Selection of skating skis. The best alpine skis: rating and characteristics
The onset of the cold season does not mean at all that you need to hide at home under cozy blankets, since winter provides many opportunities for active recreation. And it is precisely this kind of rest that should accompany your leisure time in order to keep you in normal physical shape and help improve your health. Skiing is a full-fledged workout of all major muscle groups with maximum effort, and even in the fresh air. For example, you can go skiing, familiar to us since childhood. Despite the fact that in recent years more and more fans of alpine skiing have begun to appear, there are also lovers of more relaxed cross-country skiing. However, before choosing skis for skating, you need to decide what types of these products there are.
Main varieties
According to their intended purpose, cross-country skis are usually divided into two main types: for classic and skating. With the classic style of skiing, the skier moves the skis parallel to each other, and with the skating stroke, the athlete steps in the same way as speed skaters walk, that is, he uses the inside of the ski to push off the snow. That is why it is worth knowing how to choose skis for skating, so that when you visit an online store or a regular sports equipment store, you can navigate your needs.
Material of manufacture
If we talk about what these products can be made of, then there are only two options - plastic and different types of wood. The former have a whole range of advantages over the latter, as they are characterized by strength, durability and the ability to develop significant speeds. They do not delaminate, which cannot be said about wooden ones, which are prone to changing their properties as a result of repeated contact with water. However, the main advantage of wooden skis is their cost, making them an excellent option for beginners who are just starting to take their first difficult steps on the snow.
Skating ski parameters
Knowing the basic parameters will help answer the question of how to choose skis for skating. What to choose will ultimately depend on their stiffness and length. The selection process should be as thorough as possible, since the comfort of the skier depends on this, but considerable importance in this situation is also given to the personal preferences of the athletes. It is important to understand that skis that are intended for skating are shorter and more rigid than classic skis, but it should be remembered that hard skis are much more difficult to control. If you answer the question of how to choose skis for skating based on height, then you need to take into account that their length should be 10 cm greater than the athlete’s height.
Subtleties of choice
Skating skis differ from classic models in the absence of curved tips, and their height, as already mentioned, should be only 10 cm greater than the skier’s height. When purchasing this option, it is very important to choose the right stiffness. Ideally, it should be calculated as follows: the skis need to be placed on a flat surface, after which a person stands on them, evenly distributing his weight on both skis. Next, you need to take a feeler gauge, it can even be a sheet of paper, to measure the clearance area between the floor and the ski in front and behind in relation to the boot. It should be approximately 35-40 and 10-15 cm, respectively. After the skier transfers his entire body weight onto one ski, the clearance area should become 10 cm or less smaller at the back and front, and the gap should end earlier than the heel of the boot.
However, not every store will allow you to do such a check, so you can use another method. If you are deciding how to choose skis for skating, then there is another option for checking them. You need to install the skis vertically, fold them together with their sliding surfaces, put your hands on the pads, and then squeeze them with force. If the clearance between the skis is approximately 3-4 mm, then they are quite suitable for you, but if the clearance is 1-2 mm, you can conclude that they are too soft for you.
So, now you understand how to choose skating skis based on their stiffness. Now it’s worth saying that it is not recommended to buy these products in a hypermarket. The best thing to do would be to go to a sports store, where you can, with the help of a consultant, choose the most suitable option for yourself. Typically, such specialists are well versed in how to choose skis for skating. Fisher is a popular brand worth checking out as it produces high quality products at a reasonable price. Each manufacturer has its own line for each category of skis, with different characteristics and prices. In this case, the choice of one option or another depends primarily on how much you are willing to spend.
Ski boots
If we talk about how to choose skis for skating, then one of the important attributes in this case is ski boots. They should be hard, high, and secure the ankle. For these purposes, it is completely inappropriate to use classic boots, since they are low, and your feet will get tired very quickly during such skating. As a result, you will not get any pleasure. The size should correspond to the size of the foot, and there is no need to leave extra for wool socks. Modern boots are characterized by density, softness, and their thermal parameters are designed for use with one sock, but quite dense.
The correct selection of boots is an additional answer to the question of how to choose skis for skating. There are many things that distinguish them from the classics, so in the store you should immediately discard all unsuitable options. Boots may well become the most expensive part of the “skis - bindings - boots - poles” set, but you shouldn’t skimp on them, because poles and skis can be replaced next season, and the boots will serve you for another 10-15 years, no less.
Ski poles
There is one general principle here: the lighter the sticks, the better. The same principle applies to skis and boots. Lighter poles are made from carbon or carbon fiber, but their cost is quite high, so it is recommended to take fiberglass products. They are characterized by rigidity, lightness and relative cheapness. If we talk about how to choose skis for skating according to height, then it is important to know that poles should also be selected according to height. On average, their length should be 15-20 cm less than the height of the athlete himself. But even here it is possible that the skier will select poles according to his own criteria, because everyone is comfortable using them in different ways.
Ski lubrication
If we have already talked about how to choose skis for skating, now you need to decide on preparing the skis for use, and this is impossible without lubricating them. In professional circles, at least ten layers of different lubricants and accelerator powders are applied to the sliding surface using a special iron, scrapers and brushes. Skating enthusiasts do not need to resort to such tricks, but they should not completely abandon the use of lubricant. It’s all about the composition of the sliding surface of the skis, because it consists of high molecular weight polyethylene, and it begins to gradually wear out from constant contact with snow. If you do not lubricate your skis, then this surface will gradually turn into completely unsuitable for skiing, which is why you will need to take your skis to a professional for sanding. After every 2-3 skiing, it is recommended to rub your skis with special-purpose paraffin, and then rub it with a stiff brush. Manufacturers have also taken care of the laziest ones; for these purposes they produce aerosols that must be used before each ride.
Skating move
If your decision to learn to ski is quite firm, then you should first decide what style of skiing you will use. In accordance with this, you need to purchase skis. Not so long ago, people started skating - in the eighties of the twentieth century. The founder of this style is considered to be Gunde Svan, a legendary skier from Sweden who became an Olympic champion four times.
