paraphernalia was the inclusion of special disciplines in the winter sports program and the subsequent popularization of a healthy lifestyle through skiing.
Today, close competition takes place not only on the ski tracks and designated areas: far beyond their borders, there is an imperceptible for many struggle for superiority among manufacturing companies. A huge number of brands and trademarks claim a high place, but not everyone is given success. We have selected for you the top 10 cross-country ski manufacturers, divided into three thematic categories. Places in the ranking were distributed based on the following criteria:
- popularity of the company in Russia;
- the level of quality of the products sold;
- the width of the assortment presented in domestic stores;
- level of average cost;
- kit durability and wear resistance.
The best manufacturers of budget cross-country skis
5 ATEMI
The best choice for beginners
A country: Russia (produced in China)
Rating (2019): 4.5
ATEMI can be considered a manufacturer in name only. In essence, it is an online store that cooperates with Chinese enterprises and sells sports equipment under its own brand. Among the variety of products in the ATEMI catalog, there are exclusively cross-country skis designed for classic skiing and for amateur skiing.
One of the brightest representatives of the range is the ATEMI Escape series. The skis of this series are based on a lightweight (but, alas, not the most durable) core, “packed” in high-tech ABS plastic (an inexpensive material with balanced characteristics of strength, plasticity and hardness). The sliding surface is treated with extruded polyester, which provides not the fastest, but stable movement (very much depends on the method of lubrication). The cost of such a kit varies from 1200 to 1600 rubles, which is an excellent indicator for both beginners and avid skiers.
4 Larsen
The cheapest cross country skis
Country: Finland
Rating (2019): 4.5
The Finnish company Larsen is the most loyal manufacturer and supplier of cross-country skis, based on their level of cost. Almost all kits in its range are versatile and suitable for both skating and classic running, which is especially good for beginner athletes.
Many potential users ask quite a reasonable question about what quality assurance skis can offer, the cost of which barely exceeds a thousand rubles (and in some cases does not exceed this milestone at all). The fact is that no revolutionary technologies and developments are used in their manufacture, since Larsen adheres to a purely traditional approach to production. A standard wooden core is placed under the plastic body, which allows the ski to be lighter and more pliable for maneuvering. Extruded polyethylene is used as a sliding surface, the degree of sliding of which is highly dependent on the lubricant. All in all, Larsen skis are ideal for beginners whose main goal is to master the skills of running.
3 Northway
The best cross-country skis for the Russian climate
A country: Russia (produced in China)
Rating (2019): 4.6
The name is known to almost all the inhabitants of our vast country. Nordway is the own brand of the SportMaster chain of stores (read: companies), which produces a huge variety of goods.
Perhaps it is the above-mentioned fact that does not quite favorably affect the quality of individual ski sets, but the situation as a whole is compensated by the low price. The most popular children's skis in the Nordway range are hybrid cross-country models, oriented towards a combined skiing style. It is not possible to talk about any technological solutions in such a situation - everything was done with an eye on the old design school, albeit using modern materials. Whatever it was, but Nordway skis are certainly a means of mastering skiing skills and achieving a certain sports level. And taking into account their suitability for operation in Russian climatic conditions, low cost and prevalence in the chain of stores of the official distributor, such skis will be the best choice for young and beginner skiers.
2 TISA
Optimal combination of price and quality
Country: Austria
Rating (2019): 4.8
The company, whose period of wide popularity fell on the 60s of the last century. The reason for this is prosaic: almost the entire range of winter sports equipment available in Soviet stores consisted of sticks and skis of the TISA brand. Alas, with the advent of stronger opponents in the face of Fischer, Madshus and a number of other firms, TISA gradually lost its customer base and turned into a strong, but middle peasant in such a ruthless competitive segment. The sporty flagships of the company have been replaced by "peaceful" classic ski models such as the Adventure Step, Sport Wax and Classic Step.
