Rossignol is the oldest French manufacturer in the world. Rossignol has been engaged in sports products since 1907 and has established itself as one of the the best manufacturers sports equipment in the world. The company produces Rossignol skis for skating, slalom.
Cross-country skiing is used by Rossignol, as well as for skating. They are selected primarily for length and stiffness. Soft are designated Soft (S), medium - Medium (M), hard - Stiff or Hard (H). The classic ones are calculated as follows: a person’s height + 25-30 cm. 10-15 cm are added to the running ones. Walking models (Combi) are universal, their sizes are calculated by adding 15-25 cm to the height. They can also be used as skating ones. And it is difficult to use skate shoes as classic ones. The midfoot is stiffer than the toes or heels. The toe is softer than the heel.
To choose correctly, stand with both feet in the center. Draw a thin ruler 0.2 mm under the ski. It should move freely forward from the center of gravity by 25-40 cm, and back - to the back. Then stand with one foot. The ruler should move forward by 10-15 cm, and back - to the middle of the foot. Stand on your toes, the ruler should not go through.
Important! When picking up ski socks during compression, the pairs should not diverge too far. When choosing for wet, warm weather, the socks diverge already at an earlier segment. The center of gravity of both skis must be the same.
The new IFP mount was adopted in 2017 and replaced the NIS.
Features of Rossignol skis
For athletes of the World Cup level, they produce a special premium series - X-Ium. A successful model is Pursuit. In Freeride series competitions World Tour Athletes with equipment of this particular brand have repeatedly won.
Rossignol from France and Spain
Rossignol manufactures products in France and Spain.
France uses more manual labor. Models made in Spain are made with modern automatic equipment. They are intended for a wider range of sports fans.
Deciphering the numbers on Rossignol skis
What does the marking mean? For example, the designation 423564 41362.5 8317277 says the following:
- six digits indicate skating. If there were 4 numbers, then these are classic;
- the number 41 indicates the length from the balance point to the heel. Measurement up to a thickness of 0.5 mm;
- the number 36 means the same, but the length to the toe;
- figure 2.5 - displacement, if you put a load corresponding to the standard weight;
- the number 83 indicates the number of kilograms under which the ski is lowered by 0.3 mm;
- 172 - how much a person should weigh in pounds;
- 77 - how much a person should weigh in kilograms.
Skating
Usually skate models tighter, shorter. A typical example is "ROSSIGNOL ZYMAX SKATING Skis NORDIC 2017/2018". Zimax is great choice for lovers .
Classic skis
They are long, soft, less maneuverable.
How Rossignol skis are measured
Measurement for classic move is made by setting a load of a certain weight at a point below the balance point, then measuring to a gap of 0.3 mm. With a length of 186-191 cm, the point is shifted back by 10 cm, for skis with a length of 198 cm - by 12 cm, with a length of 201-208 cm - by 14 cm.
Measurement at skating differs only in that it is produced without offset.
Standard Skate Weights
Rossignol ski constructions
Rossignol products have a different structure. So she goes her own way. For example, it was this company that first used plastic in construction and introduced other advanced technologies.
Skate ski designs
In ridge structures, the Active glide system is now popular. Such models are wider in toe, have a system of honeycombs in the core, a special vertical insert - a catapult. Two grooves direct the movement in the right direction, even when pushing off or turning. When one groove has no contact with the surface, the second one still guides.
Skate models have the letter S in the name (skating). According to the degree of rigidity are divided into:
- Th (hard) - hard;
- Ts (soft) - soft.
By design, they are “cold”, “universal”, “warm”:
- Cold skis are recommended at temperatures below -6°C.
- "Universal" models have a large profile thickness, are recommended at temperatures from 0°C to -6°C.
- "Warm" skis have the smallest contact patch, the largest profile thickness. Recommended at temperatures above or near 0°C.