The peculiarity of this type of skiing is that the athlete pushes off the track with the inner side of the ski. In this case, the route should have a large width and also be well compacted. The emergence of the skating style led to a change in the familiar appearance of traditional classic cross-country skiing. In addition to the fact that these are shorter skis with blunt tips, they are also products with a center of gravity shifted by 25 cm. In this case, to answer the question of how to choose skis for skating based on weight and height, you need to understand that not only the type of snow is important, but also your personal preferences.
If you just love Sunday walks on the snow on skis, then it is best for you to opt for models of medium and low hardness. Very rigid products have quite significant disadvantages - they spring and slip at the moment of impact. But here it is important to understand that their rigidity is proportional to their own weight - the greater this indicator, the greater the rigidity should be. For children, only soft skis should be selected. With their help, the process of mastering skiing will be much easier. Buying skis “for growth” is the most significant mistake parents make. This concerns the question of how to choose skis for skating based on weight.
The selection of length is made according to the formula already indicated earlier: height plus 10-15 cm. For poles, the formula is a little similar - height minus 20 cm. How to choose boots has already been said earlier.
Fastenings
Another important point that concerns the question of how to choose skis for skating. It comes with a choice of fastenings for them. For amateur skiers, experts usually recommend using NORDIK 75 bindings. In general, these devices can be mechanical or automatic. The first option involves manual latching, and their reliability is quite high. The peculiarity of automatic fastenings is that they are activated after placing the boot bracket in the groove. This type will be the best choice for amateurs.
Fisher skis
How to choose skis for skating "Fischer"? There's a lot to be said here. Why do many people prefer this brand? These are high quality skis with excellent performance characteristics. The main advantage of Fisher skate skis is their highest strength and a special hollow core, which makes the body as light as possible. In addition, many models are produced using advanced technologies, for example, the supporting material contains special carbon fibers, which take on the task of providing maximum flexibility with particular strength. Ideal skating comfort is ensured through the use of a patented profile. Reducing the weight of the skis was also possible due to the use of a holey toe.
Another advantage of these products is the maximum removal of reference points. This allows the athlete to gain maximum stability, which may be required during training and biathlon competitions. We continue to figure out how to choose skis for skating. Reviews of products from this brand indicate their wide temperature range. For example, in their model range there are representatives aimed at riding on dirty snow or during a thaw. However, practice shows that they are also well suited for training in cold weather, without even requiring the use of any special lubricants. This versatility is quite impressive.
The only disadvantage of Fisher skis is their high cost, which is beyond the means of most domestic consumers. For professional products the price is 30 thousand rubles or more, which is quite expensive for amateurs. But the brand also presents standard modifications that have good characteristics.
conclusions
Now you understand how to choose skis for skating. Photos of these products and photographs of skiers demonstrate that this is a very important task, because they not only provide the convenience of skiing, but also the safety of the athlete. It is not necessary to immediately buy these products for yourself; you can limit yourself to renting skis. This will allow you to experience in practice which option will be most convenient for you. And if you do not have such an opportunity, then all the recommendations indicated should be useful to you. Good luck with your choice and happy riding!
Cross-country skis are traditionally divided into those designed for classic and skating. In the first case, the skier moves his legs, placing the skis parallel to each other; when skating, the step is carried out as on skates, while the swing becomes wider, taking into account the length of each ski. Thus, when walking, the skier places the main emphasis on the inside of the ski in order to push off harder. For effective running, equipment must be selected correctly, taking into account all the nuances. What to look for when choosing
Skating is much more difficult than the classic one. This makes the skis more rigid, which will allow you to push off harder. Of course, having classic skis, you have every right to get acquainted with the skating technique, but no more, since the expenditure of effort will exceed the pleasure gained from the speed. Another point that requires attention is the texture of the bottom surface. To prepare for high-speed movement, skis are lubricated with special substances that create better glide, and, accordingly, ease and speed of skiing. This means the surface must be smooth. Skating attributes do not have curved toes, and they are not as long as for classical walking.
Skating ski material
High-strength plastic is the material from which most models are made. It practically forced wooden utensils out of the market. This is understandable: plastic breaks less often, is easier to care for, and plastic is more practical in all respects.
Correct selection of ski stiffness
The method for determining this property of skis is surprisingly simple. Place the selected model on a flat floor. Stand on your skis, making sure that the weight is proportionally distributed over the surface. A piece of paper should easily fit between the floor and the underside of the ski. This simple manipulation will confirm the presence of a gap of 3-4 millimeters, which you need for comfortable sliding. Skis that are too hard will not provide you with adequate grip on the surface, and it will be difficult for a person with a lot of weight to push off and gain speed, because the skis will flex excessively and the weight will be distributed unevenly.
There is a simplified way to test the stiffness of skis; you don’t have to “try them on” to do this. Just take two skis and put them together, squeezing them tightly. Having found a half-centimeter gap between them, you can take it. A smaller gap will indicate that the model is too soft.
Length of skis and poles for skating
For children under 12 years old, a ski length equal to their height is suitable. If a young athlete is older than twelve, add 10-15 cm to his height, this will be the optimal length for him. Add 25 cm to the height of an adult.
As for sticks, their length should be 15-20 cm less than height. The material from which they are made should be the lightest. Carbon and carbon fiber models are lightweight but expensive. Fiberglass products are what beginners need; they are light, rigid and inexpensive.
If you are selecting equipment for a child, then consider all of the above recommendations. In addition, remember: boots are selected exactly to size. “Grow-up” models are unacceptable, since the ankle will be poorly secured in them, and the risk of injury will increase.
Every beginner skier faces difficulties in choosing cross-country skis. How to choose cross-country skis? Skate or classic? Or maybe universal? More expensive or cheaper? The correct answer to these questions will determine whether you love this sport or hate it.
In this article we will tell you how to choose cross-country skis and not turn the purchasing process into a headache. How to choose skate and classic skis, how they differ and what to pay attention to.
First you need to understand a few important points. Buying sports equipment is better highest quality, which your family budget can afford. Even for rare outings with the family you shouldn’t choose the cheapest skis. This principle is similar to or other sports equipment. The miser pays twice - everyone has known this for a long time.
