Advantages of wooden and plastic skis. We choose cross-country skis, ski boots, ski poles, ski waxes. What are cross-country skis made of: plastic vs wood

And yet it's plastic...

At first lyrical digression about wooden skis. Nowadays skis with plastic are mostly sold. sliding surface(although wood continues to be used in ski construction). A person who has been skiing on wooden skis, when switching to plastic ones, usually encounters a very unpleasant phenomenon - strong recoil, which turns skiing from pleasure into real torture. The person is perplexed - I would have traveled N kilometers long ago on pieces of wood, but here I am forced to barely move my legs, and why did I buy this plastic. It’s especially offensive if such a person buys plastic skis not for himself, but for his child, turning physical education lessons for him into a humiliating crawl, forever instilling an aversion to skiing. What's the matter? The fact is that plastic skis are much more slippery than wooden skis. Firstly, wood gets pretty ruffled when rubbing against snow, which practically never happens with plastic, and then remember how wooden skis used to be smeared - with a HOLDING ointment along the entire length, only sometimes a little warmer ointment was added under the block. These two factors ensured the lack of tangible returns. Now, when buying plastic skis, many people naively believe that they do not need to be lubricated, or they put ointment under the block that corresponds to the temperature on the thermometer outside the window, as they are used to lubricating wooden ones. So, the returns on plastic skis ah can be avoided, but we’ll talk about this in more detail in the section on lubrication. And in terms of sliding properties, plastic is much better than wood. In addition, the plastic sliding surface is much more durable. And if you shouldn’t even try to reach positive temperatures on wooden skis, then on plastic your season can become much longer. So don't be afraid to buy plastic skis.

Start with the classics

When choosing skis, a lot depends on what level you are skiing at and what style you are going to ski mainly, classic or skate. Unfortunately, different styles require different equipment. There are so-called “universal” skis, but if you choose their length and stiffness optimal for classic move, then skating on them will be, let’s say, uncomfortable. In addition, the question of changing the lubrication system will arise - with classic ones, the block is smeared with holding ointments, and in order for the ointment to last longer, the block is usually sanded. Skate skates require a smooth sliding surface along the entire length, and are entirely lubricated with sliding lubricants (paraffins). But for classic ones, lubricating the block with paraffin is contraindicated. If you then apply a holding ointment to this paraffin (or even its remains), it will come off very quickly. In general, you should not combine incompatible things. (But don’t shy away from the word “universal” - these are completely normal skis, just choose the length and stiffness according to your skiing style).

Therefore, if you want to try both styles and the funds allow, it is better to take two sets, and if they do not allow, then stop at the classics. The skate requires wide prepared trails, and there are few of them. And people build a ski track for the classics in any forest or park. That is, there are many times more places for skiing. Also keep in mind that prepared skating trails are most often laid over difficult terrain with large ascents and descents - along hills and ravines, and are designed for trained athletes. It’s not easy for a beginner to overcome such a route; you can “stand up” after the second or third climb. And you can’t drag your family along such a route with you. (If there is a good (and easy) skating route near you, consider yourself lucky. In this case, the skating style is definitely worth trying.)

Which skis should a beginner choose?

First, about prices. Racing skis standing on top model range famous brands such as Fisher, Atomic, Madchus, Rossignol, etc. usually cost between $200 and $350. Inexpensive domestic ones, such as STC, Karelia (Sorsu) can cost less than $35. Mass-produced (amateur) models from well-known brands cost around $70-100. If you are a beginner, take our skis, unless, of course, you are concerned about your “image”. You can spend 30-35 dollars with quite decent quality. And when you gain experience and sports training, then you yourself will understand what you need and where to move. The exception is if you have heavy weight, say, over 70 kg. The main problem with inexpensive skis is that it is very difficult to choose among them the ones that suit your weight. Here you will have to move to a different price range and choose mass models from well-known brands. We will return to this issue below.

