How to choose skis

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1. The best manufacturers of ski equipment
   
2. Types of skis. What are they like?
3. The main criteria for choosing cross-country skis
4. How to choose ski bindings?
5. How to choose ski boots?
6. Choosing cross-country skis
7. Choosing skis for skating

The best manufacturers of ski equipment

The release of high-quality skis is a very difficult procedure, associated with the observance of numerous nuances, and therefore your choice should be given in favor of exclusively proven brands that are on everyone’s lips:

1. Salomon;
2. Tisa;
3. Fischer;
4. Rossignol;
5. Atomic;
6. Madshus;

When choosing a specific model, one should rely not only on technical characteristics, but also on the reviews of athletes who have been using skis for an arbitrarily long time. You can get acquainted with them on specialized portals on the Internet, as well as on thematic forums and social networks.

Types of skis. What are they like?

The ski models on sale can be divided into several conditional groups depending on their price range, as well as the benefits that users acquire with them.

Types of skis. What are they like?

The ski models on sale can be divided into several conditional groups depending on their price range, as well as the benefits that users acquire with them.

Classic skis

The most popular view among amateurs involves a leisurely movement on a snow-covered surface along two parallel tracks. The length of classic skis is 20-30 centimeters higher than the height of the rider, the width is minimal, the nose is almost always sharp and bent upwards at a slight angle. The best option for beginners.

Advantages

• Inexpensive;
• Low rigidity;
• Suitable for outdoor activities in winter;
• Suitable for beginners;

Flaws

• Do not develop high speed;
• Not intended for other riding techniques;

Skating skis

Short and rigid models designed for skating style movement. They have a short length and a pronounced rounded nose turned up. The inner part of the ski has sufficient rigidity and takes over the stop point during acceleration. Allow to develop considerable speed at the minimum expenses of energy.

Advantages

• Compact;
• Used for sports competitions;
• Allow you to quickly accelerate;
• Rigid;

Flaws

• Not suitable for the classic move;
• Roads;

Combined skis

A universal option, which is a cross between classic and skating models. They allow you to perform both of the above running techniques with equal efficiency. They are distinguished by medium rigidity and a slightly shorter length than the classic models.

Advantages

• Universal;
• Medium hardness;
• Suitable for both classic and skating walking techniques;
• Relatively inexpensive;

Flaws

• Exclusively amateur option, not suitable for professional sports;
• Do not provide the ability to develop a high speed of movement;

Skiing

A highly specialized subspecies of skis designed for high-speed maneuvering when descending a steep slope. This category includes carving models, skis for cross-country and ski-cross, freestyle and freeride. They have a significant width of the waist and a minimal bend of the toe. They provide Olympic bindings and the installation of hard boots that firmly fix the ankle. Allows for very high speed.

Advantages

• High quality workmanship;
• Rigid construction;
• Allow to develop significant acceleration;
• Wide waist;

Flaws

• Expensive;
• Not suitable for beginners;

Children’s and teenagers’ skis

Compact models made of lightweight plastic. Designed for the youngest athletes who are just learning how to stand and ski correctly. Simple design, reliable bindings, light weight and high strength are the key characteristics of children’s ski models.

Advantages

• Compact dimensions;
• Low cost;
• Rugged construction;
• Light weight;

Flaws

• You can not buy “for growth”;
• Should be selected individually;

hunting skis

A separate category of skis designed for use in the most severe conditions. There are no innovative and high-speed characteristics here, the main requirement is simplicity of design, unpretentiousness and reliability. Skis for hunting are distinguished by maximum strength, increased width and convenient bindings that allow you to fix your feet or vice versa, release them in a matter of seconds.

Advantages

• High strength;
• Are suitable for operation in the most severe conditions;
• Significant width;
• Small length;

Flaws

• Not suitable for everyday use;
• Professional models are very expensive;
• Great weight;

The main criteria for choosing cross-country skis

Having decided on a specific category of skis and their mode of operation, it is necessary to choose the most suitable model, taking into account the following technical characteristics.

