Variety of Skate Ski Designs

Ski manufacturers use different technologies and diligently protect them from competitors with patents. In addition, they have a different idea of ​​what the "perfect ski" is. It's good! Different winter conditions require different skis.

Lover's Advantage

Amateurs are not bound by contracts like professionals. No one will force you to be loyal to one company! Because it's just unreasonable. After talking in a ski party, you can find out the purpose of the current models of different companies. And make a smart choice. The professionals will envy you.

It happened when there was not a single “reel” from the car of the newest Fisher pairs tested in the store. Unfortunately, it often happens that you do not choose skis for specific winter conditions, but figure out what conditions a given pair can go to. And sometimes there is not enough imagination to come up with a destination for some skis! Even the top model. They will never go! And next year, you notice that the model has been replaced by a more understandable one, the conditions for which you can see instantly. But the name remains the same.
First-tier firms have failed models

One more observation

Modern ski technologies are sometimes estimated roughly, “by weight”. The lighter the ski, the better. However, the frosty ski design is a long rigid beam, which is, in principle, heavier than a short beam of a warm design made using the same technology. In the race for weight, manufacturers are beginning to “forget” about frosty skis. And they "remember" them only when they master the technology very well. After a couple of years since the beginning of its use. Therefore, it is justified to look for frosty skis among old, proven models. The best model is not “revolutionary”, but one that has only changed the coloring of the ski for the new season. Or just an insignificant hole appeared in the sock.

Skis of second-tier firms

Peltonen, Karhu, Trab, Kneissl are quite reputable brands, sometimes even leaders in local markets. These firms do not have large advertising budgets, but under these brands you can find very good skis with an excellent sliding surface (SP) plastic, the same as the top F, A, R and at an attractive price. Take? Take! Only the top models of any year. But first, look carefully, feel. Whether to take skis from third-tier firms? Not! Find soft, cheap plastic, terrible pile on the SP, which can be cleaned out just when the ski has worked out its short life and sags.

Cost optimization

It is not necessary to have top-level skis for every winter conditions. We need to understand when it is really necessary. Frosty skis are unrealistic to find among the second models, unless it is Fisher RCS. Medium frost skis determine the majority of your sporting performance and it is correct if these are the best skis, but not necessarily the latest model. Warm (plus, water) skis are not demanding either on the smoothness of the diagram or on the quality of the plastic. On warm skis, you will have to run in the spring over cones and ice. It is enough to choose the right stiffness and type of diagram.

If you weigh less than 60 kg, you have additional features. Under your weight, you can take cheaper skis, and there is a chance that you will not sell the block for the season. You can "get" the need for scraping unassuming plastic. At the same time, apply the structure. (It is better to entrust a large warm structure to the knurling. Otherwise, you can get stable “standing” skis.) As a last resort, pay attention to the top ski models of Tees (owner of Fisher), STS, Marpetti. This is a real minefield. You will see what "skiing with a screw", "plastic wave", "pile on end" is. Cheap skis are good for everyone. The fact is that any cross-country skis that claim to be fast are absolutely not designed to move through deep snow, to lay tracks. They must be protected. Cheap skis will allow you to roll the track without undue worries. And it’s right to look for racing skis among one-year-old and older top models Fisher, Atomic, Rossignol, Madshus, Salomon, Peltonen.

Optimization applies to sticks, boots, thermal underwear. Why do you need expensive super-hard sticks on a soft amateur track? Yes, balance is important for sticks, it is better for expensive sticks, but for cheap ones it can also be good. Before buying ski boots, it is recommended to try them on. Why not try on cheap ones, for example, the Yaroslavl “Spine”? They can come! And you don't need a carbon cuff! Thermoplastic cuffs are enough!

The thermal underwear displayed in a large supermarket is essentially no different from the thermal underwear of prestigious brands. Yes, they are made in the same factories. Antibacterial impregnation of expensive linen disappears after washing. Have you decided not to wash your clothes? (Great question! Yes and no answers mean the same thing.)

Ski marking can be useful at the pre-selection stage. This is where information about the purpose of models collected by other hobbyists comes in handy. With details, such as: brand, year of manufacture, warm / plus / cold, design, structure, additional information on the sports shop sticker (if any), optimal conditions for use. However, the marking of skis, even sports workshops, does not fully reflect their properties. And the marking of shop skis can only confuse. Let's start with the fact that completely different skis are produced under the same marking. Often different skis come in the same pair! They are paired based on just one parameter! The optimism of people buying skis over the Internet is incomprehensible to me.

Problems when choosing skis

Ski lovers do not have the opportunity to see the diagram, and are forced to be content with indirect signs. Often the choice has to be made among "outbred" skis, without marking the design. First of all, you need to choose the skis of your weight. There is an old successful pair at home - you need to remember its stiffness when squeezed with two hands and in the store not be distracted by skis that are not of your stiffness. Then we separate the frosty skis from the plus ones. These are two extremes in ski building, the difference is immediately visible. Frosty skis have long, smeared pressure humps, while warm skis have short ones. Many skis have a soft tip and heel that shortens the length of the pressure humps, making the ski more prone to heat. It makes no sense to look for very frosty skis among such skis.

The length of the block forward is an important parameter of the front hump of the diagram. For water skis, it is rather long, the hump, respectively, is short (if the toe is also soft), which means it is sharp. My Atomic WC FL 10/11 warm has a short last but a long soft toe. The pressure hump is short. And my magnificent Rossignol X-ium S2 05/07 has a relatively short forward block, but the ski toe is stiff - the front pressure hump is long, the skis are frosty (medium frosty in practice). We continue to press the skis with our hands, observing how the backs bend with a smooth increase in effort. The positive ski quickly begins to bend close to the block. Diagram type C. There is an exception to the rule - a pair that is hard for you with diagram BC will also have short pressure humps, which may also turn out to be positive. A frosty ski bends more evenly from the back ends to the edge of the last, similar to closing the halves of scissors. The toe and heel of skis in severe frost should be hard. The correct Fisher Hole of the 115th design is this. These skis are at least medium frosty.

Some experience is needed, which is acquired by manually comparing skis whose properties have been tested on snow. Such a comparison allows you to separate frosty skis from plus ones. However, it is too difficult to separate mid-frosty skis from frosty skis with such a primitive method. It remains to be added that finding frosty skis for your weight is a huge success.

sliding surface

What plastic is on the joint venture? Slippery/non-slip? Low pressure polyethylene (HDPE) and high pressure polyethylene (LDPE) can be installed on the joint venture. On top skis, always LDPE. It is sintered from powder under pressure. Such joint venture is called sintered, synthesized. At juniors, HDPE is more often used. It is squeezed out of the melt through a slot - a spinneret. The process is called extrusion. Polyethylenes are designated differently, for example P-TEX2000 (HDPE), P-TEX4000, Bi 5000 (PVD). The higher the plastic index (2000, 4000, 5000), the harder it is. However, it is more expensive and more difficult to process when making skis. It is easy to distinguish between HDPE ski skis and HDPE skis: the groove on HDPE skis is cut out and squeezed out of HDPE. That is, there are no longitudinal marks of the cutting tool in the groove of the joint venture from LDPE, its edges are more gentle than on the joint venture from HDPE. At first glance, the HDPE surface may look very attractive, it may be covered with a beautiful structure, but the groove will show everything. HDPE is more prone to the formation of pile during processing, it holds lubricant worse. However, many owners of expensive skis are unaware that SP has long been melted by their careless handling of the iron, LDPE in the surface layer has acquired the properties of HDPE. Nothing, they go. I have a pair of HDPE skis that glide great in certain weather conditions. The diagram is suitable for these conditions. And the plot is the main thing!

There is plastic that is poorly wetted with paraffin, it is designed for positive temperatures and marathons, when any lubricant can only damage by picking up dirt or when there is no hope that the lubricant will last long enough. Such plastic is put on Rossignol Zynex - the fourth model from the top. Good solid skis.