What is the difference between branded skis and those made here in Russia? The quality of top models from well-known brands, of course, is still unattainable for our manufacturer. These skis are designed for competitive skiers high class, are manufactured in special workshops, usually in the countries where the company itself is located. The design of such skis is quite complex and is simulated on a computer. Before launching into production, new developments are thoroughly tested by qualified athletes. Expensive materials are used in manufacturing, often coming from the aerospace industries. The production culture at such factories is very high; all skis undergo extensive testing on special computerized stands. All this together allows us to produce top-class skis. You can learn more about ski production by reading the magazine " skiing"Nos. 17, 10 and other numbers. However, manufacturers make most of their money on skis for the mass market, which are required much more than for elite skiers. And here the situation is completely different. Let's give an analogy with computer technology. It’s no secret that components for mass production, even from such well-known companies as IBM, Hewlett-Packard and others, are mostly manufactured in Southeast Asia, for example, in Taiwan. The story is similar with mass-produced skis. It is more profitable for brand owners to place orders for production where it is cheaper , and develop skis themselves and produce top models. Accordingly, there are huge factories that produce skis of different brands, including under their own brand. There are such factories in the Czech Republic, Estonia, Ukraine (Mukachevo, owned by the Fisher company), and We have a STC factory in Russia. The latter, for example, produces skis ordered by Madshus, Karhu, Peltonen. So most of the cheap skis of these brands in our country are made in Russia, just like the inexpensive ones ski poles Madshus and Karhu. And our own skis and poles under the STC brand differ from them mainly in appearance and lower price.

Now more about the differences between professional racing skis and mass ones intended for amateurs. The high cost of technologies and materials used in racing skis is dictated by the desire of manufacturers to provide the highest technical parameters that allow them to achieve victories in competitions. Often these parameters are difficult to combine, such as the weight of the ski and its stiffness. This forces the use of materials with improved characteristics, but which are much more expensive - carbon fiber, honeycomb filling, expensive acrylic foam. For the sliding surface, high molecular weight polyethylene with various additives is used, obtained from powder during sintering under pressure and at high temperature. This porous plastic is harder and is able to absorb much more paraffin, which allows the lubricant to last for a long time. long distances. In addition, different weather conditions and piste preparation place different demands on skis. Therefore, in the world of racing skis, specialization is common, allowing you to achieve the best glide in certain conditions, but at the same time forcing you to have several pairs of skis. Models are produced specifically designed for wet and dry snow, or for hard and soft tracks, or even, like Madshus, 4 options: soft for dry and wet snow and hard for dry and wet (multiply by 2 more, since skis are produced for skate and for classics). In addition, designers compete in such parameters of skis as torsional rigidity, course stability, vibration damping and ski control when sliding quickly on slopes, and others. An analogy with the world of cars is appropriate here. There are many good cars that allow you to drive quickly and comfortably on various roads in different weather conditions. But as soon as we are talking about competitions where the price of victory is very high, for example, in Formula 1, there immediately arises the need for exceptional design solutions and specialization. These are expensive materials, tires for specific surfaces and weather conditions, fine-tuning the suspension for each track and tire, and a lot of other technical nuances. Accordingly, racing cars and skis best demonstrate their exceptional qualities on specially prepared tracks. Just as it’s difficult to imagine racing a McLaren on roads near Moscow, you shouldn’t expect super speed from a racing ski on a broken, loose track trodden in the nearest forest. Simpler models are more appropriate here.

Amateur (mass) skis are universal and suitable for most weather conditions. They use cheaper materials. Therefore they are a little heavier. For example, if a pair of racing skis weighs about 1 kg, then amateur ones weigh on average 1.4 - 1.5 kg. Inexpensive extruded plastic of the sliding surface absorbs less wax, and, accordingly, the lubricant does not last as long on the ski. But this doesn’t really matter if your usual “norm” does not exceed 10-15 km. As written in Ivan Kuzmin’s article “For Parents of Growing Skiers” in LS No. 8, it is generally accepted that the weight deflection of the ski determines 60% of the sliding properties of the skis, 20% is determined by the material, condition and structure of the sliding surface of the skis, and the last 20% is determined by the lubrication of the skis. Therefore, by successfully selecting skis for your weight, you will get excellent driving performance, even if their sliding surface is not made of the most expensive plastic.

