Skiing is the perfect form of winter fitness. It is more effective than running and cycling, because it allows you to evenly load all muscle groups. From this article you will find out which skis are better to buy for walking and simple training.
Skis
Pleasure skis are simpler than sports ones. They do not use complex technologies and expensive materials needed in professional racing.
For fitness, it is better to take combined skis, because you can ride in different styles and alternate types of training. When you spend 2-3 seasons on these skis, consider buying two pairs. A model with specialization will help you improve your technique.
Riding style
How to choose skis for height
Skis for classic skiing should be 20-30 cm longer than your height, for skating - 10-15 cm, universal skis - 15-20 cm. The length of the sticks is also chosen according to height. All data are given in the table.
Skiing comfort depends on the length of the skis. If you make a mistake in choosing the size, classic skis will slip, and skating skis will cling to each other.
ski poles
Aluminum poles are best suited for a beginner - they are inexpensive and strong. In addition, the weight of the poles helps to develop proper skating technique. Advanced amateurs can look at lighter fiberglass sticks.
Mounts
You can put on a ski in them without bending over.
More reliable and more expensive than automatic ones. The clasp can only be opened by hand.
There are various fastening standards - SNS, NNN, NN75 mm and universal.
Ointment
Needed to grip plastic with snow. If you choose the wrong tool, the ski will slip when pushed, or, conversely, stop sliding.
Only the ski block is covered with ointment. This is a section of the sliding surface, the length of which is considered from the heel towards the toe. For skis longer than 180 cm, a block equal to 70 - 75 cm will be optimal, for skis shorter than 180 cm - from 60 to 65 cm.
The ointment is applied in a thin layer and evenly rubbed without going beyond the pad. When skating, skis do not need to be smeared.
If you are buying skis for a walk and do not want to learn how to maintain them, choose. Thanks to the directional notches on the plastic, they provide good repulsion without lubrication. Suitable only for the classic move.
You have chosen the wrong ointment if:
- Skis begin to give back. In this case, apply an ointment for a higher temperature on top.
- Skis no longer glide well. Then smear with ointment for a lower temperature.
Before choosing a ski wax, take a look at the thermometer. The air temperature should be 3–4 °C less than the lower limit of the agent's range. For example, if it is -13°C outside, select the composition for the temperature from -10 to 0°C..
What to remember
- Before buying skis, decide how you want to ski: classic, skate, or both.
- If you are just going for a walk, buy skis with notches on the plastic. Then you don't need ointment.
- You can choose the right length of skis and sticks only by height.
- The bindings must be compatible with the boots. Outdated metal counterparts are less convenient than modern ones.
- To maintain classic skis, you need ointment, a cork and a scraper. For skiing in any weather, a beginner needs only 3 jars of ointment.
Using our tips, you will find yours and ride them until mid-spring 😊
Long snow to you!
The onset of the cold season does not mean at all that you need to hide at home under cozy bedspreads, as winter provides a lot of opportunities for outdoor activities. And it is precisely this kind of rest that should accompany your leisure time in order to keep you in good physical shape and help improve your health. Skiing is a full-fledged workout of all major muscle groups with maximum performance, and even in the fresh air. For example, you can go skiing, familiar to us from childhood. Despite the fact that in recent years more and more fans of alpine skiing have begun to appear, there are also lovers of more relaxed cross-country skiing. However, before choosing skis for skating, you need to decide what types of these products are in general.
Main varieties
Cross-country skiing according to its purpose is usually divided into two main types: for classic and skating. In the classic style of skiing, the skier moves the skis parallel to each other, and in skating, the athlete steps in the same way as skaters walk, that is, he uses the inside of the ski to push off the snow. That is why it is worth knowing how to choose skis for skating, so that when you visit an online store or a regular sports equipment store, you will be guided by your needs.
Production material
If we talk about what these products can be made of, then there are only two options - plastic and different types of wood. The former have a whole range of advantages over the latter, as they are characterized by strength, durability and the ability to develop significant speeds. They do not delaminate, which cannot be said about wooden ones, which are prone to changing their properties as a result of repeated contacts with water. However, the main advantage of wooden skis is their cost, which makes them an excellent option for beginners who are just starting to take their first hard steps in the snow.
