We choose cross-country skis, ski boots, ski poles, ski waxes. How to choose the right ski poles

Nowadays, more and more people are starting to get involved in skiing, and this sport is gaining its popularity. Good skiing depends not only on the professional qualities of the skier, but also on the right equipment, where the main place is occupied by skis and ski poles.

1. Depending on the style of skiing, there are different requirements for the length of skis and poles. When choosing skis for skating, do the following: put the skis next to you - they should be 15 cm longer than your height. For example, if your height is 175 cm, then the optimal ski length will be 190 cm.

2. Sticks are selected in a similar way. But only they should be 15-20 cm smaller in comparison with your height. You can choose sticks and higher ones, but only if you have good enough physical preparation of your hands. Just remember that the poles should not be higher than your ears (maximum length) and not fall below your shoulders (minimum length of ski poles).

3. If you choose skis for classic skiing, then their length should be 25-30 cm longer than your height. The amount that will turn out is the optimal length of this type of ski for you. The sticks here should be 25-30 cm less than your height. And skis for walking should not be more than 15-25 cm more than the height of the skier.

4. When choosing skis, you should look not only at height, but also at weight and fitness level. So athletes who are well prepared physically will withstand more weight of sports equipment. If you are a beginner, then subtract 10 cm from your height, and if you already ski often and consider yourself an experienced skier, then subtract 20 cm.

5. To select the size of skis and poles, depending on the type of skiing (classic or skating) and height, depending on weight or fitness, you can use some tables.

6. Also, to calculate the length of skis and poles for children, you can use a special table, because the choice of length here takes into account not only the height, but also the age of the child. For children, do not buy equipment "for growth" in any case. Firstly, the child will not be able to ride normally in it, and secondly, this can lead to injuries.

7. When choosing equipment, pay attention to such characteristics as rigidity and heaviness. It should be both light and as rigid as possible.

8. Buy skis and poles only in specialized sports stores. Such a store will be like a guarantee, which indicates that you are buying quality items.

Now you know how to choose skis and poles according to your height! Good luck choosing!

Sneakers on the feet, ski poles in the hands - this is the Russian response to the popularization of Nordic Walking, which is literally in full swing around the world. Nordic or otherwise Nordic walking has recently been an outlandish hobby for our compatriots.

But after making sure that the new sport is extremely good for health (and, what is important, it is available even for those who have a little bit of this very health left), many soon joined the ranks of his followers.

Although just take old ski poles and get on the path of health is not enough. You must have the right sports equipment in your hands, otherwise it will turn out, as in the saying about that stick that has two ends ... Let's figure out how to choose the right sticks for Nordic walking.

Why is the emphasis on sticks

In order for the sticks to magically return health, and not, they are selected individually for themselves and not in the ski row of a sporting goods store. Athletes and lovers of Nordic Walking, interested in the maximum efficiency of such walking, train with special sticks designed for Nordic walking. Support sticks regulate the work of the musculoskeletal system, loading those muscles that need to be developed, and sparing those departments and joints, pressure on which is contraindicated.

The main contingent of "Scandinavian walkers" are people with cardiovascular pathology, suffering from arthrosis, protrusions and hernias of the spine, or who have been injured in the past. Nordic walking for them is a feasible cardio load and the ability to actively move without harming themselves. The same applies to untrained people, whose goal is to increase endurance, activate oxygen transport in the tissues of the body. Therefore, what kind of sticks are in the hands, such is the result.

What are they, Nordic sticks

When choosing sticks, they are guided by three main criteria: material of manufacture, design, size.

Aluminum folding poles with an anti-shock system are more resilient compared to their springless counterparts.

Size is a defining characteristic

The main guideline when choosing sticks is their length, which is selected according to the height of a person, but at the same time, taking into account the degree of future activity, the level of training and health status. The system for determining the desired size of Scandinavian poles is different than ski poles. The calculation is based on the Nordic constant of 0.68, which is multiplied by a person's height. The result obtained and rounded to the integer is what you need.