Classic ski designs
They have in the name C (Classic):
- C1 is designed for cold, has a low profile;
- C2 is suitable for different weather, you can use different ointments;
- C2+ has an even more solid structure;
- C2 R-Grip - a model for difficult weather conditions - about 0 ° C. Ointment under such conditions does not hold on long marathons, therefore, ointment-free technology is used;
- C3 White Base (white base). These models are designed for difficult weather conditions - around 0 ° C and where there is no natural snow.
Bases and structures
Bases are warm, cold, universal, for walking, tourism:
- K3000 - base for walks, tourist trips;
- K5000 - for juniors;
- K7000 Universal − universal base;
- K7000 Unversal 2.0 is a universal base used for top products;
- R9001 wet - "warm" base of the classics;
- K9001 wet 2.0 - "warm" skating base of top products;
- K9000 cold is a high-level "cold" base.
It is possible to pre-order structures as well as model, structure and weight.
Ski cores
The core is made of both wood and plastic. For the production of a wooden structure, a light, strong paulownia tree is used, in which numerous holes are made filled with air. The company uses a type-setting core of vertical elements. This provides excellent resistance to torsional loads.
In LITE WOOD CORE cores, basalt is added to the wood. Various combinations of honeycomb structures and synthetic materials are designed for professionals. Athletes are made especially light, with a Honeycomb honeycomb core. They are also the most expensive. Rossignol skis have a slightly different design.
Sliding Surface Technologies
The firm applies various technologies to ensure the best glide. Including the use of Numeric surface treatment, double grooves along the sliding surface, adding carbon, graphite to the surface material. The use of fiberglass improves directional stability. The 3D Carbon Profile makes it easier to glide thanks to the carbon insert.
The skis of this company have Active Cup cover technology, a flared Cobra Racing cutout that provides stability when transferring the center of gravity from one foot to another. Also, the narrow part has become even narrower and more rigid, and the ends, on the contrary, have become softer and more flexible. The 3Edge Energy Sensor technology has increased the curvature of the sidewalls, which are made of Triax plastic, together with the variable height, this improves processing parameters. The shape of the toe (3D tip) has also been changed in order to accelerate quickly. It is more gentle than other firms. Rossignol have a completely different design, primarily bindings, so you should not take them for running.
Slip
To provide the right degree of slip, various technologies are used, including Numeric Finish. They provide complete readiness for operation immediately after purchase.
holding
To prevent the skis from rolling back when pressed, R-Skin retention technology is used. It uses kamus (anti-recoil coating). R-Grip technology allows you to keep the track well at zero temperature.
Rossignol ski characteristics: table
Geometry: | The weight | Rostovki | |
X-Ium | |||
X-IUM CLASSIC C1/C2/C3 | 41/44/44 | 570 g | 191, 198, 203, 208 |
X-IUM CLASSIC NIS C1/C2/C2 AR | 41/44/44 | 560 g | 191, 198, 203, 208 |
X-IUM SKATING S1 | 42/45/44/44 | 570 g | 174, 181, 187, 193 |
X-IUM SKATING S2 | 42/45/44/44 | 570 g | 168, 174, 181, 187, |
X-IUM SKATING NIS1.NIS2 | 46/44/44 | 550 g | 174, 181, 187, 193 |
Race | |||
DELTA CLASSIC/CLASSIC AR | 44 | 620 g | 186, 196, 201, 206 |
