The nuances of choosing the length of skis for children and adults. Tables and recommendations.
Winter is an amazing time of the year. In addition to the beauty of landscapes shimmering from the snow, we enjoy outdoor activities.
Fortunately, there are a lot of activities for this purpose. One of them is skiing.
For ordinary people who are far from serious sports, it sometimes seems like a simple task of choosing skis. However, there are a number of significant points in this issue that must be taken into account. Especially for children's models.
Let us dwell on the nuances of the correct selection of skis and ski poles in more detail.
How to choose skis and ski poles for the height and weight of a child and an adult: table
types of skiing and the scheme of their correct selection for men, women and childrenBefore you start choosing skis for your child or yourself, think about whether you will exercise regularly. It may be enough to stop at a one-time pleasure and rent them where you plan to ride.
If this option is not for you and you want to introduce your child to winter types of healthy entertainment, then take into account a number of parameters:
- Type of terrain for skiing. For hills, mountain models are needed, for the plains, cross-country or classic ones.
- Children's weight. If it is above 40 kg, be guided by the selection of skis, as for an adult,
- Height and age of the child.
- Riding skills.
- Ski stiffness. "Soft" models are ideal for the level of a novice athlete. The lower it is, the cheaper and easier the ski to operate.
- Material. Wooden skis do not go well in the thaw, and plastic ones are very slippery and without a sufficient number of anti-slip notches are unacceptable for a child to buy.
Ski poles for preschoolers are not needed at all, since the task of the latter is to learn how to ski. If the child is older, take sticks in height reaching his armpits, maximum shoulders.
Be sure to consider:
- the presence of straps on the handle for fixing the hands
- lack of a sharp tip at the bottom so that the baby does not get hurt while riding
When choosing skis and ski poles for adults, consider the following points:
- The length of the skis depends on your height. On average, it should exceed it by 20-25 cm.
- Type of ski - depends on the terrain, conditions on it and your skiing skills. If you want to enjoy the landscape at an easy pace, your choice is a classic. And if you drive and master the maneuvers of sharp turns - only sports models.
- Stick length. Again, when choosing a landmark, your height. Feel free to buy sticks that are 25-30 cm lower than you.
Below is a table to help you in this matter:
ski selection table for adults and children depending on weight and height, example 1 
ski selection scheme for a child and an adult, depending on weight and height, example 2 
recommendations and selection table for ski poles 
selection table for skis and ski poles depending on weight and height, example 3 How to choose the right length of cross-country skis and ski poles for children and adults?
the child rides on the right cross-country skis - Age. The younger the kid will master the snowy expanses, the easier it is to take skis. For example, if he doesn’t have skills yet, short soft skis will do, they are also called “fitted”. They do not develop high speed, but they will help the child hone the skills of entering turns and developing the correct position of the knees.
- Weight. The reference point is 40 kg. If your baby has not yet reached it, choose children's models, if you stepped over - adults.
- Riding skills. The higher their level, the more differences in the choice. In general, there are 3 types of skis: for beginners, intermediate and advanced athletes. This gradation is preserved for adult models.
- Ski length. Take the table data from the previous section as a basis. The general rule is that skis in a vertical position should reach the chin or nose for a beginner skier, and rise 20 cm above their heads. The second option is acceptable from an intermediate level. If the child rides well, feel free to opt for skis that are 15-20 cm higher than his height.
Ski poles are needed from the age of the student. Before that, the kid hones his skating skills without them. For cross-country skiing, the ideal pole length is shoulder length.
selection of cross-country skis and ski poles for them for adults and children, table How to choose the right length of skis and skating poles for children and adults?
a group of adults skating on a flat surface Those who have perfectly mastered the technique of sliding on classic skis can safely buy skates for themselves. This applies to both adults and children.
As for the length of skating skis, take them 10 centimeters more than your height. And the sticks, on the contrary, are shorter by 10-15 cm. In other words, the latter will rise slightly above shoulder level.