According to some coaches, the length of the sticks is obtained more accurately if the value of 0.70 is taken as a constant, and for skiers who train in the summer, even 0.72. For the elderly and those with painful joints, a ratio of 0.66 would be ideal.

When choosing, it is best to follow the advice of experienced "walkers" and try on a future purchase.

If the angle in the elbow joint with a vertical stance is 90 degrees, these are your sticks.

But for the weakened category, it is more comfortable if this angle is slightly larger, that is, the sticks will be slightly lower. Sticks that are too high will prevent the body from tilting forward, as required. And too short will cause back pain.

Matching sticks to height is a determining factor for achieving the desired result.

Discomfort, muscle strain and lower back pain are a signal that the selection was made incorrectly.

The optimal length of sticks - to each his own

The ruler of stick lengths in sports stores is a multiple of 5 cm.

In the table, the values ​​are focused on the health group. The fitness program allows an increase in the length of the sticks by 5 cm, and the sports program - by 10 cm.

If you are not sure that a fixed height of monolithic instances will work well, beginners it is better to buy the first telescopic sticks and adjust the size for yourself.

Video: how to choose sticks for Nordic walking

About tips, handles and lanyards

The tip is an important detail. For branded sticks, it is indelible. By changing shoes, you can make walking not only all-weather, but also all-terrain. Hard and sharp iron tip suitable for ice, snow, soft ground and sand. Rubber soft and silent - for asphalt and paving stones. The kit with sticks includes a set of tips, but you can always buy the right one separately.

When choosing sticks for yourself, you need to pay attention to how the grip area is framed.

The handle must be non-slip and durable.

Usually it is made of natural cork or a material comparable in texture to it, most often rubber. Unlike easily worn cork, the substitute is easy to clean and has a longer service life.

A lanyard is attached to the handle. This is a half-glove, popularly called the "trap", which is adjusted to a specific size with the help of belts. There are expensive models with gloves of generally accepted sizes. In any case, it is advisable to measure it to make sure that it does not press on the palm or wrist.

Ski and trekking poles - no

If in winter you can still go with ski poles(subject to the correct length), then in the warm season on a hard surface, depreciation is indispensable. Rubber tips from Scandinavian sticks will not work, and the shock load will become unbearable for the spine and joints.

Thick and strong trekking poles are also not suitable for long-distance travel and mountain routes. They are designed for the combined weight of the tourist and the backpack, they are too long, and besides, they are always foldable. Such a stick is devoid of elasticity and will be heavy for Nordic walking.

Who produces and what is produced

Video review of telescopic poles CMD Sport with Anti-Shock

The choice of one or another manufacturer is a matter of taste and financial possibilities. Brand copies that have passed the test of time, tested by professional athletes, may seem expensive for a poor Russian. But it is they who, after some time of training sessions, are guaranteed to restore physical fitness.

For all visitors of our portal, the store provides an additional 5% discount using the promo code 1TREN.

The same carbon content of different manufacturers does not mean equal product quality.

In winter, skiing is a favorite sport for many. In addition to the fact that skiing is associated with a long stay in the fresh air, they also provide physical activity, strengthen muscles and develop endurance. Yes, it's just fun and great - to go to the winter forest with the whole family for an unforgettable experience. For a child to love such trips, you need to choose the right ski kit for him.

At what age should you buy skis

The age at which a child can be put on skis, of course, is not strictly defined. It depends on the desire of the child himself and the patience and perseverance of the parents. A kid who has barely learned to balance on his feet is unlikely to enjoy riding.

Kit for the little skier

Some parents teach their children to active sports as early as 2 years and 5 months. At this age, you can already take your baby to the first ski trips, but be prepared that you will often have to remove skis from him, ride him, entertain him with games, etc.

A 3-year-old child already has much more developed concentration, perseverance and focus on results. Children 4–5 years old easily spend about half an hour on the ski track, they enjoy skiing down small hills.

