Instructions
Classic skis are made of wood and plastic, expensive and not so much. But the main criterion for selection is their rigidity. Usually, manufacturers denote this indicator by associating it with the weight of the athlete: the heavier the owner of the skis, the harder they are. But sometimes you have to determine this parameter yourself. To do this, lay the skis on a flat surface (floor) and then stand on them. There should be a small distance between the floor and the holding side of the skis for a sheet of paper to pass through. If there is no gap, the steam is too soft for you. If it's too big, consider if you have enough skill to hold onto these skis.
Hard skis are suitable for those with a high level of skill in this sport. After all, only professionals will be able to move for a long time on such a pair, where there is no coupling of the holding zone with the snow cover. If you're a beginner, opt for softer skis that are easier to balance. Yes, and the ointment on such holds on tightly.
The required rigidity depends not only on the weight of the skier and his skill. So, if you are going to ride in cold weather, it is better to opt for a soft and elastic pair. The fact is that in cold weather it is not necessary to apply a lot of ointment. And with positive indicators or a very light frost, a thick layer is needed. Therefore, the skis must be stiff so that the difference in the thickness of the lubricant is compensated for by a small deflection.
Another important criterion when choosing skis is their length. According to the established standards for the classic ones, it should be 25-30 cm higher than the height of the skier himself. When choosing a pair, stand it upright, stand next to it and extend your hand up. The edges of the skis should go down to the middle of your palm, but if you are a beginner you might want to take the shorter skis as they are easier to handle and therefore much easier to learn to ride. When you master the basics of the classic move, move to a longer pair to make it easier to slide.
When choosing cross-country skis, first of all, you need to focus on the intended skiing style. If you have firmly decided that you will run "classic", the following rules will help you in the selection of skis and ammunition.
Instructions
Start collecting your ski kit by purchasing boots. More precisely, with the selection of special socks in which you will ride. Try on boots with these socks, because ski boots should fit perfectly and be absolutely comfortable. Boots for the "classic" should be soft enough and low, not impede the movement of the leg above the ankle. The toe of such boots should bend easily, forming an angle of 90 degrees. Having chosen boots, proceed to the selection of bindings. Choose SNS or NNN bindings depending on which system your ski shoe is designed for.
When choosing your own ski poles, be guided by the parameters of your height and weight. The length of the skis should exceed your height by 20-30 cm (ideally 25). However, if your weight exceeds the norm (height minus 100), add a few more centimeters to this length. The ends of the skis should be more elongated and sharpened than those of skis intended for running. Sticks for "classic" should reach the armpits (as opposed to sticks for "skate", which should be just above the shoulder). On average, their length will be less than your height by 30 centimeters. People with higher weight are advised to choose stiffer and stronger poles.
In order to choose cross-country skis, first you need to decide on the types of cross-country skis. If you have not yet decided on this, then read on, I hope after my explanations, it will become clearer to you which type of cross-country skiing you have decided to choose. Be sure to read the entire article, then, to consolidate the material - watch the video at the end of the article.
All cross-country skis are divided into several types by their nature and surface of movement, they are intended mainly for movement on the plain by using the forces of the skier, let's look at what types of skis there are:
- There are skis for classic running
- There are skis for skating
- There are skis that combine all the characteristics at once (combined)
Skating skis
Skating skis are designed for running on a flat and well-groomed track without a ski track, this type of skiing resembles speed skating, with this style of skiing, the whole body works very well in the combination of legs and arms.
These skis are generally shorter than conventional cross-country skis, reaching a maximum length of 190 centimeters. The design of such a ski is very rigid, especially in the middle of the base, when starting and the pressure of the foot on the ski, the base does not bend and does not reach the snow, this gives a good push at the start.
Classic cross-country skiing
Designed for groomed trails, on cross-country skiing you need to get under way with both feet at the same time, pushing off with sticks. The length of cross-country skis, compared to skating skis, reaches up to 207 centimeters. According to their characteristics, such skis are softer, have a pointed toe. On the reverse side they have serifs or are smeared with ointments for adhesion to snow.
Combo skis
As I said, these skis combine all the characteristics of the previous types. They have a maximum length of 200 centimeters, which makes them suitable for both skating and cross-country skiing.
