They are designed for the skier to move quickly on short and medium-length slopes. And of course, the poles for such cross-country skiing should also be appropriate.
So how do you choose the right poles for your riding style?
With such skis and poles, athletes can easily develop high speed. But, of course, not only athletes use such equipment; any type of cross-country skis and good poles are readily gaining popularity among amateurs and children.
IN modern world poles used together for cross-country skiing are made from all kinds of materials:
- plastic;
- carbon;
- made from a combination of fiberglass and carbon materials.
How to choose cross-country ski poles for yourself?
How to choose the right carbon poles?
In terms of price, they are comparatively more expensive than fiberglass and composite.
Light in weight and very strong. Plastic poles are softer than carbon poles and are the most inexpensive. Such poles are easier to bend and break, and with such strength indicators, they are heavier in weight than carbon ones.
They are ideal for cross-country skiing for children, and for just beginning skiers, because they do not yet have a strong push. With the price category of composite poles for cross-country skiing, it is more complicated and largely depends directly on the amount of carbon content in their composition; the more of it, the more expensive the poles will be.
Plastic ski poles, which are made mostly of fiberglass, are fragile and can break if pushed hard against the surface of the slope. The most affordable sticks made of light metal.
Aluminum poles are resistant to impacts from the sides and are ideal for use by inexperienced skiers. In terms of beauty and aesthetic form, they are in no way inferior to carbon ones.
More about ski poles
Ski poles have the following structure:
- tip:
- paw;
- shaft;
- the loop is shaking hands;
- pen.
Steel and hard alloys are used in the manufacture of tips. They also have a classification:
- A tip with a toothed crown, used when skiing along icy routes, as well as when going down slopes;
- The reverse cone tip is the more common tip;
- And the conical shape of the tip can be seen extremely rarely.
Children's pole tips are made of plastic. To choose sticks for a child’s hand, you must take into account that the handles must be non-slippery, for this they use:
- leather;
- plastic;
- tree;
- Cork tree.
The handles of ski poles are made with grooves for fingers. There is also a protrusion designed in the handle to ensure that the hand has support while cross-country skiing. The shaft of ski poles has a cylindrical shape; often for sports, poles are made narrowed towards the tip, with a mixed center of gravity.
Lanyards or loops for the brush are made of durable materials with a synthetic base. As a rule, it is adjustable if you need to change the dimensions to suit the skier’s hand. For athletes, such loops are made of genuine leather. The legs, or otherwise the support rings, are located at the bottom of the shaft almost at the very tip. They are usually made of plastic. The diameter of the paws must be modified depending on the density of the snow.
Cross-country skiing poles must be selected according to a specially created formula, in which the length of the pole should be equal to: height minus 25-30 cm, for both a child and an adult.
Many have already heard, and the question often arises: are some the right sticks For nordic walking— or would old ski boots, for example, be suitable? We'll tell you which Nordic walking poles to buy and how to choose them according to your height.
Although united European standards does not yet exist, various associations and federations in Europe have defined the following requirements for Nordic walking poles:
- The poles should not be telescopic (folding).
- Poles should be made from glass and carbon fiber (minimum carbon index 30% to 50%, i.e. CL300 to CL500) and not aluminum.
- Handles should be made of plastic, cork or a rubber compound (best).
- A comfortable lanyard (fastening for fixing the hands) is required.
- Availability of good metal tips (spikes).
- The presence of tips (boots, shoes) for walking on asphalt or other hard surfaces where metal spikes slip.
Let us dwell on these requirements for Nordic walking poles in more detail.
Telescopic poles: what's wrong?
Why shouldn't Nordic walking poles be telescopic? Collapsible poles are not recommended as they may collapse unexpectedly during intense pressure and cause injury. serious injuries. They can only be used for occasional use, for example during holidays, where monolithic ones may be inconvenient (inconvenient to pack, transport and store).