MAX CLASSIC NIS/AR NIS | 45/44/45 | 650 g | 176, 186, 196, 206 |
ZYNEX CLASSIC/CLASSIC AR | 45/44/45 | 640 g | 176, 186, 196, 206 |
DELTA SKATING | 45/44/44 | 570 g | 173, 183, 193 |
MAX SKATING NIS | 45/44/44 | 620 g | 160, 170, 180, 190 |
ZYNEX SKATING | 45/44/44 | 620 g | 160, 170, 180, 190 |
Adventure | |||
BC55/BC55AR | 55/49/52 | 180, 185, 190, 195,200, 205, 210 | |
BC65/BC65AR | 65/53/60 | 165, 175, 185, 195 | |
BC70 | 70/60/65 | 160, 170, 180, 190 | |
SICK BIRD | 128/98/121 | 171, 178, 185 | |
POWDER BIRD | 120/83/110 | 160, 168, 176, 184 | |
DIRTY BIRD | 116/78/105 | 168, 166, 174, 182 | |
RIP CHICK | 120/83/110 | 152, 160, 168, 176 | |
HIP CHICK | 116/78/105 | 150, 158, 166, 174 | |
J-BIRD | 106/70/90 | 118, 128, 138, 148 | |
Active | |||
INTENSE ACTION NIS/AR PLUS NIS/ | 51/47/49 | 640 g | 166, 176, 186, 196 |
INTENSE TOUR NIS | 60/50/55 | 640 g | 166, 176, 186, 196 |
INTENSE FIRST | 51/47/50 | 640 g | 166, 176, 186, 196 |
X TOUR ULTRA LIGHT CARBON NIS | 48/45/46 | 660 g | 176, 186, 196, 206 |
X TOUR ULTRA LIGHT | 48/45/46 | 660 g | 176, 186, 196, 206 |
X TOUR ESCAPE NIS | 51/47/49 | 800 g | 178, 188, 198, 203,208 |
X TOUR ESCAPE/X TOUR ESCAPE AR | 51/47/49 | 800 g | 178, 188, 198, 203,208 |
X TOUR VENTURE/X TOUR VENTURE AR | 51/47/49 | 890 g | 180, 190, 195, 200,205, 210 |
Women | |||
INTENSIVE SKATING NIS | 42/45/44/44 | 620 g | 160, 170, 180 |
INTENSIVE CLASSIC NIS | 51/47/49 | 680 g | 166, 176, 186 |
INTENSIVE CLASSIC NIS POSITRACK | 51/47/49 | 680 g | 166, 176, 186 |
Junior | |||
X-IUM CLASSIC JR | 44 | 510 g | 156, 166, 176, 186 |
DELTA CLASSIC JR | 44 | 480 g | 146, 156, 166, 176 |
X-IUM SKATING JR | 45/44/44 | 500 g | 133, 143, 153, 163 |
DELTA SKATING JR | 45/44/44 | 480 g | 133, 143, 153, 163 |
MAX UNIVERSAL JR | 44 | 450 g | 100, 150, 160, 170,180 |
X TOUR ESCAPE JR AR | 51/47/49 | 550 g | 118, 128, 138, 148,118, 128, 138, 148, |
X TOUR VENTURE JR/JR AR | 51/47/49/ | 550 g | 110, 120, 130, 140,150, 160, 170 |
rental | |||
INTENSE ACTION NIS/AR PLUS/AR POSITRACK | 51/47/49 | 640 g | 160, 170, 180 |
X TOUR ESCAPE NIS | 51/47/49 | 800 g | 178, 188, 198, 203,208 |
Rossignol skis are an example of excellent products from a company with more than a century of experience.
The description will be incomplete if we do not note that the company is engaged in the production of another sports equipment High Quality, for example, skateboards (an example is the Delta Course Skating IFP model), jackets - everything that may be related to sports.
I would like to summarize and collect in one place some of the accumulated knowledge of Rossignol skis.
I will make a reservation right away, the conversation will be about skis of the upper model line - X-Ium WCS, as well as about skis "sports shop" of the Rossignol branch (France and Spain)
First, let's go through the basic rules for choosing cross-country skis of the X-Ium line.
What do you need to understand for a person who wants to choose the right skis for his weight and height? First of all, that the correct stiffness of the skis is of paramount importance, then the size. Stiffer skis will be very demanding, for a good glide you will need to constantly push the block in order to work the entire ski surface and structure. And if the skis are too soft, they will probably work well on a soft track, but on a denser, harder track they will begin to “scour” and will not hold the course well enough, they will break off when repulsed.
In the first part, let's talk about the skate line.
All sizes of skis are divided into weight ranges in which a particular pair of skis falls.