It is also worth mentioning about a rare type of ski called Backcountry. When choosing such cross-country skis, it is worth knowing that they are designed for extreme running and walking. Such skis are used in mountainous areas that are not passable.
As a rule, in Backcountry skis, the entire support is reinforced with a metal edging, if you cut such a ski, then you will see a multi-layered variety of materials, this type of cross-country ski is very expensive and they are rarely sold.
If you have already decided on the types, then move on to the choice of cross-country skis. To choose cross-country skis, you should take into account your weight and height. For a beginner, it is worth noting only one thing, if your weight is much more than the normal weight, then you should choose longer skis, if your weight is less than normal and you are thin, then you need to choose cross-country skis a little shorter.
This method is for beginners who do not want to fool their heads with a choice, but now we will consider ways of choosing cross-country skis for advanced athletes.
- Skating skis in length should be chosen 15 centimeters longer than the height of the athlete.
- Classic skis should be chosen 20-30 centimeters longer than the height of the athlete.
- We choose combined skis 15 - 20 centimeters longer than the height of the athlete.
Cross-country ski selection by weight
Now let's look at the choice of cross-country skis by weight, on the Internet there are many clever ways to check the weight of cross-country skis that you can break your head and lose interest in skiing, so I propose the usual way to determine the stiffness of a ski by weight.
For skating skis, the gap between the floor and the ski should be about 1 millimeter when you stand evenly on both skis, and a piece of plain paper under the heel should “walk” 30-40 centimeters under your foot.
If you transfer all the weight to one ski, then the distance from the ski to the floor should be halved and the piece of paper should already walk under your foot by a maximum of 20-30 centimeters. If everything is as I said, your weight is proportional to the selected cross-country skis,
For classic skis, the distance from the floor to the skis is 0.5 millimeters and a piece of paper under the foot must walk in different directions by 10-15 centimeters, this type of ski, as we already know, is softer, therefore the distance is very small.
As for the selection of cross-country skis of the combined type, then adhere to the selection rules for classic cross-country skiing.
Cross-country ski selection table by height and length
| Skier height | Classic skis | Universal skis | Skis for skating | Sticks for the classic move | Skating sticks |
| 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 |
Well, that's all, you know how to choose cross-country skis, if you decided for yourself, then I already talked about this in detail, be sure to read it before buying. I wish you an excellent choice, smooth tracks and good weather conducive to active rest.
Where to buy cross-country skis and equipment at low prices?
Where to buy cross-country skis at low prices? I recently bought myself a running pair for 4400 rubles, to be honest, I am happy as an elephant with this store. If you really decided to get yourself a ticket to a healthy lifestyle, then I advise you to look into “ shop "Planet Sport", Here you will find not only a huge selection of skis, but also the equipment you need.
Do not forget to look into Sportmaster shop, there are a lot of useful things you can buy inexpensively >>
Do not forget to subscribe to the latest fascinating materials about tourism and travel from the site.
Cross-country skiing is divided into racing, recreational and tourist skiing. As a rule, the purpose is indicated on the product card.
- Racing (marked Racing and Racing PRO). Such skis are designed for athletes and amateurs who want to develop speed indicators. This is an option for specially prepared tracks.
- Amateur or walking (Active, Fitness). This is an option for those who sometimes choose to ride in the park, do it for fun and do not strive for records. Skis are slightly wider than racing skis; expensive materials and technologies are rarely used in their production.
- Tourist (Back Country). These are skis for hunters, tourists and fishermen, people who need to move around, without a piste or ski track. Such skis are much wider than walking skis in order to support the weight of a person on loose snow.
Skis
Classic skis (designation Classic or Cl) are longer than skate skis, have a sharp toe and a soft last. There may be notches under the last (designation TR) to prevent slipping during push-off. On the left - a ski with notches, on the right - without.
andrewskurka.com If the ski has no notches (WAX designation), a special ointment provides an anti-slip effect. However, for beginners it will be quite difficult to apply it correctly, so a notched ski is the best option.
To choose the size of classic skis, add 20 cm to your height or simply raise your hand: the lowered palm of your outstretched hand should touch the top of the ski.