Skating ski parameters
Knowing the basic parameters will help answer the question of how to choose skis for skating. What to choose, in the end, will depend on their rigidity and length. The selection process should be as thorough as possible, since the convenience of the skier depends on this, but the personal preferences of the athletes also play a significant role in this situation. It is important to understand that skis are intended for skating, which are shorter and more rigid compared to the classics, but here it should be remembered that hard skis are much more difficult to manage. If you answer the question of how to choose skis for skating by height, then it must be borne in mind that their length should be 10 cm more than the athlete’s height.
Subtleties of choice
Skis for skating differ from classic models in the absence of curved noses, and their height, as already mentioned, should be only 10 cm more than the skier's height. When buying this option, it is very important to choose the right stiffness. Ideally, it should be calculated as follows: skis must be installed on a flat surface, after which a person stands on them, evenly distributing their weight on both skis. Next, you need to take a probe, it can even be a sheet of paper to measure the clearance area between the floor and the ski in front and behind in relation to the boot. It should be approximately 35-40 and 10-15 cm, respectively. After the skier transfers the entire body weight to one ski, the clearance zone should become 10 cm smaller and less in the back and front, while the gap should end earlier than the heel of the boot is located.
However, not every store will allow you to do such a check, so you can use another method. If you are deciding how to choose skis for skating, then there is another option for checking them. It is required to install the skis vertically, fold them to each other with sliding surfaces, put your hands on the blocks, and then squeeze them with force. If the gap between the skis is about 3-4 mm, then they are quite suitable for you, and with a gap of 1-2 mm, we can conclude that they are too soft for you.
So, now you understand how to choose skis for skating in terms of stiffness. Now it is worth saying that it is not recommended to buy these products in a hypermarket. It would be best to go to a sports store, where you can, with the help of a consultant, choose the most suitable option for yourself. Usually, such specialists are well versed in how to choose skis for skating. Fisher is a popular brand to look out for as it produces high quality products at a reasonable price. Each manufacturer has its own line for each category of skis, with different features and prices. In this case, the choice of one or another option depends primarily on how much you are willing to spend.
ski boots
If we talk about how to choose skis for skating, then one of the important attributes in this case are ski boots. They should be rigid, high, fix the ankle. For these purposes, it is completely inappropriate to use classic boots, since they are low, and the legs in them will get tired very quickly during such skating. As a result, you will not get any pleasure. The size should correspond to the size of the foot, while there is no need to leave a margin for woolen socks. Modern boots are characterized by density, softness, and their thermal parameters are designed for use with one toe, but rather dense.
The right choice of boots is an additional answer to the question of how to choose skis for skating. Much distinguishes them from the classics, so in the store you should once discard all unsuitable options. Boots may well become the most expensive part of the “skis - bindings - boots - poles” set, but you should not save on them, because poles and skis can be changed next season, and boots will last you another 10-15 years, no less.
ski poles
There is one general principle here: the lighter the sticks, the better. The same principle applies to skis and boots. Lighter sticks are made from carbon fiber or carbon fiber, but they are quite expensive, so it is recommended to take fiberglass products. They are characterized by rigidity, lightness and relative cheapness. If we talk about how to choose skis for skating by height, then it is important to know that poles should also be selected according to height. On average, their length should be 15-20 cm less than the height of the athlete himself. But even here it is possible that the skier will select sticks according to his own criteria, because it is convenient for everyone to use them in different ways.
Ski waxing
If it has already been said about how to choose skis for skating, now it is necessary to decide on the preparation of skis for operation, and this is impossible without their lubrication. In professional circles, at least ten layers of different lubricants and accelerator powders are applied to the sliding surface using a special iron, scrapers and brushes. Skating enthusiasts do not need to resort to such tricks, but they cannot completely abandon the use of lubricant. It's all about the composition of the sliding surface of the skis, because it consists of high molecular weight polyethylene, and it begins to gradually wear out from constant contact with snow. If you do not lubricate the skis, then this surface will gradually turn into completely unsuitable for skiing, which will require you to carry the skis to a professional for the scraping operation. After every 2-3 rides, it is recommended to rub the skis with special purpose paraffin, and then rub it with a stiff brush. Manufacturers have taken care of the laziest as well, for these purposes they produce aerosols that must be used before each ride.
skating
If your decision to learn how to ski is pretty solid, then you should first decide what style of skiing you will use. In accordance with this, you also need to purchase skis. Not so long ago, people began to skate - in the eighties of the twentieth century. The ancestor of this style is considered Gunde Svan - the legendary skier from Sweden, who became the Olympic champion four times.