Another argument in favor of inexpensive skis is that if you mainly walk in the woods with your family, then such skis will serve you faithfully for many years. And if you want to improve as a skier and buy yourself racing models, then these simple skis will be yours for the first and last snow, on which it’s a pity to tear up expensive skis.

There are skis with notches under the block. They seem to hold up well on soft snow. And they are attractive because, as buyers often assume, they do not need to be smeared. (In fact, they still need to be lubricated - this is what the manufacturers recommend). But I wouldn’t recommend these, unless you really don’t want to mess around with lubricant. Why? Firstly, in terms of driving performance, the conventional ones are certainly better. And secondly, skis without notches are more versatile. The notch will work well on a medium-soft ski track, but not on a compacted hard (or icy) one and not on a loose one. And ordinary skis can be easily adapted to changing conditions by changing the holding ointment and changing the length of the lubricated block. In addition, over time, the notch will wear out and the holding properties will deteriorate. But in general, whether or not to take notched skis is a matter of taste.

Updated: 02/14/2018 15:26:56

Children's skis should be selected according to the height and weight of the young skier, as well as the material from which they were made, the brand and other nuances - which ones, we will tell you in our article.

Skis must be manufactured in accordance with the requirements of GOSTs and international quality standards. The safety and life of the child depends on this. Therefore, choose products only from trusted brands.

The best manufacturers of children's skis are:

In the production of children's models, simpler materials and technologies are used compared to adult models. This does not mean that such products are bad. The child just can’t appreciate the benefits. latest technologies. Moreover, the use of equipment and materials that do not correspond to the skills of a young skier increases the risk of injury.

Most often, skis for children are made of plastic or wood.

Plastic skis

These products are durable and reliable. They accelerate well and are great for kids who know how to ski. Plastic models do not need moisture-repellent impregnations, because, unlike wooden ones, they do not get wet or deteriorate when exposed to liquids.

Advantages

Light weight;

Can be used during frosts and at zero temperatures;

Good sliding properties;

Durability.

Flaws

• High price.

Models made of wood are characterized by good stability. With their help, the child can move quickly and maintain balance. The gliding speed of wooden skis is lower than that of plastic skis, so they are great for small children and beginner skiers.

Such products must be treated with special means to protect them from moisture. If the wood gets wet, it deteriorates faster, becoming rough and loose. In addition, wet snow sticks heavily to wooden models.

Advantages

Low cost;

Good stability.

Flaws

They have a small margin of safety;

Skis made of wood are heavier than plastic models.

Before purchasing, it is important to understand which models your child needs: cross-country or mountain. Cross-country skiing is suitable for skiing on flat and good surfaces, while mountain skiing is suitable for skiing on slopes, on untouched snow and uneven, mountainous surfaces.

Cross-country skis are:

Skate- not suitable for small children, because they require certain riding skills. Sliding occurs when a skier, like a speed skater, pushes off the surface with the inner edge of the product. In this case, the ski track should be wide and well compacted. Skate skis can be used by teenagers and adults.

Classic- Suitable for children over three years old. This is the simplest and safest type of cross-country skiing.

Universal- suitable for skating and classic styles.

Depending on the age and weight of the child, the size of the skis is determined:

3–6 years. The length of the runners should not be much greater than the height of the child. With a height of 1 m or 1.1 m, their length should be 1 and 1.1 m, respectively, and with a height of 1.15 and 1.2 m - 1.2 and 1.3 m.

6–11 years old. The length of the product is calculated according to the height of the “skier”, to which 15–20 cm is added. For example, if a child is seven years old and his height is 1.2 m, the recommended ski length should be 1.4 m.

11 years and older. At this age, you should choose skis in the same way as adult products. Skis for classic skating should be 20 cm larger than the child’s height, models for skating – 10 cm, and models for all-round skiing – 15 cm.

Size is determined according to the height, weight, and skills of the child:

If a young athlete is lighter than 20 kg, the length of the ski bars should be about 70 cm.

With a weight of 21–30 kg, a model with a length of 90 cm is suitable for a child, and one meter long for a child weighing 30–40 kg.

If the child is taller than one meter, the ski bars in a vertical position should reach his nose. But if the child is a poor skier, he needs shorter runners that will reach his chin when upright.