It is also worth paying attention to the stiffness of the skis. First, determine the center of gravity: place the ski on your hand so that both ends are in balance. Then fold the skis with the sliding side towards each other and squeeze with one hand 3 cm below the center of balance found. There will be a distance of 1–1.5 mm between skis of suitable stiffness.
What to buy
Boots
Boots for classic skis are low and soft, without special inserts that fix the leg.
You shouldn't buy shoes back to back. If the thumb rests on the toe of the boot, the foot will quickly freeze. It is better to take boots half a size larger.
What to buy
Sticks
When choosing poles for classic skiing, pay attention to their length. With short ones, it will be inconvenient for you to walk on flat terrain, with long ones - climbing the slopes. Choose sticks according to your height: the lanyard exit (the place where the strap is attached to the stick) should be at the level of your shoulder.
Poles are made from aluminum, fiberglass, and carbon fiber. Aluminum can bend under load. So if you weigh a lot, opt for glass and carbon fiber. The latter provides the greatest rigidity and lightness of the poles. These sticks are used by professional athletes.
marax.ru Also pay attention to the material of the handle. Sticks with a cork handle are well suited for walking in cold weather: cork does not cool your hand, unlike plastic.
Skis
Skate skis (Skate or Sk designations) are shorter and have a smoother last, since with such a course the notches only get in the way, clinging to the snow and slowing down.
To find the ideal length for skating skis, add 5-10 cm to your height.
It is also worth checking the stiffness of the skis. The gap between skis compressed with one hand should be 1.5–2 mm.
What to buy
Boots
To prevent injury and excessive stress on the foot during skating, additional fixation is needed. Therefore, skate boots are taller and stiffer than classic ones and are supplemented with a special plastic cuff.
What to buy
Sticks
Skating sticks are longer than classic ones. The lanyard should be at the level of the skier's chin or lips.
How to choose versatile skis, boots and poles
If you plan to master both classic and skating, you can purchase versatile equipment.
Skis
Universal skis (Combi designation) are longer than skate skis, but shorter than classic skis. Add 15 cm to your height to determine the length you want.
Regarding notches, some versatile skis have a replaceable center: if you want to ski in a classic style, use notches; if in a ridge, remove the notched nozzle.
What to buy
Boots
Boots for general-purpose skis are almost indistinguishable from classic ones. They are just as soft and flexible, but have a plastic cuff that supports the ankle.
What to buy
Sticks
For universal skis, poles for both classic and skating are suitable.
What are the mounts
Three types of mounts are now common: the outdated NN 75, NNN (with or without NIS platform) and SNS.
sprint5.ru Surely many people remember this mount from childhood. This is a common metal brace that fixes the leg, but it does it pretty badly.
With NN 75 it is almost impossible to skate. In addition, good boots are not produced for this mount. The only advantage is the low price.
What to buy
NNN (New Nordic Norm)
Automatic mount NNN / spine.ru This mount consists of two rails (flexors) spaced at some distance
from each other, and the rubber stop.
There are two options for such mounts: automatic and mechanical. The automatic NNN fastening snaps into place by simply pressing the bracket with the boot. In the case of a mechanical one, you will have to open the lid with your hands, and after installing the boot, close it.
Mechanical fasteners NNN / manaraga.ru However, the mechanical fastening is more reliable: it cannot accidentally unfasten, for example, during a fall. In addition, if you plan to ski in warm weather, water trapped in the auto mount can freeze and block it tightly.
Also, fasteners differ in the degree of rigidity. If the NNN rubber stop is white, the mount is designed for hard riding, if it is green, for softer riding. Black stops are suitable for standard riding, and red ones for soft riding.
If you prefer skating, choose bindings with white or green rubber bands. If classic - with black or red.
To mount the NNN on skis, you need to find the center of gravity and drill a hole for the bindings. However, there is an easier and more convenient installation method: dedicated NIS platforms.
Mount NNN NIS / dostupny-sport.ru The Nordic Integrated System (NIS) was developed in 2005 for NNN mounts. Skis adapted for NIS are equipped with a special plate on which the bindings are mounted. The skis do not need to be drilled, it is enough to wind the mount along the guide plates and click into place.
The mount is easy to install and remove, eliminates the search for the center of gravity of the ski and can be used with different pairs of skis.