About installing fasteners

The instructions recommend installing the bindings in such a way that the axis of rotation of the boot coincides with the center of gravity of the ski. In my opinion, such a coincidence is not necessary. The balance line has little to do with the mechanical properties of the ski. A ski may have a soft toe but a hard heel. How to distribute the skier's weight? Fisher lightened the toe of their Hole while keeping the heel the same. And what about balance? After all, this is not just 5 grams, but 5 grams at the end of the ski! Maximum leverage. And what about the fact that the NNN mounts have an axis shifted relative to the toe of the boot by 10 mm, while the latest SNS RS-17 have as much as 17 mm?! And what, they can be set the same way with the old SNS? On Salomon boots, the Energizer cuff allows the skier to sort of lean back, further loading the heel. This must be taken into account! Depending on the size of the boot, the binding system… the installation of the bindings should be different. There is a problem related to balance: the directional stability of the ski. Instability can manifest itself during repulsion and when sliding on one leg. The toe of the ski during repulsion should not cling to the track more than the heel. And if the heel turns better than the toe, then the ski will also be unstable. Thus, if dense On the track, the ski goes into lateral displacement (slips when pushed), it is better to let this happen with the entire ski. Thrust forces of the skier should not be large. The point of lateral balance is the point of equality of the moments of forces acting on the toe and heel of the ski during lateral repulsion, with zero steering with the foot, it is “caught” only experimentally. This is one of the beauties of the NIS platform. Easy to change fasteners. Lateral balance is important dense track. Especially hummocky amateur. And for hard "warm" skis with short pressure humps.

On a soft track, there may be a problem with the steepness of the front slopes of the pressure humps. The ski crushes the snow too sharply, slows down. Unfortunately, all this can be experienced only in the process of running the ski. Often, according to the results of the break-in, it is necessary to rearrange the fasteners. Rearranging the bindings allows you to make the skis more stable, soft skis are a little stiffer, and hard ones are softer. At the same time, the new mounting point of the bindings has nothing to do with the weight balance of the ski! He's just around here. Modern skating bindings do not allow the ski to hang freely around the axis of the boot, the position of the ski canopy is controlled by flexors or a spring, the weight balance is unimportant!

Ski testing

The most accurate way to understand the purpose of skis is to test on the track. A properly made ski must definitely go in its own special winter conditions maybe not in one. And not just to go, but to go the best. It’s also good to narrow down the specialization of skis by applying the correct structure, choosing the place where the bindings are to be installed. A bunch of plot-structure-lubrication rolls, it is necessary to fit all the components to each other. These skis are the most slippery. There are no universal skis. There are poorly made skis that always ride mediocre. On universally poor skis, you have no chance of getting the technical skills you need. Often compare the glide of your skis in different conditions, identify their specialization.

Let's say all your skis are not suitable for the current weather, consider two options:

Ski setup

1. The weather is warmer than the one for which the skis are designed.
2. Colder.

The range of skis (determined by the diagram) can be shifted to heat by knurling a large structure on top of the existing one.
You can move to the cold by squeezing or cycling the structure.

Lubrication also changes slip. Actually, by applying grease appropriate for the weather to skis that are not suitable for the weather, you are already adjusting the skis. It is necessary to make allowances for how tightly the snow adheres to the ski when moving, how porous it is for the resulting water. The fresher, less transformed snow, the colder the structure needed. Smoother than it should be, based on temperature alone. And on old snow, a warmer structure is needed. Thus, fresh snow makes the sliding conditions seem colder, requires a colder structure, lubrication.

Based on data on temperature and snow conditions, you can slightly adjust the skis for the weather. But you can't make frosty skis out of warm skis!

Recently, everyone agrees that the glide of skis to the greatest extent depends on their plot. And only then from the structure and lubrication. So why do amateurs think that you can get by with just one pair of skis, but at the same time they buy many different waxes? Where is the logic?

Good luck at the start!

You can learn a lot more about skis than what is written in bright large letters on their surface. The ability to read information on skis will help you choose the right skis in the store and not be deceived when buying already used skis. We will tell you all about the numbers on Fischer skis in this article.

Fischer ski serial number: decoding

On the sidewall of Fischer skis in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe heel of the mount there is a serial number that all amateur skiers want to decipher. There are even those who are looking for sacred meaning in these figures. In fact, everything is simple in the number, like in the number of any other product.

187/1450688580 031

• 187 - ski length in cm
• 14 – year of issue (2013)
• 5 - stiffness (4 - soft, 5 - medium, 6 - stiff)
• 06 - serial number of the week of issue from the beginning of the calendar year
• 88580 – ski serial number
• 031 – stiffness index (FA).

Since 2016, the number of skis is of this kind 191/1653513931 no hardness index. The sizes of the top skate models have decreased by 1 cm, and the FA index is written on a sticker with a barcode. An example in the photo is FA 80.

And this is what the “sports workshop” ski sticker looks like with more detailed information. What these indicators mean will be discussed below.

On Fischer 2019-2020 skis, the number is printed in the area of ​​the IFP platform. It seems that the place was chosen on purpose so that the number was hidden when installing the fasteners on the screws.

Fischer ski hardness tables: soft, medium, stiff

Sizes and stiffness of fischer junior skis

Fischer ski structures, diagrams and bases for weather and track density

On the toe of the ski from the side of the sliding surface, you can find two designations, for example: 28/1Q or 28/902 or A5/610. These designations contain information about the base of the base and the design of the skis.

Fischer bases (sliding surfaces)

The sliding surface markings can be found on the base on the toe of the ski. The design is marked there.

• A5- universal base for cold from t -5C and below. It is on skis marked Cold, the factory structure code is C1-1.
• 28 - universal warm base at t -10C and above. Suitable for all types of snow, suitable for skis marked Plus. Since the 17/18 season, it has become more versatile: -10 and warmer, against the old one from -2 and warmer. The factory structure code remained the same - P5-1.

Skis Speedmax, Carbonlite, RCS:

• Worldcup 28 (Plus) - 10% graphite
• Worldcup A5 (Cold) - 4.5% graphite

Skis RCR, SCS, CRS, SC:

• Worldcup pro - 7.5% graphite
• Protec - 7.5% graphite

Skis LS:

• Sintec - 3.5% graphite

Diagrams of Fischer skis

Skate ski designs

• 115 (15/11) – design for well-prepared and icy trails. The support points are closer to the toe and heel of the ski. This arrangement increases the stability of the ski. It is especially relevant on an unprepared ice track and with lack of equipment. The main disadvantages: “sticking” skis and “burrowing” into loose snow.
• 610 (61Q, 1Q)– Design for a well-prepared and soft track. The support points are brought closer to the block, which makes the toe and heel of the ski softer. This design allows the ski not to “stick” and not burrow into loose snow. The main disadvantages: they “scour” on an icy track with lack of equipment.

Classic ski designs

• 902 (90/9Q2)- Design for soft and loose trails. Similar to ridge 610/1Q, i.e. Has soft toes and heels. The last is lower than on the 812 and makes it easier to hold in difficult weather conditions. The main disadvantage: due to the low location of the holding area, the ointment will come off faster.
• 90L- a variation of the design 902. It has a higher arc, i.e. the block is raised higher. It is found on skis from a special order, and since 2018 it has been used in Speedmax Twin Skin skis (but the marking is still 9Q2).
• 812 (81/8Q2)- universal classic design. The standard arrangement of the last retains the holding grease longer, but requires more momentum to push through.

Structures on Fischer skis

The most common structures are P5-1 and C1-1. They are, according to the manufacturers, the most popular at the World Cup.

Applying structure to skis is a delicate matter. To repeat the structure, there must be the same equipment, the same grinding stone, the same emulsion, etc. Real racing Fisher structures roll only in Reed. Structures P5-1 (Plus or universal warm) and C1-1 (Cold or universal cold) are applied to the skis.

Below is a complete list of structures that are and have been used by Fischer. A similar list is circulating on the Internet, but in this list we have corrected the temperature ranges as of the 17/18 season. If you have something to add to this list, write in the comments.

Fischer structures

• P10-1 for dry snow below 0
• С1-1 all types of snow, including fresh, temperature below -5
• С3-1 for artificial snow, temperature below -5
• C8-1 narrower structure for artificial snow from 0 to -10
• C12-1 any type of snow, -5-15
• C12-7 fine-grained snow at t from 0 to -10
• P1-1 temperature +3 to -5, fresh snow
• P3-1 structure on fresh wet snow, at 0 degrees with a transition to positive
• P3-2 on old wet snow at t 0 with a transition to plus
• Р3-3 watery snow, from +5 and above
• Р5-0 dry fine snow from 0 to -5
• P5-9 structure for classic skis on old wet snow, temperature from 0 and above
• TZ1-1 on fresh snow below 0
• P5-1 universal structure for temperatures from +5 to -10, any type of snow
• P22-6 transitional structure for any type of snow, temperature from +5 to -5
• P11-2 all types of snow +2 to -8
• P10-3 falling, fresh snow, t from 0 to -5
• P9-2 wet snow, t above 0

Ramsau structures

Structures with index S are made in Ramsau. Such skis can often be found on the secondary market. The most popular are S13.