The peculiarity of this type of skiing is that the athlete is repelled from the track by the inside of the ski. At the same time, the route should have a large width, and also be well-packed. The advent of skating style has led to a change in the familiar look of traditional classic cross-country skiing. In addition to the fact that these are shorter skis with blunt noses, these are also products with a center of gravity shifted by 25 cm. In this case, in order to answer the question of how to choose skis for skating by weight and height, you need to understand that not only the type of snow is important here, but also your personal preferences.
If you just love Sunday skiing in the snow, then your best bet is to opt for models of medium and low hardness. Very rigid products have quite significant drawbacks - they spring and slip at the moment of push. But here it is important to understand that their rigidity is proportional to their own weight - the larger this indicator, the greater the rigidity should be. For children, only soft skis should be selected. With their help, the process of mastering skiing will be much easier. Buying skis "for growth" is the most significant mistake of parents. This is with regard to the question of how to choose skis for skating by weight.
The length is selected according to the formula already indicated earlier: height plus 10-15 cm. For sticks, the formula is a bit similar - height minus 20 cm. How to choose shoes has already been said earlier.
Mounts
Another important point that concerns the question of how to choose skis for skating. It is associated with the choice of mounts for them. For amateur skiers, experts usually recommend stopping at NORDIK 75 bindings. In general, these devices can be mechanical or automatic. The first option involves manual latching, and their reliability is quite high. Automatic bindings have a peculiarity in that they work after the boot bracket is placed in the groove. This type for amateurs will be the best choice.
Fisher skis
How to choose skis for skating "Fischer"? There is something to say here. Why do people prefer this particular brand? These are high quality skis with excellent performance. The main advantage of Fischer skating skis is their highest strength and a special hollow core, which makes the body as light as possible. In addition, many models are produced using advanced technologies, for example, in the carrier material there are special carbon fibers that take on the task of providing maximum flexibility with extreme strength. Perfect skating comfort is ensured by the use of a patented profile. Reducing the mass of skis became possible due to the use of a holey toe.
Another advantage of these products is the maximum removal of reference points. This allows the athlete to gain the maximum stability that can be required in biathlon training and competition. We continue to figure out how to choose skis for skating. Reviews of the products of this brand speak of their wide temperature range. For example, in their lineup there are representatives focused on riding on dirty snow or during a thaw. However, practice shows that they are well suited for training in cold weather, and you don’t even need to use any special lubricants. This versatility is quite captivating.
The only disadvantages of Fisher skis are their high cost, which is beyond the reach of most domestic consumers. For professional products, the price is 30 thousand rubles or more, which is quite expensive for amateurs. But the brand also presents standard modifications that have good characteristics.
conclusions
Now you understand how to choose skis for skating. Photos of these products and pictures of skiers demonstrate that this is a very important task, because they not only provide the convenience of skiing, but also the safety of the athlete. It is not necessary to immediately buy these products for yourself, you can limit yourself to renting skis. This will allow you to feel in practice which option will be most convenient for you. And if you don’t have such an opportunity, then all the indicated recommendations should be useful to you. Good luck with your choice and happy riding!
With the advent of winter, winter sports goods disappear from the shelves. Ski equipment is especially popular. Below we will consider what the length of skis should be for various types of skiing.
Rules for selecting inventory for a classic move
The first point is the correct length. There are two ways to find out which skis are the right size. The oldest and most common way is to stretch your hand up. The tip of the ski should reach the palm of your hand.
You can add 30 cm to your own height. This is another way to choose the length of skis for a classic move.
Beginners should stop at models with notches in the middle. They hold the ski and prevent it from slipping backwards. Skiing will be much easier. If you have some riding experience, then the presence of notches can interfere, since they also do not allow you to accelerate much, they slow you down.
Rules for selecting skis for skating
If another type of skating is used, then the rules for selecting equipment change. The length of skis for skating is slightly less. This is due to the fact that the heels can overlap or cling to one another, thereby interfering with the movement.
The length of skis for is determined by the following rule: your height + 10-15 cm. Beginners can purchase shorter models. The maximum size of skating skis is 200 cm. They differ from the classic ones in appearance: a blunt toe and the absence of notches on the sliding side.
