Must have skis. What should be the length of the skis? The length of cross-country skis. Ski length. Selection of combined skis
Choose ski poles lighter than skis or boots. But ski poles also have their own characteristics, which we will discuss in this article: what material, what length, which handles and lanyards are better to choose.
Selection of ski poles by material
Cross-country ski poles are made from several materials:
- Aluminum. Aluminum ski poles are strong, cheap, but heavy. They have one big plus - they are almost impossible to break. Bent, straightened and moved on. Cons - weight and insufficient rigidity for sports riding. If you like to walk through the forest outside of prepared trails, then choose lightweight ones. aluminum sticks .
- fiberglass(plastic and fiberglass) - light, cheap, but soft and fragile. Fiberglass is similar in softness and vibration to aluminum, but is much inferior in strength. fiberglass sticks will not withstand powerful repulsions, therefore they are only suitable for skiing on prepared tracks.
- Carbon(carbon fiber) or a mixture thereof - carbon fiber(plastic and carbon). Carbon ski poles are rigid, light and strong. Carbon is easy to break only with a side impact on the stick. There are options in 100% carbon and a mixture of carbon with plastic or fiberglass. Buy poles with at least 60% carbon content. carbon sticks withstand powerful repulsions, so they are suitable for training and competition.
The price of carbon sticks starts from 2500 rubles. For example, carbon sticks Nordway Carbon or STC Avanti. These sticks have a good carbon shaft, but the handles and lanyards are of poor quality.
Better models of carbon sticks will cost from 6000 r, for example KV+ Viking or KV+ Tempesta– durable handles and lanyards, more than 70% carbon fiber, quick release system for straps.
The lightest and toughest racing carbon sticks cost from 10,000 rubles. For example, models KV+ Elite, Tornado, Bora or Swix Quantum, Team and Triac– 100% carbon High Quality, durable lanyards and handles, convenient lanyard release system.
Handles, lanyards and paws for ski poles
Source: www.flgr.ru
Table of selection of ski poles by height
Ski poles by height: FIS table for classic skiing
Play sports, move and travel! If you find an error or want to discuss the article - write in the comments. We are always happy to communicate. 🙂
How to choose skis? This question first of all arises for a beginner who is just planning to go skiing.
First you need to decide on the style of riding. There are currently two options:
- Classic, involving skiing.
- Skating, when an athlete overcomes a wide, specially prepared track.
Skis designed for classic move, can be both with a notch and without it. When wondering how to choose skis for a child or a beginner, you should give preference to the first option. The notches in this case prevent the skis from slipping back, which greatly facilitates the skiing process. But it should be understood that the speed in this case will be slightly lower compared to a smooth surface.
Important! Smooth skis can only be used with a special grip wax that will prevent them from slipping back. Otherwise, riding will be not only uncomfortable, but also unsafe.
Rigidity is an important indicator
Thinking about how to choose cross-country skiing by height and weight, you should not least pay attention to the rigidity of the products. Ski performance is largely determined by the degree of deflection, which requires a certain weight of the rider. talking plain language, different models require different forces, sufficient to push through them.
Important! The easiest way to determine the hardness classic skis. To do this, you just need to get on the skis, having achieved their full contact with the floor. If this did not work out, then it is necessary to select products with less rigidity.
Most modern manufacturers indicate the weight range of athletes for which their products are designed. For beginners, it is best to choose skis of medium hardness.
Choice of length
How to choose skis for height? This is very important nuance which must be taken into account when choosing. Everything is simple here:
- If we are talking about classic skiing, then 30 cm must be added to the athlete’s height. The result will be the length of the skis.
- When choosing skating or cross-country skiing, we add 15 cm to the height.
| Skier Height | Skis for classic skiing | Skis | Skis for | Sticks for the classic move | sticks for |
| universal | skating | skating | |||
| 150 | 170/180 | 170 | 165 | 120 | 130 |
| 155 | 180 | 170/180 | 170 | 125 | 135 |
| 160 | 185 | 180 | 175 | 130 | 140 |
| 165 | 190 | 185 | 180 | 135 | 145 |
| 170 | 195 | 190 | 185 | 140 | 150 |
| 175 | 200 | 195/200 | 190 | 145 | 155 |
| 180 | 205 | 200/205 | 190/195 | 150 | 160 |
| 185 | 205/210 | 205 | 195 | 155 | 165 |
| 190 | 210 | 205 | 195 | 160 | 170 |
| 195 | 210 | 205 | 195 | 165 | 175 |
Table: how to choose skis and poles for height
The length of most products is directly proportional to their rigidity. Therefore, if the model chosen for the length turns out to be too soft, then it is advisable to purchase a longer version.