• S13-6 structure for rainy weather
• S13-5-08 very wet fresh snow
• S11-1 dry snow at t -10 -20
• S12-1 fresh natural and artificial snow t 0 -15
• S12-4 fresh dry snow t -5 -10
• S12-2 fresh wet snow t 0 -5
• S12-6 fresh falling wet snow t 0 -5
• S12-12 old snow t 0 -5
• S12-14 on frozen snow during the warming period, fresh snow, t -2 -10
• S13-4 wet snow, natural and artificial, changeable weather, long range
• S13-5 fresh falling sleet, t 0 to positive
• S13-5-08 Wet fine-grained fresh snow
• S11-3 structure for artificial snow, t -10 -20
• S12-7 artificial snow, t -2 -12
• S11-2 cold dry natural snow, t -10 -20
• S12-16 structure for high humidity and fresh snow, suitable for gloss, t 0 -10
• S12-2-07 for fresh snow and soft tracks 0 -10
• S12-3 fresh snow under t -2 -6
• S13-6 sleet with rain, rain

FA, HR, SVZ indicators: what is it and how to find out through the ski barcode

This marking is not on all skis, but only on specially selected for a professional or pre-order. That is, at the “special workshop” or “sports workshop,” as our skiers like to call it. We wrote more about the existence of a special or sports workshop in the article.

If you have skis without a sticker in front of you, then these indicators can be easily recognized. Put any QR code scanner on your smartphone, launch it and read the barcode on the skis. The program will give something like 2.7 - 98.3, if such information does not come out, then try to read another barcode. For example, we got 2.7 - 98.3, that is, ski HR - 2.7, exact FA - 98.3. Do not be surprised that FA 98 or 97 in general can be written on the sticker. Skis are not made in pairs, they are assembled into pairs later and such discrepancies are within the margin of error.

On the skis of the 2019-2020 season there is a sticker of this kind. It already has a QR code for reading all information about skis: barcode number, full number of skis with size, HR and FA.

After reading, you get a number of this kind, where

• 9002972387616 - barcode number
• 186/1865078755 - the number that is stamped on the skis
• 2.2-HR
• 90-FA

• HR- clearance in millimeters, which remains after pressing the ski with half the weight of the average skier. The load is applied to the ski 7 cm below the balance point. The remaining gap is HR. Simply put, this is the stiffness of the toes and heels of the ski. For example, if you take skis with the same FA, but different HR, a ski with a higher HR will be pressed more evenly, and with a smaller one, it will be easy at first, but it will be more difficult to finish. With a large HR - a large arc, a more arched ski, with a smaller HR - a smaller arc, the block is closer to the track in the rolling phase. A low last is especially important for inexperienced skiers. In classic it will make it easier to hold, and in skate it will improve stability at the box office.
• SVZ- a characteristic showing how the ski differs from the ideal ratio of HR and FA. The value is used in production to check the quality and selection of skis in pairs. When choosing a pair of skis for yourself, the indicator does not matter.
• FA(stiffness index) is the amount kilogram, which must be applied 7 cm below the balance point, to compress the ski to a gap of 0.2 mm.

Why FA and not specific weight? The FA index is a characteristic of a ski, not an athlete. Using this parameter, a specialist can choose skis for a specific athlete. The same ski can fit a 70 kg professional skier and a 90 kg amateur skier. At the same time, both will be comfortable and the skis will work as they should. It is more difficult to select with FA than by kilograms, but if you figure it out, the selection of skis will be better.

Fischer FA ski stiffness table.

Hans HUBINGER:

THE SAME SKI CAN SUIT A STRONG 70KG SKIER WITH DECENT TECHNIQUE

AND GOOD PHYSICAL DATA, AND 90-KG PERSON WITH OVERWEIGHT AND MEDIOUS TECHNOLOGY.

AND FOR THE FIRST AND FOR THE SECOND IT WILL BE CLOSE TO THE IDEAL SKI.

HOW IS THIS INFORMATION SEWERED IN THE LABEL?

Before this trip, I visited the Fischer factory in Ried twice - in 1998 (see L.S. No. 10) and in 2006 (see L.S. No. 35). Each time from these trips it was possible to bring a lot of materials, and at the same time, each time we managed to publish all these materials in one issue. This trip will be an exception, because we will not be able to publish everything that we managed to bring from Reed this summer in one issue. Therefore, we publish the smaller but most relevant part now, in this issue, and you can get acquainted with the larger part in the next, January issue, already in 2014.

This year, Fischer has announced a new top model, the Speedmax, which is manufactured according to a revolutionary new technology Cold Base Bonding. Naturally, I was interested in the opportunity to see for myself how this model is produced.

Let me remind you in a nutshell, what is the traditional manufacturing procedure for any Fischer ski model (and not only Fischer skis): assembled in a special cassette, all the components of the future ski enter the press, where they are sintered / glued under high temperature and pressure, and a completely finished ski comes out of the press - after the oven, it will only have to go through “cosmetic procedures” in the form of trimming, grinding and varnishing. This technology has been worked out not even for years, but for decades, and nothing fundamentally new has been introduced into it in recent years.

And then there's the Speedmax. Revolution, breakthrough, fundamentally new technological process, the essence of which lies in the fact that the ski is assembled / glued / sintered in a press all under the same high temperature and pressure, but ... without the plastic of the sliding surface! And the plastic of the sliding surface is then glued in a cold way to the finished ski. Thus, the plastic of the sliding surface is not exposed to high temperatures and pressure and, according to Fischer representatives, retains its original properties better: it absorbs grease better, it is better processed, it slides better ...

Interesting? And how! But where, where is the very site where this magic happens? Alas, in the workshop where the "marriage" is made (From the author: let me use this term from the world of automotive assembly, where they call the procedure for connecting the body and engine on the conveyor in this way), that is, the connection of an absolutely finished ski with a plastic sliding surface, they did not let us in. They say: secrets, journalists can't go there. But we were shown a completely finished, absolutely weightless Speedmax ski without a sliding surface. Here it is in the hands of Elena Rodina, Fischer representative in Russia (see top photo on page 82). When you hold this ski in your hands, it is very difficult to get rid of the feeling that all this is some kind of fantasy: you are holding a seemingly almost finished ski in your hands, and it weighs nothing. It is clear that when the plastic of the sliding surface is glued to it, it will become heavier and become quite familiar in weight. But this feeling - when you hold in your hands the ski of the weight of the feather that is not yet “shod” - is indescribable.

All workers at the factory are dressed in Fischer branded overalls - comfortable and beautiful.
photo: Ivan Isaev

So, our today's interlocutor - Hans Hubinger (Hans Hubinger) - the head of the department for the development of racing skis at Fischer. It was with him that we talked seven years ago (L.S. No. 35 for 2006), it was he who I asked seven years ago numerous questions about why Fischer is the market leader and how it manages to keep it leadership for so many years. Since then, to be honest, little has changed on the market, more precisely, Fischer's leadership has become even more noticeable, but we will talk about this in detail in the January issue of the magazine, but for now I ask Hans to answer our questions and the questions of our readers, given on the site site before our trip to the factory in August 2013.

We spent the night in Salzburg for one night, and in the morning we went to the city for a run. That's when I photographed this now, in August, an empty bike rack in front of the local college building. They say that during the school semester it is not so easy to find a free place for a bicycle here.
photo: Ivan Isaev

As we walked through the factory to the meeting room, we discussed ski testing, so the first question to Hans Hubinger (by the way, from Elena Rodina) after I turned on the recorder turned out to be a continuation of our “corridor” dialogue:

- Why do Norwegians test skis so much in autumn on glaciers - does it really make any sense?

In principle, all our athletes get skis in the fall. They test them in September and October on glaciers, as well as at the first stages of the World Cup, and if something is wrong, some skis do not fit, we then change these skis. At the same time, we try to take into account many of the individual needs of riders: for example, an athlete has good technique and physical strength and can cope with holding even with a short block - we select hard skis for him. At the same time, being able to cope with such a short block, he naturally begins to win in sliding. And someone needs a longer, softer, more forgiving technique flaws, and we try to pick up or make such skis for the racer - we meet such wishes. That is, we can make some individual changes to the design at the request of the riders. But this applies only to the world's elite racers, we cannot do this for every athlete.

