Have you bought plastic skis? Their advantages over wooden skis. How to choose your skis: best recommendations and tips Benefits of wooden skis

It would seem that the answer lies on the surface - contact a consultant in the store. However, it is far from a fact that in the pursuit of profit you will not be sold expensive and, of course, high-quality skis that will be so fast and uncontrollable that a trip to the emergency room after a winter holiday is guaranteed.

How to avoid becoming a victim of marketing traps? How to choose the right skis? What parameters to pay attention to first of all? All questions will be answered by our article.

Main types of skis

If a person skis only during short winter weekends, then it is quite difficult to navigate and choose the right sports equipment among a huge assortment. Therefore, you need to know what types of skis exist and understand what kind of riding and skill level they are intended for.

All skis can be conditionally divided into several categories. Let's consider them in more detail.

Depending on the level of skill, skis are divided into the following types:

• Professional;
• Amateur;
• Tourist;
• For children and teenagers.

Depending on how you ride:

• Mountain;
• Cross-country.

The last two categories of skis have a broader classification, as they are suitable for different disciplines. Therefore, which skis are better - mountain or cross-country - we will determine using a comparative review.

Alpine skiing has the following classification:

• Skis for ski-cross. Designed for professionals and lovers of extreme driving. They are agile but unstable. An athlete must be able not only to stand well on skis, but also to quickly respond to changes in the situation. Such skis are made of the most durable material.
• Carving skis. Maneuverable and easy to handle. Slightly tapered in the middle. Allows the skier to take turns easily. Requires special riding skills.
• Fan carving skis. Designed for experienced skiers who love skiing without poles. The speed of such skis is small. They are controllable, since an elevated plate is provided between the boot and the ski itself.
• Freestyle skis. Suitable for snowboarders. These skis have a curved toe and heel. This form allows the skier not to fall, but to move on if he landed with his back to the track.
• Skis for a ski tour. Stable, non-slip, well controlled. Designed for areas where there is no lift. Riding on such skis is as safe as possible if the athlete has skiing skills on level B tracks.
• Skis for freestyle backcountry. Thisfairly wide skis that are designed for driving on snowy and uncleared terrain. The handling of such skis is as high as possible. They are stable and strong.
• Skis for freeride or with a thin waist. The width of such skis is 80 mm. Suitable only for professionals, as they are very fast, poorly controlled and require special skills to drive on the highway.
• Wide skis. They have a wide middle, nose and heel. Designed for skiing during the thaw. Do not sink in the snow, maneuverable.

Based on the above classifications, we can conclude that alpine skiing is aimed at professional athletes or for those amateurs who have already mastered the basics of skiing on entry-level slopes.

Cross-country skiing is divided into only two groups:

• For a classic move. These are long skis with a smooth surface, which are covered with a special protective layer. This layer prevents the ski track from slipping backwards.
• For skating. Short skis that have a slight rise in the center. This design contributes to the stability of the athlete when climbing the mountain.This type of ski is suitable for tourists who like winter walks in the forest or mountain slopes. They require basic riding skills.

Also, hunting skis are a separate category, which are divided into camus and bare skis. These products are designed for riding in a forest area where there are no cleared trails and there is a possibility of falling through the snow. They are stable, not too fast and manageable. Not suitable for classic mountain skiing.

Key characteristics of skis

The physical parameters of the skis determine how they behave while riding. Therefore, if you do not know which skis to choose - fast or more obedient - you should familiarize yourself with the parameters that affect the speed of movement:

• Ski length. This is the main characteristic that affects the speed of the skier on the track. Therefore, it is worth remembering that the taller and heavier a person is, the longer he needs skis. Long skis don't sink in the snow, they go fast and are more aggressive. The shorter the skis, the more obedient and easier they are to manage.
• Rigidity. This is a criterion that indicates the degree of flexibility of the ski. Each equipment manufacturer has different stiffness indicators. And the higher this indicator, the more aggressively the skis behave. Soft skis enter the turn more smoothly, but only if the person's weight is not too large. Rigid skis enter the turn more sharply, but their degree of stability is higher. For beginners, buying skis with a high degree of rigidity is not recommended. Such skis will go badly and constantly “throw” the athlete a little forward.
• turning radius. Often on skis you can find a numerical marking (from 10 to 20 m), which indicates the speed at which the ski turns. The smaller it is, the faster the pair of skis will turn. For beginner skiers, it is worth choosing equipment with an indicator of 14-16 meters. Teenagers take skis with a turning radius of up to 20 m. Professionals can choose the most agile pair.
• Equipment geometry. Such a characteristic as the shape of the ski is often misleading even for experienced athletes. Therefore, many beginner skiers often wonder how to choose skis in shape. Skis with a wide toe are more stable and turn easily. Products with a narrow toe make it easier to change edges. A narrow heel forgives mistakes, a wide one requires skill. The middle or waist of the ski affects flotation. For beginner skiers, it is worth choosing a waist from 68 to 75 mm, for professionals - up to 70 mm.