What to buy
This is a mount with one wide rail and two brackets. SNS mounts are also divided into automatic and mechanical.
shamov-russia.ru Unlike NNN, SNS only has three levels of hardness. They are marked with a numerical value and color. For the classic move, you should choose mounts with flexor stiffness 85 (yellow), for ridge - 115 (red), and for universal use - 95 (pink).
When it comes to comfort, stability and lateral stability, there is little difference between SNS and NNN mounts.
Most cross-country ski boots are designed for a specific type of binding. Therefore, first choose boots that fit perfectly on your feet, and only then the bindings that fit them.
Due to NIS, NNN mounts are more convenient to install, but SNS are more stable: due to the NNN platform, they turn out to be higher than SNS screwed on. On the other hand, a higher position increases the thrust force. In general, both bindings are used by both amateurs and professional athletes.
What to buy
What materials to choose
Skis made from solid logs or glued layers of wood are a thing of the past. In modern models, wood is also used, but, as a rule, the core consists of it, and the sliding surface is made of plastic.
If you are used to skiing with a sliding wooden surface, the plastic can feel uncomfortable due to the recoil. Plastic is more slippery and, unlike wood, does not "ruffle" when rubbed against snow.
However, with proper lubrication of plastic skis, recoil can be avoided. As for the advantages, plastic skis are more durable and, unlike wooden skis, allow you to ski in freezing temperatures.
According to the manufacturing method, skis are divided into Sandwich and Cap. The former are several glued layers of plastic and wood, the latter are a wooden core with a monolithic plastic cover.
For cheaper skis, the core is made of wood with air channels. In professional and more expensive ones, it is a wooden honeycomb or is made on the basis of acrylic foam with a carbon and fiberglass mesh, light polyurethane foam with carbon and fiberglass inserts (Polycell technology), Densolite foam or other light synthetic materials.
The sliding surface is made from different types of plastic. For cheaper options, extruded plastic is used, for more expensive options, high-molecular-weight universal plastic.
Many new technologies and materials are now being used that keep the ski lightweight and at the same time durable. However, all this affects the price.
Therefore, if you are a beginner, it is worth trying a regular ski with a wood or Densolite foam core and an extruded or high molecular weight plastic sliding surface. The price of such skis depends on the specific brand and ranges from 2,000 to 8,000 rubles.
What brands to look for
Among the well-known Russian manufacturers is the STC factory. She makes both racing and recreational Sable skis and fiberglass ski poles.
Professional models - with a honeycomb core and sliding surface PTEX 2000 (carbon fiber), and amateur models - with a wooden core and plastic cover. Skis are made using Cap technology and are sold at very affordable prices.
Among foreign brands (whose products are often manufactured in Russian factories, including STC), the Austrian manufacturer of skis and equipment Fischer is quite popular.
Fischer manufactures professional and recreational skis for men, women and children, using combined materials such as a wooden core with Air Tec Basalight. Fischer skis can be purchased at a price of 5,000 rubles.
No less famous is the French ski brand Rossignol, which is produced in Spain and Ukraine. The cheapest amateur skis with a core made of light wood and a sliding surface made of plastic can be bought for 5,500-6,000 rubles. Almost all skis of this brand are equipped with the NIS platform.
The third brand from the rating is the Norwegian company Madshus. The recreational skis of this brand are made using Cap technology with a wood core with channels, glass and carbon fiber braiding and a sliding surface made of plastic. The cost of the cheapest skis of this brand is 3,000-5,000 rubles.
Around the same price range, the cheapest amateur skis of the Austrian brand Atomic and the French company Salomon. The cheaper Salomon models have a dry Densolite foam core and a graphite-added sliding surface, while the more expensive professional ones have honeycomb cores and a zeolite-added sliding surface.
Each brand develops its own technologies: lighter cores, the addition of various minerals to improve glide, changing the geometry of the skis. Therefore, it is best to focus on the purpose of the skis (for which course, walking or sports) and the availability of a suitable length and stiffness for you.
The choice of cross-country skis is very important and difficult. Sometimes the safety of the athlete, the convenience and success of skiing depend on a quality choice. If a person pays minimal attention to the selection of skis and bindings, he may immediately face injuries, and movement on the slopes will be difficult. That is why it is necessary to carefully study the issue, highlighting the main criteria by which the choice usually takes place.