In general, telescopic poles are cheaper than monolithic poles. Made from aluminum alloys. To “soften” the aluminum shaft, a special “Anti-shock” system is built into some models. IN in this case There is a spring inside that plays the role of a shock absorber and compensates for the shock load. Folding poles with composite carbon shafts are not cheap.
pros folding models are that they are easily adjusted to the height of any family member, can “grow” with the user and, moreover, when folded, they fit into a special case and are more convenient for travel.
Minuses: The latches can break when exposed to sand or water, freeze in winter or fold unexpectedly, and rattling and vibration may occur. Experienced instructors do not recommend them. Please note that there are no folding models among the higher end poles.
Stick material: pros and cons
Fiberglass. Very a light weight, effectively absorbs vibrations. Its strength is ensured by a mixture of glass and carbon fiber. Unfortunately, such material is very fragile and does not exclude breakage.
Carbon fiber (carbon). The addition of carbon fiber ensures the strength of the poles while maintaining the quality of fiberglass (shock absorption and light weight). The higher the carbon content, the stronger the sticks. The recommended percentage of carbon should be between 50% and 80%. For beginners, poles with an index of 20-30% are quite suitable. Moreover, it must be remembered that poles from different manufacturers with the same carbon index may differ from each other in elasticity.
Aluminum. Such poles do not absorb vibration well, which very quickly increases the risk of problems for upper limbs, in particular, inflammation of the articular capsule of the elbow joint. In cross-country skiing, this problem does not exist as the snow absorbs vibrations.
Stick handles
Unlike ski or trekking poles (the latter are intended for hikers or climbers), Nordic walking poles require permanent capture and release (“opening” and “closing” the palms of the hands), which causes the palms to become moist. Therefore, it is very important to choose handles that are not only comfortable, but also absorb moisture to avoid slipping.
There are three types of handles:
Plastic. They do not absorb sweat, making them slippery and uncomfortable to use. This disadvantage can be compensated by using a lanyard, which absorbs moisture and provides a grip on the stick.
Cork. Nice pens Made from natural material, effectively absorb sweat. However, prolonged use in wet conditions may cause the cork to peel off.
Rubber. A mixture of rubber and cork. Excellent handles, absorb sweat, non-slip and very durable. Usually found on professional sticks.
In mid-price models, the handles are either rubberized or made of a material that imitates natural cork. The difference is not fundamental. The main thing is that the handle is thin, fits in the hand, does not slip and does not rub the palm.
What is a lanyard and why do Nordic walking poles need it?
In order for the stick to return to the palm after you release it, there is special system fixation called a lanyard. It is a fingerless glove that allows the hand to fit snugly around the handle of the stick.
Different manufacturers have their own designs. There are 3 types of lanyards:
Base. It does not have a “left” or “right” designation and can be worn on any hand. The fact that the lanyard is not adjusted to a specific hand interferes with the precise movement of the stick. There may be some discomfort when returning to the palm. Fortunately, these are now rare.
Lanyards for right and left hands. Most widely used. They are marked “left” and “right”, provide perfect grip on the poles and increase the precision of movements. Sometimes they are adjustable in length, which allows you to additionally use gloves if necessary.
Lanyard for professionals. It's more modern look, is produced by most manufacturers and is used on professional poles. The professional lanyard is fabric. It is located between large and index fingers. This fabric allows you to absorb sweat. Adjustable for convenience.
A good lanyard comes in sizes S to L and has a quick release system (QLS). At the same time, without taking off your gloves, you can disconnect the poles in a second, answer phone call, take a good photo, etc.
To select the correct lanyard, measure the circumference of your palm as shown in the picture. If the circumference is from 12 to 20 cm, then choose a lanyard size 5-8, and from 20-30 cm - size 9-12.
Tips for sticks
At the end of the Scandinavian stick there is a tip (claw, spike) made of durable tungsten carbide. It can be safely stuck into soil, soil and sand, it will not slip or get stuck. In addition, the kit may include special removable metal tips of various configurations for different surfaces. Moreover, you must keep in mind that on more expensive models the tips can be changed, but on cheaper ones - not always.
To walk on asphalt, wear special rubber tips (boots). They should be included with the poles. Plastic tips are much worse.