You can often hear from beginners: “I ride 5 times a year, I need the cheapest ones.” Such an installation will ruin the riding experience for you and your loved ones. Moreover, if you ride 5 times a year, then it is better to spend this time with pleasure, and not in agony. Of course, financial status imposes a framework on this principle, but this is everyone’s personal matter.
One thing is clear, it’s better to buy equipment, reputable brands. They have appropriate quality control and care about reputation. Here are the brands we trust and recommend for purchase:
- Salomon
- Fischer
- Atomic
- Rossignol
- Tisa (owned by Fischer)
- Pelton
What is the difference between classic skis and skate skis?
First of all, they differ design or, as skiers say, diagram. The performance of skis depends on this, but for skates and classics it is completely different. Also, for classics, skis are selected longer, and for skating - shorter. This is explained by the fact that in skating the skis need to be swung to the sides and it is more convenient to do this with short skis. In the classics it is better to take longer skis. According to the laws of physics, the longer the ski, the less pressure it creates on the snow, the less friction and the better the glide.
How a skate ski should work
As can be seen from the figure, the skate ski never completely crushed. It acts like a spring and has maximum pressure points at the toe and heel. In the foreground, the diagram reflects the pressure when an athlete stands on 2 legs. In the background is the transfer of weight to 1 leg when rolling. The pressure increases significantly at the toe and heel, and remains almost unchanged under the shoe.
How a classic ski should work
image from Skiing magazine
Classical, on the contrary, completely crushed under the block. This is understandable - under the block there is a holding ointment that does not allow the ski to slide back when pushing off. In the foreground of the diagram, the skier stands on 2 legs, in the background the weight is transferred to 1 leg and push-off occurs.
The diagrams clearly show why it is almost impossible to skate on classic skis and vice versa.
What are combined skis (combi)?
Combined skis or simply combi are classic with increased rigidity. Roughly speaking, these are skis for classics, with the opportunity to skate sometimes. True, there is one drawback - for a classic move, you need to apply grip ointment under the block, and this ointment will only interfere with skating. That is, the combi needs to be constantly smeared, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.
Advantages of combination skis:
- savings (no need to spend money on 2 sets)
- a good option for your first ski (in the future you can decide which move you like best)
Disadvantages of combined skis:
- you need to constantly apply and wash off the holding ointment
- do not fully reveal the features of skating styles
How to choose cross-country skiing for a beginner?
First you need to decide what kind of stroke you want to ride, where you will ride and what goals you set. There is not always a prepared wide track for skating, but ski tracks can be trampled in every park, even in the center of a big city. If there is no good piste nearby that is maintained, then definitely take classic skis. If the highway is nearby or there is an opportunity to drive to it, then the choice is more difficult. To simplify things, let’s roughly divide skating into several categories:
- walks with family and friends
When walking, the main thing is to have fun, fresh air, communication, hot tea from a thermos. For such skating it is better to choose classic. We advise you to pay attention to wax-free skis– with notches or mohair modules (Skintech, Twinskin and the like). You don’t need to smear them so they don’t roll back, you can comfortably stand on them and drink tea, and it’s much easier to climb a mountain without serious physical training.
Skates are not suitable for these purposes. Skating is an energy-consuming form of skating; walking on a skate will not work. Without proper preparation, you won’t be able to communicate while skating; someone in the group will definitely fall behind, and the skating will not last long.
- regular exercise to keep fit and healthy
Simply put, exercise for health 2-3 times a week. Here you can already use skating and alternate it with the classic one - combination skis are suitable for these purposes. If you are not afraid of the disadvantages of this type of ski, which we listed above. Or buy skis for every move from the middle price segment.
- improvement of skiing technique, desire to improve in skiing
If you want to learn how to ski technically, then you need to think about buying 2 pairs - one for each skiing style. Combined ones will not allow you to supply equipment
- participation in competitions, desire to improve sports level
To fight for results in competitions, of course, you need several couples. At least 1 for each style, ideally 2-3 for each style. Moreover, the skis must be of the highest level. Here it’s worth starting from how much you are willing to invest in your hobby. It's always better to take 2 pairs of good ones than 4 mediocre ones. The selection of professional skis requires a special approach. About, how to choose professional skis, read our separate article.
- Geometry. Skis should not be curved in the longitudinal direction (it is convenient to look at the groove), there should be no helical bend
image from Skiing magazine
- Sliding surface should be smooth, plastic without waves, bumps and holes
- There should not be any on the laminate damage. Moisture can get inside through them, then the core will swell and become unusable.
- Must shrink equally and evenly. It should not be the case that one ski compresses easier, the other harder
How to choose skis for classic skiing?
By height
Classic ones are selected based on the formula: skier height + 20-30 cm. If your height is 180 cm, choose skis with a length of 200 - 210 cm.
By weight
Skis for classic skiing are selected based on weight markings on the surface. Even some inexpensive skis from well-known manufacturers, such as Salomon, have such markings. In the photo, the skis are designed for a weight of 65-78 kg.
If there are no markings, then you can choose them by weight, popular among skiers paper dough:
- Find your balance point. This can be done by placing the ski on a thin ruler or knife. If you don’t have anything at hand, you can grab the ski with 2 fingers by the sides and find the balance point.
- Place your skis on a flat floor and stand on them so that the toes of your boots are on the balance line
- Have someone run a piece of paper under the skis. You need to stand straight, distributing your weight on 2 legs. The A4 sheet of paper should extend approximately 20-25 cm in front of the shoe and reach the heel. When you shift your weight to one leg, the ski should almost press down on the sheet. If you take a narrower sheet of paper, it should move slightly under the ski.
There are rougher ways to select skis by weight if the store does not allow you to conduct a paper test. Such methods are only suitable for the cheapest ones, which do not have weight markings.
Please note that each person’s hand strength is different and this selection method cannot be used as the main one.
The first way is one-handed squeezing:
- Find your balance point
- 5 cm below your balance point, grip a pair of skis with one hand. There should be a gap of about 1 mm
Another way our fathers and grandfathers tested the stiffness of skis:
- Find your balance point
- Grip a pair of skis with 2 hands below your balance point. So you need to find a pair that you can barely squeeze, if they squeeze too easily then they are soft. If you can’t squeeze it, then it’s hard.