How to choose skis taking into account the weight and height of the athlete?

Each manufacturer of winter sports equipment has its own table of the ratio of the length of skis to the weight and height of a person. You can find out how to select skis and sticks from the universal table.

Human height (cm)	Classic ski length (cm)	Walking ski length (cm)	Ski length for skating (cm)
150	170-180	165-170	165
155	175-185	170-175	170
160	180-190	175-185	175
165	185-190	180-185	180
170	190-195	185-190	185
175	195-200	190-195	185
180	195-200	195-200	190
185	200-205	200-205	190-195
190	205-210	205-210	195-200
195	205-210	205-210	200-205

It is worth noting that 5 cm should be added to the length of classic skis. For skating skis, it is recommended to add 10 cm. Walking skis should be 15 cm longer than indicated in the table.

Skier height (cm)	Classic pole length (cm)	Length of skating poles (cm)
150	120-125	130-135
155	125-130	135-140
160	130-135	140-145
165	135-140	145-150
170	140-145	150-155
175	145-150	155-160
180	150-155	160-165
185	155-160	165-170
190	160-165	170-175
195	165	175

When choosing poles for classic skiing style skiing, it is worth considering the fact that their length should be 25 cm less than the athlete’s height, and the length of skating poles should be 20 cm less.

Children's skis are selected not only taking into account the weight and height of the baby, but also the age. The detailed parameter table is as follows:

Age (years)	Height (cm)	Weight, kg)	Ski length (cm)
3-4	94-102	14-16	70-90
5	110	18	90-100
6	115	21	95-105
7	120	23	100-110
8	130	26	110-120
9	135	29	115-125
10	140	32	120-130
11	150	36	130-140
12	155	41	135-145
13	160	46	140-150
14	170	51	150-160

However, in addition to the length of the skis, it is worth considering such an indicator as the width. For kids aged 3 to 6 years, it is recommended to buy wide skis with a round toe. They are more stable and manageable.

At school age, the child already acquires the skills of caution. Therefore, skis for schoolchildren are a little narrower - about 5-7 cm.

Teenagers buy skis taking into account the style of skiing. Therefore, if a student likes to ride faster and can handle the controls, the width of the skis may be less than 5 cm. If the teenager is not confident in his abilities, he is skiing for the first time, then the width of the skis should be up to 10 cm.

When choosing skis for extreme skiing, you should consider the following recommendations:

• Freeride skis must be 15 cm taller than a person.
• The length of skis for breaking is calculated by the formula: skier's height minus 15-20 cm.
• The formula for determining the length of skis for a ski tour is as follows: a person’s height is minus 15 cm. If a person is dense, then 10 cm is added to the height.
• The length of freestyle or universal skis: the height of the athlete minus 15 cm.

Therefore, if you still do not know how to choose skis, the data table will help you solve this problem and purchase the right equipment.

What is the best ski material?

Finding out how to choose the right skis is impossible without an overview of the materials from which they are made. All alpine skiing according to the type of material is divided into wooden and plastic.

• Wooden ones are made from birch, ash, beech, pine and elm. It is these types of wood that are suitable for the production of skis. Wooden ones are cheaper than plastic ones.
• Plastic are produced using two technologies: cap and sandwich. The first technology involves the use of a foam core and a plastic coating. Sandwich technology is based on the use of a wooden base and a plastic coating.

The choice of wooden or plastic skis is everyone's business. However, it is worth considering some nuances that will help not to make a mistake with the choice of material.

• Wooden skis deform under the influence of moisture. They cannot be used during a thaw. In severe frosts, they do not slide back like plastic ones. Wooden skis are stable, docile and suitable for both beginners and professionals.
• Plastic skis are more flexible, break less often, and are not subject to deformation. They are faster and more agile. The only drawback is that in severe frost they go back.

Recommendation for athletes who used to ride wooden skis.If you decide to buy plastic skis, do not rush. Rent equipment. After wooden skis, plastic ones will seem naughty. Therefore, in order not to regret the purchase later, make sure that plastic products are suitable for you.

How to choose skis for a beginner athlete? To begin with, it is worth figuring out whether you will ride on a cleared track or on snow-capped mountains. For classic descents, skis without a notch, that is, smooth, are quite suitable. However, special mixtures must be applied to them, without which the skis will not glide normally. If you want to conquer a snowy peak, then notched skis are the best. They do not need to be lubricated and are more stable in the snow. However, keep in mind that notches in warm weather can play a cruel joke. Snow will stick to them and the ski will simply stop sliding.