For clarity, we add a table:
selection of skating skis for children and adults by height, table How to choose the right length for skis and ski poles for children and adults?
mom and baby skiing classic skiing without ski poles in a ski resort For classic skiing, both children and adults will be more comfortable if:
- the length of the poles is 25-30 cm less and they rest against the skier's armpits
- the length of the skis exceeds the height by 20-30 cm
Below for orientation we add a table:
selection table for skis and ski poles for classic skiing for adults and teenagers 
selection table for skis and ski poles for classic skiing for adults and children So, we looked at the features of choosing skis and ski poles for children and adults for different levels of experience and skiing skills. And also added a number of tables for orientation in this matter.
If you are buying skis for your child or yourself for the first time, listen to the recommendations of a consultant in a specialized store. And remember that buying skis and poles for children for future use is a bad idea and just thrown away money.
Enjoy your holiday and skiing!
Video: how to choose the right skis for a child?
Skis are a universal type of equipment for sports, suitable for both extreme sportsmen who prefer steep slopes and lovers of quiet walks in the park. Sports equipment stores offer a huge range of models for different purposes. This article will tell you how to choose skis according to height and weight, not to get confused when choosing a cherished pair and take into account all the criteria - from riding style to the physical parameters of the skier.
In this sport, the following areas are distinguished:
- Speed skating on the track (professional sports).
- Skiing on prepared slopes (carving).
- Trail riding and all of them (universal).
- Riding on virgin soil and off-piste (freeride).
For each type of skiing, there is a certain sports equipment, the rules for choosing which must be studied before going to the store.
First, you need to decide on the type of activity. Will it be cross-country running or mountain riding. Sports ammunition for each of the ways of skiing has its own. Basically, these are classic, walking or skating methods.
Secondly, it is necessary to understand the methodology for the correct selection of equipment for such body parameters,.
How to choose skis for height?
When choosing a ski pair, you must remember: the shorter the product, the easier it is to manage. Therefore, it is better for beginners to look at shorter models that can provide maneuverability and easy control. Experienced skiers who love speed can afford a longer pair, especially since it is these models that provide the most glide.
Those who intend to take skiing seriously should pay attention to models and. When buying, you should rely on the following rule: they must be 20-30 centimeters longer than a person’s height; for the ridge method - by 10-15 centimeters; for walking - 15-20 centimeters. Walking or combined options are the most popular.
How to choose a grower?
Rostovka is the length of the product. For clarity, when choosing a pair for yourself, it is convenient to use a special table to determine the size and ski equipment. It is advisable to print this table for determining the length by height and take it with you to the sports equipment store. In the case when the weight of the skier exceeds the norm for his height, it is necessary to add an additional 2 or 3 centimeters to the length.
Important! The universal rule when buying a pair of skis is to subtract 10 centimeters from your height.
So you can choose a product in a sports store that is suitable for almost all types of skiing, will provide maneuverability, comfort and safety.
Adult length selection table
| skating | Height | Classic move |
| 155 | 150 | 160 |
| 160 | 155 | 165 |
| 172 | 160 | 178 |
| 177 | 165 | 178 |
| 178 | 170 | 187 |
| 187 | 175 | 187 |
| 190 | 180 | 195 |
| 195 | 185 | 202 |
| 195 | 190 | 205 |
| 200 | 195 | 205 |
| 202 | 200 | 210 |
| 205 | 205 | 210 |
| 210 | 210 | 220 |
| 210 | 215 | 220 |
For women, to determine the optimal length of "snowshoes", you need to subtract 10-18 centimeters from the height indicator. With average preparation and optimal conditions, a woman with a height of 170 centimeters will fit a size of 158-160 centimeters.
Available statistics provide relevant figures. Most pairs bought by men are 167-177 centimeters long, for women this figure is 152-158 centimeters.