Last and the simplest selection method, if you don’t want to bother at all. When the skier’s weight is above normal, it is better to take according to the upper limit of length, that is, the skier’s height is +25-30 cm. When the weight is normal, the average value is selected (height + 20-25 cm), weight below normal - height + 20 cm) . Also, for overweight people, we recommend paying attention to combined ones and choosing them according to height according to the classic scheme. They differ from classic ones only in increased rigidity.
How to choose skis for skating?
By height
For skating, they are selected according to height as follows: skier height + 10-15 cm. Short skis are more maneuverable and easier to control. Therefore, it is better for beginners to take a shorter length, if body weight allows. For experienced skiers, we recommend longer skis (closer to +15 cm).
By weight
On some models, as in the case of classic ones, it is indicated skier weight range for a specific couple. If there are no such markings, then you can use the same methods as when selecting classic ones, except for squeezing with 1 hand. But there are several features:
- On the paper test, when the weight of the skier is transferred to one leg, the paper should move freely under the ski in the binding area
- When squeezing with 2 hands there should be a gap of about 2mm
Many specialized stores have special devices for measuring the stiffness of cross-country skis.
How to choose combination skis?
Combis are selected as something between a skate and a classic: skier height + 15-20 cm. As we already wrote above, combi are classic skis with increased rigidity. Therefore, the selection of combination skis is identical to the selection of classic skis with a slight bias towards skate skis. We described the selection methods in detail above.
How to choose skis by stiffness: video instructions from Fischer
Many specialized stores have devices for measuring the stiffness of cross-country skis. In the video, ski selection is made on a special stand, but on a flat floor you can conduct a similar test using a piece of paper.
We have a tradition in our campaign - at the end of the ski season, in March, the whole company goes to the mountain to close the season - almost everyone skis.
After this, the core of the test team leaves for Cheget for a month - to ride, communicate, continue to discuss and test the best alpine skis.
This year, in addition to their Bent Chetler and Atomic Automatic, they are taking with them three all-mountain skis from the 2017/2018 season, which they liked the most during preliminary tests. These are Atomic Vantage X 83 CTI, Head Monster 83, Atomic Vantage 90 CTI.
The fact that they chose these particular models after testing all the skis of all the leading brands probably says something. More precisely about many things. This is a selection of the best of the best station wagons from the hundreds of models they have previously tested for the 17/18 season
We are the leaders in sales of alpine skis in Russia in most alpine ski brands, so we enjoy privileges on their part.
As of today, March 1, 2017, all skis for next year (2017/2018 season) are already in stock. They are brought to us from the factory, on special order, for testing a year before the start of sales. You can look at them in the store on Shabolovka, 23; in Europe they will appear on store windows only in the fall. We have already tested them and selected the best, in our opinion, new items.
We have been testing the best models for 10 years. We have the largest team of testers - more than 10 experts of different levels and ages 21 - 69 years. We have the largest test kit of new seasonal products in the country.
We thought that you might be interested in our opinion, and we compiled our rating...
Top 10 best all-mountain skis of the 2017/2018 season according to the “10 Points” test team in two categories.
We decided to separately highlight a group of expert skis, since they require skills and a certain level of skiing technique and, for this reason, are not suitable for everyone.
Top 10 all-mountain skis 2017/2018.
Category expert
Bogner Fineline Titan
Stockli Scale Delta 83
Atomic Vantage 90 CTI
Atomic Vantage X 83 CTI
Head Power Instinct
Stockli Scale Gamma 81
Movement Revo 86
The order and numbering here are arbitrary - they do not matter - all skis are of the highest level and it is wrong to single out the best here - everything is in a level. It's just a ten.
Most confident skiers will be able to handle them at an honestly stated level - the key word here is “honestly” - from average (from 5-7 years of active skating and above) and will not disappoint experienced experts.
It happens that people in the store verbally are experts - experts, and then admit that they have a hard time on these skis.
In principle this is understandable. A man should be proud. And aim for more. There is no other way. Wrong. For Russians.
Honestly assess your level. If in doubt, come and call, we will help you figure it out and in most cases, based on a number of leading questions, we will be able to quite accurately determine your level and understand whether you can cope with a particular ski.
If you have any questions, we'll let you test it before purchasing.
We have identified a second group, “for everyone” - for those who are not sure that they can cope with expert skiing.
We did not include entry-level skis in this group - this is the “golden mean” for those who do not consider themselves experts, but ski confidently and want to purchase the best all-rounders.
Top 10 best all-mountain skis 2017/2018.
Progressive.
Bogner Vision TR
Stockli Sale Beta
Head I.supershape Titan
Atomic Vantage 80 X CTI
Head Isupershape Rally
Atomic Vantage X 77 C
Head Strong Instinct
Atomic Vantage X 75 Cti
Often these two groups and categories overlap, the boundaries are subjective and blurred, there is no need to take them literally - this is just an attempt to correctly position the models according to the level of demands on skating technique.
If you are a “flint” and are 100% confident in yourself, any will suit you.
If there is gunpowder in the flasks, if you like it hot, and your meaning in life is to overcome yourself, and you are ready to fight the dragon - you will most likely like the first group, if not only the whistling in your ears and the crunch behind your back is important to you, but also comfort and lexus - Skis from the progressive group are better for you.
They are no worse.
For specific questions about selecting a specific ski for the task, we recommend coming to the store on Shabolovka, calling by phone, testing the skis individually before purchasing, we provide this opportunity. Shareware*
We invite everyone of any level to the Official tests of Atomic, Salomon alpine skis 2017/2018.
We are their organizer in the Central Federal District, Moscow. Participation is free. Venues and times will be indicated on the website. You can submit a request to participate, and you will be informed about the places and dates in advance.
There is also a popularity rating.
He is different. Why?
Firstly, the price. It doesn't exist for testers. It is important for consumers.
The second is the mass character of the brand. For example, few people have been lucky enough to ride Stockli and Volant and compare them with other brands and models, so few people know them from practice.
And some stores that rely on their “pocket” brands for which they have special commercial conditions from the manufacturer are not interested in popularizing them. Quite the contrary. Pretend that they do not exist.
We were lucky. We skated them all, from different years, in comparison.