It is also worth paying attention to the level of rigidity. You need to lean the ski with the smooth side against the other ski and see how much it bends under the influence of force. The gap between the skis should be no more than 1 cm. If it is not possible to compress the skis, then it is better to take softer products. Beginners are not recommended to take skis of a high level of rigidity.

TOP 10 best ski manufacturers

There are a lot of ski manufacturers. Therefore, when buying winter sports equipment, beginners and even experienced athletes are faced with the problem of choice. But if you highlight the TOP-10 best ski manufacturers, the circle of "candidates" for the purchase will be significantly reduced.

According to Snow magazine, the top ten ski manufacturers are as follows:

• Fischer;
• Rossignol;
• head;
• Atomic;
• Blizzard;
• Salomon;
• Volky;
• Elan;
• nordica.

The average cost of quality racing skis is from 200 to 400 dollars. Inexpensive domestic skis from brands like STC or Sorsu can be purchased for $50. Amateur models of famous brands cost from 80 to 100 dollars.

Recommendation.If you are a beginner skier, buy local products. You will be able to keep within the small budget, having received quite worthy quality. And when you gain experience and sports training, you yourself will understand what kind of stiffness, width and length skis you need to choose in the future. The only exception in this case is weight. Guessing the stiffness of Russian skis, if your weight is more than 70 kg, is quite difficult. Domestic skis are often an order of magnitude tougher than foreign ones.

What is the difference between domestic and foreign-made skis? The quality of top models of world brands for a Russian manufacturer is still unattainable. Expensive branded skis are mainly intended for high-end competitive skiers. They are manufactured at specialized factories, as a rule, in the countries where the manufacturer is located. The design of such skis is quite complex and is modeled on a computer. All developments are carefully tested by qualified athletes. Only high-quality expensive materials are used in the manufacture, often taken from the aerospace industries, where they have received high praise. That is why domestic skis cannot currently compete with foreign ones. But if you are not a professional skier, but a simple lover of winter skiing, choose domestic products - of sufficient quality, but at the same time affordable. Good luck on the ski!

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Everything for those who dream of skiing in the nearest park on flat snow or ski tracks.

What are cross country skiing

Cross-country skiing is divided into racing, amateur and tourist. As a rule, the purpose is indicated in the product card.

1. Racing (marked Racing and Racing PRO). Such skis are designed for athletes and amateurs who want to develop speed indicators. This is an option for specially prepared tracks.
2. Amateur or pleasure (Active, Fitness). This is an option for those who sometimes choose to ride in the park, do it for fun and do not strive for records. Skis are slightly wider than racing skis; expensive materials and technologies are rarely used in their production.
3. Tourist (Back Country). These are skis for hunters, tourists and fishermen, people who need to move around, without a track or a ski track. Such skis are much wider than recreational ones in order to support the weight of a person on loose snow.

Skis

Classic skis (designation Classic or Cl) are longer than skate skis, have a sharp toe and a soft block. There may be notches under the last (designation TR) that prevent slipping during take-off. On the left - a ski with notches, on the right - without.

andrewskurka.com

If the ski does not have notches (WAX designation), a special ointment provides an anti-slip effect. However, beginners will find it quite difficult to apply it correctly, so a notched ski is the best option.

To choose the size of classic skis, add 20 cm to your height or simply raise your hand: the lowered palm of the outstretched hand should touch the top of the ski.

It is also worth paying attention to the stiffness of the skis. First determine the center of gravity: put the ski on your hand so that both ends are in balance. Then fold the skis with the sliding side towards each other and squeeze with one hand 3 cm below the found center of balance. There will be a distance of 1–1.5 mm between skis of suitable stiffness.

What to buy

Boots

Boots for classic skis are low and soft, without special inserts that fix the leg.

You don't have to buy boots. If the thumb rests on the toe of the boot, the foot will quickly freeze. It is better to take shoes half a size larger.

What to buy

Sticks

When choosing sticks for classic skiing, pay attention to their length. With short ones, it will be inconvenient for you to walk on flat terrain, with long ones, it will be inconvenient to climb slopes. Choose sticks according to your height: the lanyard outlet (the place where the strap is attached to the stick) should be at the level of your shoulder.

Sticks are made from aluminum, fiberglass and carbon fiber. Aluminum can bend under load. So, if you weigh a lot, choose glass and carbon fiber. The latter provides the greatest rigidity and lightness of the sticks. These sticks are used by professional athletes.

marax.ru

Also pay attention to the material of the handle. Sticks with a cork handle are well suited for walking in cold weather: the cork does not cool the hand, unlike plastic.

Skis

Skis for skating (designation Skate or Sk) are shorter and have a smooth block, since with this course the notches only interfere, clinging to the snow and reducing speed.

To find the ideal length for skating, add 5-10 cm to your height.

It is also worth checking the stiffness of the skis. The gap between the skis compressed with one hand should be 1.5–2 mm.