Cross-country ski types and materials
To begin with, a person needs to decide on type of cross-country skiing used on slopes of varying difficulty.So what types of skis can you name?
- skis for skating;
- skis for the classic course;
- combined models.
If a person needs cross-country skiing for skating, then their size should be taken into account immediately. The maximum length of such a model is 190-192 centimeters. The toe of such models is usually blunt, and their distinctive feature lies in the fact that the middle part should not completely touch the snow, there must remain a gap of 2-3 millimeters.
Models for classic move have a maximum length of 205-207 centimeters. Compared to skate models, these skis have less rigidity and are slightly easier to handle.
Since it is sometimes difficult for athletes to make a choice in favor of a particular model, now they are popular combined types of skis... The maximum length of such models from some manufacturers reaches 200 centimeters, and in appearance they are more reminiscent of classic skis.
Also models may differ by the level of preparedness of the athlete... For example, there are models for professional athletes, for beginner skiers and for people with an average level of athletic training. The only difference between skis for beginner athletes is their large width (on average 47-59 millimeters) and a decent weight. If speak about materials, now plastic models are becoming more and more popular. They are easy to use, practical and reliable in terms of use. Wooden models also continue to appear on the market, but they are noticeably losing ground. Almost all professionals and mid-range experts have long since switched to high-quality plastic skis.
How to find the length of cross-country skis and poles
When choosing cross-country skis, it is very important to consider the length and size of the poles. TO How to choose the length of your cross-country skis?
The easiest way to find out the ideal ski length for yourself - measure your height from the heel to the tip of your outstretched arm. From this number, you need to subtract 10, and the person will receive the required length of skis.
Of course size of poles for cross-country skiing plays a huge role, because thanks to them you can develop tremendous speeds on the track and learn how to brake. For classic skis, you need to pick up poles that do not exceed shoulder height in length. Long poles should be used for skating. The loop on them should be comfortable so that a person can easily remove and put on the poles themselves on the track.
Cross-country ski and pole selection table:
How to adjust the stiffness of cross-country skis
Another important characteristic that should not be forgotten when choosing skis is rigidity... If you put the skis on a flat surface, you can see that in the middle they do not reach the ground, sagging by 1-2 centimeters. The longer the skis, the more the models sag, and the better such skis are suitable for tall and stout people. Therefore, people of average build should choose skis with medium stiffness, and thin athletes with minimal stiffness.
It is great if, after fixing the skis on your feet, special test... An assistant can hold a sheet of paper under the skis, and if they are selected correctly, the sheet will move freely, and the gap between the ground and the skis will be 1-2 millimeters.
Features of the choice of boots
Choosing skis is not easy, but without good boots and bindings, you cannot guarantee successful skiing on the slopes. That is why it is worth knowing what shoes to choose for certain cross-country skis. For skating style it is necessary to choose high boots with a special rigid cuff. It is this cuff that will prevent the development of injuries while rolling and securely fix the leg in one position.
For riding in a classic style low models with the most soft soles are suitable.
Versatile models include a removable cuff and midsole with a medium level of firmness.
Models also differ from the experience of the athlete... If you need boots for a professional athlete, then you need to pay attention to the most modern models made of the most durable materials with a minimum number of leather inserts.
How to choose mounts
What are the fasteners, and how do they differ?
- Front mounts NN 75, which are now considered obsolete and practically not used.
- Rail mount with system NNN, which are used for skating.
- Mountings SNS used for traditional skiing.
By choosing the right bindings, boots and skis, a person guarantees himself successful skiing by 50%. Everything else will directly depend on his personal skills on the track.
Selection of children's cross-country skis, boots and bindings
When it comes to the selection of sports equipment for baby, then it is important to consider all the little things. So, for example, it is better for babies under 7 years old to choose the shortest skis possible, otherwise their movements will be very difficult. Also, children under 5 years old do not need sticks, because without them they will master the technique of walking and slow driving much better. As soon as the baby turns 7, you need to start skiing select by height. 10-15 centimeters should be subtracted from the child's height, this indicator will be considered the optimal ski length.
Parents often choose to grow up ski boots and make a huge mistake. In such models, which are too large for the child, the leg will not be securely fastened, and the child may be injured. Better pick up your shoes strictly in size completely suitable for the child.