How better baby skis, the longer their length can be.

Choice alpine skiing also depends on their level of rigidity. The “softer” the model, the more suitable it is for small and inexperienced children. Conversely, products with high level rigidity is designed for confident users.

Before purchasing, pay attention to the type of fasteners. For children, soft fastenings (made of a leather belt) designed for ordinary winter shoes are often used. But they can slip and get tangled. Therefore, it is better to choose semi-rigid (metal) fixation methods. Remember, the older and more experienced the child, the tighter the fastening should be.

Children 3–5 years old do not need to buy alpine ski poles. The main task of “athletes” at this age is to learn to balance and stand on skis, and excess equipment can even get in the way.

Pay attention to the aluminum ski poles. Often their length can be adjusted, which means they will last you longer.

Do not buy ski boots and sticks to grow, otherwise it may cause injury to the child.

Sports stores are so filled with goods that it is quite difficult for a beginner to choose the right quality skis. The buyer, having seen different models of sports equipment, is lost in the choice and cannot decide on the material of the equipment: wood and plastic. To make the right purchase, you should learn about some of the features of plastic and wooden products.

Comparative analysis of plastic and wooden skis

If you carefully study the information about skis on the website http://brt.by/production/telehany/ski/, you can conclude that all skis are divided into several categories: for adults, teenagers and children.

This division is not accidental, since skis have different lengths, thickness and coating. The maneuverability and speed of movement on the descent of the skier depend on these indicators. However, in addition to the above indicators, plastic and wooden products have their own differences, namely:

1. Sliding speed. Plastic skis glide well even in the thaw. Snow doesn't stick to artificial turf, while the tree is very sensitive to changes in temperature and moisture.
2. Wear resistance. In order for wooden skis to glide perfectly and not be scratched, they should be regularly lubricated with special substances. There is no risk of mechanical damage to the plastic.
3. Moisture resistance. Wood can become deformed when exposed to moisture. As a result, the glide rate decreases and wooden skis become difficult to use.
4. Time frame for use. Wooden skis are ideal for winter walks. However, as warmer temperatures approach, they may be worth packing away until next winter. Plastics, unlike wood, glide perfectly even at temperatures of +0 degrees.
5. Price. Wooden skis are cheaper than plastic skis, and therefore the demand for them is much higher.
6. Education. Experts recommend that beginners buy wooden skis, as they can be used to learn quickly and without injury. various techniques ride. The plastic slips a lot and learning to control such skis is quite difficult.

Considering these features of the two above-mentioned sports products, right choice skiing depends entirely on the desires of the person. Therefore, if you already have experience in skiing or snowboarding, you are attracted to high-speed riding, you want to go on vacation in the second half of winter, when warming is possible, then buy plastic skis that not only glide well on the snow, but are also suitable for use in extreme winter conditions. However, if you dream of learning how to ski professionally and feel calm on any slope, then your choice is wooden models.

Greetings, readers of the blog about healthy lifestyle! Winter this season is changeable, some are pleased with the abundance of snow, while others are not so happy. If your region is always full of snow, you should think about this physical activity like skiing.

Buying a good set is not as easy as it seems. In this article I will tell you how to choose skis so that they will delight you throughout the entire season. We will talk about running and mountain models, as well as hunting and children's models. It would seem that it would be easier - come to the store and the consultant will select the right option. But, as practice shows, you don’t always know how to answer sellers’ questions. Therefore, before going to the store or when buying online, you need to know the basic parameters by which skis are selected for walking.

Most often, lovers of a healthy lifestyle opt for cross-country and walking skis. They are inexpensive and suitable even for those who are taking their first steps in winter sports. Let's first talk about how to choose the right skis for an adult, and then look at how to choose them for a child.

By the way, do regular blog readers remember about our health marathon? Let me remind you a little about him. Thanks to him, last spring my children and I spent the entire month covering skiing distances around the lake every day, which is almost five kilometers, cutting several laps a day.

Now you can get out of holiday celebration mode and take care of your health again. Try to master skiing or remember your physical education lessons at school! I promise you will love it!