Features of the choice of ski poles
Not less than important point than the choice of the skis themselves is the selection of sticks. First of all, you need to understand the materials from which these products are made:
- Fiberglass. This is the cheapest option, which is characterized by low strength and rigidity. At the same time, they are quite heavy, but they are quite suitable for beginners.
- Carbon fiber. Light, tough, but expensive.
- Composite, made of carbon fiber and fiberglass. In this case, strength and cost directly depend on the percentage of carbon in the composition.
- Aluminum. They are a good choice for beginners and people with heavy weight due to its strength. They are very affordable.
Advice! When choosing ski poles, it is advisable to give preference to those models that have hand loops. They must be securely fixed with Velcro.
Conclusion
How to choose the right skis was described in detail above. This process is not particularly difficult, but requires certain knowledge that will help any novice skier to master this species sports. You should also pay attention to protection and equipment.
Everything for those who dream of skiing in the nearest park on flat snow or ski tracks.
What are cross country skiing
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.
Add 20 cm to your height to find the size of classic skis, or simply raise your hand: palm down outstretched hand must 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 thumb will rest against 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 skating 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 perfect length 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. To determine the correct length, add 15 cm to your height.
As for notches, some all-purpose skis have a replaceable middle: if you want to ski in classical 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 fasteners 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 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.
at the expense NIS mounts NNNs are more convenient to install, but SNSs are more stable: due to the platform, NNNs are higher than SNSs screwed on with screws. 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 more durable and, unlike wooden ones, allow you to ride at 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 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.
So if you are a beginner, it's worth a try. regular skis with wood or Densolite foam core and extruded or high molecular weight plastic sliding surface. 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 purchased at a price of 5,000 rubles.
No less famous French brand Rossignol skis, 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 of the Austrian brand Atomic and the French Salomon. Cheaper Salomon models have a Densolite dry foam core and a graphite base, while 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.
Note! You can buy the skis and equipment presented in the article cheaper if you use the special section of Lifehacker.
Skiing is one of the most widespread and prestigious sports and leisure activities. But riding will bring pleasure if people know how to choose the right skis for height and weight. In addition, they are mountain, racing, walking, differ in shape and size.
Types of winter skiing
Selection skiing is not an easy task. First you need to decide what kind of skating they are needed for. Models are universal, track, frisky. Accordingly, the form is also different.
On a note: the first pair of skis was carved back then, when people wore skins. Rock paintings depicting skiers appeared in the Stone Age. However, the founders skiing Scandinavians are considered. In their mythology there are even special deities, the patrons of skis - Ull and Skadi.
Universal
These skis are bought more often than others. Their second name is All-mountain, and they are used even off the track, on snow puffs. They have a small longitudinal and torsional rigidity. Waist -73-105 mm, rocker reaches 10-20% of the total length.
Before you pick up skiing, you need to know the characteristics of the terrain. For broken slopes, they should have a waist of 85-105 cm, front rocker from 15%, preferably rear (5-10%). Modern models on the toe and heel have a honeycomb structure, reinforced with carbon and titanol.
Road (Racing)
This type of skiing is also called carving. They are made for downhill on prepared slopes, where their full potential is revealed. They differ from previous models in high rates of longitudinal and torsional rigidity. This is necessary to compensate for centrifugal forces at significant speeds and "cut" into snow or ice when edging.
Modern technology involves riding not in a straight line, but along an arcuate trajectory. And the larger the radius of the arc, the higher the speed. Therefore, when choosing cross-country skis, take into account that they are:
- short-radius (9-12 m);
- medium-radius (12-17 m);
- long-radius (17-25 m).
On the latter, it is possible to accelerate to 80 km / h and more.
Freeski
These models are chosen for free style, performing jumps and tricks. Frisky is divided into the following categories:
- Freeride (Freeride) - for skiing outside prepared trails. They have a waist - from 98 mm, rockers: front - 25-30%, back - 10-15%, sidecut radius - 17-30 cm.