Some domestic experts prefer to attribute TISA to the number of "folk" manufacturers, since most of the country's sports history and achievements were somehow connected with this company. In fact, the current brand is a kind of “restart” of the once existing factory, which has been officially owned by the well-known Austrian company Fischer since 1995. With such a strong technological base and rich history, TISA naturally gets the fourth place in the ranking of the best.
1 Dynamic
Best quality budget cross-country skiing
Country: France
Rating (2019): 4.9
Another good example of how a more popular brand is being released under a lesser known brand name to meet the needs of a wide user base. As in the case of TISA, backed by the Austrian company Fischer, Dynamic is a subsidiary of another large Austrian company - Atomic - and fully enjoys all the budget developments (as well as production lines) of a more eminent holder.
In domestic realities, in fact, only one cross-country ski model is in great demand - Dynamic VR52 Grip, created specifically for beginner athletes. It is sharpened according to the classic course, it is distinguished by its lightweight design, functionality and relatively low cost. By the way, the latter quality applies to the entire range of the brand, which, coupled with high strength, only plays into the hands of consumers.
The best manufacturers of premium cross-country skis
5 Atomic
High quality products. Huge selection of skis for beginners
Country: Austria
Rating (2019): 4.6
Another Austrian manufacturer of cross-country skis, which is a leader in the category of equipment for young athletes. There are not so many obvious prerequisites for this: in addition to the high quality of the kits (which is true for "adult" models), only the price level is intended to attract the consumer, since everything is fine with Atomic's pricing policy.
All sets of skis for children are built on the basis of the same technology - High Densolite, indicating the presence in the skis of a core made of lightweight synthetic material. Also, almost all models have a redistributed mass balance due to the use of 3D Touring profiles, which improves handling and compensates for the energy consumption of auxiliary movements.
One of the highlights of the company is the ATOMIC RACE COMBI JUNIOR kit, built using a special Race profile to increase the effect of repulsion and increase stability when cornering. This is a technologically advanced and popular classic in Russia, suitable for children and teenagers up to 168 centimeters tall. The cost of RACE COMBI JUNIOR does not exceed 5.5 thousand rubles, which is a good price indicator.
4 Salomon
The best ski manufacturers for women
Country: France
Rating (2019): 4.7
The French company Salomon is a prominent representative of universal manufacturers focused on the production of sports equipment and professional winter equipment. Despite the fact that the brand's product range includes both snowboards and alpine skis of various designs, cross-country skis are traditionally a strong segment, inheriting classic features with an admixture of new technologies.
While other brands try to create a product based on one single concept, Salomon introduces several of its own developments into production at once, focusing primarily on the uniqueness of characteristics. Such a measure takes place, but some combinations give a completely unpredictable result.
An undoubted advantage of the company can be considered a focus on the beautiful part of the users experienced in sports. In the Salomon assortment there is a huge number of classic and amateur-level skating ski models, a prominent representative of which is the Salomon SNOWSCAPE 7 SIAM. The owners of these skis note the successful geometry, a somewhat unexpected but positive feeling caused by a shift in the center of gravity, optimal stiffness and dynamic performance, as well as a pleasantly low price.
3 Madshus
Popular manufacturer. Optimal reliability parameters
Country: Norway
Rating (2019): 4.7
A Norwegian brand, whose advertising was not so long ago flaunted on all TVs of a large country. As in the case of competing brands, the activity of this company is focused on the production of diversified products - from skis for slalom and ski jumping to cross-country skis for classics and skating. By the way, the latter have a very flexible division and are produced for different user groups: the more expensive ones are aimed at professional athletes (the enchanting Madshus Terrasonic Skate model can be noted among them), while the budget ones (such as the Madshus Intrasonic Classic) are suitable for beginners and intermediate level athletes. At the same time, it cannot be said that the price characteristic has a very strong effect on the quality indicators of products. Yes, technologies of various complexity are used, but from the point of view of reliability during operation, they do not solve so much.