What to buy

Boots

To prevent injuries and excessive stress on the foot during skating, additional fixation is needed. Therefore, skating boots are taller and stiffer than classic ones and are complemented by a special plastic cuff.

What to buy

Sticks

Skating poles are longer than classic ones. The lanyard should be at the level of the chin or lips of the skier.

How to choose universal skis, boots and poles

If you plan to master both classic and skating, you can purchase universal equipment.

Skis

Universal skis (Combi designation) are longer than skate skis, but shorter than classic ones. To determine the correct length, add 15 cm to your height.

As for notches, some all-purpose skis have a replaceable middle: if you want to ride in a classic style, use notches; if in a ridge, remove the notched nozzle.

What to buy

Boots

Boots for universal skis are almost the same as classic ones. They are just as soft and flexible, but have a plastic cuff that supports the ankle.

What to buy

Sticks

For universal skis, poles are suitable for both classic and skating.

What are fasteners

Three types of mounts are now common: the outdated NN 75, NNN (with or without the NIS platform) and SNS.

sprint5.ru

Surely many remember this mount from childhood. This is an ordinary metal brace that fixes the leg, but it does it quite badly.

It is almost impossible to skate with the NN 75. In addition, good boots for this mount are not produced. The only advantage is the low price.

What to buy

NNN (New Nordic Norm)

Auto mount NNN / spine.ru

This mount consists of two guides (flexors) located at some distance
apart, and a rubber stop.

There are two options for such mounts: automatic and mechanical. The NNN's automatic fastening latches with a simple push of the boot on the brace. In the case of a mechanical one, you will have to open the lid with your hands, and after installing the boot, close it.

Mechanical fixings NNN / manaraga.ru

However, the mechanical fastening is more reliable: it cannot accidentally come unfastened, for example, during a fall. Also, if you're planning on skiing in warmer weather, water that gets into the automatic binding can freeze and block it.

Also, fasteners differ in the degree of rigidity. If the NNN rubber stop is white, the mount is designed for hard riding, if it is green, for softer riding. Black stops are suitable for standard skiing, and red ones for soft skiing.

If you prefer skating, choose bindings with white or green elastic bands. If classic - with black or red.

To install NNN on skis, you need to find the center of gravity and drill a hole for the mounts. However, there is an easier and more convenient method of installation: special NIS platforms.

Mount NNN NIS / dostupny-sport.ru

The Nordic Integrated System (NIS) was developed in 2005 for NNN mounts. Skis adapted to NIS are equipped with a special plate on which the mount is installed. Skis do not need to be drilled, just slide the mount along the guide plates and snap into place.

The mount is easy to install and remove, eliminates the search for the center of gravity of the ski and can be used with different pairs of skis.

What to buy

This is a mount with one wide rail and two brackets. SNS mounts are also divided into automatic and mechanical.

shamov-russia.ru

Unlike NNN, SNS has only three levels of hardness. They are marked with a numerical value and a color. For a classic ride, you should choose bindings with a flexor hardness of 85 (yellow), for skating - 115 (red), and for universal use - 95 (pink).

In terms of comfort, stability and lateral stability, there is little difference between SNS and NNN mounts.

Most cross country ski boots are designed with some type of binding. Therefore, first choose shoes that fit perfectly on your foot, and only then the bindings suitable for them.

Due to the NIS, NNN fasteners are more convenient to install, but SNS are more stable: due to the platform, NNNs are higher than SNS screwed on. On the other hand, a higher position increases the force of the push. In general, both bindings are used by both amateurs and professional athletes.

What to buy

What materials to choose

Skis made from solid timber or glued layers of wood are a thing of the past. In modern models, wood is also used, but, as a rule, the core consists of it, and the sliding surface is made of plastic.

If you're used to skiing with a wooden base, the plastic can feel uncomfortable due to the recoil. Plastic is more slippery and, unlike wood, does not “dislodge” when rubbing against snow.

However, with proper lubrication of plastic skis, it is quite possible to avoid kickback. As for the benefits, plastic skis are more durable and, unlike wooden ones, allow you to ski in positive temperatures.

According to the manufacturing method, skis are divided into Sandwich and Cap. The former are several glued layers of plastic and wood, the latter are a wooden core with a monolithic plastic cover.

For cheaper skis, the core is made of wood with air channels. In professional and more expensive ones, it is a wooden honeycomb or is made on the basis of acrylic foam with a carbon and fiberglass mesh, lightweight polyurethane foam with carbon and fiberglass inserts (Polycell technology), Densolite foam or other lightweight synthetic materials.

The sliding surface is made of different types of plastic. For cheaper options, extruded plastic is used, for more expensive options, high molecular weight universal plastic is used.

Many new technologies and materials are now being used to keep skis light and at the same time provide strength. However, all this comes at a price.