Skis "combi" or recreational
There is some intermediate option for those who have not yet decided how they will skate: classic or skate. Combi skis combine the features of equipment for both types of movement. They have a reduced length (maximum 195 cm), but may have notches, and are also softer. In this case, the length of the skis is also determined by height. To choose the size of this type of ski, you need to add 15-20 cm to your height.
By the way, in many sports stores there are usually special tables where the length of skis and poles for classic or skate is already calculated.
Stick selection rules
A necessary piece of equipment is ski poles. Their length will depend on the chosen type of skiing. For the classic move, shorter sticks are used. Their value is calculated by the formula: height minus 25-30 cm. As a result, they are obtained at the level of the armpit or shoulder. Sticks used for skating are usually 10 cm longer. Their maximum height is up to the ears.
How to choose the length of skis for children
In general terms, all these rules for selecting the length of the inventory are applicable to the child. However, it should be borne in mind that children's skis are softer, since the repulsive force and weight of the baby are significantly inferior to those of adults.
You should not buy equipment “for growth”, the stock should not exceed 5 cm, because it will be difficult and uncomfortable for the child to ski in too long skis, and excessively high sticks will interfere with repulsion. In addition, the risk of injury increases significantly. As a result, the child will not receive pleasure, and his interest may disappear.
in the shop
Before going for equipment, you need to decide what kind of skis you need: skating or classic. If there are no preferences yet, then you can choose walking ones, on them, albeit with difficulty, you can master the skate. If you buy suitable ones for the last move, then it is impossible to master the classics on them, because, due to their rigidity, they will not allow you to perform a push on the track. So, the main points when choosing skis:
How to choose skis
For some reason, when choosing skis, they are guided by the height of the skier, as for cross-country skis. Some even use the same calculation formulas. However, this approach is wrong, because downhill and a walk in the forest are completely different things. And when choosing inventory, you need to take this into account.
First of all, you need to remember that alpine skiing provides downhill, so good control is necessary. As a rule, their length reaches the nose or equal to the height of the rider, and maybe even less. The growth rate is not the main thing here. First of all, you should pay attention to the type of skiing and the track.
Professional slalom skiers use 165 cm skis (the minimum size allowed). This is due to the fact that there are many sharp turns on the track, entering them is quite difficult. Good maneuverability is necessary for the successful execution of figures, which is provided by a small turning radius. And it is determined by the length of skis: the shorter they are, the smaller the radius, the more maneuverable the skis. If the rules allowed the use of shorter equipment, then the athletes would use it. The turning radius is indicated on each pair (it is indicated by the Latin letter "R"). The smaller it is, the shorter and steeper the turns can be.
On the other hand, on short skis with constant sharp turns you can’t accelerate much. Therefore, for high-speed descents in a straight line or with wide turns in the course, a longer pair will be needed.
For ski lovers and beginners, shorter skis are suitable, as they are easier to control and accelerate less. Longer models are suitable for experienced riders: they quickly develop high speed, make wider and smoother turns. They are also good for wide snowy slopes. You will have to maneuver on narrow or icy ones, which means that short ones will come in handy.
Alpine skiing is also divided into men's, women's and children's. And the difference is not just in color. The category affects the rigidity and the ability to carry a certain weight.
for a child
To properly equip a child, first of all, you need to take into account his weight and age. This will affect how long the skis should be. Also an important factor is the experience of skiing both downhill and cross-country skiing. If there is one, then the preferred method of descent must be taken into account. All this will affect the length.
Alpine skiing for children is selected based on the following correspondence tables:
- with a weight of up to 20 kg, the length of the skis is up to 80 cm;
- up to 30 kg - up to 90 cm;
- up to 40 kg - up to 100 cm;
- from 40 kg - the ski is no longer than from the floor to the nose or even the chin, if there is no skiing experience.
Otherwise, the same rules are followed as for the selection of equipment for adult riders.
Tourist skis
They are not intended for Sunday walks, but for winter hikes in places untouched by civilization. On them you can go through the virgin lands, deep snow, where there are no specially equipped tracks. They are quite rigid and wide (more than 6 cm), often have a reinforced base.
To determine what the length of the skis should be, you need to know the weight of the tourist along with the backpack: up to 80 kg - 160 cm, up to 100 kg - 190 cm, 120 kg or more - 200 cm. If the trip is light, then the skis should be equal to height or even be 5 cm shorter. Also, their socks are longer and higher than those of the running ones. This is necessary so that the skis do not bury themselves in the snow. Another difference is that in many of them the notch is applied almost to the entire length in order to ensure the most reliable grip on the snow.