If everything is clear with cross-country skiing for beginners, then professional ones raise some questions regarding the results given out by athletes. Many users notice that the speed characteristics of skis are highly dependent on the correct application of lubrication, and all - even minor - inaccuracies are automatically shifted to the athlete's physical qualities.
2 Rossignol
Proven manufacturer. High quality of products
Country: France
Rating (2019): 4.8
One of the world's oldest ski brands, whose history has crossed the line of one century. Rossignol is a premium manufacturer of winter sports equipment, the first to master the technology of making skis based on carbon and polymer plastic. Not resting on its laurels, the French company is constantly looking to improve its already wonderful series, for which it is awarded the highest places (not lower than second) in ratings of various levels and scales.
If you think more globally and discard the division of manufacturers into categories, then Rossignol is one of the few whose mountain and running series are practically not inferior to each other in the class. But since we have chosen the latter, we will follow a methodical story about it. And there really is a lot to talk about here. All cross-country ski sets have a base made of extra light aramid laminate, thanks to which a high degree of stability on diverse terrains is achieved, as well as good edging. The strength of the ski is provided by the use of a carbon layer right on top of the core and hard plastic right at the bottom of the product. Alas, all this splendor has one serious drawback: despite the brilliant performance, durability and quality, the cost of the kit seriously limits the circle of buyers.
1 Fischer
The best combination of price and quality
Country: Austria
Rating (2019): 4.9
On the first line of the rating is a well-known Austrian company, the first manufactured products of which were carts and winter sledges. As technology improved and consumer demands increased, the big bosses of the company realized that it was time to expand the range of manufactured goods, and in 1936 the first skis arrived on the shelves of sports equipment stores. The brand was slowly gaining popularity, but the world recognition had to wait for almost a whole century - this achievement was conquered by the Austrians only in 2006, when they were officially recognized as the best supplier of skis for the Olympic Games in Turin, Italy.
Despite the fact that the company's product range includes a huge number of alpine skis, including an outstanding series of equipment for sports slalom (namely, the RC4 Worldcup SC, developed in close cooperation with famous skiers), it is the cross-country sets that should be especially noted. The manufacturing technology of each individual series is distinguished by a dizzying variety: here the stiffeners are reinforced with titanium, and the nose is covered with carbon, and even the core is made in a very intricate form. The cost of Fischer skis is far from the budget, but it is fully justified by the high quality and durability.
First of all, when choosing skis, you need to decide which style of skiing is closer to you. You can choose skis for skating or classic style. So, how to choose the right skis for beginners?
notched ski models
If you are a beginner skier and do not want to figure out how to properly apply ski wax, then you are recommended to choose classic notched skis. If you have already bought skis without a notch, then you need to know that they are used with holding ointment, otherwise the skis will slip.
Notches are used so that the skis do not slip and make it possible to slide forward unhindered. Notched models are not used in skiing, as they cannot cope with kickback and the skis can begin to slip backwards. This model is well suited for beginner skiers or children.
First of all, when choosing skis, you need to decide which style of skiing is closer to you. Can choose skis for skating or classic.
Lubricants for sliding and holding
There is a total 2 types of ski wax: holding and sliding. Lubrication for sliding is used to improve the sliding properties of skis. For skating skis, you need to lubricate the entire surface, and for classic skis, only the back and front.
On smooth skis, a holding ointment is applied to the central part. Lubrication is in liquid or solid form, it must be selected according to the temperature of the snow. Holding lubes are used to prevent slipping backwards when kicked off.
Glide lubrication can be applied to any ski, but holding lubrication can only be applied to smooth skis.
How to choose skis by stiffness
Any ski has a deflection, by which you can determine its driving performance. The rigidity of a ski is determined by how much effort must be applied from above in order to push it through.