Therefore, if you are a beginner, it is worth trying regular skis with a core made of wood or Densolite foam and a base made of extruded or high molecular weight plastic. The price of such skis depends on the specific brand and ranges from 2,000 to 8,000 rubles.

Which brands to look out for

Among the well-known Russian manufacturers is the STC factory. She makes both racing and recreational Sable skis, fiberglass ski poles.

Professional models - with a honeycomb core and a sliding surface PTEX 2000 (carbon fiber), and amateur models - with a wooden core and a plastic coating. Skis are made using Cap technology and are sold at very affordable prices.

Among foreign brands (whose products are often produced in Russian factories, including STC), the Austrian manufacturer of skis and equipment Fischer is quite popular.

Fischer produces men's, women's and children's professional and amateur skis, using combined materials such as a wooden core with Air Tec Basalight basalt fibers. Fischer skis can be bought at a price of 5,000 rubles.

No less famous is the French ski brand Rossignol, whose production is located in Spain and Ukraine. The cheapest amateur skis with a light wood core and a plastic sliding surface can be bought for 5,500–6,000 rubles. Almost all skis of this brand are equipped with the NIS platform.

The third brand from the rating is the Norwegian company Madshus. Amateur skis of this brand are made using Cap technology with a core of wood with channels, glass and carbon fiber braid and a plastic base. The cost of the cheapest skis of this brand is 3,000–5,000 rubles.

Approximately in the same price category, the cheapest amateur skis are the Austrian brand Atomic and the French company Salomon. Cheaper Salomon models have a Densolite dry foam core and a graphite base, while more expensive professional models have honeycomb cores and a zeolite base.

Each brand develops its own technologies: lighter cores, adding various minerals to improve glide, changing ski geometry. Therefore, it is best to focus on the purpose of the skis (for which course, pleasure or sports) and the availability of a length and stiffness suitable for you.

Note! You can buy the skis and equipment presented in the article cheaper if you use the special section of Lifehacker.

Skiing is a popular winter pastime. Who doesn't like a leisurely ski trip through a snow-covered winter forest? But for skiing to be enjoyable, they need to be chosen wisely. How to choose the right cross-country skis?

Before choosing skis, you need to decide what you need them for. Because skis are very different - for tourists, athletes, for amateur athletes, for hunters or for lovers of extreme sports. All skis are divided into cross-country and mountain. In this article, we will talk about how to choose cross-country skis.

How to choose the right skis

Cross-country skiing is done in two ways (styles). The first one is classic. Anyone who has skied at least once knows about him - with such skiing, the skis move parallel to each other. Classic skiing requires softer skis, with a long and pointed toe.
The second way of skating is skating, or free style. In this case, the skier moves on skis, as on skates, pushing off the snow with the inside of the ski. In this case, the skis must be rigid.
There are also lovers of skiing in both classic and skating styles - especially for them there are universal skis that are suitable for skiing in any way.

Which skis to choose: plastic or wooden
First, let's choose the material from which the skis are made. They can be plastic or wood. Wooden ones are much cheaper, but they are very outdated and are rarely found in stores. Such skis must be tarred before skiing - so that the tree does not absorb moisture. Plastic skis have come to replace wooden ones - they glide better, they do not need to be lubricated. 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 the size of skis for height

For skiing to be comfortable, it is very important that the skis are the right size. Choosing skis by height is very easy - there are two main ways:
The first way to choose skis is to measure your height with your arm outstretched. And subtract 10 centimeters from this number.
The 2nd way to choose skis for height is easier - just add 10-15 cm to your height. To be more precise, here is a table by which you can determine the length of skis and poles depending on height:

Height, cm	Ski length, cm	Stick length, cm

Always choose skis according to your height. This is especially important for children. It happens that parents buy them skis "for growth" of a larger size, which makes it very inconvenient for the child to ride them.

How to choose ski hardness
The optimal stiffness of skis directly depends on the weight of the person. Therefore, when buying skis, you should carefully approach the issue of their rigidity. It is very easy to check the skis for the required stiffness right before buying. To do this, stand on the selected skis on the floor in the store. Directly under the boot, between the skis and the floor, there should be a place so that a sheet of paper can crawl through there. 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 wearer. That's how easy it is to choose the desired stiffness of the skis.

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

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

Winter is a great time of the year for hunting enthusiasts. However, hunting in the winter requires special equipment, since moving through the snowy forest is often not so easy. An experienced hunter who has traveled more than one mile knows firsthand that sports skis are not designed for walking in large snowdrifts. To do this, his equipment must necessarily include special skis for hunting.

Criterias of choice

When choosing hunting skis, you need to pay attention to the following criteria:

• strength and flexibility;
• material quality;
• lenght and width;
• fasteners that fix the leg.