By good all-rounders we mean the most useful and high-quality mountain skis that provide reliable and comfortable skiing on prepared slopes in any state of their roughness from the opening to the closing of the lifts from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in any weather, in any condition of the slope, at any time, including spring, and provide the opportunity to go off-piste into shallow powder.
This is not freeride. There is no need to be confused. There are different skis. Much wider.
And as a rule, other people.
They cross the highway, and for them it is like a pedestrian crossing.
Forced stop to life...
There is little pleasure in skiing on prepared slopes. There are exceptions, but they are rare.
They are mostly transitional and will be sold next season. Their popularity will probably become even higher.
The best all-mountain skis 2016/2017.
Popularity rating. In the quality segment.
Head I.supershape Titan
Atomic Vantage X 77 C
Head Strong Instinct
Atomic Vantage X 80 CTI
Atomic Vantage X 83 CTI
Head Isupershape Rally
Atomic Vantage X 75 Cti
Head Power Instinct
More precisely, not the price, but the price-quality ratio.
Below are personal skiing impressions and comparisons of the best models of all-mountain skis 2017/2018
If all models are good, is there a difference? Yes, I have. First of all, in purpose and character traits.
I’ll try to explain which ski, for which task I would prefer, in order to outline the main differences
Head Titan
Head I.supershape Titan
Time-tested, best-selling in the segment of high-quality expert all-rounders over the past few years from the Head family in Russia. A very strong and very proven nut to crack.
If you like to race aggressively early in the morning on groomed slopes and be able to engage 70/30 all-wheel drive in the afternoon, this ski will be one of the best options.
The skis are clear, strict, and dynamic.
They are not inclined to forgive mistakes that are technically demanding, stable and capricious.
Most people are unlikely to succeed in trying to shoot into a longer or shorter radius.
Everything is strictly as stated in the textbook - if you get on the rails, be a tram to the very bottom. There is a special thrill here from parallel skiing on corduroy - at a level not inferior to and sometimes superior to many piste (slalom) skis.
A powerful shot at the exit, they greedily bite into the ice (this is not a slalom or a sports workshop, you need to understand this based on geometry, that on ice it is always better on narrow sports ones, even better on the 11-kilogram iron sports workshop ones from Marcel Hirscher’s personal collection).
But. If we compare station wagons with a fairly wide (80mm) waist, then the grip on ice here will be maximum.
A unit with a sporty character and the highest dynamic characteristics.
Disadvantages - they won’t let you freeload, they won’t let you kick your heels - that’s not what they’re for.
Requires good physical fitness and technique
A ski with a sensitive, informative sports suspension - on hard hills the legs take on everything.
They work well in bumps and drifts, but you won’t feel magical comfort here.
This ski is more of a sport than a comfort ski, but it will provide the necessary cross-country ability.
The Head isupershape Rally, which is similar in filling and has a smaller waist (76 mm), has very similar characteristics.
Head Rally
Head Isupershape Rally
In this rating in the station wagon segment, we put the Head isupershape Titan in first place, since we do not see any disadvantages in terms of control and management, and in this case, the wider, 80 mm waist for the station wagon gives more advantages for the same money. Especially in March, in sticky and loose snow, when switching to flat driving on hillocks, going left, off the track, etc.
The Head Monster 83 can provide greater comfort than the Titans on a heavily rutted, including hard, hilly slope.
Head Monster 83
For those who are 83 is not enough, for those who are truly expert experts, they can take Head Monster 88 and more, as far as conceit, pride and bullets are enough.
We consider the choice of 83 waist to be optimal, since we are talking about station wagons. For skiing on pistes in any state of disrepair - from ideal in the morning to post-thermonuclear at 16-30 - when it’s already better off the piste than on it. Freeride is a different topic, different life, different people.
In our opinion, for the majority Head Monster 83– the optimal choice.
Compared to the Titan, this ski is equipped with a noticeably more comfortable suspension with a larger amplitude and a significantly softer ride.
This is no longer a sports car, this is a luxury ride on the hills, where the ski compensates and absorbs the enemy’s uneven terrain without twitching or excessive shaking - 30/70 - if exaggerated - 70 - broken slope - 30 - track - if you are going to use the ski like that.
That is, completely different from Titan, exactly the opposite.
If you have no wastage at all, or the track is broken in the morning, I would opt for Monsters - they are worth it...
The ski is very powerful, loaded, but not at all oaky, as the description and name might suggest.
The radius is quite large, but the ski allows you to adjust it when loading at speed. I especially liked on this ski walking “on the tails” on large loose bumps - shifting to the middle and rear stance on parallel skis - the bows rise like the hull of a yacht with a powerful motor when going on planing - the bumps are no longer visible and inaudible - they are simply not there under legs and the tails of the skis provide luxurious springy vibration damping.
In the expert ski class, for those who are so cool that most skis are considered too “flimsy”, you can pay attention to another very high-quality all-rounder from Head
Head Power Instinct
Head Power Instinct
With a double layer of titanal - thermonuclear power - a shot like from a cannon.
Soberly assess your capabilities - we never sell this ski “by color” - first you need to make sure that the future owner is able to cope with them. The ski is very demanding and harsh. Forgiving mistakes is not her role. Kicked out very experienced experts
Bumpers require iron knees...
If you need 50/50, I would go for -
Atomic Vantage X 83 CTI
Atomic Vantage X 83 CTI
He cuts, holds, shoots - just on the road - both in the morning and in the afternoon, in March and January.
You may have noticed that in our reviews of last year’s models we didn’t write anything about this ski, as if it didn’t exist.
The fact is that last year they didn’t include it in our test kit in the spring, and we ignored it because we weren’t used to repeating someone else’s descriptions or speculating on its qualities. I fantasize, according to the Chukchi principle - “what I see, I sing” based on the design, as others who do not have personal experience often do.
We write only what we know from our own experience.
We test all the skis we sell many times, in different conditions and sizes.
Atomic Vantage X 83 CTI - in my opinion, this ski is superior in its qualities to the idol of all-mountain skis of the last five years, Atomic Blackeye ti.
