The most popular winter sport is cross-country skiing. But in order for outdoor activities to bring only positive emotions, you need to take care of sports equipment. The article will focus on ski bindings. NNN and SNS are the most modern systems fasteners, and the debate about which ones are better has long been going on among professional and amateur athletes.
NNN
The Norwegian company Rottofella has developed a special system for attaching boots to skis - NNN. The originality consists in the presence of two rubber flexors that connect the boot to the binding, and two longitudinal guides that do not allow the boots to move to the sides. The toe of the boot rests against these springy cuffs, and after a push they return the leg to a horizontal position.
The NIS design used in the NNN bindings allows the binding to be mounted on a platform built into the skis. This is very convenient as the binding does not need to be screwed into the ski and can be moved to adjust the position of the boot in relation to the center of gravity. Many skiers use this feature to customize their skis for different snow conditions. This system also allows the athlete to place their binding.
SNS
The French company Salomon introduced its fastening system - SNS. The difference of this design lies in the presence of a central rubber flexor with one against which the boot rests. The special sole of the shoe allows the athlete to control the ski and ride in any style.
The installation of the fastener does not provide for a special platform on skis, like the NNN binding, but original boots are required, suitable only for the SNS design. The usual SNS mount has only one brace in front of the sole of the boot, but there is also a modification of the SNS Pilot, which uses two metal axles that are fixed in two different grooves spaced 2.5 cm apart. This allows you to limit the lift of the foot into the air and thereby increase control over the skis.
System differences
In general, the differences between NNN and SNS mounts are minor and will be invisible to the average hobbyist, but there are nuances that a professional will pay attention to. For example, many people praise the SNS Pilot bindings for the double engagement of the boots on the skis, which improves maneuverability, but at the same time, in not very cold weather, the snow gets packed under the second bracket and is compressed into an ice lump that prevents the boot from being placed on the binding normally. It also happens to unhook the second bracket when pushing. But in cold weather, these mounts work great.
Many pros appreciate the NNN binding because thanks to the platform on the ski and the NIS construction under the binding, the boot rises and the leg becomes longer. This increases the force of the push by lengthening the lever. At the same time, this effect reduces the stability of the skier, which is excluded in SNS bindings. What to choose: NNN or SNS binding, it is up to the skier to decide which boots and which bindings are more convenient for him to ride. This is an individual approach, and there is no definite answer.
Mounting installation
After choosing and buying a mount, you need to install it on your skis. You need to do this in the following order:
- The center of gravity of the skis is determined. This is done as follows: the ski is placed flat on the edge of the ruler and shifted until it balances, like weights (parallel to the floor). If the mount is heavy, then you need to find the center of gravity by attaching the mount to the skis and shift until the balance line coincides with the fixing groove of the boot.
- Hole drilling locations are marked. For this purpose, there are paper templates included with the mount. If there is no template at hand, you can mark with an awl by attaching mounts to the skis, according to the center of gravity.
- Holes are drilled to a depth of 10 mm. A drill is pre-selected: for NNN - diameter 3.4 mm; for SNS - 3.6 mm. Drilling is done carefully, slightly pressing on the drill so as not to go through the ski. It is advisable to put a limiter on the drill. Then sawdust is blown out, and the holes are filled with glue for a more secure fixation.
- The structure is being assembled. For this, fasteners are applied according to the holes and screwed. After that, it is required to dry the skis for 10 hours before use.
Everything is ready, now you can go for a ride. Apparently, there is nothing difficult in choosing and installing mounts.
Bindings are an important piece of ski equipment. As a rule, the installation of bindings is done by a store, however, some skiers prefer to do it themselves. Let's find out how they do it.
Types of ski bindings
There are three types ski bindings:
- Rigid (welted) - Nordic Norm 75 mm.
- Semi-rigid - straps, elastic bands and buckles.
- Systemic:
- SNS Salomon
- NN Rotofella
Since the first two species are gradually falling out of use due to their total imperfection and moral old age, there is no need to talk about them. It is much more interesting to talk about system mounts.
It is worth noting that if the skier decides to install the NN 75mm, the installation instructions below will suit him.
Systems from Salomon and Rotofella
These binding systems have a different number of longitudinal components, functionality and boot stabilization indicators, and are also presented in various modifications. They are great for cross-country skiing - the most common in skiing.
- Rotofella system NNN appeared somewhat later than NN 75mm. The fastening and stabilization of the boots is carried out here, thanks to two longitudinal guides. The functionality of these mounts is not inferior to NN.
- In SNS Salomon only one hinge is used. Due to the nature of the soles of the boots, designed for such bindings, the skier can control the ski, making any move. This is the most modern version of ski bindings.