Skis for hunting should be distinguished not only by strength, but also by good flexibility, so that even when passing through the most snowy places, the hunter does not lose maneuverability. By size, they must be selected taking into account that the area of ​​​​support for 1 kg of human body weight should be at least 50 square centimeters. At the same time, their length should not be more than the height of the hunter. Bindings for hunting skis must be chosen in such a way that rigidity is ensured and the leg does not slip or bend while riding.

materials

When choosing equipment, first of all, the hunter should be interested in what skis are made of and which ones to buy. Hunting skis are plastic or wooden.

Plastic

Plastic skis have become very popular lately, because in terms of their strength characteristics, many models are not inferior to wooden ones. One of the advantages of using them is that there is no need to treat them with a special lubricant before each trip.

But plastic has a significant disadvantage - it slides very strongly. Due to this, climbing a high hill on plastic snowshoes is quite problematic, and descending from a large slope, the hunter can completely lose control over speed and fall. Therefore, plastic hunting skis are best used on gentler slopes and flat areas.

Wooden

Wooden skis are for deep snow. They are made from the most durable tree species - birch, pine or maple, so they are lightweight and reliable.

Having a small size, such snowshoes move easily, both on freshly fallen snow and on loose crust. The tapered front end helps reduce snow drag. Small slots are provided in the bow to use them as drags.

If you treat them with resin before each use, they will last a long time, and regular lubrication with a special compound will improve glide.

Mounting types

Mounts for hunting skis are usually used in three types:

1. Simple fasteners are leather or canvas straps that are inserted into holes on both sides of the support platform. The foot in the shoe is inserted into the strap and secured.
2. Soft bindings provide another strap that helps to better fix the leg. It is necessary to intercept their leg just above the heel and tighten well so that the snowshoes do not fall off when riding.
3. Another option for mounting on hunting skis is a semi-rigid mount. A metal plate is installed, into which the leg rests and is fixed with the help of a sling worn on top. The heel in this fastening option is fixed not with a belt, but with a spring that adjusts to the leg and is fixed at the shoe toe.

The best option would be to place the fastener in the middle. But here it is already necessary to listen to the wishes of the hunter, many prefer to put the mount closer to the bow.

You can also use rigid mounts, but then the hunter runs the risk of being limited in movement, which is completely inappropriate in such a matter as hunting, where dexterity and agility are needed. It is best to use one of the three options above, and ideally it would be good to try each fastener option to determine the most convenient for yourself.

How to make skinny skis with your own hands

Materials for manufacturing

Almost every avid hunter has at least once been interested in how to make skis with their own hands. Indeed, just in order to achieve maximum convenience, most winter hunting enthusiasts make homemade hunting skis for themselves. Wood for their manufacture must combine such qualities as fracture strength, flexibility, elasticity and lightness.

All these properties are possessed by birch, which is the most popular in the manufacture of do-it-yourself hunting skis. Also often used cork tree, Amur lilac or poppy tree, less often - willow and aspen. What tree to make skis from is determined by the master, choosing from the above tree species and based on their availability.

Skins on skis are needed so that on the slopes they do not roll back and loose snow does not stick to them. It is sewn from the skin taken from the shin of a horse, red deer, deer or elk. The skin of these ungulates is covered with elastic hair, which will give the snowshoe flexibility, good stretch and compression, like a spring. Hunting skis with elk skin skins have the highest strength, and in terms of softness and noiselessness, red deer and reindeer skins simply have no equal.

Wood harvesting

So, how to make hunting skis yourself? Usually, wood is harvested in winter, while the moisture in the tree is in a frozen state. The main thing is that it be straight-layered and without rot. Some masters prefer to take material at the end of summer, explaining that it is not so hot anymore and it is more convenient to hew at this time than in hot or frosty weather.

The tree is cleaned of bark and the deck is sawn into bars of 5 cm thickness, corresponding to the length of the skis. After that, they are firmly connected and a spacer is inserted into the middle part. At this stage, the master sends the blanks to a cool place for drying, which lasts about 20 days. A contour is applied to the dried bars, and then they saw off and cut off the excess.

Sizing

Determining the size of homemade skis is quite simple. If you put the ski vertically with the toe up, its length should correspond to the height from the floor level to the outstretched arm. Usually the length range is 180-250 cm, no more. The width is selected according to the distance between the spaced thumb and forefinger, on average it is 18-20 cm. The thickness should correspond to the distance between the middle and ring fingers of a person with widely spread fingers. Usually the master tries to bring the thickness up to 0.8 cm, and in the places of bending up to 0.5 cm.

bulge

The front, middle and rear bending of hunting skis at the first stage is carried out by burning their ends and steaming them in boiling water. After the ski is placed in a special bending machine. It is necessary to carefully monitor so that there is no skew during bending, otherwise there will be no upstroke and all the work done will be useless.