Simplest way for the classics- is to push the ski to the floor with both hands so that it touches it with its sliding surface. If you didn’t manage to do this, then you need to choose skis with less stiffness.
The choice of stiffness for skating style consists in squeezing with one hand so that the gap is no more than 2 mm.
Skis for skating are much stiffer than classic ones, and therefore should not be completely squeezed through.
How to choose ski length
One of the easiest ways to choose ski length is height. So for a classic style, you need to add 20-30 cm to your height, and for a ridge style - 10-15 cm.
If the skis are too soft, then you can change them to longer ones. It must be remembered that stiffness plays a more important role than the length of the skis.
Choice of ski boots
For a classic style, experts take lower boots with soft soles. But you should not use them for skating style.
Fans choose combined boots that allow skating and classic style. They have a medium sole and most models have a removable cuff.
Also, do not forget about convenience, choose boots that protect your feet from snow, have an additional zipper.
How to choose mounts
Today there is 3 types of mounts:
- NNN (new version of NIS);
- Nordic 75.
First of all, choose comfortable boots, and then select the appropriate ski bindings.
How to choose ski poles
Ski poles are made the following types:
- Carbon fiber - hard, light, expensive.
- Fiberglass - less rigid, cheaper, not strong enough, easier to bend, heavier, best for kids or beginners.
- Aluminum - best price, heavy, durable, suitable for beginners or amateurs.
- Composite fiberglass and carbon fiber. Durable, price depends on carbon content.
- For a classic style, you need to subtract 20-30 cm from your height;
- For skating style, you need to subtract 15-20 cm from your height.
You can also use table, for a more detailed calculation.
Ski poles for adults - selection table
Ski poles for a child - selection table
How to choose skiing - video
Probably from this article it will turn out something like: Tips from experienced skiers. Having a rich personal skiing experience, of course, you can consider yourself an expert in choosing cross-country skis.
To understand what kind of skis you need, answer yourself a series of questions.
1. Political issues:
1.1. What style of skiing do you prefer (skating or classic)?
1.2. Where are you going to ski on a well-groomed track or on a soft loose forest track?
1.3. What are your skiing goals (high performance sport, grassroots sport, fitness, occasional family outings)?
2. Economic issues:
How much money are you willing to spend on skis?
- Technical questions:
Are you ready to objectively evaluate your professional ski training and special strength?
Are you ready to honestly look at the scales and admit your honestly acquired baggage?
Are you ready to measure your height without standing on your toes?
I will not give you specific advice by answering every question for you. The choice of skis will be yours, but the advice of an expert should help you with this.
So! Modern cross-country skis are plastic skis. Their advantages over wooden skis are indisputable in almost no parameter (if plastic skis are chosen correctly). As the ancient skiers used to say: “Skating on plastic is a pleasure, but on pieces of wood it is an overstrain!” And you can't argue with that. Yes, on cheap wooden skis, there is practically no recoil to the rear, as well as moving forward. Maybe someone, in terribly cramped circumstances, left children's skis on the balcony. For a kid, up to two years old, who skis exactly (without a sliding phase), this may be enough. But, we are with you, we try to love ourselves and not deny ourselves anything. So it's plastic.
Plastic cross-country skis are available as classic, skating and combi (for mixed movement). Speaking professionally frankly, combi skis are usually classic skis with a shortened nose and slightly more rigid weight deflection. Because cross-country skiing simply cannot be half skating. One of the most important differences between skating skis and classic ones is that skating skis, in the area of weight deflection, do not compress to the end. But, do not despair, if you need universal cross-country skis, buy classic skis or combi (regardless of the name) you can always ride on them with skating, and on a soft track (due to less weight deflection, socks and heels are less buried in snow) it can turn out even better. So for the right choice of classic skis, the following must be taken into account. Choose skis according to the table that every sports store probably has, But:
You can choose cross-country skis individually according to the rule: the higher your height, the greater your weight, the better your physical fitness and the wider your step, the higher the skis. Do not try to buy short skis, even if it is easier to shove them into the interior of your car. The nature of the ski sliding on the snow is such that the longer the ski, the more straight it goes (for this, there is a groove in the middle of the sliding surface of the ski dividing it into two parts for stability and better straightness of movement). Less chatting, wobbling - higher speed.