The best replacement, the closest ski in meaning and level for the iconic and best-selling all-rounders in Russia over the past decades - Atomic Blackeye Ti and Atomic Merton b5
Anyone who has followed the history of blackeyes knows that these skis have radically changed four times in design and content over the past few years, remaining the best-selling skis in the quality all-rounder segment among all brands for many years.
Atomic Vantage X 83 CTI is the pinnacle of evolution and a truly improved version of the Atomic Nomad series.
I dare say - the Atomic Vantage X 83 CTI is better than the Atomic Blackeye ti of recent years.
Much more powerful, more versatile, more interesting. But also more demanding. Really Expert.
In the 2017-2018 season, I take it for myself.
All the best that was in them, plus new technologies, is embodied here.
Now no one will call blackeye insufficiently expert, “European”, tailored for prepared slopes, in the trends of the latest models, etc. It was all exactly like that. This is true.
Now this is a full-fledged jeep, not a SUV - all four by four - ready for any broken slopes - “this wide, this high,” any off-road, any swamp.
A superbly functioning rocker perfectly protects your feet on bumps and ice banks, you can feel the work of the wood, a pleasant invigorating feedback without being over-hardened by titanium, as is sometimes the case in top models, this is not the case here. Everything here is smart, everything is balanced.
The arc is stable, does not tear, allows you to swing the radius in a reasonable range, is very stable in a flat dribble, interesting in the middle stance and on the tails. Nothing shakes anywhere, everything is to the point, it easily turns into turns without ragged double radii - I don’t like this “poke-poke”.
The highest score is 10 points! A dream ski – for spring, for big mountains.
Atomic Vantage X 77 C
Atomic Vantage X 77 C
About the one purchased last year Atomic Vantage X 77 C I have no regrets - the best ski for comfortable, relaxed skiing. There is more than enough of it in the Moscow region.
Still, you have to work with 83, but you can just be friends with 77.
In swamps and slush it is better to take 83. If you don’t need the maximum and strain 77 is very good
By the way, after the tests - who doesn’t know, we were the organizers of the official tests of Atomic and Salomon alpine skis in the Central Federal District and conducted tests five times this year - the most purchased ski after the tests was the Atomic Vantage 77 C - the audience award and popular recognition
For the majority of advanced skiers - the most comfortable skating experience.
In March 2017, I took the Atomic Vantage 83 CTI with me to Europe, to Zermatt for a week. Very satisfied.
Sometimes I slightly regretted that I didn’t take a second pair with me - Atomic Vantage 77 C for a more relaxed lazy ride. Both skis are very good.
If you consider yourself an expert enough to fight a dragon, take 83, if you like to be lazy and cherish yourself, or are not sure that you can handle it, or don’t want to plow, 77 is the best. I like both.
Another model from Atomic is in great demand among our testers and it is also going to Cheget this year; according to the general opinion of the testers, it is worth taking with you. With a fairly wide waist - 90 mm, the ski behaves very confidently and comfortably on a prepared slope - which is not common with such dimensions.
Atomic Vantage 90 CTI
30/70 (30% prepared, -70% broken slope)
Atomic Vantage 90 CTI
The ski has a great working, fairly soft full-size rocker that perfectly fights bumps and broken trails and protects your legs from unnecessary overload. The feeling of skiing on a dead slope personally reminds me of the work of the very good Head all-rounders of the Instinct series.
Our Cheget experts - owners of bent chettlers and automatic skis, who respect the width of the ski and understand its value, really appreciated this particular model, and consider it one of the best for places where they don’t waste money. But this is Cheget. You understand…
Stockli Scale Delta.
30/70 (30% – prepared track, 70% – broken slope)
Stockli Scale Delta 83
This ski is unique, few people except us in Russia have it, few people know it, and even fewer who have ever skied it.
The premium ski is, in our opinion, the best all-rounder from Stockli.
Stokli never made bad skis - if a promotional sample was in doubt, it was turned into sawdust. All Stockli skis are flawless. Everything is the highest standard of handcraft from a luxury Swiss brand.
We, and not only us, perhaps everyone who is able to feel the differences in skis, are fans of the now legendary Yoschkas - remember the similar Salomon BBR skis with surf triangular tips Stockli Y 85, Stockli Y 77.
Everyone who has ever ridden them dreamed of having “such a Maserati” at home.
The noses were cut down and made round, the names were changed, but the soul and character of the skis were preserved
now this Stockli Scale Delta (83), Stockli Scale Gamma (81), Stockli Scale Beta (77) And Stockli Scale Alfa (74)
We put Stockli Scale Delta first due to its greater versatility. Experts and simply connoisseurs will not be disappointed with the 81 waist.
In the smoothness of the ride, in the softness of gliding and controllability on corduroy, which does not disappear over time, when the road beneath you ceases to be a road and turns into a bunch of bumps and snow drifts - the ski seems to magically transform, providing maximum performance both on ice and in drifts and in porridge and on mounds and shallow fluff. Made with love. In the mountains. For mountains
We vouch for these skis. Verified. Us.
In the expert all-rounder segment. The concept of expertise is very relative.
All these skis are suitable for confident and advanced skiers.
We do not include in this list skis in the “expert-expert” category that the average experienced skier (5-7 years of active skiing) will not perform.
They are. There is a lot of over-hardened, oak, wide, titanium-coated and stiff firewood, from which we want to save you a little, we will not name them by name out of respect for the brands and their creators.
In the 2017-2018 season, in our opinion, the best station wagons in the mass segment are two competing lines - the Atomic Vantage and Head Instinct series. The rest are stupid losers in terms of price-quality ratio.
It would be impossible to put Atomic or Head first - they are on par in terms of quality at a comparable price - there are individual features and advantages of certain models for certain tasks.
Most of their all-mountain skis received the highest rating from the testing team, a quality mark of “10 Points!”
This Atomic Vantage X 80 CTI, Atomic Vantage X 77 C, Atomic Vantage X 75 CTI, they have not changed, we have already written about them - you can read in more detail
Head received the highest rating Head Strong Instinct, Head Raw Instinct and for those who are tougher and “hotter” - Head Power Instinct– you can read about them
Be careful when choosing the size - the wrong selection kills all the advantages of the ski. Especially universal.