It is necessary to take into account the fact that for children there are separate conditions for the selection of a ski pair. Do not rush to buy it for. If it is rather small, then it is growing rapidly, and it is better to rent equipment for skiing. It also makes no sense to buy equipment for the sake of one trip to the mountains. If such trips are regular or the child plans to go skiing, the acquisition should be taken very seriously. When buying, you should rely on the physical fitness, height and weight of the child, as well as the type of skiing (or). The main difference between products from adults is their lightness and size.
Inexperienced little skiers should buy models 5-10 centimeters smaller than the growth rate, approximately up to the child's chin. As you gain experience, skis can lengthen by 5-10 centimeters.
How to choose skis by weight?
To buy ski equipment by weight, it is enough to know your weight and be guided by the table below for selecting skis by weight:
Choice of length according to weight
Note! An important factor in the selection of skis is also their rigidity.
There is a direct relationship between the stiffness of skis and the weight of their owner: the heavier it is, the higher the stiffness index of the products should be. To measure the stiffness, you can squeeze the product in your hands or use a flex tester. A flex tester is a device with which, when installing skis on a flat surface or a special board, you can determine their stiffness.
As for determining this indicator in children, it is necessary to focus only on the weight of the child if it weighs less than 40 kilograms:
| Weight, kg | 10-20 | 20-30 | 30-40 |
| Rostov, cm | 70-80 | 90 | 100 |
For skiing, they are selected taking into account the growth of the child and, as a rule, 25-30 centimeters less than him.
How to choose the right skis and poles for height?
Above is given by height and weight. But when buying ski equipment is also very important to do it right. Approximate - shoulder level. The better a skier skis, the longer sticks he can afford. It is also worth remembering the following rules:
- sticks must strictly correspond to growth, you can not purchase equipment "for growth";
- support on sticks must be of appropriate size and length.
What else you need to know when choosing a ski pair?
When buying, it is not always possible to limit yourself to such characteristics as the height and weight of a person. A successful acquisition will also depend on the conditions of subsequent skiing. For non-professional use there are:
- Carving skis (convenient for maneuvering, entering into a sharp turn on prepared slopes).
- Freeride skis (designed for experienced cross-country skiing).
- Universal (the most popular due to their wide use on any tracks, regardless of the preparation and physical characteristics of the skier).
Another important parameter to consider when choosing skis is the presence of notches. Notches are applied to prevent strong slipping, in particular sliding backwards. Models with notches do not need lubrication, however, they do not allow to develop high speed and are inconvenient to use on icy surfaces. Notches are convenient when there is no riding experience.
In the absence of notches, the skis must be lubricated with a special agent - grease. This lubrication allows you to increase the speed when sliding and reduce recoil. It must be applied along the entire length, periodically removing and updating the application.
What is the best ski stiffness to choose?
Rigidity is easy to determine by the gap between the block and the floor surface. If the gap is 0.5 millimeters (the thickness of a sheet of paper), these are skis of medium hardness. Such skating. When skating, skis of increased rigidity are preferable. When checking, the gap between the floor and the skis is about 2 millimeters.
Skis of medium hardness are more versatile, that is, they are models for recreation. In any case, it is better to determine the stiffness on flex testers in specialized stores.
How to choose skis for professional skiing?
This information will be of interest not only to professionals, but also to those who, like athletes, want to try their hand at the slalom track. Skis for professional use are regulated by strict rules:
- ski size (for men - 163-167 centimeters; for women - 154-158 centimeters);
- size for giant slalom: 182-190 centimeters for men; 175-182 centimeters for women. In this case, you should focus on the preparedness of the skier, his physical parameters and conditions for skiing.
Studying the available range of ski equipment, we can conclude that the majority of manufacturers produce a range of 4 pairs of skis of different lengths. For the highest accuracy, before buying skis, you must calculate the size according to your weight and height. For the highest accuracy, before buying skis, you must calculate the size according to your weight and height. It is preferable to buy a pair of skis for the first time with the help of a specialist or an experienced skier.