There are no significant disadvantages or advantages between these systems. They are more convenient, more practical and more modern than their predecessors, so they cost a little more.
How to install bindings on cross-country skis yourself
To install the fasteners, you will first need the following inventory:
- Cross-country skiing and fastenings on them;
- Paper template for marking or jig;
- Screwdriver (cross bit + drill 3.4 - 3.6 mm);
- Marker;
- PVA glue;
- Ruler;
- Awl.
Installation instructions
Installation of ski bindings takes place in several stages.
Step 1: Center of Gravity
The first step is to determine the center of gravity of the skis. To do this, the ski is installed on the edge of the ruler and moves along this surface until the skis freeze, like balanced scales, parallel to the floor.
The middle lines of balance should be marked with a marker. The marked line will coincide with the axis of the bracket attachment.
Step 2: Markup
The next step is to mark the holes on the ski platform. This action is performed using a paper template, which is usually supplied with the mounts. If it wasn’t on your hands, it doesn’t matter, you can download it from the Internet, or mark the ski with an awl, attaching the assembled mount so that the center of gravity coincides with the axis of fixation of the shoe.
At the same time, in the NNN system, the holes are located in front of the axis of the center of gravity, and in the SNS, the axis lies directly under the mount. For professional marking, a conductor is used.
Step 3: Drill holes
Before drilling, you should check the distance between the holes located on the mount with the distance between the points marked during marking.
Holes for Rottefella are drilled with a drill with a diameter of 3.4 mm, and for Salomon - 3.6 mm. The depth of the holes is 10 mm. Drilling is performed at medium speed with light pressure. To ensure reliable fixation, the finished holes are blown and then filled with glue.
Step 5: Assembly
Now that the holes are ready, you need to attach the fasteners and tighten the screws tightly. After that, the ski is left to dry (about 10-12 hours).
Now cross-country skis are ready for use. As you can see, there is nothing difficult in this. The main thing is to exercise caution and attentiveness, as well as to have all the necessary tools.
NNN is a ski boot attachment system. This type of fastening is offered by Rottefella. The mount is considered universal and will fit any boots, with the exception of boots for children and teenagers.
A distinctive feature are two parallel stops. The mount has four stiffness options and two notches. Boots with this binding are best suited for skating due to the fact that the bracket is moved back.
SNS is a profile type of fastening created by the French company Salomon. It has three stiffness options, one notch on the boot and a brace at the edge.
The main differences between NNN and SNS are:
- Fasteners. At NNN, it is located under the fingers. This improves controllability. And at SNS - in front of the toe.
- Guide points. NNN has two parallel protrusions, and SNS has one central one.
- Control. The NNN binding has the best steering control, especially when skating, which cannot be said about the SNS.
- Number of stiffness options.
Types and models
By riding style
- High boots are used for skating. They tightly fix the foot to avoid injury while riding. It is important to choose the correct size when choosing boots for skating to avoid injury.
- Low boots provide comfort while riding in classic style. They have soft uppers and soles.
- Universal or combined - suitable for both the first and second riding styles and have an average length.
By appointment
- Professional - withstand heavy loads and last a very long time.
- Hiking boots are made in such a way that it is convenient not only to ride in them, but also to walk. They are made of a combination of leather and synthetics, withstand heavy loads and do not allow moisture to pass through.
- Amateur models - have a bright design and do not have fundamental requirements and are designed for walking.
- Children's - should be easy to put on and take off, be comfortable and keep warm. Some manufacturers include an extra insole when selling children's ski boots so that the size can be adjusted and the boots last longer.
Brands
There are hundreds of brands that manufacture ski boots. How not to get confused by the names? And which brand should you choose?
Salomon. All the same French company that produces SNS mounts. Not just big, but a huge choice for any level of training. The constant improvement of boots is the release of a new model.
Lange. One of the best manufacturers. No wonder their slogan is No1 in the world market. The top models of this brand are designed by Ferrari designers.
The main feature of the Italian brand Tecnica is the sleeve gate. It is designed not only for top models, but also for models of other, more low levels. Another difference is the minimum vibration from the skis, this allows the leg not to get tired during long skiing. Boots of this company perfectly keep warm even at low temperatures.
Rossignol. Perhaps one of the first firms that paid attention to the design of women's skis. The brand cares about the marketability of the product, so it uses various marketing ploys, such as skis for "fatal women".
nordica. The largest manufacturer. More than 700,000 pairs of shoes are produced annually. And in the middle of the last century, the Kastle ski factory was purchased by the brand.
Fischer produces boots of its own concept. The products of this brand are considered relatively inexpensive and very popular among young skiers.