In addition, if we return to the question of the advisability of autumn tests on a glacier ... You see, it is not even so important for us to test skis on this autumn snow, as it is important to communicate with athletes in a calm, relaxed atmosphere, to be close to them, to collect their impressions from last season, see which direction to go next. Because it's one thing to communicate with them within the framework of the World Cup, World Championships and the Olympics, and quite another - on a glacier, when the season has not yet begun and no one is in a hurry.

Another thing that surprised me in Salzburg is the combined crossings / crossings across the street for pedestrians / cyclists. There are so many cyclists on the streets of Salzburg that, together with pedestrians on the same zebra, it would be crowded for them, and separate corridors are allocated for them at all crossings.
photo: Ivan Isaev

After Hans answered the “zero” question from Elena Rodina, we took out a printout with questions from the announcement-news on the site website dated August 13, 2013 and explained to Hans that these were questions from our readers.

Well, let's see what Russian skiers are interested in.

So I ask Hans the first question:

Andrey Gruzdev:

Where can a P5-1 and C12-1 be cut? What is the slip on shop skis (name or code)?

We mainly use P5-1 and C1-1, including on production skis. And we put these structures on the “shop” skis because in the World Cup races, elite athletes mainly use these structures. Of course, we have quite a few special structures for narrower temperature ranges (for example, the C-12-1 mentioned by your reader), but nevertheless it is P5-1 and C1-1 that are most often used at World Cups.

Malex:

I join the question below - where can I make (or update) Fisher structures?

I can tell you a “secret”: we realized that even within the company we cannot transfer to mass production those structures that we use in experimental production. It is not possible to reproduce the same stencil on two different machines. It is necessary not only to take into account certain technical parameters of this section, but you must also have the same stone, the same diamond, the same water used for washing. We are often approached by riders, dealers with a request to reproduce this or that section, but we always explain to everyone that it is literally impossible to reproduce the same pattern on two different cars. And then, let's not forget that this is still partly our know-how. That is, you need to understand that real Fischer structures can only be made at the Fischer factory and at the moment this opportunity is available only to members national teams, speaking at the stages of the World Cup.

Malex:

Can you talk about Fischer structures? The description that I met on the net looks uninformative. Why did they change the standard (store) plus structure? I think she was very good. If you compare the new with the old, which one has what advantages?

The new P5-1 structure is more versatile - the range of its use is shifted even more towards the plus side. At the same time, the old P1-1 plus structure continues to be successfully used by our racing department. But we noticed that in warm weather, P1-1 still has some kind of suction effect. And since we use only two types of skis in mass production - cold and warm - we would like these two types to cover the widest possible temperature range.

Andrey Pshenichnikov:

Tell us about the further development of the RCS Classic Zero line (in my area it is especially relevant).

- From myself, I’ll add to Andrey’s question: I heard that the range of use of Zero skis is now significantly expanding. How true is this?

Yes it's true. When we started work on the Zero skis in the late 80s of the last century, we may have made a small mistake, because we wanted to use them as a replacement for crown technology knurled skis - skis that are versatile enough to be used in a relatively wide range. But it turned out that, being indispensable in the near-zero zone, Zero skis still have a significantly narrower range of use. We looked at the statistics and saw that athletes use these skis extremely rarely - once, maybe - twice per season, snow and temperature conditions corresponded to them so rarely.

We began to think - how to expand the range of their application? The fact is that when using this model, there is one danger: it occurs when the humidity is high, the temperature is about zero degrees, but at the same time it is slightly below zero on the shaded sections of the route. Under such conditions, there is always the possibility of freezing of water, which is located on the surface of the ski and directly in the villi. We began to think - what can be done in this situation? They began to look for other materials more suitable for this purpose for the block zone. In addition, we turned to representatives of lubricant manufacturing companies with a request to find lubricant options for Zero skis under the block: we needed an ointment that would prevent moisture from penetrating into the space between the villi and prevent water from turning into ice there. And wax manufacturers responded, such lubricants appeared, and the possibility of using them helped us expand the range of use of these skis towards a slight minus. On the other hand, tests have shown that in warmer, positive weather, when klisters are usually used, these skis can also be used instead of traditional oiled skis. That is, as you can see, it turned out to be possible to use these skis in positive weather.

Marit Bjorgen is one of Fischer's most successful sports "projects". More successful, perhaps, was only the legendary eight-time Olympic champion Bjorn Daly. So, since the last World Championships in Val di Fiemme in 2013, Marit brought four gold and one silver awards (out of six possible) for Fischer and Norway.
photo: Reuters

Another important circumstance was the fact that we now began to use two different materials for the last - more aggressive in the middle of the last, and less aggressive - at the edges. Now that you have determined the block on a specific pair of skis for a specific rider with his weight, you can fix the block you need on these skis by waxing its “extra” pieces, consisting of non-aggressive plastic. On the other hand, in the event of an insecure grip, these “extra” areas of non-aggressive plastic under the last can be sanded and used for holding, not sliding.

Are Zero skis stiffer or softer than standard skis?

Softer. Regular skis need to be stiffer because they need more space for a few layers of wax. And here there is no ointment.

- Still, I would like to hear some specific information: what is the current actual temperature range for using these skis - plus or minus half a degree, one degree, two degrees?

With high humidity (which means a low probability of ice formation), these skis can be used to fairly low temperatures, down to minus three and even minus five degrees. For example, at the 2011 World Championships in Oslo, where the sea is close and there is always high humidity and fog, these skis worked even at minus three to five degrees.

With low humidity in sub-zero temperatures, you are less likely to use these skis.

If you try to give a universal recipe for using Zero skis, then it will be as follows:

at sub-zero temperatures, these skis can be used up to minus three to five degrees, subject to high humidity. In low humidity, your chances of using these skis are significantly reduced due to the high probability of ice formation under the last. True, modern pad processing tools from leading lubricant manufacturers will help you reduce the severity of this problem;

in the near-zero zone at a temperature of plus / minus half a degree, these skis are ideal, and it is not so easy for them to find an alternative;

at a positive temperature, the probability of ice formation between the villi becomes negligible, and in this sense, the use of these skis at a temperature of plus one, two, or three degrees looks ideal. Except for one “but”: the warmer, the more moisture appears in the track, the more suction is created by the villi. If you are exercising, this will not be a problem for you. But in a race, this suction can play a negative role - you will lose to competitors in sliding, and with a frankly wet track, you will still need to look for an alternative to Zero skis in the form of skis with grease.

On the streets of Salzburg, we met a “floating” silver statue, with which passers-by threw coins into buckets; after that, the statue "came to life" and handed the donor a commemorative postcard with its image.
photo: Ivan Isaev

Bicycle parking in Salzburg is literally at every step.
photo: Ivan Isaev

- How far from zero to plus can these skis be used?

The temperature doesn't really matter much - we know the conditions under which these skis will definitely not work at any temperature - on a hard icy track. Because the microvilli of the pad have no chance to catch on such a hard snow cover, almost ice. But fresh or, even more so, falling snow at near-zero temperatures gives Zero skis very good chances, since using a liquid or semi-solid ointment in such weather is very likely to provide you with a stick.

Andrey Chernyshev:

Does the plastic differ in its technical parameters on RCS and RS skis (carbon and non-carbon)?

- Let's add Speedmax skis to the list voiced by Andrey.

Initially, the sliding surface on all these types of skis is the same. True, with Speedmax - a separate story, their sliding surface is not exposed to high temperatures and high pressure during the production process, and we consider this a significant plus. But initially the material on Speedmax is the same.

In fact, the current trends in preparing skis for a race are such that the plastic of the sliding surface itself no longer matters as much as it used to. Much more important is the structure applied to this plastic. Yes, the 11th base was not bad, it showed very good results on cold fresh snow, but, nevertheless, the A5, in our opinion, works better. But, again, if you apply the wrong structure to any cold base, then there is no chance that such skis will work well. The 11th base worked well when various manual knurlings were common. And now, nevertheless, the system of machine processing of skis has gone far ahead. We still let athletes try 11 base skis every year, but they don't use them.

Andrey Chernyshev:

How to distinguish Austrian-made skis from Ukrainian or Belarusian or some other?

What prompted this question? Does it matter?

- In Russia, people who buy top models of skis want to be sure that these skis are made in Austria, and not in Ukraine.