You can also pour boiling water over the product directly in the machine - this will give greater pliability and plasticity during bending. After making sure that the procedure was successful, the product can be taken out into the cold or put in a cool place to cool.

Mounting hole markings

To make holes for fastening, the ski is placed on the edge and in the area where the leg will be located, it is lifted with the thumb and forefinger. The ski should be at a 45 degree angle to the floor with the nose pointing up. When she takes this position, a mark is placed on her and a line is drawn across it across the width.

After, retreating 4 cm to the bow, draw another line parallel to the previous one. The middle is marked on the lines and a fist is applied to it, so that its middle is located at a level with the centers of the lines. In places where the edges of the fist are in contact with the lines, mark the points of four holes for future mounts for hunting skis.

After that, the holes are burned and combined from below with grooves of good depth so that the belts below clearly lie down.

Making skins

After making the skis themselves, you can start dressing and patterning the skins. The stretched paws of the animal must be dried and freed from fat and remnants of flesh. Skins should match the size of the ski and provide a small margin for turning. After that, the paws are cut lengthwise into two parts and soaked in cold water.

When they soften, they are folded with more shaggy edges to each other and attached to the ski so that the thickest pile is in the middle of the sliding side. Then the skin is sewn together with a strong nylon thread and its transverse edges are beveled to increase the bending strength.

Gluing

Pockets are made along the edges of the skins in order to fill the toe and heel into them. After sewing, the skins are sent to dry, as during gluing it can be damp, but not wet. The next step is to smear the skin with glue and stick it directly to the ski.

Epoxy glue will also work for gluing skin skis, but it is preferable to use a good carpentry. Before gluing the skin, the product is smeared with glue in one layer, allowed to dry and smeared again. After that, the skin is applied and, rolling with a roller, squeeze out the remaining glue until the skin is completely leveled on the surface.

If there is no special roller at hand, you can use well-rolled pebbles or cobblestones.

Then you should rewind the product with the skin with a bandage or belt so that the skin sticks well to the sides. It would be nice to attach a piece of rubber under the foot to prevent snow from sticking. The product is sent to dry in a well-ventilated dry room, after which belts are threaded into the fastening holes.

This step-by-step instruction on how to make skis is completed. And homemade skin skis are ready to use. Just do not forget to lubricate them before going out.

Making a ski pole

The stick or tunepun is usually made from the same type of wood as snowshoes. At its lower end there is a shoulder blade, and at its upper end there is a ring and a claw. To use a stick to determine the level of snow, marks are made along its entire length every 5 cm. Tunepuns are good at walking on ice, they can clear a road or a place for a halt.

Storage

For storage, plastic and wooden skis are tied together, hung in a dry, well-ventilated place. Water must not get into the mounts and after each use they must be carefully freed from snow residues. If the fastening screws are loosened, it is necessary to unscrew them and pour epoxy glue into the holes - after that the functionality will be restored.

Video

See our video on how to prepare your skis for the hunting season.

Regardless of whether you need skis for sports skiing or family skiing, it is important to choose the right equipment in order to enjoy your time in comfort. you should choose in accordance with certain canons, properly care for them, store equipment until the next trip, then the service life will last for years.

Ointment "on holding" excludes the roll of equipment back. It should exceed the air temperature by about three degrees. Lubricate under the block, which starts from the heel of the athlete's boot and rises 20 cm from the toe.

Lubrication technology:

• if old grease is present, remove it with a plastic scraper;
• wipe the place of the block with a dry cotton cloth;
• rub the prepared surface with a cork lid;
• put the ointment "for holding", rub it with the same stopper, repeat 2 times.

In case of sudden changes in temperature, to correct the problem of excessive braking of snowmobiles on the move, you can apply a “glide” agent on top of the “hold” ointment.

Plastic and semi-plastic notched skis do not need “holding” lubrication.

Ointments for inventory processing

Ointments should be selected in accordance with weather conditions, as well as the material for the manufacture of sports equipment.

Types of lubricants:

1. Solid. For their application, the sliding surface of the equipment must be warmed up.
2. Liquid. They are applied in a thin layer. After drying, the surface should be well polished.
3. Gel, spray. The application technology is complex. Most commonly used in professional sports.

Regardless of whether wooden or plastic skis, lubrication is necessary to improve the quality of sliding, the safety of the surface of the equipment.

How to properly lubricate plastic skis: important tips

• before applying the ointment, the surface of the equipment must be cleaned of dirt, old grease and dried well;
• solid ointment should be applied in two or three layers, carefully rubbing each of them with a cork, cool at street temperature for half an hour;
• with the classic style of skiing, the bow or stern follows, depending on the task;
• the lubricant must be isolated from moist air and snow, otherwise the properties are lost.