Well, I think it’s also clear about the choice of ski width. The more your weight and the softer the track, the wider the skis are needed.
The length and width are understandable. How to choose cross-country skis by weight? Well, firstly, professional skis (like Fischer RCS Carbonlite skis) are tested at the factory and are already sold with weight markings, and amateur skis (like Fischer LS skis) are produced for the “average” person, i.e. the higher the skis, the greater the rigidity weight deflection. To understand how important it is to choose skis by weight, let's turn to the nature of ski sliding on snow. And the appointment of the weight deflection of cross-country skis. So, the aforementioned weight deflection for classic cross-country skis is used to ensure that the correctly selected ski hold ointment applied under the weight deflection (hereinafter - KLODKA) does not interfere with ski sliding. When we evenly lean on both legs while sliding down a hill or pushing with both hands at the same time. The ski block smeared with holding ointment, due to the weight deflection of the ski, should not touch the snow. As soon as we transfer the weight to one ski, the weight deflection is compressed, the holding ointment sticks to the snow and allows us to push off from it and make a sliding step with the other foot. There is an old grandfather method. Place the pair of skis to be tested on a flat surface. Place a piece of paper between the floor and the surface. If you stand on one ski, then under your weight the piece of paper should not move between the ski surface and the floor surface. If you stand on two skis at the same time, the piece of paper under the block should move approximately at a distance of two of your feet. Mark the extreme points on the ski with marks. This is the block, or weight deflection, of your skis. When skiing classics, you are obliged to smear this area of cross-country skis with holding ointment (now there is also a special self-adhesive tape against recoil), unless of course you bought skis with a notch under the block. Often manufacturers call these notches on STEP or CROWN skis.
Notched skis are a separate issue. BEHIND, that they do not need to be smeared. AGAINST, then the notch does not always work. Leading ski manufacturers, such as Fischer, produce the same series of skis with and without notches. (For example, Fischer LS classic skis are not notched, and Fischer LS CROWN are notched.) Notched skis are good on evenly rolled, ironed tracks. There are such tracks in Europe and in those places in Russia where the preparation of the tracks is carried out with the help of special retracks. Retraks mill the track before laying and only after that they lay it. The result is a ski track without a hitch. In our provinces, most often there are all sorts of bumps, pits and tubercles on the ski track, which will create problems with both repulsion and glide for notched skis.
Watching how fast professional skiers and biathletes on TV seem to be flying, you naturally want to try this style of skiing yourself with skating. A beautiful style of skiing requires not only certain technical skills, but also special skating skis. These skis have high torsional rigidity and a weight deflection that is not fully compressed. In skating skiing, the dynamic qualities of the ski are used to the maximum. The table will help you choose skis by size: (although everything said above about the individual choice of ski length also applies to skating skis.)
The economic advice is simple:
Choose classic skis according to your professional level (professional, workshop, amateur, touring). If you get up on professional skis without special training, I think the recoil will torture you;
Choose skating skis for as long as you have enough money, there is no return on skating skis, and you will get great pleasure.
p/s. Table of selection of cross-country skis by height.
|
Man's height |
Skis for classic style |
Combi skis |
Skis for skating |
|
150 |
170-175 |
160-170 |
160 |
|
155 |
175-185 |
170-175 |
170 |
|
160 |
180-190 |
175-185 |
170-175 |
|
165 |
185-190 |
180-185 |
175-180 |
|
170 |
190-195 |
180-185 |
180-185 |
|
175 |
195-200 |
190-195 |
185 -190 |
|
180 |
195-200 |
This article on the site is dedicated to beginner skiers. If you choose skis for walking or a child for physical education, then you are on the right track. From the article you will learn how to choose the right skis for height, material and other characteristics, what to pay special attention to, and what can be neglected.