In principle, this is also quite an important story for us. The owners of the company have a long-standing principled position on this matter: all high-class products, all top models should be produced here, in Austria. The top six models are currently built in Reed: the Speedmax, Carbonlite, RCS, RCR, SCS and the Junior Carbonlite Jr.

- How to understand this, looking at the ski itself? Is there some kind of distinctive inscription, or maybe part of the individual ski number?

Austrian skis say "Made in Austria". “Austria” is written on Ukrainian skis - it’s easy to distinguish.

The procedure for stacking components in a cassette before sending the future ski to the press has remained unchanged for several decades ...
photo: Fischer press service

But the high-precision fully computerized press is new, it is only two years old. It allows you to set the technical parameters of skis with maximum accuracy and in the future makes it possible to reproduce the characteristics of the most successful skis.
Now two fully assembled cassettes went inside the press.
photo: Fischer press service

Vladimir Smirnov:

I'm also interested in markings (base, construction, FA, HR, SVZ)...

Osipov Vladimir:

And I would join the question about stiffness designations and note the discrepancy between the calculations for FA and the actual stiffness, ski measurements on the "flexor". There are some tables of "hardness" circulating in Russia ... in my opinion, they are amateur. For some time now, SOFT skating skis have not been delivered to Russia, at least it is difficult to find them, which is why athletes of small weights fall out, especially young people tall with a small mass - young men, juniors. This problem exists even in the national teams of the country. A. Zavyalov's explanations look unconvincing and look more like an attempt to justify the excessive rigidity of Fischer skating skis in front of the sports "market".

We are talking about the fact that when choosing skis it is really very important to take into account a large number of parameters. On the one hand, in our tables, we primarily rely on the weight of a person; on the other hand, there are many other parameters, for example, height - with the same weight, you can use skis of different sizes. There is different level skiing - everyone knows that a person with good technique can take, ceteris paribus, stiffer classic skis - they will roll better, and his good technique and good physique will allow him to push normally on harder skis. And another athlete, ceteris paribus, will not cope with these skis. The FA hardness selection table, which really exists and can really be found on the Internet, is just a general guide, many other parameters must be taken into account in the selection of skis, besides this FA. Therefore, for each weight there is a certain range of the stiffness index, this is not a specific unit with a spread of one or two points, but a fairly wide range with a spread of ten units.

- Can I ask a stupid question? Why is it still impossible to write stiffness in kilograms on skis, and not in these tricky FAs?

We discussed this issue for a long time - to write kilograms or FA. But as we said, if a person comes to the store and sees kilograms on a ski that do not match his weight, he will not buy them. But in fact, depending on the skiing technique, these parameters may change - with good technique, you can and should take stiffer skis, for more weight. And vice versa. In our opinion, for a person who understands the subject, technical parameters (FA and HR) will give more information about skis than just weight in kilograms. The seller must know the technical characteristics of this ski and must be able, in a conversation with the buyer, depending on the level of his training and physical data, to give him a recommendation for a deviation in one direction or another.

- Okay, then tell us what is FA anyway?

Hans takes a piece of paper and starts drawing.

Look, this is the balance of the ski, this is the point of application of force 7 centimeters from the point of balance.

- And why in 7 cm ?

We believe that the rider puts maximum effort on the ski at the balls of the foot, that is, about 7 cm from the balance point.

So, the binding is at the balance point, but we apply pressure not at the balance point, but where the foot pads are located. We increase the pressure force until the gap between the surface of the stand and the ski is 0.2 mm (for the thickness of the ointment). We look at how much weight it is necessary to act on the ski in order to get this gap of 0.2 mm? For example, for a classic ski with a length of 207 cm, we need to apply a force of 42-43 kg in order to leave a gap of 0.2 mm under the block. This is the value of FA. Because in order to completely crush this ski, in order to select this gap of 0.2 mm, this particular ski needs to be given an additional load of another 5-6 kg in addition to these 42-43. Now it’s clear how FA differs from the weight required to completely crush the ski?

There are two more parameters that are written on racing skis: this is HR - stiffness, and SVZ.

HR is a fixed weight for each size, with which we act on the ski during testing. For example, for a height of 207 cm, we have such a fixed weight of 32.5 kg. That is, we act on each size with our own separate weight, but inside the size, the weight with which all skis are affected is the same. Ideally, of course, I would like to take the weight of each individual person and with half of his weight influence the ski he selects. But it is clear that you cannot bring every buyer to Austria, therefore, when selecting skis in the racing department, we use these two parameters - FA and HR, since this allows us to more accurately select skis.

- That is, HR is the value of the residual deflection after exposure to the ski with a standard fixed weight for this size?

Quite right. FA is maximum load up to a gap of 0.2 millimeters, measured in kilograms, and HR is the residual deflection after exposure to the ski with a standard weight for this size, measured in millimeters. At FA, we measure the pressure (the weight with which we press on the ski), and when we receive HR, we measure the remaining clearance.

I ask Hans to draw the weights with which certain sizes of skis are affected. Hans draws these ranges in the upper left corner and explains:

The difference between sizes 207 cm and 202 cm is 2.5 kg. But between 202 and 197 - the difference is no longer 2.5, but 5 kg. This is due to the fact that 202, as we believe, as a rule, is still men's skis, and 197 is already women's.

- What is SVZ?

This is a characteristic that shows how the ski differs from the ideal straight.

- And what is it measured in - in millimeters, microns?

This is not so important - this is, in fact, our internal quality indicator, which has nothing to do with the work of skis. This indicator helps us to reject low-quality skis, nothing more.

I tell Hans that we will publish his drawing in a magazine and ask him to sign it in the upper right corner. Everyone present laughs.

Do you want to make me a Picasso? - Hans grumbles with a smile, but the drawing still signs.

Hans drawing. In the upper corner - the values ​​​​of fixed loads applied to certain sizes of skis, on the right - a handwritten signature.

- Let's try to answer the question about Soft stiffness skis ...

Here your reader is right - a few years ago we stopped making skate skis in Soft hardness, but nevertheless Medium hardness (medium hardness) has a certain range in which you can find both softer and harder skis. You also need to understand that usually when choosing skating skis, the buyer often goes in the direction of stiffer ones, because it is believed that such skis glide better.

But if we talk about classic skis, then the average consumer, on the contrary, often goes towards softer skis in order to ensure a secure hold. Maybe he will lose a little when using such skis in gliding, but in the classics, nevertheless, holding is the most important thing, because it is this aspect, and not gliding, that ensures comfortable skiing with this style. In skating, it is important that the ski is something like a springboard, a catapult, so that there is no full contact of the ski with the snow, and in classic you just definitely need full contact. Therefore, we have retained the Soft stiffness in classic skis, abandoning it in skating skis.

- The question is a little aside: what, in your opinion, is the most important thing in ski glide: ski deflection (epure), ski structure or lubrication? 15 years ago first Russian champion ski orienteering world Ivan Kuzmin wrote on the pages of our magazine: "... it is generally accepted that the weight deflection of a ski determines 60% of the ski's sliding properties, 20% is determined by the material and structure, and only the last 20% is ski lubrication ..." To what extent Do you think this ratio is correct? ?

Sliding isn't everything. If you just slide down the hill at speed, then this is one thing. If we are talking about the work of the ski, then this is completely different. For the slip I can take skiing and there the main thing is the structure and ointment, the ski plot fades into the background. And in order to move not only down, but also up, alpine skiing is not suitable for me, I need cross-country skiing, and they already need a completely different set of characteristics, working properties.

- And yet, this is important for us - how correct, in your opinion, is this statement?

This question is not easy to answer. If any of these three parameters does not work, then the result will not be in any case. That is, if you choose good couple skis, but you didn’t guess with structure or lubrication, you still won’t get good skis, you won’t have a chance in the fight against competitors. That is, in fact, I do not have a universal answer to your question. But, since you still insist on an answer, I can say that on the whole I like these figures, the proportion you gave is similar to the truth. Because I deal with these sixty percent, I also deal with these twenty percent, well, these twenty percent (grease) are not my business (laughs).