- puffy (Powder) - have a waist of 120-130 mm, more often used in deep snow.
- Freestal (Park & pipe) - designed for jumps and tricks. They are characterized by a twin-type, that is, the same bends in the front and back (rocker 10-20%).
- Skitour (Ski tour) - these are fairly light models for climbing mountain peaks.
Types of racing or cross-country skiing
Racing products also have their own gradation, which must be taken into account when deciding which skis are better.
For the classic move
These are quite long skis - up to 207 cm. They are soft and with a sharp toe.
The skier who decides which skis are best must take into account the significant power of the leg and give preference to a stiffer canvas. Beginners and amateurs need models that are softer and easier to balance.
If skating is to be at very low temperatures, then the canvas should be more elastic, softer. Such skis do not need to be lubricated with a large layer of ointment. For positive temperatures and frost slightly below zero, the lubricant is applied in a fairly thick layer. Therefore, skis are chosen tougher. The rule applies to all types of sports equipment.
For skating
Skating skis differ from classic skis in a shorter length - a maximum of 192 cm. They are stiffer, therefore they require certain skills. Their toe is blunt.
Talking about how to choose the right skis, experts recommend paying attention to the toe. For cold and dry weather, a pair is preferred, in which the socks touch when squeezed. For walking on wet snow, choose those that diverge slightly in the toe.
Combined
These models are suitable for both "classics" and skating. Their maximum length does not exceed 200 cm in order to prevent mutual advancing of skis during skating. By design, they are closer to the classical ones.
Fact: in modern models, skis are the same length. This was not always the case: in the Middle Ages, one was shorter and was used for pushing. The one that was used for riding was sheathed with skins.
Which skis are better: selection criteria
When wondering how to choose skis, other characteristics must be taken into account. For example, the longer the length, the higher the resistance and stability. The longest ones are used on high mountains, long, wide routes.
Medium skis are distinguished by agility, maneuverability, they go easier on an icy, uneven surface. The smallest are good on short groomed slopes.
As an example, several models of skis of different types with approximate price tags:
Handling depends on weight. The heavier the model, the more difficult it is to handle. This reduces vibration resistance (the ability to absorb vibrations). Manufacturers reduce weight by using a honeycomb toe and heel structure, preferring light woods.
The selection of skis for walking is carried out according to the same principle as for the classic course. People with a lot of weight prefer products with the highest rigidity. When they get on the ski, it is necessary that at least a small distance to the floor surface remains under its block. With excessive softness, the models take a longer pair.
The length and type of skis depends on the physical parameters of the athlete.
Expand the table of skis by height (adjusted by weight and other parameters)
Children under 6 years old choose models that are slightly taller, older than 6 years - 15-20 cm more. With any selection of skis, the “30 cm rule” applies. This means that the length of the pair should be 15 cm below or above the person.
It is not necessary to use height and weight tables to purchase suitable skis. The couple is chosen:
- The flex tester determines and marks the balance line with a marker.
- Place the skis on a flat surface and stand on them, placing the toes of the shoes on the marked mark.
- Distribute body weight on two legs.
- They ask the assistant to hold a sheet of office paper under the ski.
- A pair is suitable if the sheet moves freely from the balance line towards the toe for a distance of 25 cm (depending on the length of the inventory), and also to the end of the foot.
- If this distance is less, a more rigid model is taken, and vice versa.
This method is applicable to products used in classical technique skating. With a pair for skating, almost the same test is carried out. They take a very thin sheet of paper, which is advanced forward at a distance of at least 40 cm, behind the foot - 10 cm from the heel. Next, repulsion is imitated - then the total length of the gap should be 30-40 cm, the area under the foot is not clamped.
Ski length depends on the level of training of their owner and the type of riding:
- for beginners, with short-radius carving - 0-15 cm below height;
- universal (track, freeride), for medium-radius carving - 15 cm higher or 15 cm lower than growth;
- for freeride and speed skiing - 5-20 cm taller.
This is the basic criterion. There are other factors to consider at the stage of purchase.
Expand the table for selecting the length of alpine skis by weight
When calculating it is necessary to take into account level of training:
- beginner - -20 cm;
- medium - -5 cm;
- advanced - the same;
- expert - +5 cm;
- prorides - + 10 cm.
