They do not stand still and constantly come up with new ways to make your riding more comfortable. Skis are getting faster, lighter and easier to use.
Today on the market you can find a variety of, including those designed for the most demanding customer. You can choose everything - brand, model, color, length, stiffness and structure of the sliding surface. In this article, we will talk about the last of the listed parameters, which will become the main one when choosing your model.
Let's start with what the structure of the sliding surface of skis is and why it is important.
When skiing in a classic style, skis have two tasks: to quickly roll forward and not roll back when climbing. To perform these tasks, the sliding surface of the ski is divided into 2 zones: slip zone(front and back of the ski) and holding area(the central part of the ski is a block), which is highlighted in blue in the figure. It is the holding zone that is the parameter that distinguishes professional skis from amateur ones.
Professionals and experienced skiers put on a block that sticks to the snow during the deflection of the ski and prevents you from rolling back. For beginner skiers, there are simpler technologies: applying notches to the block or installing skins (pile made of synthetic materials).
In total, you have three options at your disposal, which are reflected in the structure of the skis:
notched surface
Surface with camus
Let's analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
notched skis have three advantages:
- Low cost. The presence of notches has almost no effect on the cost of skis, since the machine cuts them in a few seconds.
- You don't need a grip wax - the notches do the job of keeping the skis from rolling back on the uphill. Ideal choice for those who rarely ride or are just starting to learn cross-country skiing.
- Notches hold under different weather conditions, in a wide range of temperatures. The only thing they do not know how to do is to cling to the icy surface, which often forms during strong temperature changes in the spring. In such conditions, holding ointment, which is applied to the surface of the notches, will help.
Alas, skis with notches have one noticeable drawback - the notches reduce the speed of movement. For better traction in the snow, they are offset from the center of gravity of the ski, which is why the surface of the notches always touches the snow when skiing and slows you down. For this reason, notched skis are suitable for beginners and recreational skiers.
Skis with skins suitable if you have already advanced beyond the beginner level. Two advantages distinguish them from notched skis:
- High speed. Unlike notches, the skin has a more natural position on the last, so it almost does not reduce the speed of movement.
- Keep in any weather - even in spring. Camus is a synthetic pile, consisting of many hairs, which is easy to cling to both the snow and the icy surface of the ski track.
The main disadvantage of such skis is their cost. Since ski skins are a relatively new technology, only the largest companies have the ability to produce them. Therefore, their price is high, especially for beginners and cross-country skiers.
Flat surface for applying holding ointment suitable for those who take skiing seriously. They provide the best glide and grip for classic style riding, and on this moment there is no technology that is superior to holding ointment. Properly prepared skis roll downhill as quickly as possible and hold perfectly when climbing uphill. Experienced and professional athletes use only holding ointment.
However, this technology requires patience and costs, which is the basis of its disadvantages:
- Ski experience required. To prepare the skis correctly, you need to know a lot of subtleties: the size of the block for the weight of the skier, the method of applying the holding ointment, the process of applying the holding ointment, the process of stripping the block and the sliding surface of the skis.
- It is necessary to master the technique of skating in a classic style. To experience all the benefits of holding ointment, you need to learn the correct technique of the classical style. This can be done with a trainer or on your own, but either way it will take time.
Different weather conditions require different holding ointments, so you need to have several pieces in your arsenal. For processing skis, a cork is also required for rubbing the holding wax, a scraper and a wash to clean the block from the old wax.
Outcome
Notched skis are suitable for beginner skiers - this is the most a budget option, the shortcomings of which are invisible to those who are just mastering this sport. These skis are also suitable for children.
Skin skis are the most versatile option, suitable for both beginners and pros, as they are devoid of the disadvantages that notched skis have. But they can hardly be called budget. Probably, over time, skis with skins will force notched skis out of the market and become noticeably cheaper, but so far they are not available to many.
Skis with a flat surface for holding wax are the best option for classic style skiing, with an ideal balance of glide and hold. But it is only suitable for experienced and professional skiers who, in addition to skiing technique, have ski preparation experience and a willingness to pay.