For all the seemingly small importance of sticks, they have always existed in alpine skiing. At the very beginning of the history of alpine skiing, skiers descended from the mountains with an alpenstock, which served to control the balance and change the trajectory of the descent. Over time, the long pole was transformed into two shorter ski poles.
Sticks have their own functions and purposes. They are needed to facilitate the implementation of turns, maintaining and maintaining balance during the descent. Ski poles will help when moving on gentle areas or when maneuvering near the lift. When passing sports tracks, sticks are used for starting acceleration, blocking the gate poles. They help to maintain balance and give additional confidence in difficult situations on a steep slope, mounds, and are indispensable for off-piste skiing. With their help, it is easier to unfasten the fasteners, get up after a fall, etc.
You may not worry too much about ski poles and sticking techniques when you rent poles, but when you buy your own poles, there is a problem of choice. Let's try to figure out how to choose the right poles for skiing.
Anatomy of ski poles
The ski pole consists of a handle to hold, a tip to prick, a ring to prevent the pole from falling into soft snow, a lanyard and a rod to combine everything into one. Although nothing fundamentally new in the design of ski poles is to be expected, the development of design and technology in this area continues.
Sticks are available in various lengths, elasticity and strength, with various bends and different ring diameters.
First of all, you need to choose the right sticks in length, this is the key to a safe ride and proper riding technique.
ski pole length
The length of the stick is selected according to the height of the skier and is usually a little less than 3/4 of their own height. For children, the length of the sticks ranges from 70 to 105 cm, for adults - from 110 cm to 145 cm, in 5 cm increments.
Although the optimal length of the sticks also depends on the proportions of a particular person, on the ratio of the size of the torso and legs, on the length of the arms.
How to choose the length of the sticks in the store
For a more accurate choice of poles, put on ski boots (or take into account the height of their soles) and, standing on a flat, hard surface, turn the pole upside down. The stick must be rested on the floor, leaving it slightly forward.
Stand up straight with your knees slightly bent. If you grab the stick with your hand under the ring (hand parallel to the floor), the angle between shoulder and forearm should be about 90°.
The safe riding technique allows for scatter - the length of the sticks can be three to five centimeters more or less than the selected value. Experienced skiers recommend taking poles a little (5-7 centimeters) longer. This approach is explained by the fact that the stick, when skiing, sinks a few centimeters into the snow. Next, you can start fitting the sticks by shortening them by 1-1.5 cm.
With the correct length of ski poles, the skier should have no problem bringing the pole forward for a thrust, while feeling the pole “hook” the slope and help the body move forward over the skis. When choosing ski poles for children, the spread is only allowed upwards, if it is not planned to change the poles every season.
For ski touring, ski touring, ski mountaineering, special telescopic poles are produced that can change the length. Telescopic poles can also be used in some ski disciplines.
The shape of ski poles
After choosing the length, you should pay attention to the shape of the stick. The curve of the stick under the handle serves to anticipate the thrust and to provide effective support on the stick during tight turns on the descent. The forward bend relieves tension in the forearms, makes riding safer and minimizes the chance of injury to the hand. There is another option for ensuring the safe use of sticks: some manufacturers lay a bend in the shape of the handle.
In high-speed ski disciplines, preference is given to curved sticks. Straight sticks significantly increase air resistance. The curved shape serves to remove the rings behind the body and, as a result, reduces aerodynamic drag. Some modern sticks bend in two or three planes at once. In addition, in slalom, a special protection is installed on the handle of the ski poles, with which the slalomist beats off the gate poles when passing the track.
Don't buy curved poles unless you're into downhill skiing.. With arbitrary skiing on the slopes, such nuances will be redundant and will lead to discomfort when skiing (and to unnecessary expenses).