Choose the length of the skis by height and weight

An individual parameter selected based on the anatomical features of a particular person.

1. The standard rule is that the length of properly selected freeride skis exceeds the height of a person by 9-14 centimeters. It is true for the average rider weighing 70-90 kilograms;
2. Experienced skiers very often neglect this rule and choose skis whose length is identical to their height. They explain their choice by increasing mobility and maneuverability, which give a compact size.
3. When choosing skis for professional slalom, freestyle and downhill skiing, skis that are shorter than the rider’s height by 10-15 centimeters will be optimal;
4. If the weight exceeds 100 kilograms, another 3-5 centimeters must be added to the obtained value.

Ski stiffness

Depending on the type, design and purpose of a particular model, the stiffness of skis can vary significantly.

1. The higher the stiffness, the faster and sharper the athlete will move and the “angrier” the turns will be. Hard skis are chosen by experienced sportsmen who are good at technique;
2. Soft skis are more comfortable to ski, they forgive a lot of mistakes in technique, and therefore are best suited for beginners.
3. This parameter is indicated on the packaging.

Turning circle length

Reflects how fast a particular pair of skis can turn. It is measured in meters and indicates the radius of the track described by the rider during the movement. For most modern models, the circumference is from 10 to 20 meters. Beginners should prefer skis with a wide, about 16-18 meters, turning radius. And vice versa, the more experienced the athlete, the smaller the radius will be optimal for him.

Geometric characteristics and waist width of skis

It is rather problematic to give specific advice on choosing ski geometry. There are a number of specific criteria that are typical for models of one type or another, which are followed by many manufacturers. Choosing a certain type of ski, the buyer obviously receives a certain set of geometric properties that are most suitable for use.

1. Models equipped with a wide nose are comfortable for high-speed maneuvering and perfectly laid in a turn, with a narrow nose they are optimal for edge-over.
2. The situation is similar in terms of the ski heel – the wider it is, the more skill it requires from the skier, and therefore beginners should prefer skis with a narrow heel.
3. The waist is the narrowest point of the ski, located in the area of ​​u200bu200battaching to the ski boot. The wider the waist, the more stable the ski and the higher its patency. Skis with a waist from 65 to 75 centimeters are considered optimal, and the more experienced the skier, the more narrow models he will prefer.

The material from which skis are made

1. Soft woods are a durable and high-quality material that requires special care from the athlete. The most widespread are beech, ash, elm and pine. Due to the high hygroscopicity, they are not recommended for use during a thaw, and after skiing, they must be thoroughly dried;
2. Plastic and similar polymeric materials are durable, reliable and high-quality materials widely used in the manufacture of skis. Plastic is devoid of all those shortcomings that are characteristic of wood. He has one minus – when skiing in cold weather, plastic skis tend to roll back;

How to choose ski bindings?

The most widespread design, convenient in operation and unpretentious in leaving. It provides for the presence of special guideslocated along the mount, as well as a soft rubber insert in the bow, against which the boot rests during acceleration. The mounting bracket in this scheme is shifted back for maximum convenience when performing the skating technique of movement;

Advantages

• The greatest distribution;
• Fixation is carried out both in manual and automatic mode;
• Large selection of boot models that support this mount;
• Simplicity of design;

Flaws

• In frosty weather, moisture trapped between the boot and the binding can freeze;

Mounting system NIS (Nordic Integrated System)

A unified fastening algorithm developed in 2005. Widely used by leading manufacturers of skis and ski equipment. In terms of design, they are fully compatible with NNN construction equipment. They are compact in size due to the mounting platform fixed on the ski.

Advantages

• Small dimensions;
• Compatible with NNN equipment;
• Simplicity and convenience of installation;
• Ability to move along the longitudinal axis of the ski;

Flaws

• High price;
• Also susceptible to freezing;

Mounting system SNS (Salomon Nordic System)

The principle of operation of this system is similar to that of NNN. The key element is the wide rail to which the boot is attached. The front part is equipped with a soft stop made of rubber with adjustable hardness, thanks to which it is possible to change the riding technique if necessary.