When selecting skis for height, weight, degree of preparation for off-piste skiing, another 5 cm is added to the resulting length.
According to the 30 cm rule, if a person is 173 cm tall, then no weight correction is made, since the ideal starting length of the ski is indicated. Further, adjustments are made depending on the level of skiing, location and skiing technique.
The correct purchase of sticks is also important: they less height by 15-20 cm.
Rules for storing and preparing skis
Here, not only beginners make mistakes, but also experienced athletes. However, organizing ski storage is easy. For this, the following must be observed requirements:
- After returning from a walk, wipe the wood and fasteners with a dry cloth and dry, do not tie. Do not hang sticks by rings or lanyards.
- Transport and carry skis with slippers inside in a case, tying the heel and toe parts.
- Do not use an open trunk for transportation. Reagents and dirt dull the edges, destroy protective coatings, spoil the wood.
- After drying, check fasteners for rust.
- Do not leave to dry near the battery and other heating devices.
- Treat the surface with paraffin before sending the skis to storage. A whitish coating on the base along the edges is a sign that the paraffin layer has worn off and needs to be restored.
- Before conservation, apply an aerosol ointment to the fasteners - this will protect the metal from oxidation.
Skiing is the most common winter sport in our country. But good skating depends not only on physical training skier, but also from well-chosen equipment. Today we will talk about how the physical parameters of an athlete - height and weight - affect the nuances of choosing skis.
How to choose skis for height?
There are certain aspects to choosing skis by length. They differ depending on the type of products, which can be classic, skating or walking.
- Skis of the first category, classical, in length should exceed the height of the skier by 20-30 cm.
- Skate models should be 10-15 cm larger than the athlete.
- Worthy of special attention pleasure(they are combined) skis, which are very popular among fans of this winter sport. They are selected 15-20 cm longer than the height of their owner.
Beginner skiers who do not know how to choose the size of skis should remember that short skis are much easier to manage. But people with extensive riding experience can afford to buy long models. Moreover, such skis provide maximum glide.
How to choose a ski size?
To understand how to choose the size of skis, you should pay attention to the special size table. Read it, or better yet, print it out and take it with you. sporting goods store. She will show you how to size for skis and buy equipment that will be comfortable to use. Only with this approach to the choice of purchased skis will give a lot of positive emotions while skiing on winter snowy paths.
| Human height (cm) | Classic ski length (cm) | Walking ski length (cm) | Ski length for skating (cm) |
| 150 | 175 | 170 | 165 |
| 155 | 180 | 175 | 170 |
| 160 | 185 | 180 | 175 |
| 165 | 190 | 185 | 180 |
| 170 | 195 | 190 | 185 |
| 175 | 200 | 195 | 190 |
| 180 | 205 | 200 | 190-195 |
| 185 | 205-210 | 200-205 | 195 |
| 190 | 205-210 | 200-205 | 195 |
| 195 | 210 | 205 | 195 |
How to choose skis by weight?
There is nothing complicated here either. All that is required is to weigh yourself and compare the result with the ski size table:
! Please note that many manufacturers have their own ski size tables for height and / or weight, which differ from those given in this article.
It is also important to remember that the weight of the athlete has a direct impact on the level of rigidity of the products. The larger it is, the stiffer the skis should be. To select skis by weight, measure their stiffness level using flex tester. Skis are installed on a special board or on a flat surface and stiffness is measured using the device. This indicator can also be determined by squeezing a pair of skis with your hands. For more information on how to conduct a "manual" test yourself, see our.
How to choose skis and poles for height?
The above describes in detail how to choose the right skis for height. But when choosing equipment, it is important to pay attention to sticks. Unlike skis, the length of the sticks should be 15-20 cm less than the height of the athlete. If the skier is in excellent physical shape, the length of the sticks can be slightly increased. But, in any case, the minimum length of the sticks should not be below the shoulders, and the maximum - below the ear. Besides:
- you can’t buy sticks “for growth” (especially if you are purchasing equipment for a child);
- you should not buy sticks with miniature supports - the so-called "paws".
Now you know how to choose skis for height and weight. Arm yourself with a size chart - and go to the sports store!
Perhaps you will be interested