Pay special attention to mount type... For the smallest athletes, soft attachments are used, consisting of straps and ties that can be used with any shoe. For children from five to seven years old, semi-rigid mounts are used, which are also used with any boots. But from the age of 7, you can start purchasing bindings with ski boots.
How to choose the right cross-country skis - video
Now let's watch a video that will more clearly explain to you how to choose the right cross-country skis, so as not to be mistaken.
It would seem that the answer lies on the surface - to contact a consultant in the store. However, it is far from a fact that in the pursuit of profit, you will not be sold expensive and, of course, high-quality skis, which will be so fast and uncontrollable that a ticket to the emergency room after a winter vacation is guaranteed.
How to avoid falling prey to marketing pitfalls? How to choose the right skis? What parameters should you pay attention to first? Our article will answer all questions.
The main types of skis
If a person only skis on short winter weekends, it is quite difficult to navigate and choose the right sports equipment among the huge assortment. Therefore, you need to know what types of skis exist and understand what kind of skiing and skill level they are intended for.
All skis can be conditionally divided into several categories. Let's consider them in more detail.
Depending on the skill level, skis are divided into the following types:
- Professional;
- Amateur;
- Tourist;
- For children and adolescents.
Depending on the riding style:
- Mountain;
- Cross-country.
The last two categories of skis have a broader classification, since they are suitable for different disciplines. Therefore, which skis are better - mountain or cross-country - we will determine with the help of a comparative review.
Alpine skiing has the following classification:
- Ski cross skis. Designed for professionals and extreme driving enthusiasts. They are agile but unstable. The athlete must be able not only to stand well on skis, but also to react quickly to changes in the environment. These skis are made from the most durable material.
- Carving skis. Maneuverable, easy to operate. Slightly tapered at the center. Allows the skier to easily enter turns. Requires special riding skills.
- Fan-carving skis. Designed for experienced skiers who like to ski without sticks. The speed of such skis is small. They are manageable, since there is an elevating plate between the boot and the ski itself.
- Freestyle skis. Suitable for snowboarding enthusiasts. These skis have a curved toe and heel. This shape allows the skier not to fall, but to move on if he landed with his back to the track.
- Skis for a ski tour. Stable, non-slip, well controlled. Designed for areas where there is no lift. Riding on such skis is as safe as possible if the athlete has skiing skills on level B tracks.
- Freestyle backcountry skis. itwide enough skis, which are designed for riding on snowy and uncleared terrain. The handling of such skis is as high as possible. They are stable and sturdy.
- Skis for freeriding or with a thin waist. The width of these skis is 80 mm. Suitable only for professionals, as they are very high-speed, poorly controlled and require special skills in driving on the track.
- Wide skis. They have a wide midsection, nose and heel. Designed for skiing during the thaw. They do not sink in the snow, they are maneuverable.
Based on the above classifications, we can conclude that alpine skiing is aimed at professional athletes or for those amateurs who have already mastered the basics of skiing on entry-level tracks.
Cross-country skiing is divided into only two groups:
- For a classic move. These are long skis with a smooth surface, which are covered with a special protective layer. This layer prevents the track from slipping backwards.
- For skating. Short skis that have a slight elevation in the center. This design contributes to the stability of the athlete when climbing a mountain.This type of ski is suitable for hikers who like winter walks in the woods or mountain slopes. They require basic riding skills.
Also, a separate category is hunting skis, which are divided into kamus and golitsy. These products are designed for driving in forest areas where there are no cleared trails and there is a possibility of falling through the snow. They are stable, not too fast and manageable. Not suitable for classic mountain skiing.
Key characteristics of skis
The physical parameters of the skis determine how they behave while riding. Therefore, if you do not know which skis to choose - fast or more obedient - it is worth familiarizing yourself with the parameters that affect the speed of movement:
- Ski length. This is the main characteristic that affects the speed of the skier on the track. Therefore, it is worth remembering that the higher and heavier a person is, the longer they need skis. Long skis do not sink in the snow, they run fast and are more aggressive. The shorter the skis, the more obedient and easier they are to control.