Metal tips (spikes). This part takes on the main load. Therefore, tips for sticks must be very strong, preferably made of tungsten carbide. In addition, the poles should come with replaceable tips.
Tips for asphalt and other hard surfaces. Nordic walking poles have a carbide tip and a rubber “shoe” for walking on asphalt. There are carbide different types, some resemble a “claw”, while others are made in the form of a pike.
Recently in European countries New tips made from the following materials have appeared.
Carbon. Made from a mixture of rubber and carbon, which together improve grip and make the pole's impact on the ground quieter. They have deep grooves that, in addition to being comfortable when driving on hard surfaces, provide good traction on grass, sand or soft ground, that is, they are a kind of “all-terrain vehicle”. They are 3-4 times more durable than regular ones.
Tips made of Kevlar (para-aramid fiber). The design is similar to carbon fiber. Their body is made of Kevlar, and the pad is made of a rubber-carbon mixture. The result is a softer platform that improves contact with the ground and makes them even quieter in operation. Improved durability.
Nordic walking poles by height: table
The calculation formula is quite simple: you need to multiply your height by a certain coefficient. Its value varies depending on your health status and the goals you want to achieve.
For light walking - coefficient 0.66. Suitable for people with a slow walking pace or people who are recovering from an illness or injury. For example, height 171 cm x 0.66 = 112.86 cm. You can use poles 110 cm long.
For healthy people— coefficient 0.68. This coefficient is suitable for more trained people, lovers of moderate intensity walking, who want to socialize in a friendly company. For example, height 171 cm x 0.68 = 116.28 cm. You can use poles 115 cm long.
For training with increased load - coefficient 0.70. Increased load is required for athletes and fast walkers who want to maintain physical fitness for a long time. high level. For example, height 171 cm x 0.70 = 119.7 cm. You can use poles 120 cm long.
By the way, the poles you choose will be about 25-30 cm shorter than the length of the ski pole that is suitable for you.
When choosing poles, you should also take into account that elongated models enhance physical activity on top part your body and reduce the load on your leg muscles. The use of shortened ones has the opposite effect.
| Man's height | Stick length |
| 136 – 141 cm | 90 cm |
| 142 - 150 cm | 95 cm |
| 151 – 158 cm | 100 cm |
| 159 – 165 cm | 105 cm |
| 166 – 173 cm | 110 cm |
| 174 - 181 cm | 115 cm |
| 182 - 188 cm | 120 cm |
| 189 - 196 cm | 125 cm |
| 197 - 203 cm | 130 cm |
| 204 - 210 cm | 135 cm |
Since everyone’s body structure is individual, the calculated size may differ slightly from your physiological length. Therefore, the selected length should be checked again “in operation”. To do this, take a stick in your hand and place its tip on the toe of your foot. In this case, the elbow of the hand holding the stick should bend at a right angle.
And one moment. The length of the stick and its weight directly determine the width of your step, the intensity and length of the path that can be covered during exercise. Estimate the weight, compare it with the weight of other poles in the sports store. The smaller it is, the easier the classes will be.
What not to do when buying poles
- Rely on the integrity and professionalism of sales consultants. Unfortunately, there are cases when, instead of Nordic walking poles, ignorant beginners are sold poles for alpine skiing or for trekking (for tourism and mountaineering).
- Buy packaged poles in stores where you are not allowed to open the packaging and inspect the purchase.
- Buy poles with plastic handles. Plastic handles do not absorb sweat and quickly become slippery.
- Don't buy poles that vibrate too much - they're also usually heavy and clumsy. Be sure to check the shaft for vibration.
- Do not purchase poles that have a warranty of less than one year.
Gennady Kibardin
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Comment on the article "How to choose Nordic walking poles"
Discussion
When I see these grannies dragging sticks behind them, I want to kill the one who “attracted” them to this walk
really very good view sports, even for young people who have injuries, like me. I haven’t been able to run for many years, and I basically hate sports :)
and with Nordic walking - if done correctly - a huge number of muscles work; both chest and arms, including the area of the shoulder blades, right up to the spine. Well, legs, pelvis, of course. and walking itself is non-traumatic, like running, for example
In my opinion, pensioners in Russia with these sticks look exactly like a cow with a saddle...