Material
When choosing ski boots, an important role is played by the material from which they are made. Leather, tarpaulin, synthetics - it all depends on personal comfort. But you need to understand that the denser and stiffer the material, the more difficult it will be to remove the shoes after use. For some hard models, you need 20 minutes of being warm.
Another disadvantage of hard rubber is that the holes made for the fasteners are pulled out very quickly. Although the price of such models is much lower than the rest. But we all remember the saying: "The miser pays twice."
Artificial leather. The most common material in the manufacture of ski boots. In good manufacturers, boots made of synthetic materials and artificial leather do not crack in the cold and last a very long time. Such models have high-quality heaters. There are, of course, boots genuine leather, but there are very few of them and they are acquired only by those to whom this moment is fundamental. The indisputable advantage of synthetic and artificial materials, of course, is the preservation of shape. What can not be said about boots made of natural materials.
The selection of ski equipment begins with the purchase of skis and boots suitable for the height, weight and skiing style of the skier. The next step is the selection of ski bindings. The right ski bindings will help the amateur or professional skier get the most out of their efforts. We will tell you more about all types of fasteners for cross-country skis.
Types of cross-country ski bindings
Currently in use 3 types bindings for cross-country skis. All of them not compatible between themselves. Therefore, they must be selected for specific shoes. For example, if your boots are NNN system, then in SNS mount they just won't get up, and vice versa.
SNS system
Salomon Nordic System- own development of the French brand Salomon. It differs from the NNN mount in that it has only one longitudinal runner, but it is 2 times wider. These models are available under two trademarks: Salomon and Atomic.
There are two types of Salomon Nordic System:
- SNS Profile- universal model with one attachment point located at the toe of the boot. Suitable for all styles skating.
- SNS Pilot- model with two fastener brackets and two flexors that help to better control the ski. Intended for skating.
SNS flexors are different by hardness: the softest - yellow, medium - lilac-pink, red - hard.
Salomon Nordic System are highly reliable and durable. Available in automatic and manual versions. Children's models are also produced.
NNN system
New Nordic Standard- fastening system developed by a Norwegian brand Rottefella. The most popular type of ski bindings. Produced by Rutefella under various trademarks: Fisher, Madshus, Alpina and Rossignol. There is how professional models, and amateur. They differ from SNS in the presence of two longitudinal skids to maintain control on the ski.
The boot is fixed only at one point. But the fixation bracket on the boot is not located at the toe, but is slightly shifted back. This provides better control over the skis.
Located on the front of the mount emphasis-flexor made of rubber, the boot sticks into it with a toe when repulsed. The degree of control of the ski depends on the rigidity of the flexor, it is selected according to the style of skiing. For the classics use softer rubber bands, for skate- more rigid. You can distinguish them by color: red flexors are the softest, black - medium hardness, green - semi-hard, white - hard.
New Nordic Norm is very popular among amateur and professional skiers. Manual and automatic models are available. For children, special shortened models for a small leg are suitable.
Fasteners NN 75
Nordic Norm 75 mm - popular since Soviet times, a time-tested type of fastener. They work like this: the boot is installed on a metal platform so that 3 ledges coincide with the holes in the sole. A metal frame is lowered and secured with a hook. This model is made more often from aluminum and alloys.
They have a number of advantages over older models:
- are inexpensive;
- ideal for beginners and students;
- very reliable - the risk of accidental unfastening is practically eliminated.
The disadvantages include:
- difficulty in fastening and unfastening;
- inconvenient for skating;
- Do not confuse left and right mount.
Which system to choose: SNS or NNN?
There are no significant differences between these two types of mounts. You just need pick them up for specific ski boots and riding style. If you are planning to move skating style, stop at SNS Pilot. For lovers Entry-level NNN automatic mounts will do.
Automatic or mechanical: which is better?
When you have decided on the type of fastener, another question arises: choose automatic or manual?
Any professional will definitely choose mechanical type. At high speed and great strength repulsion, there is a risk of accidental unfastening of the ski. This is fraught with serious injury. Mechanical fasteners completely eliminate this risk, so professional skiers choose them for training and competition. In operation, they are inconvenient because you have to bend down every time to fasten or unfasten them.
Suitable for recreational riding at walking speed automatic mounts. They are much more convenient to use. To fasten them, it is enough to step on the toe of the boot on the recess in the castle. Unbuttoning is even easier - you need to press the button at the base of the boot. This can be done even with a stick, if you do not want to bend over. So that the skis do not come unfastened at the most inopportune moment, choose proven models of well-known companies.
Mechanical fasteners cost much expensive automatic counterparts, therefore not so popular among fans. Everyone decides for himself what to choose - mechanics or automatic. Remember that you should choose only models from trusted manufacturers: Fisher, Rottefella, Salomon, Rossignol, Atomic. When buying fasteners from an unknown company, there is a risk of sudden snapping - this can lead to injury.