- Rigidity. This is a criterion that indicates the degree of flexibility of the ski. Each equipment manufacturer has different stiffness values. And the higher this indicator, the more aggressive the skis behave. Soft skis enter the turn more smoothly, but only if the person's weight is not too heavy. Stiff skis enter the turn more sharply, but the degree of their stability is higher. For beginners, it is not recommended to buy skis with a high degree of stiffness. Such skis will run badly and constantly "throw" the athlete a little forward.
- Turning radius. Often on skis, you can find numerical markings (from 10 to 20 m), which indicate the speed of the ski turn. The smaller it is, the faster the pair of skis will turn. For beginner skiers, it is worth choosing equipment with an indicator of 14-16 meters. For teenagers, skis with a turning radius of up to 20 m are taken. Professionals can choose the most agile pair.
- Gear geometry. A characteristic such as the shape of the ski is often misleading even for experienced athletes. Therefore, many novice skiers often wonder how to choose skis in shape. Skis with a wide toe are more stable, easy to turn. Products with a narrow toe make it easier to change edges. A narrow heel is forgiving of mistakes, a wide heel requires skill. The mid or waist of the ski affects flotation. For beginners skiers should choose a waist from 68 to 75 mm, professionals - up to 70 mm.
How to choose skis taking into account the weight and height of the athlete?
Each manufacturer of winter sports equipment has its own table of the ratio of ski length to weight and height of a person. You can learn how to select skis and poles from the universal table.
| Human height (cm) | Classic ski length (cm) | Walking ski length (cm) | Skating ski length (cm) |
| 150 | 170-180 | 165-170 | 165 |
| 155 | 175-185 | 170-175 | 170 |
| 160 | 180-190 | 175-185 | 175 |
| 165 | 185-190 | 180-185 | 180 |
| 170 | 190-195 | 185-190 | 185 |
| 175 | 195-200 | 190-195 | 185 |
| 180 | 195-200 | 195-200 | 190 |
| 185 | 200-205 | 200-205 | 190-195 |
| 190 | 205-210 | 205-210 | 195-200 |
| 195 | 205-210 | 205-210 | 200-205 |
It is worth noting that it is worth adding 5 cm to the length of the classic skis. For skating skis, it is recommended to add 10 cm. The skis for walking should be 15 cm longer than indicated in the table.
| Skier height (cm) | The length of the sticks for the classic move (cm) | Poles length for skating (cm) |
| 150 | 120-125 | 130-135 |
| 155 | 125-130 | 135-140 |
| 160 | 130-135 | 140-145 |
| 165 | 135-140 | 145-150 |
| 170 | 140-145 | 150-155 |
| 175 | 145-150 | 155-160 |
| 180 | 150-155 | 160-165 |
| 185 | 155-160 | 165-170 |
| 190 | 160-165 | 170-175 |
| 195 | 165 | 175 |
When choosing ski poles for classic skiing, it is worth considering the fact that their length should be 25 cm less than the height of the athlete, and the length of skating style poles should be 20 cm less.
Children's skis are selected not only taking into account the weight and height of the baby, but also the age. The detailed parameter table is as follows:
| Age (years) | Height (cm) | Weight, kg) | Ski length (cm) |
| 3-4 | 94-102 | 14-16 | 70-90 |
| 5 | 110 | 18 | 90-100 |
| 6 | 115 | 21 | 95-105 |
| 7 | 120 | 23 | 100-110 |
| 8 | 130 | 26 | 110-120 |
| 9 | 135 | 29 | 115-125 |
| 10 | 140 | 32 | 120-130 |
| 11 | 150 | 36 | 130-140 |
| 12 | 155 | 41 | 135-145 |
| 13 | 160 | 46 | 140-150 |
| 14 | 170 | 51 | 150-160 |
However, in addition to the length of the skis, it is worth considering an indicator such as width. For toddlers between the ages of 3 and 6, it is recommended to buy wide, round toe skis. They are more resilient and manageable.
At school age, the child already acquires the skills of caution. Therefore, skis for schoolchildren are a little narrower - about 5-7 cm.
They buy skis for teenagers, taking into account the skiing style. Therefore, if a student loves a faster ride and can handle the controls, the width of the skis can be less than 5 cm.If a teenager is not confident in his abilities, he is skiing for the first time, then the width of the skis should be up to 10 cm.