Technologies are developing rapidly and old approaches do not work; sellers without personal testing experience often make mistakes. When purchasing, check whether the consultant rode this model personally. Buy from those you can trust. If possible, test skis before purchasing.
You can come to our store on Shabolovka, 23. During the season, 7-10 experts with personal experience testing new products work in the hall on weekends.
Center, 5 minutes walk from the metro. Own parking. The largest selection available in Moscow. Best prices and promotions.
It would seem that the answer lies on the surface - contact a consultant in the store. However, it is far from a fact that in pursuit of profit they will not sell you expensive and, of course, high-quality skis that will be so fast and uncontrollable that a trip to the emergency room after a winter holiday is guaranteed.
How to avoid becoming a victim of marketing traps? How to choose the right skis? What parameters should you pay attention to first? Our article will answer all questions.
Main types of skis
If a person skis only during short winter weekends, then it is quite difficult to navigate and choose the right sports equipment among the huge assortment. Therefore, you need to know what types of skis exist and understand what kind of riding and skill level they are intended for.
All skis can be divided into several categories. Let's look at them in more detail.
Depending on the skill level, skis are divided into the following types:
- Professional;
- Amateur;
- Tourist;
- For children and teenagers.
Depending on your riding style:
- Mountain;
- Running.
The last two categories of skis have a broader classification, as they are suitable for various disciplines. Therefore, we will determine which skis are better – alpine skiing or cross-country skiing – using a comparative review.
Alpine skiing has the following classification:
- Skis for ski cross. Designed for professionals and extreme riding enthusiasts. They are maneuverable, but unstable. An athlete must be able not only to stand well on skis, but also to quickly respond to changes in the situation. These skis are made from the most durable material.
- Carving skis. Maneuverable, easy to control. Slightly tapered in the center. Allow the skier to easily take turns. Requires special riding skills.
- Fun carving skis. Designed for experienced skiers who like to ski without poles. The speed of such skis is low. They are controllable because there is a lifting plate between the boot and the ski itself.
- Freestyle skis. Suitable for snowboarding enthusiasts. These skis have a curved tip and heel. This shape allows the skier not to fall, but to move on if he lands with his back to the track.
- Skis for ski touring. Stable, non-slip, well controlled. Designed for areas where there is no lift. Riding such skis is as safe as possible if the athlete has the skills to ski on level B slopes.
- Skis for freestyle backcountry. Thisfairly wide skis that are designed for riding on snowy and uncleared terrain. The controllability of such skis is as high as possible. They are stable and strong.
- Skis for freeride or with a thin waist. The width of these skis is 80 mm. Suitable only for professionals, as they are very fast, poorly controlled and require special skills for driving on the highway.
- Wide skis. They have a wide middle, nose and heel. Designed for riding during a thaw. They don't sink in the snow and are maneuverable.
Based on the above classifications, we can conclude that alpine skiing is aimed at professional athletes or for those amateurs who have already mastered the basics of skiing on entry-level slopes.
Cross-country skiing is divided into only two groups:
- For a classic move. These are long skis with a smooth surface, which are covered with a special protective layer. This layer prevents the track from slipping backwards.
- For skating. Short skis that have a slight elevation in the center. This design contributes to the athlete’s stability when climbing a mountain.This type of ski is suitable for tourists who love winter walks in the forest or mountain slopes. They require basic riding skills.
Also a separate category are hunting skis, which are divided into camus and boot skis. These products are designed for driving in forested areas where there are no cleared trails and there is a risk of falling through the snow. They are stable, not too fast and controllable. Not suitable for classic mountain skiing.
Key ski characteristics
The physical parameters of the skis determine how they behave while riding. Therefore, if you don’t know which skis to choose – fast or more obedient – you should familiarize yourself with the parameters that affect the speed of movement:
- Ski length. This is the main characteristic that affects the speed of the skier on the track. Therefore, it is worth remembering that the taller and heavier the person, the longer the skis he needs. Long skis don't sink in the snow, they go fast and are more aggressive. The shorter the skis, the more manageable and easier they are to control.
- Rigidity. This is a criterion that indicates the degree of flexibility of the ski. Each equipment manufacturer has different stiffness ratings. And the higher this indicator, the more aggressive the skis behave. Soft skis turn smoother, but only if the person’s weight is not too heavy. Hard skis turn more sharply, but their stability is higher. For beginners, buying skis with a high degree of rigidity is not recommended. Such skis will ride poorly and constantly “throw” the athlete a little forward.
- Turning radius. Often on skis you can find numerical markings (from 10 to 20 m), which indicate the speed of the ski's turn. The smaller it is, the faster a pair of skis will turn. For beginner skiers, it is worth choosing equipment with an indicator of 14-16 meters. Teenagers take skis with a turning radius of up to 20 m. Professionals can choose the most agile pair.
- Geometry of equipment. Such a characteristic as the shape of the ski often misleads even experienced athletes. Therefore, many novice skiers often wonder how to choose skis according to their shape. Skis with a wide tip are more stable and easily turn. Products with a narrow toe make edging easier. A narrow heel forgives mistakes, a wide heel requires skill. The middle or waist of the ski affects the flotation ability. For beginner skiers, you should choose a waist from 68 to 75 mm, for professionals - up to 70 mm.
How to choose skis taking into account the athlete’s weight and height?
Each manufacturer of winter sports equipment has its own table of the relationship between the length of skis and the weight and height of a person. You can learn how to select skis and poles from the universal table.
Human height (cm) | Ski length for classic skiing (cm) | Walking ski length (cm) | Skating ski length (cm) |
150 | 170-180 | 165-170 | 165 |
155 | 175-185 | 170-175 | 170 |
160 | 180-190 | 175-185 | 175 |
165 | 185-190 | 180-185 | 180 |
170 | 190-195 | 185-190 | 185 |
175 | 195-200 | 190-195 | 185 |
180 | 195-200 | 195-200 | 190 |
185 | 200-205 | 200-205 | 190-195 |
190 | 205-210 | 205-210 | 195-200 |
195 | 205-210 | 205-210 | 200-205 |
It is worth noting that it is worth adding 5 cm to the length of classic skis. For skating skis, it is recommended to add 10 cm. Skis for walking should be 15 cm longer than indicated in the table.