Skiing is one of the most popular sports and also a favorite hobby of many people. Someone prefers extreme driving, others are not averse to calmly ride in the park. In any case, when buying modern skis, it is important to take into account not only the riding style and terrain features, but also indicators such as the height and weight of the skier. It is difficult to make a choice today, as hundreds of models are presented in sports equipment stores, both for skating and for walking. Let's try to figure out the main indicators that you need to pay attention to when choosing skis.
Selection of skis based on the height and weight of the skier
The selection of skis for height differs depending on the type of product. It is also worth considering the length and stiffness of the ski. For example, beginner athletes are advised to choose shorter models. On such products, you will be able to move around with any convenient technique, but if a beginner acquires skating skis, then he will not be able to ride them in a classic style. Therefore, consider the most popular types of skis.
Ski selection for classic skiing
Classic type skis are distinguished by their configuration, as they must always be parallel to each other when moving along the track. As a rule, such products are longer than skating ones, but the maximum value does not exceed 207 cm. In addition, they are distinguished by their softness, this is necessary so that when repulsed, the ski block touches the snow surface, in which case the products will not slip back during the push. But such skis should not be too soft either, otherwise, during sliding, the block will bend too much, deepening into the snow, as a result of which they will slow down.
When choosing the stiffness of a suitable ski model, weather conditions should be taken into account. For example, soft and elastic products are more suitable for cold winters, since in this case you do not need to apply a large layer of ointment. But for positive temperatures it is better to choose rigid models.
Professional skiers differ in their riding style, as a rule, they push off the snow surface with a powerful push, so for the “pros” hard products are suitable, on which athletes can do a long ride.
If you choose classic type skis, then their length should exceed your height by 25-30 cm. Sticks, unlike Nordic walking poles, on the contrary, it is better to choose 25-30 cm less height, although if you have excellent physical fitness and strive to increase the load, you can also purchase longer products.
To choose skis by weight, you need to check how stiff they are for your body weight. To do this, just use the flex tester. First you need to find the center of gravity of each ski and put a mark on this place with a marker. After that, you need to put the products on a flat surface and stand on them. In this case, the toes of the boots should be located on the line marked earlier. Try to relax and evenly distribute your weight on both legs. Have someone take a thin sheet of paper or a feeler gauge no thicker than 0.2 mm and pass it under one ski. In this case, the tester must move freely at a distance of 20 to 40 cm forward and backward from the marked center of gravity. If a sheet of paper or a probe does not go further than 5 cm, you need to take softer skis.
There is a similar method for determining the rigidity of products. To do this, all the weight must be transferred to one leg. Next, you also need to use paper or a probe, which should move freely 10-15 cm from the control point.
Selection of skis for skating
Skating skis are called so because during the movement the skier uses the same running technique as the skater. To do this, he pushes off the snow surface with the inside of the ski, transferring at that moment all his weight to the sliding ski and vice versa. It is worth noting that skating is more suitable for those who have well-trained arms and body.
In terms of length, this type of ski is shorter than classic skis, their maximum length is no more than 192 cm. While skating, the athlete should not come into contact with the middle part of the ski with the surface. Therefore, such models should be tougher than classic ones. And if you plan to use them only for walking, then it is better to choose products that are more elastic and soft, on which it is easier to maintain balance.
In order to decide how to choose skis for skating by height, it is enough to remember the following: such models should be 15 cm larger than the athlete’s height, and poles 15 cm smaller. Thus, the size of the skis for height will be optimal.
In order to determine the weight, on skating skis it is also necessary to determine the center of gravity, put a mark on it and stand on the products, distributing the weight. The probe or paper in this case should move freely 40 cm to the nose of the products and 10 cm from the heel of the boot to the back of the ski. If you stand on one ski, then 10 cm must be subtracted from these values.
Selection of combined skis
This type of ski can be used for both skating and classic skiing. The maximum length of the combined models is 200 cm. But to use different riding styles, it is better to choose skis no longer than 192 cm, in which case the “heels” will not touch each other during skating. The design of the Combi skis is more reminiscent of the classic models, but their length should be determined a little differently. Combination skis should be 20 cm longer than the height of the skier, and as usual, it is better to choose poles 20 cm shorter, unless you plan to train with increased loads.
