Not all people know how to choose skating skis, but meanwhile, the speed of mastering the skiing technique depends on the correct purchase. Unsuitable ski equipment can completely discourage the desire to learn - the risk of injury increases, a person often falls, has difficulty keeping balance. Conversely, if you find the perfect pair that suits a skier by all criteria, he will in no time learn to skate like an avid athlete!
In this article, we will analyze in detail the topic of skating skis - how to choose the length, brand, equipment, what to look for when buying. We will tell you what parameters to start from when choosing, give a rating of the best manufacturers of sports equipment, and also show you how to choose the right shoes.
Skating running is very popular today due to the speed that it allows to achieve, because of the beauty of the technique itself and the feeling of flight in the process. The ridge pair is slightly shorter than the classic pair, along its edge there should be a sharp edge that does not allow them to slide sideways.
So, if you do not know how to choose skis for skating correctly, remember the main criteria from which they start when choosing:
- Athlete growth;
- Weight;
- Brand (not very important);
- Skill level;
- Material of manufacture and rigidity of the pair;
- Track type;
- Accessories - bindings, sticks, boots.
In this article, we will identify the best skates for skating by rating based on real reviews - we give approximate prices and characteristics of the models. Well, let's start in order - with a story about how to choose ski equipment for growth.
If you are interested in which skis to choose for skating for an amateur, we advise you to buy a pair designed specifically for skating. Do not try to choose classic or universal models for mastering the skating course - it's like cooking pilaf in a double boiler. If you do not plan to seriously engage in this sport, do not take expensive, professional equipment, stop at an offer with an average price tag.
Selection of skis for skating by height
If you do not know how to choose skating skis, remember a simple formula - you need to add 15 cm to the skier's height. This will be the optimal length of his ideal model. Accordingly, if your height is 165 cm, choose a ski pair 180 cm long. The maximum length of the skating tool is 195 cm, so people who are over 185 cm tall will have to stop at this option.
By the way, different brands have their own way of measuring ski equipment, therefore, often models of the same size, judging by the marking, in fact, turn out to be different in length. Strongly tall people should carefully measure all the proposed options and choose the longest.
Important! Remember that in order to pick up skis for a child, you will have to count using a different formula!
How to choose stiffness models?
If you are trying to choose the right skis for skating about height and weight, then you are already familiar with the concept of stiffness, which plays a huge role in mastering the correct skiing technique.
What does stiffness affect?
- Rigid pair bounces better and promotes high-quality repulsion;
- She is more stable, especially on soft trails.
It would be a mistake to believe that the higher the rigidity, the better the ski pair - in order for such skis to ride well, they need to be pushed hard, and without professional skills and perfect technology, you are unlikely to succeed. As a result, you will be very tired and unable to develop high speed.
Rigid models are not suitable for a very loose track - they will be buried in the snow. Also, on such a pair it is much more difficult to master a long distance - you will quickly get tired. Conversely, if you have a short run, you can choose hard models.
If you have a lot of weight, you are unlikely to be able to choose the right pair yourself, especially if you are just starting to get acquainted with this sport. We offer you a convenient sign with which you can choose the best option, taking into account your weight, height and stiffness:
Length | 177 cm | 177 cm | 182 cm | 182 cm | 187 cm | 182 cm | 192 cm | 192 cm |
Rigidity | average | high | average | high | average | high | average | high |
Weight | ||||||||
Up to 50 kg | Yes | |||||||
50-55 kg | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||
55-60 kg | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||
60-65 kg | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||
65-70 kg | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||
70-75 kg | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||
75-80 kg | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||
80-90 kg | Yes | Yes | ||||||
Over 90 kg | Yes |
Next, we propose to go to our rating of cross-country skating skating for beginners and experienced athletes - we compiled it based on an analysis of reviews of real skiers.
By the way, in the TRP complex, skiing is one of the optional disciplines. But if you are confident in your abilities, why not try to pass this test?