If you have already decided which sliding surface is right for you, you can start choosing specific models. If the choice is not clear to you, our specialists at Decathlon stores will help you find the skis that meet all your requirements.
I once observed the torment of a lady in the ski department. She was going to buy skis for her overgrown daughter, but she couldn’t decide - with a notch or smooth? I did not undertake to advise, so as not to upset. The fact is that absolutely and absolutely neither one nor the other will fit. Buy with a notch - the child will swear that the notch slows down; you buy smooth ones - the skis move apart, they “shoot” - it’s impossible to push off.
If a person is seriously engaged in sports section, the problem of choosing skis for parents is unlikely to arise - the coach himself will explain everything. But what if skis are needed for walks in the forest? If you just want to teach your child to ski for fun?
Which skis to choose - with a notch or without? Pros and cons of notched skis
Pros: they do not “shoot”, in any weather they roll forward better than backward. Effective on climbs. You can do without lubrication.
Cons: slow down on the descents and when driving on the plain, which can not but irritate. Especially in the first season. At first, I want to take a file and grind off notches. Hold on, be patient. By the next season, the notches will sharpen themselves, they won’t annoy anymore. It is checked up on own experience. Particularly impatient is recommended to use slip ointments or special paraffin. It helps, although it requires additional time and is torn off by rough snow (even multi-layered paraffin is not enough for me for 40 km on old snow).
Pros and cons of skis without notch Pros: faster, sportier. Better adapted to skating.
Cons: without holding ointment you can’t go far, and on old snow, holding ointment does not really help. They require a good push with sticks.
So which skis should you choose?
My opinion is this: it is better to start with skis with a notch under the block. Yes, it slows down, yes, it crackles on the descents, but on the rise you will overtake everyone. Yes, not very cool, but it's better to ride on not steep skis with a notch than not on steep skis for skating. I personally think so
I have two pairs of skis in my arsenal - notched and smooth. I change them depending on the weather. General recommendations are as follows: smooth skis go better on fresh snow. There are usually no problems with the push (with holding ointment). On fresh wet snow, skis with a notch run the risk of not going at all - kilograms of snow stick to the block, what a slip there is, and you won’t step!
On the old grainy snowman skiing with notches is calmer. Here one holding ointment is not enough. Lovers go "on hand". It's sporty, but hard. In addition, in the deep forest, where the ski track and its surroundings are not as compacted as in the park, the sticks are buried in the snow almost to the elbow, and there is no effective push.
Which skis to choose - with a notch or without?
Wooden skis ... New skis had to be tarred, and in a good way - tarred every year. You heat the sliding surface over the flame of a gas burner, remove the old ointment with a cloth. You apply a dark, almost black resin. Again you warm over the flame to be absorbed. Resin throughout the kitchen. But the smell!.. Ah...
Before each exit to the forest, skis were smeared without fail. Remember? Blue ointment “-5..-7″ on the entire sliding surface, under the block - warm purple, and on the ends of the skis - green ... Each layer is carefully rubbed with a cork ... And the smell! ... Ah ...
In order for the skis to retain their gracefully curved shape, a special spacer or the same lubrication plug was inserted between them. And a linen bag was put on the ends so that scandalous aunts would not find fault in transport ...
Wooden skis were chosen longer than now - to the height of a raised arm, and sticks were "worn" on the contrary, shorter - to the armpits.
Now, in the era of slippery and elastic plastic, skis have been shortened, and poles are needed to the shoulders in order to better push and walk with a skating step if necessary ...
Spring… Ski!
I, like a real retrograde, did not give up my old ones for a long time. wooden skis, until their cross section turned into a regular ellipse ... In a good frost, I overtook stronger skiers on plastic on my “wood”. True, at positive temperatures there was no slip at all, no ointments helped. My ski season ended at the end of February - beginning of March. And the cranks on plastic skated until mid-April.