Mountain or cross country

It is recommended to start skiing with cross-country skiing. It is easier and safer to learn to keep balance and master the skills of sliding in them. However, parents who actively ski from the mountains often put their children on skis right away. On the ski slopes today you can often see nimble skiers gliding quickly down the slope, while they are hardly knee-deep in height for an adult. Constantly striving to learn and master new space, a child often shows perseverance, enviable for an adult. Therefore, when choosing the type of ski, you need to be guided not only by your own preferences, safety issues, but also by the inclinations of the child.

If the terrain allows you to choose between two types of skiing, it may be worth the first time not to rush to purchase skis, but to invite your child to try both types of loads by renting equipment.

The choice of skis for children of different ages

Up to three years

At this age, the skis are short and wide. For the present, the child does not need to develop speed, hone technique or fit into turns. He must learn to balance and learn to glide. Long skis will only make pushing and cornering more difficult.

Short (40 cm) wide (8 cm) plastic skis with rounded ends are suitable as the first ones. When gaining confidence, you can switch to wooden or plastic skis equal in length to the height of the child. Plastic is a more versatile material, as it is equally suitable for wet and dry snow.

Skis for the little ones

At an early age, the purchase of special shoes is hardly advisable. The size of a child's foot changes rapidly. In addition, he will have time to grow from the first skis in one or two seasons. Therefore, metal mounts with rubber straps are considered the best option. A similar design is easily attached to a child's comfortable familiar winter shoes.

Keep in mind that sticks are not needed at this age, since the main goal at this age is to gain balance when skiing and mastering the principles of gliding.

4 to 10 years

If you are buying skis for a child who has already learned to ride the simplest model by this age, it makes sense to purchase a more sporty option. Narrower (5 cm wide) and long skis are selected. The length of the skis is calculated by the formula: height + 15 cm.

Children's skis with a semi-rigid binding

Age 11–15

For teenagers, skis are selected not only based on weight and height, but also depending on the preferred style.

There are three types of cross-country skiing:

High-quality skis do not differ from each other in weight, length and width. Make sure that the sliding side has a smooth groove, no scratches or cracks.

Important! Children's skis must be soft. Rigid skis will not allow you to make comfortable pushes and can turn the presence on the track into torture.

A typical mistake is buying skis "for growth". Keep in mind that longer skis have more stiffness. This means that they will be difficult to manage for a small child.

When choosing materials, plastic is preferred. Firstly, it is more durable, stronger and more resistant to changes in weather conditions than wood. Secondly, wooden skis are gradually leaving the market, and soon it will not be possible to find them at all.

Table of the correct length of skis depending on the height and weight of the child

Mounts

Types of bindings for children's skis:

Boots and bindings of the old type are much cheaper than modern ones, but are suitable only for the classic move.

What boots to buy

If a child is under 6 years old and does not show a persistent desire to turn cross-country skiing into a favorite pastime, the issue of purchasing boots can not be raised. Sliding semi-rigid bindings will allow you to use skis for several seasons, even taking into account the constant growth of the foot and changing the size of the shoe. If in skiing a child shows enviable constancy and perseverance, then you can buy special shoes.

Boots designed for old-style bindings have a range of sizes from 28. Differing in relatively low cost, they cannot boast of versatility: such shoes are not suitable for skating.

Modern shoes equipped with SNS and NNN mounts are much more expensive. Keep in mind that the child will have enough shoes and bindings for one or two seasons.

How to choose ski poles

We have already decided that the smallest children who take their first steps on the ski track do not need sticks. When the child learns the principle of sliding, repulsion and alternating steps, then we can talk about sticks that will give extra speed and confidence on the track.

For children 3–7 years old, sticks are selected that reach the armpits. The model should be equipped with rubberized handles and straps so that the sticks do not drop or get lost when walking. The tip of the stick should not be sharp. Nozzle of a tip - in the form of a ring or an asterisk.

For older children, sticks are selected based on riding style. In skating and classic styles, sticks of fundamentally different lengths are used. If for the classics you need to choose sticks no higher than the armpits, then for the skate they should reach shoulder height.