Our pensioners have health problems not because they don’t walk enough ((
They don’t have cars, they just walk and walk around Pyaterochka and Dixie...
Young people need to do this, they sit for 12 hours at ####, either in the office or in the car...
See other discussions: How to choose Nordic walking poles. Telescopic poles: what's wrong? What is a lanyard and why do Nordic walking poles need it? To do this, take the pole in your hand and place its tip on the toe of your...
Discussion
It’s good to roll a round aspen (namely aspen) stick with your feet. It helped my mom.
Wiring! Elena Torshina, the famous blogger whose Facebook you copied, does not have a husband, dear editors. You would steal the accounts of less popular personalities online.
Nordic walking in the Eastern Administrative District is free. The necessary sports equipment is also provided free of charge. Nordic walking in Moscow parks. Free classes. Everyone has seen people with Nordic walking poles.
Sneakers on your feet, ski poles in your hands - this is the Russian response to the popularization of Nordic Walking, which is literally in full swing around the world. Until recently, Nordic or Nordic walking was a strange hobby for our compatriots.
But making sure that the new kind sport is extremely beneficial for health (and what is important, is accessible even to those who have a little of this very health left), many soon joined the ranks of its followers.
Although just taking old ski poles and getting on the path to health is not enough. You must have the right sports equipment in your hands, otherwise it will turn out like the saying about that double-edged stick... Let's figure out how to choose the right poles for Nordic walking.
Why is the emphasis on sticks?
In order for the sticks to magically restore health, and not, they are selected individually for yourself and not in the ski aisle of a sporting goods store. Athletes and Nordic Walking enthusiasts interested in maximizing the efficiency of such walking train with special poles designed for Nordic walking. Support sticks regulate the functioning of the musculoskeletal system, loading those muscles that need to be developed, and sparing those sections and joints on which pressure is contraindicated.
The main contingent of “Scandinavian walkers” are people with cardiovascular pathology, suffering from arthrosis, protrusions and hernias of the spine, or those who have been injured in the past. For them, Nordic walking is a feasible cardio workout and an opportunity to move actively without causing harm to themselves. The same applies to untrained people, whose goal is to increase endurance and activate oxygen transport in the tissues of the body. Therefore, whatever sticks are in the hands, such is the result.
What are they, Nordic sticks?
When choosing poles, they are guided by three main criteria: material of manufacture, design, size.
| Design | |||
| Folding (telescopic) | Solid (fixed length) | ||
| compactness, easy to transport in a bag, versatility (the ability to adjust to the height of family members or guests); suitable for athletes who change the load during training, do exercises, go jogging. | reliable and lightweight monolithic rod; convenient for walking close to home; last longer than folding ones. The elasticity and springiness of the shaft are the most important quality indicators for selection. | ||
| come across with a low-quality mechanism; heavier and more expensive than solid ones; service life is lower. | inconvenience of transportation, need to cover. | ||
Aluminum folding poles with an anti-shock system are more elastic compared to springless counterparts.
Size is a defining characteristic
The main guideline when choosing poles is their length, which is selected according to human height, but at the same time taking into account the degree of future activity, level of training and health status. System for determining the required size Scandinavian sticks different from skiing. The calculation is based on the Nordic constant of 0.68, which is multiplied by the person’s height. The result obtained and rounded to a whole number is what is needed.
According to some coaches, the length of the poles is more accurate if we take the value 0.70 as a constant, and for skiers training in summer time, and at all - 0.72. For older people and those with sore joints, a coefficient of 0.66 would be ideal.
When choosing, it is best to follow the advice of experienced “walkers” and try on your future purchase.
If the angle at the elbow joint in a vertical stance is 90 degrees, these are your sticks.