And I gave up! I got myself plastic skis. I ride in the spring, among the awakening grass. Snow on the track, compacted during the winter, lasts longer. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the wet Christmas trees smell like spring. Warm. And I'm skiing. In the city, I read mockery on the faces of passers-by. And I understand that these people have not been in the forest at least since the summer ... Or never at all ...
Material from the site dirigent.ru
Other pluses:
- convenience of addiction;
- comfortable braking;
- fast climb up the mountain
Materials for manufacturing
- low molecular weight;
- high molecular weight.
Notched skis are more suitable for beginner skiers, people who are just mastering this sport. The design of the devices is elementary, and the maintenance is the easiest.
Advantages
Wooden products are gradually becoming a thing of the past: they require constant lubrication and often break. Notched plastic skis are more practical. For convenience, manufacturers produce them either smooth or with hooks or serifs located on the middle part of the fixture (where the boot is attached). Notches provide a tight "grip" with the surface, which minimizes the risk of falling on a hill or track.
Other pluses:
- the ability to control the speed on the track;
- convenience of addiction;
- comfortable braking;
- fast climb up the mountain
- simple design that does not require effort when equipping.
Professional athletes are skeptical about them, but “ordinary” skiers love them. Suffice it to say that half of the inhabitants of Europe and America ride on such products. Family walks in the forest on fluffy snow, light workouts to strengthen the cardio system, group fitness workouts in the fresh air are pleasant and comfortable on notched skis.
Materials for manufacturing
Usually for notched skis they are made of two types of plastic:
- low molecular weight;
- high molecular weight.
High molecular weight plastic wins. It glides better different types tracks, is subjected to grinding, scraping, processed with paraffin and accelerating compounds at the manufacturing plant. These skis are more expensive. Low molecular weight plastic is much cheaper: such products are optimal for schoolchildren who master activity from scratch.
Manufacturers incise drawings of different directions and depths on products. They claim that the pattern affects the patency of the route in different weather conditions. On loose snow, skis with an inclined notch will go faster, on packed snow with a longitudinal one, and so on.
Important fact! Suppose you decide to choose products with notches. What is the best move to use them for? All cross-country skiing is divided into sports and recreational. With notches, they produce options for walking. You won't be able to run over them. So get used to the idea that you only have to ride in style. On the other hand, why overpay for a sports option if you are just mastering this sport.
- (Fisher);
- (Rossignol);
- (Head);
- (Atomic);
- (Salomon);
- (Elan);
- (Nordic);
- (Blizzard);
- (Volky).
General selection rules
Of decisive importance are:
Important fact! Suppose you decide to choose products with notches. What is the best move to use them for? All cross-country skiing is divided into sports and recreational. With notches, they produce options for walking. You won't be able to run over them. So, get used to the idea that you will only have to ride in classic style. On the other hand, why overpay for a sports option if you are just mastering this sport.
Rating of the best manufacturers
Cross-country skis with notches cost, in principle, not so much. Before going to a sports store, you should know the manufacturers with the best reviews.
According to Snow magazine, the top 10 are:
- Fisher;
- Rossignol (Rossignol);
- Head (Head);
- Atomic (Atomic);
- Salomon;
- Elan (Elan);
- Nordica (Nordica);
- Blizzard (Blizzard);
- Wolves (Volki).
The average price of a good pair of skis ranges from 1500 to 7000 rubles. Pro skiers recommend starting with Russian manufacturers, but gradually increasing the class. Skis, like a car, it is important to feel, understand: what kind of stiffness, width, length is needed.
General selection rules
Of decisive importance are:
- Ski length: it affects speed. A heavy, tall skier needs a length 20 cm above their own height. So he will not slow down and go with the breeze. Long skis will not sink in the snow, but short ones are easier to manage.
- Rigidity. The main characteristic indicating the flexibility of the material. Manufacturers make stiffness their "chip", constantly improving the indicator. Soft skis smoothly enter turns, but hard ones are more stable.
- Turning radius (in other words, agility). Some skis have markings (10-20 m) showing the speed when cornering. A lower number means high speed, and a high number means low.