Advantages

• Functionality;
• Equipment of this standard is produced by most well-known manufacturers;
• Ease of use;
• Ease of installation;

Flaws

• Not compatible with other mounting types;
• It is difficult to find suitable shoes due to their low prevalence and high cost;
• Requires special equipment;

Mounting system Nordic Norm 75

The oldest, time-tested design, familiar to many skiers since the Soviet Union. Modern analogues are made of plastic or lightweight metal alloys and allow the use of skis with a waist width of up to 75 millimeters. Fixation is carried out due to a special metal thrust bearing of variable length.

Advantages

• Cheapness;
• A great option for children’s and teenage skis;
• Suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers;

Flaws

• Popularity wanes;
• Differences between left and right fasteners;
• A large number of counterfeit and fakes;

How to choose ski boots?

In order for skiing to bring only positive emotions, the choice of ski boots must be given the closest attention. Properly selected ski shoes should:

1. Be comfortable, do not create discomfort during prolonged use;
2. Accurately match the size of the foot;
3. Protect from cold and moisture;
4. Rigidly fix the ankle, thereby improving the convenience of maneuvering at high speed;

Modern ski boots are divided into three categories:

1. Classic ski shoes. It features a low shin and a soft sole, made of plastic material. Fixation on the leg occurs with a zipper or lace;
2. Sports boots for aggressive riding. High and rigid, equipped with a solid sole and securely fix the rider’s ankle.
3. A combination option popular with advanced skiers. Boots of a similar design are high and rigidly fix the joint, however, the material used in their manufacture is much softer than their sports counterparts.

Features to look out for when choosing ski boots

1. The size. It is measured by the length and width of the inner boot, which fixes the rider’s foot. It is necessary to choose an option that will securely fix the foot and avoid its free movement, but at the same time will not compress on both sides, and also press in the fingers during active movement. The best option for selecting boots is a fitting performed on the sock that will be used when skiing;
2. Rigidity. As noted above, the choice of boots in terms of stiffness is based on the experience of the rider and his riding technique. Soft boots are suitable for beginners and freeride enthusiasts, hard boots are suitable for professional athletes who actively use the pushing technique of riding;
3. Boot weight. The traditional rule “the less weight – the more convenient it is to manage skis” is typical for both amateurs and professionals. At the same time, it must be remembered that shoes that are too light may have insufficient strength, which is fraught with their early failure;
4. Mounting type to be installed. According to this parameter, it is necessary to select those boots, the design of the mounting assembly of which will correspond to the mount installed on the skis;
5. Form factor and construction of the liner. An important element that directly affects comfort. Preference should be given to a boot that has an anatomical shape, completely repeating the contours of the rider’s leg;

Choosing cross-country skis

The cross-country category includes a huge number of skis used for freeride and outdoor activities. Classic skis for outdoor activities are selected based on the weight and height of the rider. Their length should exceed the height by 15-20 centimeters, and if a person’s weight is more than 100 kilograms – by 20-25 centimeters. Rigidity is better to prefer medium, thereby providing a balance between ease of use and speed. The surface of the skis is flat, devoid of notches. Despite the tendency to roll back, such skis are suitable for use both in frost and thaw, as well as on ice-crusted snow;

Choosing skis for skating

Skis for skating have a length exceeding the height of the rider by 7-10 centimeters, as well as a narrow nose and a wide heel. At the waist, the width of skis for skating almost never exceeds 70-72 millimeters. A flat surface on the underside of the ski is essential, and this ensures good run-out in any mode of operation. An important role is played by the correct selection of ski boots – for skating equipment, rigid boots with a high ankle are preferred, which securely hold the foot while skiing.

In the following articles, our experts tell you how to choose skis and the secrets of choosing children’s skis.