Top 5 best manufacturers
We offer you to familiarize yourself with the best cross-country skis for skating, the 2018-2019 rating does not include outdated models, and therefore, it is fully relevant today:
- In fifth place is the popular budget model from Tisa - Race Cap Skating at a price of 4400 rubles. They are lightweight, durable, glide perfectly, and are suitable for both sports riding and skating. Such a model will suit both a beginner and an advanced skier, and the price tag will delight with its democracy. The main advantage of the pair is the ability to choose skis for a skate in height for tall people from 185 cm.Users attribute the material of manufacture to a significant disadvantage - wood, and it is, as you know, worse than plastic (not so flexible, brittle, less wear-resistant);
- In fourth place is the model from Fischer - LS Skate IFP, cost - 5500 rubles. They are more suitable for recreational walks, allow you to reach high speeds, are equipped with a special core with air channels, thanks to which the skis are lighter in weight and more durable. Users note the long service life of this pair, as well as the economy of the consumption of ointment for lubricating the soles, thanks to the special shape of the design. Pros: material - plastic, glide well, Air Channel core, strong cannes. Among the shortcomings - the model is not suitable for professional participation in sports competitions. If you decide to choose skis for a skate by height and stop at this model - focus on the size of 175 cm;
- In third place are skis from Atomic Pro S1, price - 8000 r. It is a versatile model with clear geometric shapes - it looks stylish and effective. Provides improved glide due to its light weight and narrow width. Among the pluses is a high-quality High Densolite core, stylish design, suitable for beginners. Disadvantages: not cheap, not suitable for a very hard track;
- In second place is the Salomon Equipe 7 Skate. If you want to choose cross-country skis for skating and are ready to spend about 10-12 thousand rubles, it is better to choose this pair. It provides excellent glide quality, stability, high rolling speed, and is equipped with a reinforced block. Suitable for both professionals and beginners. The main drawback is the price tag, but believe me, this pair of money is really worth it!
- We gave the lead in the ranking to the Salomon S-lab Carbon Skate, an ultra-performance and high-tech ski pair that harmoniously combines light weight and power. Of the advantages - high-quality plastic, high rigidity, super-slip, high speed, Nomex core. Cons: it makes no sense to buy such equipment for novice athletes, they will not be able to master the full potential of this "beast", and also the price - from 20 thousand rubles.
Now you know, among which brands you can choose cross-country skis for skating according to the height of the trainee, but we must give one more important advice.
Never buy your ski equipment from regular shopping malls or hypermarkets - be sure to visit a specialized sporting goods store. Experienced consultants work there who will give comprehensive advice, help you choose, if necessary, suggest a good alternative.
So, we have decided which skis are better for skating - the rating included the most current models that are in greatest demand among buyers. Let's move on to the next selection criterion - weight.
Selection of skis and poles for skating by weight
Based on the weight parameter, you should consider that the heavier the athlete, the more rigid equipment he should buy. However, you need to take into account other nuances:
- Manufacturing material. Today, there are wooden and plastic skis on sale, and the latter are much better, in almost all characteristics, except for the price. Experts recommend buying wooden models only at the initial stage of learning the riding technique, and after that, be sure to switch to plastic ones. In the selection of skis and poles for skating by weight, the material plays a great role - plastic products are more rigid, which means that people with greater weight can choose them.
- Skier's skill level. It is advisable for novice athletes to choose a not very rigid pair, because managing it requires a lot of effort. Only having mastered the correct skating technique, a person understands how to skate quickly and with minimal energy consumption.
If you do not know how to choose cross-country skating poles, remember a simple rule - they should reach the skier's armpits or be 20 cm shorter than his height.
How to choose bindings and boots
So, after you have managed to choose the poles for cross country skating, you still have to buy bindings and ski shoes. First of all, they buy boots, and then, for them, they select fasteners. On the market today you can find equipment at a variety of prices - from affordable to fabulous.
- If you do not plan to skate frequently and do not practice this sport professionally, we do not recommend buying expensive shoes.
- Before choosing shoes, you must understand that they are divided into male, female and children's models - the structure of the legs in these groups is different for anatomical reasons. This means that you won't be able to choose one pair for two in a family!
- In addition to choosing the right size for skating skis, you should also buy a suitable size of boots - they should sit freely on your feet, but not dangle.
- Skating boots are taller - thus they fix the ankle joint well, which is heavily loaded with this riding technique;
- The most popular types of mounts today are NNN and SNS. Both types are made in the form of plates that are attached to the ski, the first are equipped with two longitudinal guides, and the second - with one. The toe of the boot rests against a special elastic band, thanks to which the fixation of the entire fastening mechanism can be adjusted.
Our article has come to an end, we have tried to cover all possible questions of concern to people who are trying to figure out how to choose skate skis. Now you can easily pick up ski poles for skating, as well as boots, bindings, and the ski pair itself. Ride with pleasure, introduce all family members to sports - may winter bring you joy!