When choosing skis for extreme skiing, you should consider the following recommendations:
- Freeride skis must be 15 cm taller than the person.
- The length of the skis for breaking is calculated using the formula: the height of the skier minus 15-20 cm.
- The formula for determining the length of skis for a ski tour is as follows: a person's height is minus 15 cm.If a person is dense, then 10 cm is added to the height.
- Length of freestyle or universal skis: athlete's height minus 15 cm.
Therefore, if you still do not know how to choose skis, the datasheet will help you solve this problem and purchase the right equipment.
What material is the best ski?
Finding out how to choose the right skis is impossible without an overview of the materials from which they are made. All alpine skis are divided into wood and plastic by the type of material.
- Wooden ones are made from birch, ash, beech, pine and elm. It is these types of wood that are suitable for the production of skis. Wooden ones are cheaper than plastic ones.
- Plastic are produced using two technologies: cap and sandwich. The first technology involves the use of a foam core and a plastic cover. The sandwich technology is based on the use of a wooden base and a plastic coating.
The choice of wooden or plastic skis is everyone's business. However, it is worth considering some nuances that will help you not to be mistaken with the choice of material.
- Wooden skis are subject to deformation under the influence of moisture. They cannot be used during the thaw. In severe frosts, they do not slide back like plastic ones. Wooden skis are stable, docile and suitable for both beginners and professionals.
- Plastic skis are more flexible, less likely to break, and not subject to deformation. They are faster and more agile. The only drawback is that they go back in severe frost.
A recommendation for athletes who used to ride wooden skis.If you decide to buy plastic skis, take your time. Rent equipment. After wooden skis, plastic skis will seem naughty. Therefore, in order not to regret the purchase later, make sure that plastic products are suitable for you.
How to choose skis for a beginner athlete? To begin with, it is worth finding out whether you will be riding on a cleared track or on snow-capped mountains. For classic slopes, skis without a notch, that is, smooth, are quite suitable. However, special mixtures must be applied to them, without which the skis will not slide normally. If you want to conquer a snowy peak, then notched skis are best. They do not need to be lubricated and are more stable on snow. However, it should be borne in mind that notches in warm weather can play a cruel joke. Snow will stick to them and the ski will simply stop sliding.
It is also worth paying attention to the level of stiffness. You need to lean the ski with the smooth side against the other ski and see how much it bends under the influence of force. The gap between the skis should be no more than 1 cm. If it is not possible to compress the skis, then it is better to take softer products. It is not recommended for beginners to take skis of a high level of stiffness.
TOP 10 best ski manufacturers
There are a lot of ski manufacturers. Therefore, when buying winter sports equipment, beginners and even experienced athletes are faced with a choice problem. But if you single out the TOP-10 of the best ski manufacturers, the circle of “candidates” for purchase will be significantly reduced.
According to Snow magazine, the top ten ski manufacturers are as follows:
- Fischer;
- Rossignol;
- Head;
- Atomic;
- Blizzard;
- Salomon;
- Volki;
- Elan;
- Nordica.
The average cost of quality racing skis is between $ 200 and $ 400. Inexpensive domestic skis from brands such as STC or Sorsu can be purchased for $ 50. Amateur models from well-known brands cost between $ 80 and $ 100.
Recommendation.If you are a beginner skier, buy locally made products. You can keep within a small budget and get quite decent quality. And when you gain experience and sports training, you yourself will understand what stiffness, width and length skis you need to choose in the future. The only exception in this case applies to weight. It is quite difficult to guess with the stiffness of Russian skis if your weight is more than 70 kg. Domestic skis are often much tougher than foreign ones.
What is the difference between domestic and foreign skis? The quality of top models of world brands is still unattainable for a Russian manufacturer. Expensive branded skis are mainly for high-end competitive skiers. They are manufactured in specialized factories, as a rule, in the countries where the manufacturer is located. The design of such skis is quite complex and is simulated on a computer. All developments are thoroughly tested by qualified athletes. Only high quality, expensive materials are used in the manufacture, often taken from the aerospace industries, where they are highly appreciated. That is why domestic skis cannot compete with foreign ones at the moment. But if you are not a professional skier, but a simple lover of winter skiing, choose domestic products - of sufficient quality, but at the same time affordable. Good luck on the track!
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