Skate stiffness ranges:
S1 | 173 | 50-70 kg |
180 | 60-80 kg | |
186 | 65-85 kg | |
192 | 75-95 kg | |
S2, S3 | 167 | 40-55 kg |
173 | 45-65 kg | |
180 | 55-75 kg | |
186 | 60-80 kg | |
192 | 75-95 kg |
The main thing you should pay attention to is the last two digits (75). This two-digit number indicates the recommended (!) weight of an athlete in equipment for a given pair of skis (RFS Kg). It is calculated quite simply: RFSkg + 17% = FMAP (in this case, the number 88), where FMAP is the pressure in kg to close the block to a value of 0.3mm. Based on the value of RFSkg, you can choose a pair a little softer for a softer track, and in your weight for a harder track. I wouldn't recommend overestimating. Skis are already quite stable in course and push on a hard track. And excessive "labor" to constantly put pressure on the ski does not lead to anything good, in terms of your energy consumption and results on the track.
The numbers in front of the FMAP (3.3) indicate the height of the block at half load (for size 167 - 25kg, 173 - 30kg, 180, 186 - 35kg, for 192 - 40kg).
The lower the block, the "colder" the skis.
Decided on hardness. Now you can choose a design. To date, three designs of skating skis are offered. S1,S2,S3.
According to my observations, I can describe the behavior of the constructs as follows:
S1s from 14/15 and 15/16 have a larger footprint than S2s, a lower last, a R9000 "cold" base and a "cold" texture of -3 - -6 fresh cold snow with moisture.
The 12/13 and 13/14 season skis have a "cold" structure -5 - -10.
These skis work well on tight trails in cold conditions. But, again, you need to understand that the European cold is -10. If you want to get really "cold" skis, then you will have to make a new structure, smaller and tested in your area.
S2 14\15 and 15\16 have a k7000 universal base, they have a -0 - -6 structure cut into them. On 12/13 and 13/14, the orange skis were coated with -3 - -5 transformed snow with moisture.
These skis are the most versatile, they show themselves well on a hard icy track due to a higher block. At the same time, when squeezing the skis with your hands, the noses diverge, which indicates their applicability on a soft track. In this case, it is worth choosing a pair a little softer than the recommended weight. Good job skis, in my opinion, at temperatures from -2 to -15. In warmer conditions, "dulling" is felt.
S3 - skis with white plastic, base R9001 and with the highest block. On the skis of the season 12/13 and 13/14, the texture is -3 - 0 wet snow, on 14/15 and 15/16 +2 - -2 wet snow, new. Optimal performance of these skis is seen on very wet, old, dirty snow, at temperatures from -2 and above. And the dirtier the conditions more benefits before black skis you will have. There are no special features on the temperature of the iron.
Since the 14/15 season, another ski has appeared called the X-Ium Skate. This ski model is almost a complete copy of the universal S2 model, but a little heavier. Minor changes in design for amateur skiers, no carbon, while the skis have a similar base, structure and plot at a lower price. These skis are suitable for both training and racing as the single most versatile pair at a lower cost.
In the next part, we will talk about the classic ski models of the X-IUM line.
- Since 2017, Rossignol, together with Fischer, switched to the IFP fastening system. We considered this system in detail in the article.
- The main feature of Rossignol skis, for which many people love them so much, is the non-standard work of the ski. Rossignols are always distinguished by their “energy intensity”, “vigority” and excellent stability on tight trails.
- Athletes like to choose skis with a margin of stiffness in order to achieve energetic work. You shouldn't do this with Rossignol. The skate is selected by weight, and it is better to take the classics a little softer (by 3-5 kg).
- Rossignol racing models are made in France and Spain.
Rossignol from France and Spain
The French workshop is aimed at the production of skis according to the individual parameters of high-level athletes. Manual assembly, individual press settings, manual stacking of laminates and selection of skis. There is less varnish on such skis, there may be no numbers, traces of glue may remain. In a word, all signs self made. These skis are much more expensive than Spanish ones.