A completely finished Speedmax ski (but so far without the plastic of the sliding surface) in the hands of Elena Rodina, manager of Fischer in Russia. Believe me, this ski in this form is really lighter than a feather - absolutely weightless ...
photo: Ivan Isaev

This is the NIS plate (its back side), which will soon be glued to the Fischer ski. As you can see, the plate has four spikes, which, when glued, will go into four technological holes drilled in the ski with glue.
photo: Ivan Isaev

Reference skis, with the help of which from time to time they check the settings of the machine for pairing skis. This machine was bought by the factory five years ago, and since then the accuracy of pairing skis has increased quite noticeably - now skis with a difference in weight of more than three kilograms cannot appear in one pair. But at Fischer they emphasized that mating with a spread of 3 kg is the most extreme case, they have no more than one in a hundred such pairs. And the usual error in mating is no more than one or two kilograms.
photo: Ivan Isaev

What do you think, what is this glass box in front of the entrance to the workshops? Didn't you guess? That's right, smoker. Smokers cannot just stand and smoke on the territory of the factory (even if it is on the street, outside the premises) - they must enter this glass "aquarium" and, having smoked, leave their cigarette butts there. I asked Fischer Racing Division Marketing Director Tanja Winterhalder how many smokers do they have in the factory? Tanya grimaced in response and, it seemed to me, answered a little guiltily:
- A lot, 10 percent or even 12. But the process of parting with a cigarette is slowly but surely still going on.
I thought about it and mentally asked myself - how many people smoke at some Russian enterprise in the outback? Percent 40? fifty? 60? I think these Austrian 10-12 percent for a purely provincial city of Austria is a very, very good indicator.
photo: Ivan Isaev

"Made in Austria" - such an inscription is on all skis made in Austria. This is a sign of the Austrian origin of this product.
photo: Ivan Isaev

Passing by the trash can, I saw an empty box from a 900-gram pack of Swix paraffins. I asked - what is it? I was told that this particular paraffin is used for the basic treatment of Fischer skis. As you can see, this is "Swix" LF8 ointment for a temperature range of +1 - 4 degrees.
photo: Ivan Isaev

This is Max Buttinger's finger. He shows us the base plastic used on the top six Fischer skis. True, out of caution, Max still covered up part of the plastic identification code (secrets, secrets everywhere!).
photo: Ivan Isaev

Maxim Churikov:

I have only one wish: to finally make the designation of skis according to the place of production, stiffness, type of snow, structure, etc. clear. So that anyone, taking skis in hand, could immediately understand whether this pair suits him or not? If it is difficult to print, then there should be a freely available (on the Fischer website) program for reading and decoding the barcode. It's the 21st century, and the shamanism around Fischer skis continues.

We have already discussed this. It is not enough to know two parameters in order to understand whether this ski is suitable for you or not, you need to take into account a lot of things, and it is quite difficult to “sew” this information into a ski label. The same ski can fit a strong 70kg skier with decent technique and good physique, and an overweight 90kg skier with mediocre technique. At the same time, for both the first and the second, it will be a close to ideal ski. How can I put this information on the label? That is, we again and again return to the question that it is impossible to perceive a ski solely by its weight characteristics. If we need an ordinary ski for general sale to unpretentious buyers, then we can write a range of 70 - 75 kg on the ski, and go ahead - buy everyone who has a weight in this range. But in order to pick up a ski better, more precisely, it’s still better to write more difficult, but it will be better and more objective information.

Let's take our racing department as an example: there is more information on the label on the skis, and the servicemen know from year to year which skis this or that athlete uses. But in any case, ceteris paribus, they have to ski each time on a specific day in a specific place on a specific snow in a specific weather, and only tests on the snow can show which pair of skis work in this weather. We can't write all this on skis because no one knows. I have been working in the Fischer racing department for many years, thousands, if not tens of thousands of pairs of skis have passed through my hands, I can roughly say about this or that pair of skis whether it will go or not, but anyway, each pair must be tried.

- OK, the question is aside from the topic of indexes and stiffness. Fischer and Sochi - is there any intrigue here, or is it the same routine event for you as Salt Lake City-2002, Turin-2006, Vancouver-2010? Are you preparing something special for Sochi?

We have already been to Sochi during the pre-Olympic week, and we have some developments. But it all depends on the conditions Olympic year. For example, in the pre-Olympic week in 2009, it seemed to us that we had found some solutions, but the next year the weather conditions completely changed. We were in Sochi for about two weeks, we tested and tried a lot of things, we have certain ideas about what we might need there, because we competed more than once in similar conditions - in high temperature and high humidity, typical for this place. Of course, we will bring a large number of skis that have proven themselves in the past season. But, without a doubt, we will take to Sochi not only what we have tested, we will take everything we have there, because no one knows what exactly will work next year - what bases, what structures? In my life I have done a lot of tests, research on the snow and came to the conclusion that it is impossible to foresee anything, everything changes every time. It is very good to have this experience, but relying only on it still will not work.

We talked

Elena RODINA and Ivan ISAEV,

Moscow - Reed - Moscow

In the yard - mid-January. Snow has finally fallen everywhere where it has long been expected, and the forum of our site, as usual at this time, is filled with questions: “How to choose the right skis and which ones are better?” Answer some of these questions skiing” asked our illustrious skier, and now an expert of the Fisher company, Alexander Zavyalov.
- Alexander Alexandrovich, have you been associated with Fisher skis for a long time?

Yes, a long time ago, since 1977, i.e. for over 30 years.

Then, probably, your experience will be useful to those amateur athletes who ride a lot, in various weather conditions and at the same time choose their own skis. Interested in the question of the preferred use of Fisher skis in the COLD and WARM temperature ranges in the Moscow region?

Here the situation is as follows. Warm and cold skis naturally have different bases. Warm base - 28th. There is a 5th base, but it is mainly for water, and the athletes of these skis usually have one pair. What is the difference in plastic? Warm skis have a higher percentage of graphite. This is done so that there is no so-called moisture infiltration, since a larger percentage of graphite creates a greater porosity of the sliding surface, which prevents moisture infiltration. In the Moscow region, athletes mainly use warm-base skis due to high humidity and the fact that the slopes are almost always soft, and warm skis also have softer socks with heels. This allows the ski to glide better on soft trails. In cold skis, the percentage of graphite is less, their sliding surface is smoother and has a slightly grayish tint. The design of cold skis is more rigid, designed for frosty, and, consequently, harder tracks, and this is done so that the ski does not collect this snow under it. In the Moscow region, the tracks are prepared mainly by light equipment - snowstorms, so we should choose warm skis.

So how, after all, with the help of Fisher skis, to solve the problems of different weather conditions during the winter, and you also mentioned skis “on the water” with the 5th base. What can you advise here?

Here the situation is as follows: if we take “warm” skis - with a 28 base (not every amateur athlete can afford to have skis that are both “warm”, and “cold”, and “super-warm” at the same time), then with the help of knurling and creating an appropriate structures can solve the problem at different temperature conditions. It is very desirable, of course, that the knurling be pressing, and not cutting. The result of knurling disappears after two or three treatments (applying-removing paraffin), and again the factory steinslip remains. On "cold" skis, Fisher has a cold joint, on "warm" skis - a universal one. Fisher skis are considered universal - you can easily close the entire season with one or two pairs when using knurling. Skis from other companies, for example, "Madshus", are also very good, but they have a narrower steinslip. National team athletes can afford to have a large number of different pairs of skis, but for amateurs with their limited financial capabilities, this is difficult.

Three years ago, when severe frosts occurred in Moscow, during which plastic skis practically do not slip, I noticed that those who were on the classic Fisher at temperatures below minus 30 degrees still rode very well. Does the Fisher company and you, as a practitioner, have any recommendations on how to prepare skis for such a frost?

It all depends on the structure of the ski - a "cold" ski should be almost smooth. In severe frost, the snow is dry, and if we put a small structure on the ski, then the snow powder will fill this structure, and we get the so-called suction due to the clogging of the structure with snow powder. If you take smooth ski and at the same time cover it with cold, “glass” paraffin, for example, previously produced green SWIX or STAR, and then properly process the ski, then the paraffin will cover the entire structure and there will be no suction due to snow powder. In this case, you can even use "warm" skis, but they must be without structure. If you do not close the structure, then the snow powder clogs the structure and the ski starts to slow down, as if riding on sand.

From conversations with athletes, it seems that for skating Fisher skis should be chosen a little longer than the standard recommendations suggest. Is it their design features?