Stick Length Calculation Table

Video: how to choose skis for a child

The choice of skis for a child is a simple and pleasant matter. The variety of the modern market will allow you to choose what is not only suitable for growth and size, but also to your liking. Before you go shopping for your child's skis, consider how often he intends to use them. If winter walks happen in your family from time to time, it may be more expedient to completely abandon the purchase, using the rental services.

In this article, you will learn how to choose cross-country skis and poles for height as a beginner skier, as well as how to choose the right size for ski boots. Below are tables for selecting ski sizes and boot sizes.

Choice of cross-country skis and poles

In order to choose the right cross-country ski length, you need to decide what style you are going to ride - classic (on the ski track) or skating:

• For a classic move, add to your height 20-25 cm
• For skating, add to your height 10-15 cm

There are two types:

• Notched (step): the notch is a ribbed sliding surface of the ski in the binding area. The notch allows the skis not to slip and not to use holding ointments. Perfect for pleasure skiing with classic cross-country skiing.

• With a smooth sliding surface (wax): these are skis without a system of notches, the sliding surface is smooth, the use of holding ointments is required. Unlike notched skis, these skis are suitable for any style of skiing and are better suited for combination and skating skiing, as well as for sports skiing.

When selecting ski pole lengths also focus on the style of riding:

• Sticks for the classic move should be about 25 cm smaller than your height. In this case, when you are skiing in boots, the sticks will go into the snow up to their feet, and the handle of the sticks will reach your armpits. It is this length of ski poles that is optimal for classic skiing.
• For skating, ski poles must be longer - approximately 15 cm less than your height.

Table of selection of cross-country skis and poles by height:

Choice of cross-country ski bindings

The most popular types are:

• 75 mm (NN75)- classic steel fasteners (three-pin system), familiar to everyone since Soviet times, are still very popular due to their simplicity, reliability and low cost. These mounts are perfect for touring.

• NNN and SNS- modern binding systems, differing from each other with guides for boots along the bindings. Such mounts are better suited for more active and sporty riding.

Choice of ski boots

All are made from modern frost-resistant synthetic materials, less often - from genuine leather.

All ski boots are insulated, which allows you to choose boots of your size without a stock and wear them without a woolen sock. We recommend using thermal socks.

The sole of the ski boots is suitable for a specific binding system: 75 mm, NNN or SNS:

• Boots for bindings 75 mm are available in standard Russian sizes. The size of the boots can be chosen completely according to your foot size.
• Boots for NNN / SNS bindings are produced in Euro sizes, which are approximately 1.5-2 sizes smaller than Russian ones, i.e. if you wear Russian size 39, then you should take size 41 boots.

The easiest way to choose your shoe size is to measure with a ruler shoe insole length that you are wearing.If it is not possible to get the insole out of the shoe, then it is necessary to measure the length of the foot. How to do it correctly - see under the table below.

Ski boot size selection table according to insole length:

How to measure your foot length correctly:

Stand on a piece of paper so that your heels only lightly touched behind the wall (doors, cabinet sides, etc.). If you press your heel hard against the wall, the measurement will be wrong.

The weight of the body should be transferred to the leg being measured.

Hold a pencil strictly vertical, do not get it under your fingers!

Mark lines near the thumb and second finger, draw a line along the wall. Measure the maximum distance between the marks with a ruler. Measure both feet as size may vary.

Ready ski sets

In our online store you can choose and buy, consisting of cross-country skis, poles, bindings, boots and ski bundles.

We have prepared for you several options on skis from the Russian manufacturer STC (Sports Technology Center). You can choose skis with or without notches. The kit includes 75 mm or NNN/SNS bindings, matching ski boots, some ski kits include additional accessories - a ski bag and a set of ski waxes.

Especially for parents of schoolchildren, we have 2 options for inexpensive Ski set Schoolboy: a simple and budget kit with 75mm mounts and a kit with NNN / SNS mounts. Both sets of skis are perfect for physical education at school, as well as just for skiing and skiing in the winter.

Cross-country skiing is divided into racing, amateur and tourist. As a rule, the purpose is indicated in the product card.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.