The Spanish workshop is more massive, but such skis are also used by contract riders. The vast majority of skis in stores are Spanish. In Spain, skis are produced in a semi-automatic mode, the selection of skis is made by a special machine according to the specified parameters. But there is also customization.
The quality of skis does not depend on the country of manufacture. Any well-known ski manufacturer has strict quality control and values \u200b\u200bits reputation. So if you don't make a living cross-country skiing, do not torture yourself looking for "magic" skis from France. It is much more important to choose the right pair by stiffness than by country of origin.
Deciphering the numbers on Rossignol skis
Skating
Ski number 323938 40432.6 8517077
- 323938 - serial number
- 40 - gap distance in cm from the balance point to the heel of the ski, measured up to a gap of 0.5 mm
- 43 - gap distance in cm from the balance point to the tip of the ski, measured up to a gap of 0.5 mm
- 2,6
- 85
- 170
- 77
Formula for skating: skier weight + 17% = ski stiffness
In a pair of Rossignol skis a discrepancy between the recommended weight of a skier up to 5 kg is permissible!
Classic skis
Number 3100 27401,2 4215470
- 3100 - serial number
- 27 - gap distance in cm from the balance point to the heel of the ski, measured up to a gap of 0.1 mm
- 40 - gap distance in cm from the balance point to the tip of the ski, measured up to a gap of 0.1 mm
- 1,2 mm - maximum residual clearance at a standard load for a given size (similar to HR, H3 or HBW)
- 42 - ski stiffness: weight in kg at which the ski is pressed down to 0.3 mm (similar to FA and MF, only difference in mm)
- 154 - recommended skier weight in pounds
- 70 – recommended skier weight in kg
For the classics, there is a formula for calculating the weight of a skier: skier weight - 40% = ski stiffness (70×40%=42)
How are Rossignol skis measured?
If Fischer, Salomon and Atomic take ski parameters by pressing 7-8 cm below the balance point and pushing the last to a gap of 0.2 mm, then Rossignol went his own way.
Rossignol classic skis crushed in 10-14 cm below balance and up to a gap of 0.3 mm. 186 and 191 - in 10 cm, 198 in 12 cm, 201 and 208 in 14 cm.
Skate Rossignol skis are crushed straight to the point of balance, also up to 0.3 mm.
Standard Skate Weights
- 167 - 25 kg
- 173 - 30 kg
- 180 - 35 kg
- 186 - 35 kg
- 192 - 40 kg
Standard weights for classic skis
- 186 - 20 kg
- 191 - 22.5 kg
- 198 - 30 kg
- 203 - 37.5 kg
- 208 - 40 kg
Rossignol ski constructions
Skate ski designs
Letter S - Skating (skating).
- S1– Cool design with longer footprint and low profile. In conditions of dry and frosty snow, a long contact patch creates a water film, which is necessary for ski glide. Has a cold skate base K9000 Cold. The pressure peaks are separated, so they are better suited for a hard track.
- S2- universal design. Smaller contact patch than S1, softer ski tips and tails. This combination allows you to cover a wide range of trail density and temperatures with one pair of skis. The profile is higher than S1. They have a universal base K7000. Ideal work at t from 0 to -6.
- S3- "warm" base for wet, dirty and artificial snow. The highest profile among Rossignol skate skis. Smaller footprint to eliminate sticking in watery snow. Base K9001 wet 2.0. Ideal Conditions work - t from -1 and warmer.
Classic ski designs
Letter C - Classic (classic move).
- C1– design for cold conditions. Low profile for secure grip with hard waxes. Universal base K7000. Works well on tight trails. Recommended for beginner classists, because. provide better grip in climbs.
- C2– universal design with a block of average height. Universal base K7000. Suitable for solid and liquid ointments. Recommended for skiers with experience. on solid ointments, you need to master the technique in order to press the block well.
- С2+ is a tougher alternative to C2.
- C2 R-Grip- the same universal design for difficult conditions at t 0. Base K7000 G-Grip base. Refers to the class. Works great when t fluctuates around 0 (-2+2). Popular skis on .