Anatomy of ski poles
Ring ski pole prevents the pole from sinking deep into the snow. Rings have different diameters and are selected depending on the type of slope. Large diameter rings are more suitable for skiing on soft snow or virgin snow, so that the poles do not fall into loose snow. When skiing on prepared trails, in the park or halfpipe, choose poles with small diameter rings, such rings will not interfere and cling to ski boots. Sports poles usually have a cone instead of a ring (with the exception of special slalom poles). Some manufacturers provide ski poles with interchangeable rings for different skiing conditions.
tip called the lower part of the stick, which is in contact with the slope. Usually tips are made of stainless alloys of various hardness. Depending on the shape, they are cone-shaped, "toothed crown" and reverse cone. Under normal conditions, the most common and safest tip is the reverse cone. For an icy slope, it is preferable to choose a “toothed crown”. Cones are less common.
Kernel- the base of the ski pole. Rods can be made from materials of varying degrees of strength. The most commonly used are various aluminum alloys, titanium-based alloys, carbon fiber (carbon fiber), fiberglass (fiberglass). The highest quality poles are made from complex combinations of metal and composite plastics.
The strength of the rod is measured in conventional units of stiffness. The higher the stiffness index, the higher the quality of aluminum and, accordingly, the strength of the ski pole. Sticks for amateurs have a hardness of 4 to 4.5 units. Expert ski poles - 5-5.5 units. Sticks with a stiffness above six units are used by athletes.
Most ski poles are made from aluminum of various strengths. Carbon sticks are lighter, but also more fragile and expensive. Athletes usually use aluminum sticks with the highest material strength. Composite poles are not used by athletes because of their fragility and low moment of inertia when blocking the poles. Some skiers prefer the rigidity of aluminum, while others like the ability of composite poles to absorb impact energy.
If you are still at the initial stage of skiing, you don’t have to think too much about what and how sticks are made of. It is enough that they are structurally strong and of high quality. In this case, the simplest straight aluminum sticks with a conventional handle and a tip (sting) will do.
Lanyard- a strap attached to the handle of the stick. The strap is needed so as not to lose the stick if it slips out of your hand. Lanyards have a length adjustment function to adjust the loop to the fullness of the forearm. The lanyard adjustment should be such that the hand feels supported from below. This position allows you to get additional support, and hence greater acceleration at the start. In addition, if you open your hand, the stick will hang on your hand in the most secure position. Sports ski poles are equipped with lanyards with a quilting function, which increases the safety of using the poles on steep slopes and at high speeds. So, as an alternative to the lanyard, LEKI has developed the “Trigger” system, which includes not only the handle and strap of the ski pole, but also the skier's glove. The strap is permanently attached to the glove with Velcro and buttons. The system can be triggered by pressing the breaker cover. There is also the possibility of unfastening in automatic mode if the skier runs into an obstacle or the stick bounces off the skier.
Handle call that part of the stick for which it is held when skiing or skiing. Handles can be made from various man-made materials - plastic, rubber, cork, neoprene, polyurethane foam or EVA. Each of the materials has its own level of grip to comfortably hold the stick in various conditions, despite sweat or precipitation. Cork and neoprene are comfortable to hold even when wet. Handles made of porous materials remain "warm", which is very important in cold windy conditions.
The most optimal among experts are handles made of frost-resistant rubber, which do not slip in the hands and do not “tan” at low temperatures. Some manufacturers put a leading bend in the shape of the handle. Other firms strive to make the handle as "grip" as possible, laying the leading bend in the shape of the rod. On some models of handles brush protection can be installed. Most sports ski poles allow the installation of shields to protect the hands.
Remember that sticks are still consumables. Try it, look for your perfect match. In some cases, it may be worth waiting for the sales at the end of the season and buying ski poles at a discount. Please note that often ski poles can be selected in accordance with the design of specific skis, manufacturers think through the whole image completely.
An athlete's height is one of the main factors to consider when choosing skis. The ideal length of this sports equipment, as well as ski poles, depends on this parameter.
At the same time, it is important to take into account that modern models, which are made from new materials, are shorter than those used in previous decades.
Therefore, in that case if you want to buy skis for yourself or your child, you should not focus on numbers that were previously considered generally accepted.
