How to choose a ski

Skiing in our country is very popular. A beautiful form of physical activity, a great way to keep the body in shape, and also to burn those extra pounds - this is not a complete list of the positive aspects of ski operation. And in order to maximize the effect, the choice of skis and related equipment should be taken seriously.

content

1. Top ski makers
   
2. Types of skis. What are they like?
3. The main criteria for choosing cross-country skiing
4. How to choose ski mounts?
5. How to choose ski boots?
6. Choosing a cross-country skiing
7. Choosing skis for skating stroke

Top ski makers

The production of high-quality skis is a very complicated procedure, connected with the observance of numerous nuances, and therefore you should give your choice in favor of exclusively proven brands that everyone has heard:

1. Salomon;

2. Tisa;

3. Fischer;

4. Rossignol;

5. Atomic;

6. Madshus;

When choosing a particular model, you should rely not only on the technical characteristics, but also on reviews of athletes who use 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 on social networks.

Types of skis. What are they like?

The models of skis presented in sale can be divided into several conditional groups depending on their price range, as well as the advantages that users gain with them.

Types of skis. What are they like?

The models of skis presented in sale can be divided into several conditional groups depending on their price range, as well as the advantages that users gain with them.

Classic Skis

The most popular among fans of the view, suggest a slow movement along the snow-covered surface along two parallel tracks. The length of classic skis is 20-30 centimeters taller than the rider, the width is minimal, the nose is almost always sharp and bent up at a slight angle. The best option for beginners.

Virtues

• Inexpensive;

• Low stiffness;

• Suitable for outdoor activities in the winter;

• Suitable for beginners;

disadvantages

• Do not develop high speed;

• Not intended for other riding techniques;

Riding Skis

Short and tough models designed to move in ridge style. They have a short length and a pronounced upright rounded nose. The inner part of the ski has sufficient rigidity and takes over the point of emphasis during acceleration. Allow to develop a significant speed with minimal energy consumption.

Virtues

• Compact;

• Used for sporting events;

• Allow to accelerate quickly;

• Hard;

disadvantages

• Not suitable for the classic move;

• Roads;

Combined Skis

Universal version, which is a cross between the classic and ridge models. Allow to perform both running techniques described above with equal efficiency.Differ in average rigidity and a little less, than at classical models, length.

Virtues

• Universal;

• Medium hardness;

• Suitable for both classic and skating walking technique;

• Relatively inexpensive;

disadvantages

• An exceptional amateur option, not suitable for professional sports;

• They do not provide an opportunity to develop a high speed of movement;

Skiing

Highly specialized subspecies of skis, designed for high-speed maneuvering when descending from a steep slope. This category includes carving models, cross-country ski and ski-cross, freestyle and freeride skis. They have a significant waist width and minimal bend toe. Provide for Olympic mounting and installation of hard shoes, rigidly fixing the ankle. Allow to develop very high speed.

Virtues

• High quality workmanship;

• Rigid construction;

• Allow to develop significant acceleration;

• Wide waist;

disadvantages

• Expensive;

• Not suitable for beginners;

Children's and teenage skis

Compact models manufactured from lightweight plastic. Designed for the youngest athletes who are just learning to stand and ski properly. Simple design, reliable fastenings, low weight and high strength - these are the key characteristics of children's ski models.

Virtues

• Compact size;

• Low cost;

• Sturdy construction;

• Low weight;

disadvantages

• You can not get "for growth";

• It should be selected individually;

Hunting skis

A separate category of skis, designed to operate in the harshest conditions. No innovative and speed characteristics are distinguished here, the main requirement is simplicity of design, unpretentiousness and reliability. Skis for hunting are distinguished by maximum strength, increased width and convenient fastenings, which allow fixing the feet or, on the contrary, freeing them in a matter of seconds.

Virtues

• High strength;

• Suitable for use in the harshest conditions;

• Significant width;

• Short length;

disadvantages

• Not suitable for everyday use;

• Professional models are very expensive;

• Great weight;

The main criteria for choosing cross-country skiing

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 on the basis of the anatomical features of a particular person.

1. The standard rule is that the length of properly selected freeride skis exceeds a person’s height by 9-14 centimeters. It is fair for an 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 of increased mobility and maneuverability, which give a compact size.

3. When choosing skis for professional slalom, freestyle and downhill skiing, skis that are shorter than a rider's height by 10-15 centimeters will be optimal;

4. If the weight exceeds 100 kilograms - it is necessary to add another 3-5 centimeters to the obtained value.

Ski hardness

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

1. The higher the stiffness - the faster and sharper the athlete will move and the “meaner” turns will be made. Rigid skis are chosen by experienced sportsmen who have a good knowledge of equipment;

2. Soft skis are more comfortable when riding, they forgive a lot of mistakes in technique, and therefore are best suited for beginners.

3. This parameter is indicated on the package.

Turn circle length

It reflects how quickly a pair of skis is able to unfold. It is measured in meters and indicates the radius of the track described during the movement by the rider. 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. Conversely, the more experienced an athlete - the smaller the radius will be optimal for him.

Geometric characteristics and the width of the waist ski

It is quite problematic to give specific advice on the choice of ski geometry. There are a number of specific criteria specific to models of one type or another that many manufacturers adhere to. Choosing a certain type of ski, the buyer knowingly gets a certain set of geometric properties that are most suitable for exploitation.