No, there are no design features in terms of choosing the length of the Fisher skis. The new ski sizes seem to carry a slightly smaller size, i.e. to a size of 177 cm, you need to add another 3 centimeters. Previously, there were sizes of 180, 185, 190cm. Now the longest length of Fischer skating skis is 192cm. The choice of ski length should be determined by the height of the athlete and his qualifications. If the athlete is well coordinated, then he chooses longer skis. Now skating is divided into sprint and distance. Sprinters choose shorter skis. This is necessary in order not to “get confused” at a distance with a very high frequency of steps, which is positively affected by a short inventory. If a person runs distance races, he has good coordination, a powerful push, then he chooses longer skis. If coordination is insufficient, and this can be attributed, for example, to veterans, then in this case the skis should be chosen shorter. When choosing the length of skis for skating, the parameters of the track also play a role. Now the tracks are well prepared, but where this is not the case, where the ski tracks are narrow, there the skis should be shorter. Therefore, I repeat, everything comes from how the athlete is prepared, how the track is prepared and what kind of competitions it is.

- Tell us, please, about the new model of skis "Soft Track"?

Under the Soft Track brand, Fischer began producing classic skis for warm weather with a lot of snow on the track. In our country, such skis are often called "defective" - ​​when the first such skis appeared, their socks and heels diverged when squeezed. This is the 902 model, which, like the 812 model, is divided into “warm” and “cold”. Model 902 skis are generally stiffer than regular skis. When there is a lot of snow on the track, then at the moment of repulsion the toe of the ski rises, and the ski does not collect this snow. A ski of a conventional design in such conditions collects a little snow in front of it and due to this it slows down. In the 09/10 season, the same Soft Track model will appear among skating skis.

Since last season, Fischer has been installing the NNN platform on its top-level skis. Many hobbyists continue to use shoes with SNS soles and install appropriate bindings on top of the NNN platform. How, in your opinion, should the increase in the overall stiffness of the ski be taken into account in this case?

When the NNN platform is glued to the ski, the stiffness of the ski increases minimally. When we install the SNS platform on the screws, the final stiffness of the ski increases, and in my practice I have repeatedly had to take this into account, but, I emphasize, this difference applies specifically to the glued NNN platform.

- Thanks for answers!

For beginners the best option walking models that do not have a specific riding style are considered.

In terms of their capabilities and characteristics, they are much inferior to professional ones, but their low cost makes them attractive specifically for beginners.

A distinctive feature is the presence of notches on the sliding surface, replacing the preliminary preparation of skis. Do not require preparation (lubrication) before riding.

The best-selling touring model for beginner adult skiers. It features easy handling and high stability.

Does not require lubrication due to the presence of notches. Primary colors are red and black. They are produced according to the technologies of the Austrian company Atomic in Bulgaria.

• stable sliding characteristics;
• do not require lubrication due to the presence of "scales" (notches);
• high quality deflection;
• accuracy in management;
• a light weight;
• secure fasteners;
• unlimited temperature range of use;
• universal - work in any snow conditions, including poorly prepared tracks;
• Unisex - suitable for men and women.

• higher price in comparison with similar models of other brands;
• designed mainly for walking in the forest;
• not suitable for professional results;
• require drying and storage in a dry ventilated area;
• they are afraid of ultraviolet radiation and heating to temperatures above 60 ° C.

Functions Atomic Motion 46 Grip

• pleasure skating classic move;
• outdoor fitness;
• have a straight geometry that allows a beginner to quickly master the technical skills of riding.

• geometry (toe-waist-heel, mm) - traditional narrow skis (46-46-46);
• size (length) - 179-207 cm;
• pair weight - 1400 g (186 cm);
• composition - synthetic materials (Densolit core, lightening the weight of the ski) + plastic;
• notch system - in the zone of the G2 Sincro block (scales) on the sliding surface, which neutralizes recoil and allows you to ski without ointment;
• sliding surface - 1500;
• stiffness is low;
• color - black-red-white or black-blue-white.

Atomic Motion 46 Grip

• automatic bindings Auto Universal (SNS) installed in the optimal position on the ski;
• laser marking for each pair with information about the allowable weight of the skier.

• ski bag;
• ski poles Lite (combination of carbon and fiberglass), Nordic Motion Comp;
• Motion 25 (SNS compatible, water-repellent front cuff to keep feet dry in all weathers)
• Nordic bag with adjustable strap and thermoflask.

Designed for sweeping herringbone strokes, which are the basis skate style skating. They have greater strength than classic models, due to the significant load that falls on them while riding.

This type of movement is mainly used for climbing uphill and cornering on wide, well-prepared and compacted tracks.

Model review Fischer RCS SK Plus Stiff NIS

The ultimate skating shoe for adults and advanced skaters. Part of the 2015/2016 season collection. In the 2016/2017 season, she came out in an updated version of the Fischer RCS SK Plus Stiff NIS Hole 2017 with a hole in the toe.

Produced by the Austrian company Fischer in Austria. The main colors are black, yellow, white. They are distinguished by a blunt toe, require careful preparation.

• arrow-shaped profile that improves ski performance;
• reinforced edging, prolonging the service life;
• high fracture strength;
• the sliding surface works ideally in wet snow conditions at temperatures from -5 ° C and above;
• high accuracy of selection of a pair of skis according to similar parameters;
• toe weight reduced by 5 g;
• minimal vibration.

• high price;
• require professional technical skills;
• the choice of ski boots is limited by the NNN binding system.

Features Fischer RCS SK Plus Stiff NIS

• professional sport competitions and skating races.

• toe - 41 mm, waist - 44 mm, heel - 44 mm;
• length - 172-192 cm;
• weight - 1090 g (187 cm);
• core - carbon honeycomb Air Core Carbon containing 80% air;
• toe and heel - ultralight from special laminates that reduce weight and vibration;
• mounting method - NIS;
• stiffness - stiff - adjusts to the stiffness of the track (for soft - the toe and heel are made soft, for hard - hard);
• sliding surface treatment - Finish Ferst, including grinding, applying the Plus structure using natural diamond, pouring with base paraffin;
• computer control of rigidity;
• edges - Power Edge reinforced, guaranteeing the durability of skis;
• color - black-yellow-white.

• fasteners are missing;
• platform for bindings NIS NNN, allowing you to quickly install and remove bindings from the ski.

Accessories from Fischer

• ski poles SpeedMax;
• Xcelerator Skate 2.0 NIS mounts;
• case for a pair of skis;
• Velcro for easy carrying of skis;
• cross-country ski boots for skating RCS Carbon Lite Skating;
• shoe bag.

Designed for athletes and amateurs weighing more than 100 kg.

A distinctive feature is the increased stiffness of the skis, which is selected in accordance with the weight of the skier using a special flex tester, which is available in all serious specialized stores.

Review of the Salomon Carbon Skate Lab Carbon Blue

The latest development of the French manufacturer Salomon for professionals and experts in skating style. They have an extra stiff last with a special setting for heavy skiers with ultra-low weight skis, as well as dynamic stiffness control.

Called "the future of cross-country skiing", opened a new level in the world cross-country skiing. Produced in Austria.

• ultra light weight;
• extra-rigid last for heavy skiers;
• digital control of rigidity;
• full carbon construction;
• increased slip phase;
• more powerful propulsion and increased energy transfer due to the ultra-responsive carbon forward shifted last;
• soft toe and heel with hard twist;
• choice of ski structure options - universal (fresh snow) and for any snow conditions.
• versatility - designed to slide on any tracks, regardless of their condition and air temperature.

• only for advanced amateurs and professionals;
• high price.

Features Salomon Carbon Skate Lab Carbon Blue

• cross-country skating at the level of world championships;
• gliding effortlessly in any weather.

• weight - 980 g (187 cm);
• length - 182-192 cm;
• gender - unisex;
• core - lightweight cellular Stiff Nomex;
• transparent sliding surface G5;
• protection of the sliding surface with a film;
• stiffness control - digital functionality D2FC;
• toe and heel - low profile, minimal thickness;
• structure - universal WCU or on request AM7 (universal) or AC5 (colder).

• without fasteners.

Accessories from Salomon

• ski bindings SNS Pilot Sport Combi;
• ski bag;
• shoe bag;
• ski boots S-Lab Overboot;
• ski poles Equip 100 Carbon.

For active rest children 4 years of age and older. Differ in stability, the increased width and bright design. For the little ones from 4 to 7 years old, skis come with bindings, boots and poles.

The main purpose of children's models is to teach a child to stand confidently and move on skis.

Overview of the Fischer Snowstar NIS Kids

Walking skis for the little ones. They have a bright beautiful design. Available in several colors: blue, green, pink (for girls and boys).

Have installed fasteners NNN and notch system for better grip. Designed for classic riding. Development of the Austrian company Fischer, produced in Ukraine. Part of the 2015/2016 collection.