How to choose the right skis and poles for height?
Usually, classic skis must exceed the height of the athlete by 20-30 cm. Skate models much shorter, here the excess is no more than 15 cm.
The ideal ski length for two different skiers of the same height can vary considerably- it depends on the weight, stiffness of the material and riding style.
The higher the weight, the longer and stiffer the skis should be.
Ski types
In order for skiing to be successful, it is important not only to choose the right size skis and poles.
The first step is to decide which skis to choose, what type of this sports equipment you need, and for this you need to know where and how are you going to ride.
For the classic move
Skis for classic skiing- the best choice for those who often go skiing. In the middle part of such models, special notches are made that provide excellent grip on snow.
For skating
These skis are designed to move in skating style. when an athlete walks along a wide snowy road, and the technique of his movement is similar to the movements of a skater.
Skating this way is somewhat more difficult than the classic style.
Mountain
Alpine skis are designed for downhill skiing from the slopes and for skiing. They come in several types, each of which is designed for a specific style of riding:
- skis for carving;
- for freeride;
- freestyle;
- ski touring and ski mountaineering.
Cross-country
Cross-country skis are perfect for country walks and easy hikes over short distances.
At the same time, it must be borne in mind that they are intended primarily for moving on already trampled snow, while tourist models are better suited for virgin lands.
For a child
If you want to involve children in skiing, the choice of children's skis and sticks needs to be approached even more carefully.
After all, the child does not have so much strength, and if the model is chosen incorrectly, he will probably not like skating.
Choosing ski boots and bindings
For newbies systems with automatic fastening of boots are well suited. Advanced skiers Prefer to use manual fixing.
First you need to find comfortable shoes, and then choose bindings that fit them. In order not to be mistaken with the size, you need to purchase thermal socks for skiing in advance and measure the shoes already in them.
At the same time, it must be borne in mind that there are boots for classics, boots for skating and combined shoes that will suit both styles of skating.
Choosing skis is not such an easy task at all as it might seem at first glance.
However, if you arm yourself with knowledge in advance and approach the matter with all seriousness, making the right decision will not be difficult.
Zermatt, St. Moritz and others: for everyone!
With well-chosen skis by type and length your skiing or your children's skiing will be held with maximum comfort and safety and will definitely bring a lot of positive emotions.
How to choose the right skis, boots and bindings is described in the video:
Cross-country skiing is divided into racing, amateur and tourist. As a rule, the purpose is indicated in the product card.
- Racing (marked Racing and Racing PRO). Such skis are designed for athletes and amateurs who want to develop speed indicators. This is an option for specially prepared tracks.
- Amateur or pleasure (Active, Fitness). This is an option for those who sometimes choose to ride in the park, do it for fun and do not strive for records. Skis are slightly wider than racing skis; expensive materials and technologies are rarely used in their production.
- Tourist (Back Country). These are skis for hunters, tourists and fishermen, people who need to move around, without a track or a ski track. Such skis are much wider than recreational ones in order to support the weight of a person on loose snow.
Skis
Classic skis (designation Classic or Cl) are longer than skate skis, have a sharp toe and a soft block. There may be notches under the last (designation TR) that prevent slipping during take-off. On the left - a ski with notches, on the right - without.
andrewskurka.com If the ski does not have notches (WAX designation), a special ointment provides an anti-slip effect. However, beginners will find it quite difficult to apply it correctly, so a notched ski is the best option.
To choose the size of classic skis, add 20 cm to your height or simply raise your hand: the lowered palm of the outstretched hand should touch the top of the ski.
It is also worth paying attention to the stiffness of the skis. First determine the center of gravity: put the ski on your hand so that both ends are in balance. Then fold the skis with the sliding side towards each other and squeeze with one hand 3 cm below the found center of balance. There will be a distance of 1–1.5 mm between skis of suitable stiffness.
What to buy
Boots
Boots for classic skis are low and soft, without special inserts that fix the leg.