1. Models equipped with a wide nose are convenient for high-speed maneuvering and are perfectly laid in a turn, with a narrow one - they are optimal for carrying out re-edging.

2. The situation is similar in terms of the heel of the skis - the wider it is, the more skill it requires from the skier, and therefore beginners should prefer skis with a narrow heel.

3. Waist - the narrowest point of the ski, located in the area of ​​attachment to the ski boot. The wider the waist - the more stable the ski and the higher its permeability. The best are skis with a waist from 65 to 75 centimeters, and the more experienced a skier is, the narrower models he prefers.

The material from which the skis are made

1. Soft wood is a durable and high-quality material that requires special care from an athlete. The most common are beech, ash, elm and pine. Due to the high hygroscopicity, they are not recommended to be used in the thaw, and after riding it is necessary to dry thoroughly;

2. Plastic and similar polymeric materials - durable, reliable and high-quality material, widely used in the manufacture of skis. Plastic is free from all those flaws that are characteristic of wood. He has one minus - when skating in frost, plastic skis tend to roll back;

How to choose ski mounts?

Mounting model NNN (New Nordic Norm)

The most common design, easy to use and unpretentious in the care. Provides for the presence of special guides along the mount, as well as a soft rubber insert in the nose, which rests on the boot during acceleration. The mounting bracket in this scheme is shifted back for maximum convenience when performing the skating technique of movement;

Virtues

• Most common;

• Fixation is carried out both in manual and in automatic mode;

• Large selection of models of shoes that support this mount;

• Simplicity of design;

disadvantages

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

NIS (Nordic Integrated System) mounting system

Unified mounting algorithm developed in 2005. It is widely used by leading manufacturers of ski and ski equipment. In constructive terms, fully compatible with the equipment for the construction of NNN. They are distinguished by their compact size due to a mounting platform fixed on the ski.

Virtues

• Small dimensions;

• Compatibility with equipment NNN;

• Simplicity and ease of installation;

• The ability to move along the longitudinal axis of the ski;

disadvantages

• High price;

• Also subject to freezing;

SNS mounting system (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 rubber stop that has adjustable stiffness, thanks to which it is possible to change the driving technique if necessary.

Virtues

• Functionality;

• The equipment of this standard is produced by most well-known manufacturers;

• Convenience of operation;

• Easy installation;

disadvantages

• Not compatible with other types of attachment;

• It is difficult to find suitable shoes due to the low prevalence and high cost;

• Requires special equipment;

Mounting system Nordic Norm 75

The oldest, time-tested design, familiar to many skiers from the time of the Soviet Union. Modern counterparts 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 by a special metal thrust bearing of variable length.

Virtues

• Cheapness;

• Perfect for children and teenagers;

• Suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers;

disadvantages

• Popularity is fading;

• Differences between left and right fasteners;

• A large number of counterfeit goods and fakes;

How to choose ski boots?

In order for skiing to bring exclusively 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. Fully fit the size of the legs;

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. Differs in a low shin and a soft sole, it is made of plastic material. Fixation on the leg occurs with a zipper or lace;

2. Sports boots for aggressive riding. Tall and tough, equipped with a hard sole and reliably secure the rider's ankle.

3. The combined option, popular among advanced lovers of skiing. Shoes of this design are high and rigidly fix the joint, but the material used in their manufacture is much softer than their sporty counterparts.

Characteristics that you need to pay attention to when choosing shoes for skis

1. The size. Measured by the length and width of the inner boot, which fixes the rider's foot. It is necessary to choose an option that securely fixes the foot and allows you to avoid its free movement, but at the same time will not compress on both sides, as well as squeeze in your fingers with active movement. The best choice of shoes - fitting, performed on the sock, which will be used when skiing;

2. Rigidity. As noted above, the choice of shoes in terms of hardness occurs based on the experience of the rider and his riding technique. Soft shoes are suitable for beginners and freeride lovers, tough - for professional athletes who actively use the jogging technique;

3. Boot weight. The traditional rule “the less weight - the more convenient it is to manage the skis” is typical both for amateurs and professionals. However, it must be remembered that too lightweight shoes may have insufficient strength, which is fraught with the imminent failure of them;

4. Type of mounting mounted. According to this parameter, it is necessary to select those boots, the design of the fastening assembly of which will correspond to the mount mounted on skis;

5. Form factor and design of the inner boot. An important element that directly affects comfort. Preference should be given to the boot, which has an anatomical shape, completely repeating the contours of the rider's leg;

Choosing a cross-country skiing

The category of cross-country 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 15–20 centimeters in height, and if a person’s weight is greater than 100 kilograms, by 20–25 centimeters.Stiffness is better to prefer medium, thus providing a balance between ease of use and speed. The surface of the skis is flat, devoid of cuts. Despite the tendency to roll back, such skis are suitable for use, both in frost and thaw, as well as on snow covered with a crust of ice;

Choosing skis for skating stroke

Skating skating have a length exceeding the height of the rider by 7-10 centimeters, as well as a narrow nose and a wide heel. In the waist, the width of the skis for skating is almost never more than 70-72 mm. The smooth surface of the lower part of the ski is obligatory; in this way, a good run is ensured in any mode of operation. An important role is played by the correct selection of ski boots — hard boots with a high ankle, which firmly hold the leg during skiing, are preferable for skating equipment.

In the following articles, our experts tell how to choose skiing and secrets selection of children's skis.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.