Installing ski bindings
When buying a ski kit, stores often offer free installation of bindings.
But it is possible to install ski bindings on your own at home. The video will help you get it right.
CCM in winter triathlon. Creator of the online training program for cross-country skiing ProSki. Shares his experience in articles and blogs in in social networks, on a personal example motivates to go in for sports. Ski poles in his hands have become an integral part of his life. Egor in In contact with and Instagram.
Winter is coming. During this period, half of the runners will ski to diversify their workouts. Sneakers will be replaced by ski boots, and in their hands they will ski poles. How to choose equipment to feel like a skier? Decide on the choice of bindings and boots together with Egor Myshkov, CCM in winter triathlon, creator of the ProSki online training program for cross-country skiing.
We will start by determining which boot fastening system we will use. There are two of them: SNS and NNN. This year, they added another one, similar to NNN - TURNAMIC. Let's consider each type in detail.
SNS PROFILE. The most popular system until 2010. The fastening design has a wide protruding strip along the entire length. There is a wide groove on the sole of the boot. The mechanism for fixing the boot and fastening is simple: automatic or mechanical. The photo below shows the mechanical version. On the automatic, we need to insert the boot bracket with force into the place where the elastic is located. The rubber insert provides elastic work and responsiveness of the boot when pushing. To unfasten from such an attachment, we will need to press a finger on the button, which is located in front of the elastic band.
SNS PILOT. Now elastic work is not required for elastic work, the boot contact and fastening system has been changed: one more jumper on the boot has been added. It clings to an additional bracket located closer to the center of the mount. This system works like a spring: after pushing with the foot, the ski quickly returns to the sole of the boot. Due to this, the speed and frequency of the work of the legs increases. Fixation of the boot is carried out only in the mechanical version.
NNN. The difference between NNN and SNS is that there are two thin guides on the mount. The design of the sole of the boot has two narrow grooves, the boot is fastened with one bracket. The contact surface of the sole of such a system is larger, the ski is felt and controlled better than with SNS.
Note: Prolink. This is the same NNN system, only released as an addition to Salomon boots. Boots with NNN system will also fit these mounts.
TURNAMIC. The sole of the boot will be similar to the sole of the SNS, while the binding will remain the same as the NNN.
Conclusion
The SNS and SNS PILOT mount was created by SALOMON. It so happened that the boots of this company, regardless of the model, were created warm. For some, this is a minus, since on their feet they feel like felt boots. Ski control feels weak. The top models do not have this problem, as they are made of carbon: it is light and durable. The outsole is thicker than the NNN due to the protruding part of the binding. The choice should, first of all, be based on personal feelings. Each manufacturer's shoe lasts are different, so you need to compare and choose the option that suits you best.
SKI BOOT CONSTRUCTION
It is easier to start mastering cross-country skiing with skating. Classic move suggests the presence of holding ointments under the ski block. To choose them correctly for the weather, you need experience, otherwise the skis will slip back. Skating is ideal for beginners. The mechanics of movement is similar to skating or roller skating.
On boots for skating, there should be a rigid cuff that fixes the position of the ankle: it will become easier to control the ski. The sole should not be flexible, the rigidity of such boots is justified. When moving from foot to foot, it is necessary to maintain balance and control the movement of the ski. The cuff helps guide the ski and eliminate twists in the foot.
The price of boots will depend on the materials from which they are made. The carbon parts will add strength and lightness to the construction of the boot along with the price. Lightweight models are made for competing athletes and have a high degree rigidity. For beginners, it may just be uncomfortable to ride in such boots.
Below are the models of ski boots that I like the most in terms of functionality.
Fischer Carbonlite Skate or RC7 Skate. Comfortable boot design. Optimum rigidity, at which it is comfortable to train, as well as compete in competitions. The difference between the models is that the RC7 does not have a carbon construction, which means it is heavier.
Fischer Carbonlite Skate
Boots for advanced lovers. Cuff made of lightweight and durable 3D plastic. By design, they are similar to the top models, but more comfortable for regular workouts.
Spine Carera Carbon Pro and Concept Skate Pro. I want to mention this Russian company. Their price will be 2 times cheaper than the previous ones, and they are created on the basis of our weather conditions. These are warm boots. The quality is approaching the level of world brands. There are disadvantages only in terms of the life of individual parts of the boot. If you are just starting your skiing journey, then this is a suitable budget option.
In the next part, we will talk about choosing the length of skis and poles. Cross-country skiing develops all muscle groups, and walking in the frosty air hardens your body and saturates it with oxygen.
Love skiing! Get on your skis!