You don't have to buy boots. If the thumb rests on the toe of the boot, the foot will quickly freeze. It is better to take shoes half a size larger.
What to buy
Sticks
When choosing sticks for classic skiing, pay attention to their length. With short ones, it will be inconvenient for you to walk on flat terrain, with long ones, it will be inconvenient to climb slopes. Choose sticks according to your height: the lanyard outlet (the place where the strap is attached to the stick) should be at the level of your shoulder.
Sticks are made from aluminum, fiberglass and carbon fiber. Aluminum can bend under load. So, if you weigh a lot, choose glass and carbon fiber. The latter provides the greatest rigidity and lightness of the sticks. These sticks are used by professional athletes.
marax.ru Also pay attention to the material of the handle. Sticks with a cork handle are well suited for walking in cold weather: the cork does not cool the hand, unlike plastic.
Skis
Skis for skating (designation Skate or Sk) are shorter and have a smooth block, since with this course the notches only interfere, clinging to the snow and reducing speed.
To find the ideal length for skating, add 5-10 cm to your height.
It is also worth checking the stiffness of the skis. The gap between the skis compressed with one hand should be 1.5–2 mm.
What to buy
Boots
To prevent injuries and excessive stress on the foot during skating, additional fixation is needed. Therefore, skating boots are taller and stiffer than classic ones and are complemented by a special plastic cuff.
What to buy
Sticks
Skating poles are longer than classic ones. The lanyard should be at the level of the chin or lips of the skier.
How to choose universal skis, boots and poles
If you plan to master both classic and skating, you can purchase universal equipment.
Skis
Universal skis (Combi designation) are longer than skate skis, but shorter than classic ones. Add 15 cm to your height to determine the length you need.
As for notches, some all-purpose skis have a replaceable middle: if you want to ride in a classic style, use notches; if in a ridge, remove the notched nozzle.
What to buy
Boots
Boots for universal skis are almost the same as classic ones. They are just as soft and flexible, but have a plastic cuff that supports the ankle.
What to buy
Sticks
For universal skis, poles are suitable for both classic and skating.
What are fasteners
Three types of mounts are now common: the outdated NN 75, NNN (with or without the NIS platform) and SNS.
sprint5.ru Surely many remember this mount from childhood. This is an ordinary metal brace that fixes the leg, but it does it quite badly.
It is almost impossible to skate with the NN 75. In addition, good boots for this mount are not produced. The only advantage is the low price.
What to buy
NNN (New Nordic Norm)
Auto mount NNN / spine.ru This mount consists of two guides (flexors) located at some distance
apart, and a rubber stop.
There are two options for such mounts: automatic and mechanical. The NNN's automatic fastening latches with a simple push of the boot on the brace. In the case of a mechanical one, you will have to open the lid with your hands, and after installing the boot, close it.
Mechanical fixings NNN / manaraga.ru However, the mechanical fastening is more reliable: it cannot accidentally come unfastened, for example, during a fall. Also, if you're planning on skiing in warmer weather, water that gets into the automatic binding can freeze and block it.
Also, fasteners differ in the degree of rigidity. If the NNN rubber stop is white, the mount is designed for hard riding, if it is green, for softer riding. Black stops are suitable for standard skiing, and red ones for soft skiing.
If you prefer skating, choose bindings with white or green elastic bands. If classic - with black or red.
To install NNN on skis, you need to find the center of gravity and drill a hole for the mounts. However, there is an easier and more convenient method of installation: special NIS platforms.
Mount NNN NIS / dostupny-sport.ru The Nordic Integrated System (NIS) was developed in 2005 for NNN mounts. Skis adapted to NIS are equipped with a special plate on which the mount is installed. Skis do not need to be drilled, just slide the mount along the guide plates and snap into place.
The mount is easy to install and remove, eliminates the search for the center of gravity of the ski and can be used with different pairs of skis.