- C3 White Base– design for wet, muddy and artificial snow. Has a high profile for the use of liquid holding ointments. White base plastic R9001 Wet.
Classic skis C1 and C2 are better to choose 5 kg less than indicated on the sticker at the end of the barcode. Especially amateur skiers.
Rossignol bases
- K9000 cold– a new “cold” base of the highest level. It is put only on X-Ium Skating Premium S1.
- K9001 wet 2.0– skating “warm” base of the World Cup level. Installed on X-Ium Skating Premium S3.
- R9001 wet- classic "warm" base. Placed on X-ium Classic WCS C3 White base.
- K7000 Universal 2.0- universal base for top-end skis X-ium Skating Premium S2.
- K7000 Universal- universal base. It is put on the X-ium WCS S2, C1 and C2, Delta and Zymax series (in the version with IFP), skis of the R-Skin, X-ium junior series.
- K5000– base for Delta junior and Zymax junior. Skis for walking.
- K3000- base for recreational and tourist skiing.
Rossignol structures
Structures from the French Rossignol 2019-2020 pre-order form:
For 1 base
- FF3 - fresh, cold and dry snow, t -5 -15
- FF3 B - fresh, cold and dry snow, t -15 and colder
- Cold 5 - fine-grained old snow, t -5 -15
- Cold 3 - fresh snow, t -5 -10
- Cold dev 2 - fresh fine-grained snow, t -5 -15
For 2 bases
- Uni P7 - wet, granular, artificial snow, t 0 -5
- Uni 4 - fresh, wet, falling snow, t 0 -5
- Uni 5.2 - universal, best performance on granular snow, t 0 -7
- Uni 7 - all types of snow, except granular, t 0 -7
- Uni 6 - wet, fresh snow, t 0 -5
For 3 bases
- PH0 - wet snow, t -2 +15
- Wet 1 - fresh snow, t -2 +15
- Wet 7 - fresh wet snow, t -3 +15
- Wet 3 - wet fine-grained snow, t -3 +5
Rossignol structures of past years
For 3 bases
- PH1 Diamant 6 pts - fresh and wet snow, t -2 +2
- PH2 Diamant 6 pts - fresh, wet, transformed snow, t -5 +2
- PH0 Diamant 4 pts - wet snow, t from 0 and warmer
- PH Diamant 6 pts - wet, wet snow, t 0 -3
For 1 base
- FF Diamant 6 pts - cold fresh snow, t -5 -10
- FF2 Diamant 6 pts - cold fresh snow, high humidity, t -3 -6
- FF1 Diamant 6 pts - cold dry falling snow, t -5 -7
- FF3 Diamant 6 pts - cold and very dry snow, t -10 -30
For 2 bases
- PF Diamant 6 pts - high humidity, transformed snow, t -3 -5
- PF5 Diamant 6 pts paralelle - transformed and artificial snow, t 0 -5
- PF1 Diamant 6 pts - all types of snow, high humidity, t 0 -3
- PF4 Diamant 6 pts paralelle - fresh, transformed snow, t -3 -7
- PF2 Diamant 6 pts - all types of snow, t 0 -6
Ski cores
- Nomex is the lightest, honeycomb design.
- Honeycomb is a combination of honeycomb and synthetic materials.
- Premium LDS core is a lightweight wood core with basalt added for stiffness.
- LDS core is a lightweight wooden core.
- Wood air - wood core with air channels.
Sliding Surface Technologies
Slip
- Skating double guide groove - a double groove for increased stability in the rolling phase.
- Numeric finish - skis are processed during the application of the structure, leaving a minimum of lint, making the skis ready for use immediately after purchase
- Stonefinish - a rougher texture application.
holding
- R-Skin - oil-free technology classic skis. The special skin ensures that it stays in place in all weather conditions. Refers to .
- R-Grip is a special material under the last that will provide good grip at temperatures around 0 degrees.
- AR Positrack and AR Plus – different types notches for walking skis.