With proper care and timely lubrication, sports equipment will serve its owner for a long time.

We store plastic skis correctly

For long-term use of plastic skis, you need to take care of the conditions for the preparation and storage of sliding equipment:

1. Remove any dirt with a damp cloth. Wipe dry, dry.
2. With a cotton pad soaked in gasoline, remove the old grease.
3. Grind the lower surface of the scraper inventory (metal scraper), strictly in the direction from the bow to the stern. Hold the scraper at an angle of no more than 20°.
4. After rough leveling of the surface, it is necessary to walk on it with sandpaper. Wipe with a cotton pad soaked in gasoline.
5. Rub the equipment with fresh paraffin, go through the iron to melt it.

Important! The temperature of the iron must not exceed 180°C to avoid damaging the sliding surface. Leave to cool for at least an hour.

1. Metal elements should be treated with Vaseline. Leather - shoe polish.
2. After all the manipulations, connect the ends of the sports equipment with rubber bands or special clips. Lay a special spacer or foam between the pads of two skis to avoid deforming the equipment.
3. It is preferable to store in a dark niche, a cabinet at room temperature, excluding sunlight.

How to choose the right skis

The right choice of sports equipment is half the success of a successful winter walk. To understand which skis are better: plastic or wooden, you need to know the advantages of both materials. How much plastic skis cost is directly related to the purpose of skiing and the chosen brand.

Sliding with skating style is different from the classic one. The track for him is wide and knurled, the classic sliding takes place on a beaten, narrowed surface. The equipment is made taking into account the intricacies of the track and the impact of the athlete on the equipment.

How to choose cross-country skis

The choice implies a clear knowledge of their application. The name of the species is reflected in the passport of sports products:

1. Pleasure skis are suitable for quiet park walks, without turning on the speed mode, tricks. Great option to get started.
2. Racing is chosen by professionals. They are the narrowest in width among all species, capable of developing high speeds, making stunt turns.
3. Tourists promote sliding on virgin snow. These are the widest plastic skis among others, able to easily carry the weight of a tourist on powder.

There is also universal equipment, but it can behave unpredictably during the trip. Choose skis depending on the style of skiing and experience in this sport.

Classic

Classic skis require periodic lubrication, so keep a set of "hold" and "glide" ointments with you, for all occasions.

Length

The length of the sliding equipment should be calculated according to the following scheme: the height of the skier plus 25 cm. Ski poles: the height of the athlete minus 30 cm. Try to choose equipment based on individual parameters, then the walk will be comfortable.

Rigidity

Rigidity depends on the condition of the snow and the weight of the person:

• soft snowmobiles are suitable for driving on fresh, airy snow cover;
• rigid - for movement on heavy, wet snow;
• medium stiffness snowshoes are designed for medium temperatures.

When choosing the stiffness of equipment, start from your weight category. The bigger, heavier the rider, the stiffer the snowmobile should be.

With and without notch

Sports equipment with notches has advantages over conventional snowmobiles:

• the price of such an addition does not differ from others;
• the presence of notches does not allow the skier to slide back, taking on the functions of the “hold” ointment;
• work well at different temperatures, except for a thaw. When the melted snow freezes, they can’t cope with the ice crust, you can’t do without a “holding” ointment.

Important! One disadvantage of the notches is the effect on the speed, it is reduced. This product is well suited for a beginner athlete for easy walks and mastering the basics of skiing.

For skating

There are no notches, they are more difficult to manage, they have high rigidity, shorter length.

It is necessary to choose equipment for active sports, taking into account all the features of this skiing.

They can be made of different materials: wood, plastic, semi-plastic (wooden with plastic coated soles). The best brand in skating is considered to be Russian-made Fisher.

Length

The length of the product should be selected according to a slightly different scheme: the height of the skier plus 10 cm. With this type of skiing, the length of the skis is lower than usual, since when moving, the skis can run into each other with the stern parts.

Sticks: human height minus 10 cm.

Rigidity

Stiffness is easy to check in the store. To do this, fold the equipment with the soles to each other and squeeze. The gap remaining between the pads of the goods should not be less than three millimeters. This indicates a strong rigidity of the product. The smaller the clearance, the lower the rigidity.

Universal

All-purpose snowshoes are suitable for riding in any sport, but for professional riding it is still better to choose equipment for a certain style.

Length

The length of the universal ones is the same as for the skate ones. For a child, mini-snowmobiles are selected in the same way. Do not buy teenage snowshoes "in reserve", in such equipment the children will be uncomfortable.

In order to look decent and feel comfortable when skiing, you should purchase a ski suit and sports equipment that matches the style of the trip. In the store, take an interest in the novelties of the season, they usually surpass their counterparts in quality.

Properly maintained skis, choosing the right length and stiffness for your style of skiing, promise a pleasant ride and a long service life.