For a beginner, professional options are of no use. Why overpay if you are going to ride mainly on weekends?

Cross-country skiing for beginners is usually selected according to the following parameters:

• Material.
• Rigidity.
• Riding style.
• Weight and height of a person.

Entirely wooden products are becoming increasingly rare today. More often, plastic models with a wooden core are on sale. All-plastic products usually cost more. For the beginner amateur active image In life, the standard options are suitable - plastic + wood. They are light, durable, and glide well.

Manufacturers also today offer products with notches under the block. This addition is more often found on children's sets. Why are notches needed? First of all, such models are designed for a classic move so that the foot does not slip back. Such equipment does not need to be lubricated. What are the disadvantages? For skating the notches do not fit well, the driving speed will be lower, and you will get more tired.

But if you are not chasing records and are not going to master skating, solutions with notches are quite suitable for you.

What is your riding style?

Second important point The thing you should decide on before purchasing is your riding style. On sale today you can find the following options:

• For a classic move.
• For skating style.
• Combined.

If you only run “classics”, then choose the appropriate sets. If you sometimes skate or plan to master it, take a closer look at the universal options. Of course, on “combi” models it is difficult to achieve sports records, but they are quite suitable for walking.

If you only skate with a “skate” and don’t like the traditional move at all, then choose skating skis. If finances allow, you can buy two sets. Then the pleasure from riding will be greater. For amateurs and beginners, I advise you to watch training lessons on skating:

How are the skate and classic models visually and technically different?

• Skate skis are shorter and stiffer.
• U skating socks shorter and rounder.
• Skate models are more durable.

The edging for classic models is also different for skating. Combined options combine the characteristics of both modifications. A beginner can take a closer look at such products.

Once you have decided on your riding style, select a kit based on weight and height. It's easiest for people of average weight. But athletes with a larger physique will have to choose more carefully. For “heroes”, products must be of high quality, inexpensive and durable.

For the classic stroke, the length of the skis is usually calculated as follows: add 20-25 cm to your own height. For the “skate”, products that are equal to or slightly taller are suitable. The easiest way to navigate is using tables. For example, there is such a table for height:

Using these tables it’s easy to choose skis. But as practice shows, sometimes these recommended parameters can be violated. Focus on yourself. If you have the opportunity to try out different sets at a rental or borrow them from friends, take advantage of this. Remember the length that provides the most comfortable ride and choose such sets. For example, short skis sometimes easier to control, especially on descents.

Hardness and softness

No less important parameter when buying skis - their stiffness. Here you need to focus on the athlete’s weight. Selection the desired model by weight of a person is as follows:

• Stand on your skis with both feet in the pad area. If there is a distance between the floor and the block, then this model is not rigid enough.
• Stand with both feet on one ski at some distance. If there is no clearance between the sliding surface and the floor, this will also not work. Choose a product with less rigidity.

Why pay attention to this parameter? The fact is that skis that are too soft will make it difficult to move on the track, and skis that are too hard will slip. And the return will obviously not please you. In short, being a beginner and choosing products with inappropriate rigidity, you are unlikely to love skiing.

Sports should be fun, so don't ignore this technical characteristics. For a classic ride, it is better to choose models with medium and low rigidity. And for the “ridge”, in any case, more rigid products are needed. If, when skiing “classic”, at the moment of repulsion the ski does not bend completely, then the equipment is not selected correctly.

We select sticks

It turns out that you also need to select poles according to your height. For the “classics”, sticks up to armpit length are suitable. But for the “ridge” it is better to choose longer models. For a free style, choose poles 15-20 cm shorter than your height. The handle and loop should also be comfortable. It is important to free your hand at any time. The risk of injury is especially high on descents in the forest, when a stick can get stuck in tree roots. Therefore, the stick should be easily removed from the hand.

The weight of the poles also affects the riding comfort. Modern sticks are light and durable, choose them.

Also, when purchasing, pay attention to boots and bindings. Shoes for skating and free skating are usually high. Modern boots are warm and comfortable. For a beginner, you can choose boots on a budget. It’s better to try them on in a woolen or other warm sock, so that even in light frost you don’t have to deny yourself walks.