But for the weakened category, it is more comfortable if this angle is a little larger, that is, the sticks will be slightly lower. Too high poles will prevent the torso from tilting forward, as required. And too short ones will cause back pain.
The suitability of the poles for your height is the determining factor for achieving the desired result.
Discomfort, muscle strain and lower back pain are a signal that the selection was made incorrectly.
Optimal pole length - to each his own
The range of pole lengths in sports stores is a multiple of 5 cm.
The values in the table are based on health group. The fitness program allows an increase in the length of the poles by 5 cm, and the sports program - by 10 cm.
If you are not sure that the fixed height of monolithic specimens will work well, beginners It’s better to buy the first telescopic poles and adjust the size to suit you.
Video: how to choose Nordic walking poles
About nibs, handles and lanyards
The tip is an important detail. For branded poles it is indelible. By changing your shoes, you can make your walking not only all-season, but also all-terrain. The hard and sharp iron tip is suitable for ice, snow, soft ground and sand. Rubber soft and silent - for asphalt and paving stones. A set of tips is included with the poles, but you can always buy the ones you need separately.
When choosing your poles, you need to pay attention to how the grip area is designed.
The handle should be non-slip and durable.
It is usually made from natural cork or a material comparable in texture, most often rubber. Unlike cork, which wears out easily, the replacement is easy to clean and has a longer lifespan.
A lanyard is attached to the handle. This is a half-glove, popularly nicknamed a “trap,” which is adjusted to a specific size using straps. There are expensive models with gloves of generally accepted sizes. In any case, it is advisable to try it on to make sure that it does not put pressure on the palm or wrist.
Ski and trekking poles - no
If In winter you can still hit the road with ski poles(subject to the correct length), then in the warm season on hard surfaces you cannot do without shock absorption. Rubber tips from Scandinavian poles will not work, and the shock load will become unbearable for the spine and joints.
Thick and strong trekking poles are also not suitable for long journeys and mountain routes. They are designed for the combined weight of a tourist and a backpack, they are too long, and, moreover, they are always foldable. Such a pole lacks elasticity and will be heavy for Nordic walking.
Who produces and what they produce
|
Height adjustable |
||||
|
Manufacturer |
Aluminium alloy |
Carbon |
Peculiarities |
Price |
|
Our choice:
NordicStep Compact Carbon, |
3-section Folded size: 66 cm Size 110 cm min - 135 cm max Handle - Rubber/cork Weight, 450 g Color - Silver/Purple |
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|
Russia-China |
Fixed iron tip, rubber nozzle, propylene/cork handle; divisions every 1 cm, weight 480 g, 85 cm folded; |
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|
The same +Anti-Shock, 3 sections; Fixed metal tip, rubber shoe, propylene/cork handle; |
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|
Full set of nibs in addition to permanent serrated, cork handle, quick release lanyard, 2 sections, weight 400g. |
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|
Finland/Russia |
Handle material - rubberized cork, straps in two versions - removable and non-detachable; minimum length 83 cm, weight 330 g; |
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Fixed pobedite tip + removable rubber attachments: rings for sand, disc for snow, 3 sections, 63 cm when folded, weight 450 g. |
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|
Pobedite alloy tip, nozzles for sand and asphalt, 2 sections, cork handle, quick-release lanyards for left and right hand, weight 390 g, can withstand load; |
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|
Excel Nordic Train, Finland |
Serrated pobedit tip, fixed lanyard with division for both hands, cork handle, folded 61 cm, weight 410 g, |
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|
Leki Smart Traveler Alu, Germany |
ultra-durable with anodized surface |
Universal tip for any type of surface; ergonomic handle, reflective elements, maximum size 61 cm, weight 400 g; |
||
|
Height fixed |
||||
|
Manufacturer |
Aluminium alloy |
Carbon |
Peculiarities |
Price |
|
Athletic, Russia |
Pobedit tip + replaceable rubber tip for asphalt and ring for soil; cork handle, non-removable lanyard, weight 260 g. |
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|
Finland/Russia/ Baltics |
100% fiberglass; |
|||
|
A set of tips, a quick-release lanyard, a rubberized cork handle, weight 340-370 g; |
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|
A complete set of replaceable tips, the handle is a rubberized cork; quickly removable lanyard, 340-370 g; |
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|
Finland |
Universal serrated tip + rubber nozzle, natural cork handle, non-quick release lanyard, weight 330 g; |
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|
(15 layers of carbon) |
Advanced systems: quick lanyard release, universal tip, increased comfort. |
|||
Video review of CMD Sport telescopic poles with Anti-Shok
The choice of one manufacturer or another is a matter of taste and financial capabilities. Branded items that have stood the test of time, tested by professional athletes, may seem expensive for a poor Russian. But they are the ones who, after some time, training sessions guaranteed to restore physical fitness.
