When choosing cross-country skis, it is necessary to take into account several parameters, in particular, the planned skiing style and the level of the skier's training, as well as his height and weight. In addition, you should pay attention to the reputation of the equipment manufacturer in order to insure yourself against poor-quality purchases.
Instructions
Step 1
Skis for skiing in the traditional classical style are 15-20 cm longer than the so-called skate skis, their toe is narrower and sharper. Mastering this technique requires virtually no special training, so this style is preferable for beginners. Skating skis are shorter and tougher than classic skis, their toe is more rounded and blunt. The advantage of this style of skiing is that it allows the trained skier to develop good speed. At the same time, the skating course is quite difficult to master and requires a high-quality, fairly wide track.
Step 2
If you have not yet decided on the style, or are planning to ride both on and off the track, it is worth purchasing the so-called universal skis, which combine the qualities of both skating and classic skis. For walks in the forest, walking or hiking skis are best suited, which are somewhat wider and heavier, in addition, they often have notches. In this situation, they will be more convenient, since they exclude the "slipping" of the leg back, however, it is impossible to develop high speed on such skis.
Step 3
To choose the right length of skis for skating, use the formula: your height is + 10-15 cm, while the poles should be slightly higher than your shoulders. The size for the "classic" is selected as follows: 25-30 cm is added to the height of the skier, and the sticks should rest against the armpits.
Step 4
The next parameter is the stiffness of the skis. It is selected depending on the weight of the skier, the weather conditions under which he plans to ride, and the style of skiing. Skis for skating should be stiffer than classic skis, so that when pushing off with your foot, there is a small gap between the ski and the snow, otherwise you will not be able to accelerate properly. For skiing on dry snow, skis of less rigidity are required than for freezing temperatures when it is wet. In addition, the more your weight, the higher this figure should be.
Step 5
To choose skis of suitable stiffness, experts advise when buying them to do the following: put them on the floor and stand on them with both feet where the boots will be. If you plan to skate, a sheet of thick paper should pass freely under the skis in these places. However, choosing skis of maximum stiffness is also not worth it. Rather, they are intended for professionals, and will spring and slip a lot during the push, which will significantly complicate the ride. If your task does not include setting new world records, then it makes sense to choose skis of medium or low stiffness.
Step 6
As for prices, recreational skis are slightly more expensive than tourist skis, and the most expensive of them are those designed for professionals, labeled "RCS", "RC", "Racing" or "PRO". The leaders in the production of tourist skis are Madshus (Norway), Rossignol (France) and Fischer (Germany). Trained skiers, in addition to those mentioned, are advised to pay attention to the equipment of the companies Atomic (Austria) and Rottefella (Norway), the latter of which is the world leader in the field of bindings.
Step 7
In general, the products of Atomis, Rossignol, Madshus, Fischer and the French company Salomon are the most acceptable in terms of price-quality ratio. Prices for tourist skis of these brands fluctuate, on average, in the range of 3600-7300 r, the fitness model - in the region of 5000-9000 r, and skate and classic models cost about the same. Prices for professional cross-country skis can be much higher. These models allow you to reach the maximum speed, however, for recreational skiing, for example, on Sunday walks with your family, there is simply no point in purchasing such equipment.