Skier height (cm) | Length of poles for classic walking (cm) | Length of skating poles (cm) |
150 | 120-125 | 130-135 |
155 | 125-130 | 135-140 |
160 | 130-135 | 140-145 |
165 | 135-140 | 145-150 |
170 | 140-145 | 150-155 |
175 | 145-150 | 155-160 |
180 | 150-155 | 160-165 |
185 | 155-160 | 165-170 |
190 | 160-165 | 170-175 |
195 | 165 | 175 |
When selecting poles for skiing in the classic style of skiing, it is worth considering the fact that their length should be 25 cm less than the athlete’s height, and the length of poles for skating style should be 20 cm less.
Children's skis are selected not only taking into account the weight and height of the baby, but also age. The detailed parameter table is as follows:
Age (years) | Height (cm) | Weight, kg) | Ski length (cm) |
3-4 | 94-102 | 14-16 | 70-90 |
5 | 110 | 18 | 90-100 |
6 | 115 | 21 | 95-105 |
7 | 120 | 23 | 100-110 |
8 | 130 | 26 | 110-120 |
9 | 135 | 29 | 115-125 |
10 | 140 | 32 | 120-130 |
11 | 150 | 36 | 130-140 |
12 | 155 | 41 | 135-145 |
13 | 160 | 46 | 140-150 |
14 | 170 | 51 | 150-160 |
However, in addition to the length of the skis, it is also worth taking into account such an indicator as the width. For children aged 3 to 6 years, it is recommended to buy wide skis with a round toe. They are more stable and manageable.
At school age, a child already acquires the skills of caution. Therefore, skis for schoolchildren are a little narrower - about 5-7 cm.
Teenagers buy skis based on their skiing style. Therefore, if a student likes to ride faster and can handle the controls, the width of the skis can be less than 5 cm. If a teenager is not confident in his abilities and is skiing for the first time, then the width of the skis should be up to 10 cm.
When choosing skis for extreme skiing, you should consider the following recommendations:
- The length of freeride skis should be 15 cm higher than a person’s height.
- The length of skis for scrapping is calculated by the formula: skier’s height minus 15-20 cm.
- The formula for determining the length of skis for a ski tour is as follows: a person’s height minus 15 cm. If the person is heavyset, then 10 cm is added to the height.
- Length of freestyle or all-mountain skis: athlete’s height minus 15 cm.
Therefore, if you still don’t know how to choose skis, the data table will help you solve this problem and purchase the right equipment.
What material is the best for skis?
It is impossible to figure out how to choose the right skis without reviewing the materials from which they are made. All alpine skis are divided into wooden and plastic according to the type of material.
- Wooden ones are made from birch, ash, beech, pine and elm. It is these types of wood that are suitable for the production of skis. Wooden ones are cheaper than plastic ones.
- Plastic ones are produced using two technologies: cap and sandwich. The first technology involves the use of a foam core and a plastic coating. The sandwich technology is based on the use of a wooden base and a plastic coating.
The choice of wooden or plastic skis is everyone's business. However, it is worth considering some nuances that will help you not make a mistake with the choice of material.
- Wooden skis are subject to deformation when exposed to moisture. They cannot be used during a thaw. In severe frosts, they do not slide back like plastic ones. Wooden skis are stable, manageable and suitable for both beginners and professionals.
- Plastic skis are more flexible, less likely to break, and are not subject to deformation. They are faster and more maneuverable. The only drawback is that in severe frost they travel back.
Recommendation for athletes who have previously ridden wooden skis.If you decide to buy plastic skis, don't rush. Rent equipment. After wooden skis, plastic skis will seem unruly. Therefore, in order not to regret the purchase later, make sure whether plastic products are suitable for you.
How to choose skis for a beginner athlete? First, you should find out whether you will be riding on a cleared track or on snow-capped mountains. For classic slopes, skis without notches, that is, smooth, are quite suitable. However, they need to be coated with special mixtures, without which the skis will not glide normally. If you want to conquer a snowy peak, then knurled skis are best suited. They do not need to be lubricated and are more stable in the snow. However, you need to take into account that notches in warm weather can play a cruel joke. Snow will stick to them and the ski will simply stop sliding.
It is also worth paying attention to the level of rigidity. You need to lean the smooth side of the ski against another ski and see how much it bends under the influence of force. The gap between the skis should be no more than 1 cm. If you cannot compress the skis, then it is better to take softer products. Beginners are not recommended to take skis with a high level of rigidity.
TOP 10 best ski manufacturers
There are a lot of ski manufacturers. Therefore, when buying winter sports equipment, beginners and even experienced athletes are faced with the problem of choice. But if you highlight the TOP 10 best ski manufacturers, the circle of “candidates” for purchase will be significantly reduced.
According to Snow magazine, the top ten ski manufacturers are as follows:
- Fischer;
- Rossignol;
- Head;
- Atomic;
- Blizzard;
- Salomon;
- Volki;
- Elan;
- Nordica.
The average cost of quality racing skis is from $200 to $400. Inexpensive domestic skis from brands such as STC or Sorsu can be purchased for $50. Amateur models of well-known brands cost from 80 to 100 dollars.
Recommendation.If you are a beginner skier, buy domestically produced products. You can fit within a small budget and get quite decent quality. And when you gain experience and sports training, you yourself will understand what ski stiffness, width and length you need to choose in the future. The only exception in this case concerns weight. It is quite difficult to guess the stiffness of Russian skis if your weight is more than 70 kg. Domestic skis are often an order of magnitude tougher than foreign ones.
What is the difference between domestic and foreign-made skis? The quality of top models from world brands is still unattainable for the Russian manufacturer. Expensive brand skis are mainly intended for high-end competitive skiers. They are manufactured in specialized factories, usually in the countries where the manufacturing company is located. The design of such skis is quite complex and is simulated on a computer. All developments are carefully tested by qualified athletes. In manufacturing, only high-quality, expensive materials are used, often taken from the aerospace industries, where they have received high praise. That is why domestic skis cannot currently compete with foreign ones. But if you are not a professional skier, but a simple lover of winter skiing, choose domestic products - of sufficient quality, but at the same time affordable. Good luck on the ski track!
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