What to buy
This is a mount with one wide rail and two brackets. SNS mounts are also divided into automatic and mechanical.
shamov-russia.ru Unlike NNN, SNS has only three levels of hardness. They are marked with a numerical value and a color. For a classic ride, you should choose bindings with a flexor hardness of 85 (yellow), for skating - 115 (red), and for universal use - 95 (pink).
In terms of comfort, stability and lateral stability, there is little difference between SNS and NNN mounts.
Most cross country ski boots are designed with some type of binding. Therefore, first choose shoes that fit perfectly on your foot, and only then the bindings suitable for them.
Due to the NIS, NNN fasteners are more convenient to install, but SNS are more stable: due to the platform, NNNs are higher than SNS screwed on. On the other hand, a higher position increases the force of the push. In general, both bindings are used by both amateurs and professional athletes.
What to buy
What materials to choose
Skis made from solid timber or glued layers of wood are a thing of the past. In modern models, wood is also used, but, as a rule, the core consists of it, and the sliding surface is made of plastic.
If you're used to skiing with a wooden base, the plastic can feel uncomfortable due to the recoil. Plastic is more slippery and, unlike wood, does not “dislodge” when rubbing against snow.
However, with proper lubrication of plastic skis, it is quite possible to avoid kickback. As for the benefits, plastic skis are more durable and, unlike wooden ones, allow you to ski in positive temperatures.
According to the manufacturing method, skis are divided into Sandwich and Cap. The former are several glued layers of plastic and wood, the latter are a wooden core with a monolithic plastic cover.
For cheaper skis, the core is made of wood with air channels. In professional and more expensive ones, it is a wooden honeycomb or is made on the basis of acrylic foam with a carbon and fiberglass mesh, lightweight polyurethane foam with carbon and fiberglass inserts (Polycell technology), Densolite foam or other lightweight synthetic materials.
The sliding surface is made of different types of plastic. For cheaper options, extruded plastic is used, for more expensive options, high molecular weight universal plastic is used.
Many new technologies and materials are now being used to keep skis light and at the same time provide strength. However, all this comes at a price.
Therefore, if you are a beginner, it is worth trying regular skis with a core made of wood or Densolite foam and a base made of extruded or high molecular weight plastic. The price of such skis depends on the specific brand and ranges from 2,000 to 8,000 rubles.
Which brands to look out for
Among the well-known Russian manufacturers is the STC factory. She makes both racing and recreational Sable skis, fiberglass ski poles.
Professional models - with a honeycomb core and a sliding surface PTEX 2000 (carbon fiber), and amateur models - with a wooden core and a plastic coating. Skis are made using Cap technology and are sold at very affordable prices.
Among foreign brands (whose products are often produced in Russian factories, including STC), the Austrian manufacturer of skis and equipment Fischer is quite popular.
Fischer produces men's, women's and children's professional and amateur skis, using combined materials such as a wooden core with Air Tec Basalight basalt fibers. Fischer skis can be bought at a price of 5,000 rubles.
No less famous is the French ski brand Rossignol, whose production is located in Spain and Ukraine. The cheapest amateur skis with a light wood core and a plastic sliding surface can be bought for 5,500–6,000 rubles. Almost all skis of this brand are equipped with the NIS platform.
The third brand from the rating is the Norwegian company Madshus. Amateur skis of this brand are made using Cap technology with a core of wood with channels, glass and carbon fiber braid and a plastic base. The cost of the cheapest skis of this brand is 3,000–5,000 rubles.
Approximately in the same price category, the cheapest amateur skis are the Austrian brand Atomic and the French company Salomon. The cheaper Salomon models have a Densolite dry foam core and a graphite base, while the more expensive professional models have honeycomb cores and a zeolite base.
Each brand develops its own technologies: lighter cores, adding various minerals to improve glide, changing ski geometry. Therefore, it is best to focus on the purpose of the skis (for which course, pleasure or sports) and the availability of a length and stiffness suitable for you.