The store provides all visitors to our portal with an additional 5% discount using the promo code 1TREN.
The same carbon content from different manufacturers does not mean equal quality of the product.
Correctly chosen equipment is considered important aspect in skiing, after mastery. The length of the skating poles plays an important role. The speed and safety of skiing largely depends on this.
The technique owes its name to the movements of the legs, similar to those during ice skating. While riding, the athlete pushes off the ground at a certain degree.
There are several varieties, depending on the route, the athlete’s level of training and other factors. It differs from skiing by more active movement of the legs. This sport became possible after the advent of new ski models, reliable bindings, comfortable boots that provide reliable fixation feet.
How to choose ski poles for skating
Before you start choosing for skating, it’s worth considering a few nuances:
- For lovers of long rides and slow strides, 20 mm higher than indicated in the table for classic skiing is suitable.
- Poles lower than those indicated in the formula are better to choose for high speed riding. In this case, the load on the shoulder girdle should be higher than on the abs.
- For a diagonal move, equipment is selected based on height. The lower the height, the higher the length of the poles, and vice versa.
Attention! The athlete's height is measured with boots on.
In order not to make a mistake with the height, it is necessary to take into account the height of the skier, the muscle group that is subject to increased load, and the riding speed.
Length according to FIS rules
The International Ski Federation has introduced rules defining the maximum height of poles:
- classic move – up to 83% of the athlete’s height;
- skating speed – 100%;
- classic travel on roller skates – 83%+50 mm.
The height of the skating poles is measured from the place where the lanyard is attached.
Selection table for skis and poles for skating
| Athlete's height (m) | Skating ski size (m) | Size of poles for skating (m) |
| 1,50 | 1,65 | 1,30 |
| 1,55 | 1,70 | 1,35 |
| 1,60 | 1,75 | 1,40 |
| 1,65 | 1,80 | 1,45 |
| 1,70 | 1,85 | 1,50 |
| 1,75 | 1,90 | 1,55 |
| 1,80 | 1,90-1,95 | 1,60 |
| 1,85 | 1,95 | 1,65 |
| 1,90 | 1,95 | 1,70 |
| 1,95 | 1,95 | 1,75 |
What to look for when choosing
The safety of the athlete depends on the selection of equipment, so purchasing it must be taken with full responsibility. There are a few design features, which are worth paying attention to when going to a sporting goods store.
Manufacturing materials
The service life of a product is affected by the material from which it is made. There are several of them:
- carbon;
- fiberglass;
- carbon fiber;
- aluminum.
Experienced skiers should opt for carbon or carbon fiber. They are characterized by increased rigidity and will help prevent vibration while running. For children optimal choice The poles will be aluminum or fiberglass. They are more flexible, but do not suppress vibration. Aluminum is the strongest of all materials, but it is heavy.
Handles and lanyards
Rubber, cork or plastic are used to produce handles. The hand should be properly fixed on the handle, without feeling discomfort.
It's better to try several options.
You can choose a model with adjustable length.
Healthy! must dress quickly, do not rub or put pressure on your hand while walking. Its length should be such that the brush rests on it and not on the handle.
Tips
The tip is the sharp end of the product. For many models, this element is removable, so it can be changed over time. Beginning athletes should purchase a model without metal inserts. This will avoid injury. For professionals, there are tips made of hard metal alloys.