Characteristics of Rossignol skis table
I would like to summarize and collect in one place some of the accumulated knowledge of Rossignol skis.
I will make a reservation right away, the conversation will be about skis of the upper model line - X-Ium WCS, as well as about skis "sports shop" of the Rossignol branch (France and Spain)
First, let's go through the basic rules for choosing cross-country skis of the X-Ium line.
What do you need to understand for a person who wants to choose the right skis for his weight and height? First of all, that the correct stiffness of the skis is of paramount importance, then the size. Stiffer skis will be very demanding, for a good glide you will need to constantly push the block in order to work the entire ski surface and structure. And if the skis are too soft, they will probably work well on a soft track, but on a denser, harder track they will begin to “scour” and will not hold the course well enough, they will break off when repulsed.
In the first part, let's talk about the skate line.
All sizes of skis are divided into weight ranges in which a particular pair of skis falls.
Skate stiffness ranges:
S1 | 173 | 50-70 kg |
180 | 60-80 kg | |
186 | 65-85 kg | |
192 | 75-95 kg | |
S2, S3 | 167 | 40-55 kg |
173 | 45-65 kg | |
180 | 55-75 kg | |
186 | 60-80 kg | |
192 | 75-95 kg |
The main thing you should pay attention to is the last two digits (75). This two-digit number indicates the recommended (!) weight of an athlete in equipment for a given pair of skis (RFS Kg). It is calculated quite simply: RFSkg + 17% = FMAP (in this case, the number 88), where FMAP is the pressure in kg to close the block to a value of 0.3mm. Based on the value of RFSkg, you can choose a pair a little softer for a softer track, and in your weight for a harder track. I wouldn't recommend overestimating. Skis are already quite stable in course and push on a hard track. And excessive "labor" to constantly put pressure on the ski does not lead to anything good, in terms of your energy consumption and results on the track.
The numbers in front of the FMAP (3.3) indicate the height of the block at half load (for size 167 - 25kg, 173 - 30kg, 180, 186 - 35kg, for 192 - 40kg).
The lower the block, the "colder" the skis.
Decided on hardness. Now you can choose a design. To date, three designs of skating skis are offered. S1,S2,S3.
According to my observations, I can describe the behavior of the constructs as follows:
S1s from 14/15 and 15/16 have a larger footprint than S2s, a lower last, a R9000 "cold" base and a "cold" texture of -3 - -6 fresh cold snow with moisture.
The 12/13 and 13/14 season skis have a "cold" structure -5 - -10.
These skis work well on tight trails in cold conditions. But, again, you need to understand that the European cold is -10. If you want to get really "cold" skis, then you will have to make a new structure, smaller and tested in your area.
S2 14\15 and 15\16 have a k7000 universal base, they have a -0 - -6 structure cut into them. On 12/13 and 13/14, the orange skis were coated with -3 - -5 transformed snow with moisture.
These skis are the most versatile, they show themselves well on a hard icy track due to a higher block. At the same time, when squeezing the skis with your hands, the noses diverge, which indicates their applicability on a soft track. In this case, it is worth choosing a pair a little softer than the recommended weight. Skis work well, in my opinion, at temperatures from -2 to -15. In warmer conditions, "dulling" is felt.
S3 - skis with white plastic, base R9001 and with the highest block. On the skis of the season 12/13 and 13/14, the texture is -3 - 0 wet snow, on 14/15 and 15/16 +2 - -2 wet snow, new. Optimal performance of these skis is seen on very wet, old, dirty snow, at temperatures from -2 and above. And the dirtier the conditions are, the more advantages you will have over black skis. There are no special features on the temperature of the iron.
Since the 14/15 season, another ski has appeared called the X-Ium Skate. This ski model is almost a complete copy of the universal S2 model, but a little heavier. Minor changes in design for amateur skiers, no carbon, while the skis have a similar base, structure and plot at a lower price. These skis are suitable for both training and racing as the single most versatile pair at a lower cost.
In the next part, we will talk about the classic ski models of the X-IUM line.