The selection of skis by height and weight, the table of indicators of which is presented below, will not take much time. Most importantly, do not forget to take into account other characteristics. If we talk about mini-skis for children, then there is another story, which we will consider in more detail.
| Skier's height, cm | Length of walking (combined) skis, cm |
| 190 | 205-210 |
| 185 | 205-210 |
| 180 | 200-205 |
| 175 | 195-200 |
| 170 | 190-195 |
| 165 | 185-190 |
| 160 | 180-185 |
| 155 | 175-180 |
| 150 | 170-175 |
| 145 | 160-170 |
| 140 | 150-160 |
| 130 | 140-150 |
| 120 | 130-140 |
| 110 | 120-130 |
Selection of children's skis
When choosing sports equipment for young skiers, it is necessary first of all to assess the level of preparation of the child for such training. For children, it is better to choose products that do not develop high speed, manageable and reliable. If we talk about growth, then:
- Skis for children 3 years old should be 100 cm long, provided that the height of the baby is also 1 m. If less, then it is better to choose shorter models;
- Children's skis from 4 years old should be no more than 110 cm long, with a similar height;
- It is better to purchase children's skis from 5 years old with a length of 120 cm, while the height of the child should be about 115 cm.
The remaining indicators (for children from 6 to 11 years old) can be found in the table.
| Child's height, (cm) | Ski size, (cm) | Approximate age, years |
| 120 | 130 | 6 |
| 125 | 140 | 7 |
| 130 | 150 | 8 |
| 135 | 150/160 | 9 |
| 140 | 165 | 10 |
| 145 | 170 | 11 |
As with the choice of adult skis, purchasing products for a child must take into account its weight. The shortest skis with a length of 70 cm are ideal for children weighing up to 20 kg. Further, the division proceeds as follows:
- If the baby's weight is 20-32 kg, then choose models with a length of 90 cm;
- For children weighing 32-42 kg, products with a length of 100 cm are more suitable;
- If your child weighs more than 41 kg, then when choosing skis, you need to build on the height of the young skier (while the skis should reach the nose).
The choice of children's skis based on the height and weight of the child is very important, since only with the right ratio of these indicators will children be able to train correctly. If your child has not yet practiced winter riding, then choose skis for him that will reach his chin, that is, shorter models.
In custody
When choosing skis, also consider the manufacturer of sports equipment. Cheap analogues will have the worst grip on the snow surface, so it is better to give preference to companies that have proven themselves in this industry. Before buying, it is better to try to ride on the model you like, since everything is very individual in this matter and depends on your weight, height, fitness level and physical activity.
An amazing time of the year is summer. In summer, people want to relax after winter with its frosts, snows, long cold evenings and short daylight hours. With the onset of warm days, many go to the sea to soak up the warm rays of the gentle sun and feel the coolness of sea water. But, summer passes, again giving way to autumn and winter, which they missed by this time. After all, winter is a wonderful time. Only in winter we are given the opportunity to go skating and skiing, which are chosen very carefully so as not to spoil the mood. To do this, you need to decide on the style of riding.
A beginner skier should know what styles are:
- skating style - the skier advances like a skater along a prepared track of a sufficiently large width;
- classic - skiing.
Each style requires “their” skis, which are not interchangeable, or rather, you can’t buy skating skis if you plan to ski them on the track. From such an undertaking, nothing good will come of it, and vice versa - it is unlikely that skiing in the classical way will bring pleasure if their purpose is skating style.
If you prefer skis for the classic course, remember that models are produced without a notch and with one. Notched skis are suitable for a beginner who does not want to figure out how to apply ski wax correctly, how its choice depends on the ambient temperature and snow.
Skis without a notch are not used without holding ointment, this should not be forgotten when going to the store for skis.
The middle part of the skis, while driving on the track, bends when repulsed, therefore it comes into contact with the surface. Notches serve to prevent the ski from slipping backwards, i.e. to hold her. Forward, the ski rides unhindered - the notch does not interfere with it. But, the speed of riding in comparison with a smooth ski will be somewhat less. In addition, in difficult conditions (when there is icy snow or there is a positive temperature), the skis will slip back, because the notches cannot cope with the recoil. This disadvantage does not allow the use of notched skis in skiing, but they are suitable for children and beginner skiers.