When choosing uniforms, it is worth considering some important details:
- The shape of the stick can be straight or narrowed. This factor does not affect strength. It’s easier to ride with the first option, so it’s better for your child to choose a straight model.
- How less experience in skiing, the larger the foot on the product should be.
- For the production of handles on expensive models, rubberized plastic is used. Loops can be nylon or belt.
Comfort during skiing and uniform load distribution depend on the correctly selected height of the product. The model should fit securely in your hand, without rubbing or causing discomfort during the race.
How to choose skis? This question primarily arises for a beginner who is just planning to take up skiing.
First you need to decide on your riding style. Today there are two options:
- Classic, involving movement on the ski track.
- Skating, when an athlete overcomes a wide, specially prepared track.
Skis designed for classic skiing can be either with or without notching. When wondering how to choose skis for a child or a beginner, you should give preference to the first option. In this case, the notches prevent the skis from slipping back, which greatly facilitates the skiing process. But it should be understood that the speed in this case will be slightly lower compared to a smooth surface.
Important! Smooth skis can only be used with a special grip ointment, which will prevent them from slipping back. Otherwise, riding will be not only uncomfortable, but also unsafe.
Stiffness is an important indicator
Thinking about how to choose cross-country skiing according to height and weight, you should not least pay attention to the rigidity of the products. The performance of skis is largely determined by the degree of deflection, which requires a certain weight of the rider to achieve. Speaking in simple language, various models require different amounts of force, sufficient to push them through.
Important! The easiest way to determine the stiffness of classic skis. To do this, you just need to stand on your skis, making sure they are in full contact with the floor. If this does not work, then it is necessary to select products with less rigidity.
Most modern manufacturers indicate the weight range of athletes for which their products are designed. For beginners, it is best to choose skis of medium hardness.
Length selection
How to choose skis according to your height? This is very important nuance, which should definitely be taken into account when choosing. Everything is simple here:
- If we're talking about about classic skis, then you need to add 30 cm to the athlete’s height. The result obtained will be the length of the skis.
- When choosing skating or cross-country skiing, we add 15 cm to your height.
| Skier's height | Classic skis | Skis | Skis for | Classic walking poles | Sticks for |
| universal | skating | skating | |||
| 150 | 170/180 | 170 | 165 | 120 | 130 |
| 155 | 180 | 170/180 | 170 | 125 | 135 |
| 160 | 185 | 180 | 175 | 130 | 140 |
| 165 | 190 | 185 | 180 | 135 | 145 |
| 170 | 195 | 190 | 185 | 140 | 150 |
| 175 | 200 | 195/200 | 190 | 145 | 155 |
| 180 | 205 | 200/205 | 190/195 | 150 | 160 |
| 185 | 205/210 | 205 | 195 | 155 | 165 |
| 190 | 210 | 205 | 195 | 160 | 170 |
| 195 | 210 | 205 | 195 | 165 | 175 |
Table: how to choose skis and poles by height
The length of most products is directly proportional to their rigidity. Therefore, if the model chosen in terms of length turns out to be too soft, then it is advisable to purchase a longer version.
Features of choosing ski poles
No less important point More important than the choice of skis themselves is the selection of poles. First of all, you need to understand the materials from which these products are made:
- Fiberglass. This is the most cheap option, which is characterized by low strength and rigidity. At the same time, they are quite heavy, but quite suitable for beginners.
- Carbon fiber. Light, tough, but expensive.
- Composite, made of carbon fiber and fiberglass. In this case, strength and cost directly depend on the percentage of carbon in the composition.
- Aluminum. Are good choice for beginners and people with heavy weight due to its strength. They are very affordable.
Advice! When choosing ski poles, it is advisable to give preference to those models that have hand loops. They must be securely fixed using Velcro.
Conclusion
How to choose the right skis was discussed in detail above. This process is not particularly difficult, but it requires certain knowledge which will help any novice skier master this sport. You should also pay attention to protection and equipment.