Before buying, you need to decide on three main parameters by which skis are chosen:
- what do you need them for (walking, running for competitions, downhill, for hunting, etc.);
- your level of skiing (novice amateur or professional);
- your physical parameters (weight and height).
How to choose running shoes
Cross-country skiing is chosen depending on the preferred style of skiing. There are three styles:
- classical,
- skating,
- combined.
Classic
Our grandparents still rode the classic style, sliding along two parallel tracks, but it has not lost its relevance. The classic style is best for the beginner skier.
Length
Skis for the classic course should be 20-30 cm longer than their own height. For beginners, you can choose a slightly shorter length, then it will be easier to manage them.
Rigidity
If you have seen skis, you know that they are arched and if you put them on the floor, then their middle will not touch it. The more difficult it is to push the ski to the floor, the stiffer they are.
Rigidity must be selected depending on your weight. The heavier the skier, the more rigidity should be.
You can check the correct selection of skis for stiffness in the following way:
- put them on the floor;
- put a sheet of paper under the middle;
- stand with both feet on both skis, there should be a gap to the floor and a sheet of paper will walk freely;
- stand with both feet on one ski, it should completely touch the floor, and the sheet of paper will be pressed to the floor and you will not be able to pull it out.
Following the example above, you will be able to choose the correct stiffness. Some manufacturers indicate what weight they are designed for.
With and without notch
Skis for the classic course can be with a notch on the sliding surface and without it.
Without a notch, they are suitable for any weather, for a long walk and a fast ride.
They are more difficult to ride as they can slip backwards. To eliminate this deficiency, special ointments are used.
skating
This is a new style of skating, it is also called free style. The runner performs skating movements, pushing off the inner surface of the skis. With it, you can develop the highest speed.
For skating style, a compacted wide track is ideal, but you can do without it, then you won’t have to count on high speed.
Skis for skating are selected a little shorter and stiffer than for the classic style.
Length
For skating, the length should be 10-15 cm more than the height of the skier.
Rigidity
Rigidity is about twice as much as for the classics. If you press the ski with your hand to the floor, then a gap of 1.5-2 mm should remain.
Universal
As the name implies, universal skis are something between classic and skating. This applies to both ski selection parameters (average length and stiffness) and mixed skiing style.
Length
Universal skis are 15-20 cm larger than the height of the skier.
To summarize: cross-country shoes are suitable for flat terrain, for beginners it is better to choose classic ones with a notch, and for advanced ones, universal ones.
| Skier Height | For the classic move | Universal | For skating | Sticks for the classic move | Skating poles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 | 170/180 | 170 | 165 | 120 | 130 |
| 155 | 180 | 170/180 | 170 | 125 | 135 |
| 160 | 185 | 180 | 175 | 130 | 140 |
| 165 | 190 | 185 | 180 | 135 | 145 |
| 170 | 195 | 190 | 185 | 140 | 150 |
| 175 | 200 | 195/200 | 190 | 145 | 155 |
| 180 | 205 | 200/205 | 190/195 | 150 | 160 |
| 185 | 205/210 | 205 | 195 | 155 | 165 |
| 190 | 210 | 205 | 195 | 160 | 170 |
| 195 | 210 | 205 | 195 | 165 | 175 |
Production material
All skis are made of wood or plastic.
Previously, plastic skis were rare and expensive. Now, on the contrary, most people ride on plastic.
Advantages of plastic skis:
- they are stronger, respectively, more durable than wood;
- snow sticks to them less during a thaw;
- more speedy.
The most reputable firms producing plastic skis are Atomic and Fischer. You can buy equipment from them, both for beginners and for professional sports. You can also highlight the domestic producers "Karelia" and "Tisa".