Soviet-style mounts, 75 mm, can still be bought in hardware stores. They were replaced by more convenient options: NNN, SNS, NIS. For the classic style, you can still get by with more affordable 75 mm fasteners, but for “combi” and skate models it is better to opt for modern solutions. You will get more pleasure from riding. The mount will not touch the snow, which will have a positive effect on speed.

When choosing a ski set for a child, you also need to approach it responsibly, despite the fact that he will quickly outgrow it. When buying a kit for your child, pay attention to the following parameters:

• For a preschooler, skis should be short.
• After 7 years, follow the formula: height + 10-15 cm.
• The height of the poles should be slightly above the chest.
• For the smallest skiers, soft bindings based on belts and elastic bands and semi-rigid ones are suitable.
• For schoolchildren, you can already buy rigid bindings with special boots.

Today in stores you can find ready-made equipment for little skiers. Fastenings can be for both regular shoes and special ones for boots.

How to choose a set of alpine skis

Alpine skis are even easier to choose than cross-country skis. Select kits for beginners based on your weight and height. Another important parameter: riding style. It is better for a beginner to opt for universal models of medium width. Universal models are marked all-mountain.

A beginner climber of the mountain slopes can choose inexpensive models, especially if during the season you will not be able to go to the ski resort often.

Forest skis

Hunting and forest skis are suitable for those who like to walk on virgin soil, go on winter hikes, and go hunting and fishing.

These wide skis come in wood and plastic, with notches. The latter are not so sensitive to moisture, although they are more slippery than wooden products. Plastic skis are lighter than wood skis, but are more suitable for warm weather. In cold weather they roll back.

On wide skis you can go on an exciting hike through the taiga. Read about an amazing place -. You can only ride there on wide models.

You don’t have to pay much attention to the height of forest skis, but shorter models are better in maneuverability. When choosing hiking kits, you should pay more attention to the fastenings. Semi-rigid cable fastenings are better than with belts.

And finally, look educational video on how to choose skis:

I hope these simple tips helped you choose skis for winter walks. Get your whole family on skis, teach your children to healthy image life! We usually have a lot of snow in Siberia; you can ski for several months in a row, which is what we take advantage of. I will be glad to see your feedback and questions!

Skiing is a popular winter pastime. Who doesn't enjoy a leisurely ski trip through a snowy winter forest? But for skiing to be enjoyable, you need to choose it wisely. How to choose the right one cross-country skiing?

Before choosing skis, you need to decide what you need them for. Because skis come in a variety of varieties - for tourists, athletes, amateur athletes, hunters or extreme sports enthusiasts. All skis are divided into cross-country and alpine. In this article we will talk about how to choose cross-country skis.

How to choose the right skis

Which skis to choose: plastic or wooden?
First, let's choose the material from which the skis are made. They can be plastic and wooden. Wooden ones are much cheaper, but they are very outdated and are rarely found in stores. Such skis need to be tarred before skiing so that the wood does not absorb moisture. Plastic skis have replaced wooden skis - they glide better and do not require lubrication. In addition, they are much lighter than wood, stronger and more durable.
Therefore, to the question - which skis are better, the answer will be unequivocal: plastic.

How to choose ski size according to height

How to choose ski stiffness
The optimal stiffness of skis directly depends on the weight of the person. Therefore, when buying skis, you should carefully consider the issue of their rigidity. It is very easy to check skis for the required stiffness right before purchasing. To do this, stand on the selected skis on the floor in the store. Right under the boot, between the skis and the floor, there should be enough space for a sheet of paper to fit through. If the sheet does not fit through, then the skis will be too soft for you. Then stand on one ski with both feet - in this case there should be no space between the ski and the floor. Otherwise, the skis are too hard for their owner. This is how you can easily select the desired ski stiffness.

How to choose ski boots
Ski boots are selected according to your skiing style. For example, for classic skiing, ski boots should be low and have soft soles. And for skating, the boots are higher and stiffer. For lovers of a universal way of skating, so-called combi boots have been created; these are boots of medium hardness that are suitable for skating in any style.

We hope our tips will help you choose the right skis, and skiing on them will be a pleasure!