- Sock. A wide nose is stable, but a narrow one is more maneuverable. For beginner skiers, a sock up to 68 mm wide is enough.
The main difficulty is to find devices that take into account the weight.
Many do not know for what course notched skis. Notched skis are not suitable for skating and are very difficult to ride on icy surfaces after a thaw. Answer the question honestly, what is more important to you: calm riding, no maintenance, or fast driving with adrenaline. Decide, and then just buy these useful devices. Have a good workout!
ctaci 18-12-2011 16:57
http://www.strannik-sergey.ru/0-essay/ski-1-2/ski-1-2.html
Joker12 18-12-2011 22:06
Skis should be without notches. We have children running around, out of 10 people one has notches. Others do not break smear. Those. In my humble opinion, the problem is far-fetched.
takeneo 19-12-2011 12:41
I have notches, it’s easier for me to climb uphill with them. Skis without notches are designed for skating.
You better tell me what NNN mount, on the boots there is a metal axis for which they cling to the ski. Will it fall out if the sole on the corner wears off? I walk 3 km to the place of skiing in the forest plantation.
vandr 19-12-2011 02:04
I have notched skis with side met.welt (Fischer). Satisfied!
pppvlasov 19-12-2011 03:01
Every time a new season starts, a beginner skier is faced with the burden of choosing which skis to buy - smooth skis or notched skis.
I want to vigorously defend notched skis when we are talking about ski trips.
It seems to me that champions give advice to buy smooth skis, and then you have to run ordinary people who just need notched skis.
When comparing skis with notches and smooth skis, the issue of skiing technique is completely overlooked.
Put correct technique notched skiing and you'll outrun many slick skiers.
Sergey Strannik answered this very well and in detail, who, on skis with a notch, ran more than 3,000 km in hiking around Moscow and, as an example, even ran an ultramarathon "100 km on skis in one day."
http://www.strannik-sergey.ru/0-essay/ski-1-2/ski-1-2.html
From personal experience: if you are not an athlete, you are too lazy to bother with the selection of ointments, skiing with a notch is just right.
Graber83 19-12-2011 09:58
quote: Skis should be without notches. Our children are running
Strong argument
vandr 19-12-2011 11:34
I decided to follow the links a little and found out: my skis have a notch - milled. Skis are more touristic, because. will be wider (specially selected wider). Of course, they are heavier, but I chose so that I could go hunting and walk on the virgin lands / ride on the ski track. I took it used, a friend brought it from Germany, so I gave something 60-70 dollars for skis (with SNS2 mounts) - sticks - boots (zero) ...
The sticks, however, are more racing, on one this thing broke - like, a ring, although it looks more like a chicken foot - I replaced it with a ring from a mountain ski repair kit ...
I am a mediocre skier. I got on skis for the first time in military service and since then I somehow fell in love with this business, but I was able to realize my love only with the purchase of these skis last year. Caught by chance with a notch, so I checked it out - much better than smooth ones! There is also meth. edge, but not all over the ski. Accordingly, it is also possible to walk normally with a skating step, but not as briskly as that of my friend, who has special skis for skating.
vandr 19-12-2011 11:39
To takeneo:
There is an answer to your question:
"Unfortunately, modern ski boots on the NNN and SNS platforms have a bracket protruding under the toe on the sole and two brackets, respectively, in SNS Pilot; both staples and, to a greater extent, their plastic "fairings" wear out quickly during normal walking from home to the metro and train, and although the calculations of Mikhail Afanasenkov ("Reasonably about skis") from A. I. Safronov's group show that boots are more likely to die from skiing than walking on asphalt, there are still two commonplace ways to take care of the equipment.