• wide stable profile;
• Special notches Crown that improve grip and make it easier to climb uphill;
• sliding surface treatment for any weather conditions;
• core with a selected system of air channels that increase strength and evenly distribute weight;
• easy glide on rough trails.

• require storage in a dry place away from heat sources;
• manual fasteners.

Features Fischer Snowstar NIS Kids

• for skating skills classic style and outdoor activities.

• toe - 54 mm, waist - 48 mm, heel - 52 mm;
• size - 90-140 cm;
• weight - 0.69 kg (110 cm);
• materials - wood and multicomponent plastic composites;
• core - Air Channel;
• special notches "scales" - Crown on the sliding surface, preventing the ski from slipping back;
• base - Sintec;
• gender - for girls and boys;
• color - black-pink-white, black-green-white and black-blue-white.
• mounting method - NIS.

• installed mounts NNN (XC Snowstar NIS).

Accessories Fischer Snowstar NIS Kids

• ski bag;
• boot case;
• children's running shoes;
• ski poles Sprint;
• ski poles RCS Junior;
• RaceCode ski cuffs.

They are produced as a separate type of "back country". When choosing, not only the weight of the skier in the suit and equipment is taken into account, but the weight of the backpack that he carries on his shoulders.

For the price, models for tourism are in the same price niche as walking ones. Designed for short and long walks on rough trails.

A product of the Austrian company Atomic, one of the market leaders ski equipment. First appeared in the 2011/2012 collection as a universal option for men and women (unisex).

The design of the skis is updated every year, in the 2015/2016 season, separate women's models appeared, featuring a stylish design. In women's models, the letter "W" was added to the marking.

Lightweight, easy-to-handle skis allow you to hike for several hours without getting tired. Perceptible comfort when riding in any conditions.

• reliable and easy to use;
• wide ski geometry for balance and stability;
• the ability to ride in any conditions due to innovative clutch technology;
• light weight due to Densolite core;
• ease of control and maneuverability even in the most difficult conditions;
• downhill stability;
• do not require lubrication of the sliding surface;
• a special zone that allows you to move in the classic way without the use of ointment;
• the nose of the ski does not break, as in wooden models;
• suitable for beginners.

• not always available in the distribution network due to the increased demand for the model;
• low hardness.

Features Atomic Motion 52 Grip

• short and long walks in nature in different conditions.

Specifications Atomic Motion 52 Grip

• toe - 52 mm, waist - 47 mm, heel - 49 mm;
• size - 177-205 cm;
• weight - 1.14 kg (177 cm);
• material - plastic, composite materials, wood;
• Grip and NowaxGlide G2 Syncro clutch technology;
• sliding surface - BI 1500 + Universal grinding;
• lubrication system - Nowax system;
• fastening mechanism - NIS;
• 3D Touring profile with lightweight toe and heel.

• without fasteners;
• no mounting platform.

• ski mounts Auto Universal;
• ski bag Nordic 3;
• Velcro for transportation;
• shoe bag;
• boots for NNN bindings;
• ski poles Motion Lite Grey.

Overview of the Rossignol X-IUM Skating WCS model

Skate style model for professional skiers from the French company Rossignol.

Produced at the factory of the same name in France (pre-cup model X-IUM) or in Spain (top-end X-IUM WCS) with three profile options (S1 - frost, S2 - universal, S3 - wet snow).

The pre-cup professional model and the top model differ in weight (the first for 186 cm is 20 g lighter). Models made in Spain can be customized with pre-cup branding.

• increased rigidity;
• suitable for heavy skiers (up to 110 kg in size 192);
• the possibility of selecting individual stiffness with marking the name of the customer;
• light weight thanks to Nomex honeycomb core
• universal S2 profile for all temperatures and snow conditions;
• low block and average length of the contact zone with snow;
• twist resistance;
• excellent stability;
• longitudinal adjustment of the mount relative to the center;
• stability technologies ActiveCap, SupraEdge, making skiing predictable;
• NIS mounting mechanism - easy to install and adjust.

• limited edition, you can buy a pre-cup model only on order;
• high price.

Features Rossignol X-IUM Skating WCS

• professional skating races in any weather.

• geometry - 40-44-43-43 mm;
• size - 173-192 cm;
• weight - 1100g (186 cm);
• sliding surface - K7000, universal with a double groove for more stable directional stability;
• core - lightweight Nomex honeycomb with a fiberglass shell and thin wooden walls;
• gender - unisex;
• type of skating - skating;
• material - composite, high molecular weight polyethylene with low coefficient of friction, 3D Carbon Profile;
• colors are red-black.

• without fasteners.

Accessories by Rossignol

• mounts - X-Celerator SSR NIS, X-Celerator Skate NIS;
• ski poles XT 700;
• ski skating boots Rossignol X-IUM Carbon Premium;
• ski bag;
• shoe bag;
• Velcro for transportation.

Designed for professional athletes. All innovative developments appear in this group. They are also called the top or top model. Professional skis undergo the strictest step-by-step production control.

Models for professional skiers are made to order with the name and surname of the athlete marked. The cost is in the highest price category. Their task is to help in achieving maximum results and victories in competitions of various levels.

Professional model from the Norwegian manufacturer Madshus for skating. Appeared in the collection 2014-2015, in 2015-2016 came out with an updated design.

different from other models famous brands the absence of a core with a honeycomb structure. Instead, it uses PR 100X Acryl core polyurethane foam, which makes the ski slightly lighter and stronger than models with a honeycomb core.

• high strength of the model (it is a carbon fiber stocking impregnated with resin and filled with foam);
• additional torsional rigidity obtained by applying two additional layers of carbon fiber;
• suitable for ski tracks with dense and fresh snow;
• unique 3D design for excellent glide thanks to the side cutout;
• high torsional rigidity;
• perfectly matched stiffness diagram and geometry for efficient force transfer;
• the possibility of applying the structure for special weather conditions (D5 - for warm universal from +1 to -10 ° C and D4 - cold universal);
• NIS platform - fast installation, no drilling required, and easy movement on the ski back and forth when weather conditions change.

• high price;
• skis with a specific structure are made to order in Norway;
• require proper fitting.

Features Madshus Race Champion Nanosonic Carbon Skate

• world-class skating competitions.

• toe - 44 mm, waist - 43 mm, heel - 44 mm;
• size - 175-195 cm (in increments of 5 cm);
• weight - 1000 g (190 cm);
• gender - unisex;
• level of training - professional;
• deflection under the weight of the skier - medium;
• mounts - NIS7;
• core - PR 100X (multilayer carbon construction);
• sliding surface - P190 Nano Cold without notches.

• without fasteners.

Accessories by Madshus

• X-Celerator Skate NIS mounts;
• cuffs for a bunch of Red skis;
• ski boots Nano Skc, Champion Nano Carbon Classic;
• ski poles Nano Carbon;
• shoe bag;
• ski bag;
• Race Hat Red.

Released for lovers ski trips on rough roads. This type is also called the mass option of cross-country skiing for people who prefer an active lifestyle.

For the manufacture of professional models, more expensive innovative materials are used than for universal skis, so they are lighter in weight. Properly sized for the user's weight universal skis can serve for many years.

Universal skis for amateurs and athletes, allowing you to ski in any weather in skating and classic style. They have a special geometry of the sidecut, which helps to gain riding skills in any move.

Products of the Austrian brand Fischer are produced in Ukraine.

• sliding surface of the level of professional racing;
• lightweight core that reduces the weight of the skis and allows skiing in any weather;
• versatility - skating and classic skiing;
• special geometry of the sidecut, facilitating the development of skating technique;
• NIS fastening system - quick installation without drilling and adjustment;
• affordable price.

• heavier weight (average 1.5 kg) than professional models (average 1 kg);
• must be stored in a dry place at room temperature away from heat sources.

Features Racing Fischer SC Combi NIS 2017

• cross-country skiing in any weather;
• skating and classic style.

• toe - 41, waist - 44 mm, heel - 44 mm;
• size - 182-202 cm;
• weight - 1380 g (182 cm);
• fastening type - NIS;
• rigidity - high;
• gender - unisex;
• material - wood, composite materials;
• edges - Power Layer thickness of 0.2 mm along the entire length of ultra-light laminate, reinforcing the structure and guaranteeing the necessary torsional rigidity;
• core - lightweight with basalt fibers Air Channel Basalight, maintaining the same rigidity at different temperatures;