What you need to know about lubricants
There are two types of ointments for plastic skis.- holding and sliding. The first ointment is applied to the central part of smooth skis (block), which are designed for a classic course. This ointment is available in liquid and solid form. It is selected depending on the temperature of the snow. The functions of such a lubricant are similar to those that perform notches - to prevent the skis from slipping back when pushing away, so it is not necessary to apply it to skis with a notch, unlike slip lubricant, which is applied to any type of ski.
Ski wax glide provides, as the name implies, good glide. It is applied to the back and front of the classic ski, regardless of whether the option is selected with or without a notch. For skating skis, lubricant is applied to the entire surface.
The choice of skis by stiffness
First of all, when choosing skis, you need to decide on their rigidity, which is very important for driving performance. Skis have a deflection: the greater the force required to apply in order for this part of the sliding surface of the skis to touch the snowy track, the more rigid the skis are considered. If the sliding surface under the block does not touch the floor, then you need skis of less rigidity. For skating-style skis, which are shorter than classic ones by 15-20 centimeters, but twice as stiff as them, let's allow a gap between the floor and the surface of the skis up to 1-2 mm. On individual models, the weight range of a person for which skis are designed is indicated.
For non-professionals, skis of low and medium hardness are more suitable. If skiing is planned on virgin lands where there is no skiing, then you need to choose between touring (tourist) and walking skis, which are wider than classic ones, therefore, it is easier to lay your own ski track on them.
How to choose ski poles
First of all, their length is important, which means that it is important to get information on how to correctly determine it:
- for classic skis, the length of the stick is determined by the height of the skier plus 25-30 cm;
- when choosing poles for skating, only 10-15 cm are added to the height.
What is important to know when choosing ski boots
Ski boot socks
In order not to be mistaken with the size of ski boots, you need to try them on special thermal socks. The boots for skating have a rigid sole and a rigid cuff that securely protects the ankle. But you can’t use them for classics, because the sole does not bend when repulsed. It is better to choose low boots with soft soles for classics. But they are also not recommended for skating, because they do not provide proper ankle support.
An excellent solution would be to buy combined boots that are suitable for skating and classic skating: they have a medium hard sole and a removable cuff.
If possible, give preference to boots that, in addition to lacing, have a zipper. This will prevent snow from getting inside.
What you need to know when choosing fasteners
The industry produces the following types of fasteners: SNS; NNN (new version - NIS)4 Nordic 75 (USSR standard). The last mount is practically not used, and the first two differ slightly. Therefore, the main thing is to choose the right shoes, and fixing them is not difficult.
Choice of sticks
Sticks are made of the following types:
- Made of fiberglass - the cheapest, but have low rigidity and strength. They are recommended for beginners and children.
- From aluminium. Price available. Suitable for amateurs and beginners. Suitable for heavy skiers
- From a modern durable and lightweight material - carbon fiber. They are characterized by high rigidity, but at a cost they are the most expensive.
- Composite ski poles - made of carbon fiber and fiberglass. Strength and price can vary greatly depending on the proportion of carbon included in the composite.
Recommendations for choosing sticks: it is better to buy sticks with Velcro loops. And it is not recommended to opt for small support rings (legs) that fall into the snow. Their purpose is special routes. The length of the stick is determined based on the height of the skier, using the formulas: for skating - height minus 15-20 centimeters; for the classic - growth minus 25-30 centimeters. You can also choose ski poles using the tables below.
Table: choice of ski poles for adults
| Height, cm | Length of ski poles, cm | |
| For the classic move | For skating | |
| 150 | 120 | 130 |
| 155 | 125 | 135 |
| 160 | 130 | 140 |
| 165 | 135 | 145 |
| 170 | 140 | 150 |
| 175 | 145 | 155 |
| 180 | 150 | 160 |
| 185 | 155 | 165 |
| 190 | 160 | 170 |
Table: choosing the length of ski poles for children
| Height, cm | Stick length, cm | Age, years |
| 100 | 75 | 3 |
| 110 | 80 | 4 |
| 115 | 85 | 5 |
| 120 | 90 | 6 |
| 125 | 95 | 7 |
| 130 | 100 | 8 |
| 135 | 105 | 9 |
| 140 | 110 | 10 |
| 145 | 115 | 11 |
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Video: How to choose skis and equipment.