The first is special all-weather shoe covers (the weight of a pair of the 45th size of the author is only 550 g) of domestic production, made of reinforced quick-drying fabric with soft plastic soles (Italian), worn directly on ski boots, cycling shoes ... - narrow sports shoes, covering the ankle, with Velcro fixation at the base of the instep and tightening with a cord along the top (~ 600 rubles). (Unfortunately, such shoe covers can only be bought in the outdoor trade pavilion at large ski competitions.) In such a layer cake, you can walk a dozen kilometers in a whole and clean pair of shoes. With all the pluses, damp feet in wet sports shoes do not breathe in these shoe covers.
The second is to leave the house in the morning in cross-country running shoes, winter sneakers or light trekking, preferably with a Gore-Tex membrane or similar (in cold weather it keeps heat well), with spare socks (an attribute of any year-round trip) and ski, usually sports, boots in a backpack. (Another pitfall is at a halt by the fire, when there is a reason to replace damp socks, regardless of the purpose ski boots. When putting them on afterwards, especially sports models, it is necessary to warm up the boots from the inside with warm air in advance, otherwise the liner that has iced up even in a thaw will erase and knock down the flesh in the first 3-5 km.)"
Link:
http://caravan.hobby.ru/materiel/equipment/ski_equipment_ognev/index.html
V1 19-12-2011 20:10
I also use travel meth. edging. and notches. I am dragging a cart with a child, the flight is normal, and there is no smut with a glance at the thermometer, to smear, rub, rip off ....
quote: Originally posted by pppvlasov:
if you are not an athlete, you are too lazy to bother with the selection of ointments, skiing with a notch is the most it.
quote: Originally posted by ctaci:
you will overtake many skiers on smooth skis.
Hmmm. What for???
I walk 3 km to the place of skiing in the forest plantation.
Indoor shoes.
DAD 21-12-2011 14:10
quote: Originally posted by ctaci:
Every time a new season starts, a beginner skier is faced with the burden of choosing which skis to buy - smooth skis or notched skis.
I want to be a strong advocate for notched skis when it comes to ski touring.
It seems to me that champions give advice to buy smooth skis, and then ordinary people who just need notched skis have to run.
When comparing skis with notches and smooth skis, the issue of skiing technique is completely overlooked.
Get the right technique for notched skiing and you'll outrun many slick skiers.
Sergey Strannik answered this very well and in detail, who, on skis with a notch, ran more than 3,000 km in hiking around Moscow and, as an example, even ran an ultramarathon "100 km on skis in one day."
http://www.strannik-sergey.ru/0-essay/ski-1-2/ski-1-2.html
In campaigns, as a rule, they go, but somehow it’s impossible to run.
DAD 21-12-2011 14:10
quote: Originally posted by ctaci:
Every time a new season starts, a beginner skier is faced with the burden of choosing which skis to buy - smooth skis or notched skis.
I want to be a strong advocate for notched skis when it comes to ski touring.
It seems to me that champions give advice to buy smooth skis, and then ordinary people who just need notched skis have to run.
When comparing skis with notches and smooth skis, the issue of skiing technique is completely overlooked.
Get the right technique for notched skiing and you'll outrun many slick skiers.
Sergey Strannik answered this very well and in detail, who, on skis with a notch, ran more than 3,000 km in hiking around Moscow and, as an example, even ran an ultramarathon "100 km on skis in one day."
http://www.strannik-sergey.ru/0-essay/ski-1-2/ski-1-2.html
If we are talking about ski trips, it can be good with a notch, but I am not a supporter of skis. For me, it’s better without it, from the return under the block I apply holding ointment and no problems.
“Comparing skis with notches and smooth skis completely overlooks the issue of skiing technique.
Get the right technique on notched skis and you'll outrun many slick skiers."
Sorry for the harshness of this statement - heresy. Overtake only pensioners in the park, and even then not all.
"Sergey Strannik answered this very well and in detail, who ran more than 3,000 km on skis with a notch while hiking in the Moscow region and, as an example, even ran an ultramarathon" 100 km on skis in one day."
In hiking, as a rule, they go on skis, but somehow it’s impossible to run.
DAD 21-12-2011 14:22
quote: Originally posted by takeneo:
DAD 21-12-2011 14:22
quote: Originally posted by takeneo:
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