How to choose the right skis
Alpine skiing is very different from cross-country skiing, both in design and in the way it is chosen. Their main purpose is to descend from the mountains, with the development of high speeds.
Remember right away, if you are new to skiing, then you cannot choose professional sports equipment. It is designed to develop very high speed, which you, as a beginner, may not be able to handle, which will lead to injury.
Length
The size is selected not only depending on the height of the athlete, but also on his professional skills. The shorter the skis, the easier they are to manage.
If you are a beginner skier, then choose a length 20 cm less than your height.
If you have been riding from the mountains for more than a year and have achieved good results in this, then in this case, choose a length 10 cm less than your height.
For a professional, skis with a length of his own height are suitable.
For women, it is better to reduce the above size by another 5 cm, and for people with above average weight, on the contrary, increase by 5 cm.
Rigidity
The basic rule for choosing the stiffness of alpine skis is that the higher the professional skills and weight of the athlete, the more rigid they should be.
A beginner will approach with the least rigidity, as they are easier to manage.
Rigid and medium hardness will suit professionals and people who have been riding confidently from the mountains for more than a year. Since they are designed for tight turns and the development of high speeds.
Another parameter that you should pay attention to when choosing skis is their structure:
- carving;
- classic.
Carving skis differ from classic ones in that they look like fitted ones, i.e. the ends are wider than the central part. They are more stable than classic ones, so they are recommended for beginners.
- Outwardly, both skis must be exactly the same and not differ in width, length and weight.
- Look at them from the side, the bend of the sliding surface should be smooth.
- The longitudinal groove on the sliding surface is straight, without any wobbling.
- There are no scratches, cracks or other defects on the sliding surface.
- Put the skis with the sliding surface to each other and squeeze them as hard as possible with your hands. The hardness should be the same. The toes must remain closed.
- Find the center of gravity of the skis, it must match, a deviation of no more than 1.5 cm is allowed.
How to choose ski poles
You have learned how to choose skis, now you may be faced with the question of choosing ski poles. This is an important part of the ski equipment, which you can not do without.
Ski poles must be:
- durable;
- hard;
- lungs.
Sticks are also selected depending on the height of the athlete. For lovers of skating, the sticks should be 15-20 cm less than the height of the owner, and for the classics, 25-30 cm less than the height.
You can not buy sticks for a child "for growth", as he will get confused in them and it will be inconvenient to ride.
For an amateur, aluminum ski poles are quite suitable.
Handles are best chosen from non-slip material, such as cork or leather with anatomical recesses for the fingers.
It is better to choose a support for sticks with a reverse cone (the safest), and not with paws (the most uncomfortable when riding).
For children under 7 years old, choose the length of the sticks to the armpits, with a blunt tip.
How to choose hunting
Hunting skis are designed to move hunters or fishermen with additional cargo on loose snow. Therefore, unlike running shoes, they should not be long and narrow, but short and wide.
The average length, regardless of the height of the owner, should be about 175 cm.
The best hunting skis are made from maple or birch and are more durable than spruce.
Preparation before first use
Once you have chosen your skis in the store, they must be prepared before the first use.
Plastic
- Wipe the treated surface with a cloth soaked in turpentine.
- Apply melted paraffin in toe-to-heel movements, just under the boot.
- Warm up with an iron heated to 200 degrees. And let it dry for a few hours.
- Excess cooled paraffin must be carefully removed.
- At the end of all processes, wipe the sliding surface with a synthetic cloth.
The above procedure must be carried out at least once a year.
Wooden
- Sand the sliding surface with fine sandpaper.
- Apply a special resin from a sports store to a sliding surface and heat it with a blowtorch or a special burner.
- Wait until the resin is absorbed and repeat the previous paragraph 3-4 more times. The skis should darken, but do not overheat so that the wood does not begin to char.
- Tie the ends of the skis by inserting a spacer in the center.
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