10 best cross-country skiing

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Having picked up good cross-country skis, you can master different skiing styles, take part in competitions or just walk in the snow-covered park. The main thing is to choose high-quality reliable inventory. It is best to purchase products from well-known brands. We will tell about it in the ranking of the best cross-country skiing.

How to choose cross-country skis

When choosing equipment, you need to decide on the type of cross-country skiing. They are available for classic and skating. The first one is usually used by recruits and hobbyists while walking. It is easier for intermediate athletes to start with skating skis, which require active hand movements. Combined models are also on sale. Depending on the quality, top-end products are distinguished and a little easier. Their difference is in the following parameters:

1. material;
2. cost;
3. design characteristics;
4. weight.

The smoothness of sliding, the number of calories burned depends on them.

When buying equipment for a ski resort, it is important to consider other parameters:

1. length (calculated from the formula: athlete's height plus 10-15 cm – for skating, and plus 20-30 cm – for classic);
2. rigidity;
3. geometry.

For beginners, products with notches and wide slats are suitable. Experienced riders can opt for narrower models with a flat surface. The rating of the best cross-country skis, based on customer feedback, will help you choose the best option.

Top cross-country skiing ratings

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best cross-country skiing for beginners	1	Fischer Country Crown	RUB 8,210
	2	Salomon Escape 5 Grip	RUB 10,780
	3	Tisa Sport Wax	RUB 2 200
	4	STC Step 75	RUB 2,400
	5	Larsen Sport Life Step	RUB 1 380
Best cross-country skiing for advanced	1	Salomon equipe 6	RUB 9,900
	2	Fischer SCS Skate IFP	RUB 9,290
	3	ATOMIC Pro C2 Skintec	RUB 12,990
The best cross-country skiing for professionals	1	Salomon S-Lab Carbon Skate	RUB 21,592
	2	Fischer Carbonlite Skate H-Plus Stiff NIS	RUB 27,500

Best cross-country skiing for beginners

Cross-country skis for beginners are in many ways inferior to professional products, but they attract buyers at affordable prices. The optimal models that do not have a specific riding style are presented below.

Fischer Country Crown

Rating: 4.9

The most suitable model for riding in the countryside and downhill is the Country Crown from 'Fisher'. Its distinctive features include the Vario Crown notch system, the lightest natural fiber and resin laminate. Special inserts at the end of the rear part increase the service life. The unique wood core system with ventilation channels makes the structure strong and perfectly distributes the load over the surface. Base treatment 'Ultra Tuning' ensures perfect glide.

Owners of Country Crown note the lightness of the planks, good glide and the affordable price of the product. They emphasize that cross-country skis hold excellent uphill and are not designed for skating due to the specific notch. But it is ideal for classic running.

Advantages

• excellent sliding;
• reasonable price;
• not heavy.

disadvantages

• no obvious ones.

Salomon Escape 5 Grip

Rating: 4.8

The classic model from the world famous Salomon brand is ideal for beginners. It guarantees good stability, allows you to slide without much effort. The design includes a stiffness control for best performance on snowy terrain. Any fasteners can be installed on the strips. Excellent grip during take-off is achieved thanks to the low fit of the pad and G2 Plus technology. Self-cleaning barbs provide friction reduction.

Cross-country ski owners note that the model rolls excellently, looks stylish and is easy to operate. However, there is nothing supernatural in the model. A length of 198 cm is optimal for a height of 170 cm. The product is recommended for purchase by most users, who also find its price very attractive.

Advantages

• sliding without much difficulty;
• reasonable cost;
• excellent grip when pushing off;
• the presence of notches that clean themselves;
• reliable management;
• reinforced block.

disadvantages

• not.

Tisa Sport Wax

Rating: 4.7

Fans of active walks will love the Tisa Sport Wax product. Its advantages include the versatile finishing of the runners for the best glide at all temperatures. Cross-country skis are not chipped. Holding ointments are required for their use. In the structure of the wooden core there is a system with air valves. It reduces the weight of the inventory by 250 grams compared to similar designs.

The model is produced at a reasonable price and has a black and gray design, which is decorated with fashionable inscriptions. With a size of 190 centimeters, a geometry of 55-50-52 is provided. This is a great option for those who want to keep within 4-5 thousand rubles.

Advantages

• low price;
• excellent sliding;
• light weight.

disadvantages

• lack of notches.

STC Step 75

Rating: 4.6

The following rating model is a pretty good example of engineering art. When developing the model, advanced technologies and the most daring ideas of specialists were used. Usually these skis are sold as a set, along with poles and bindings. The product's plastic strips are made of wood and have notches that allow you to do without ointments. They reduce rollback during climbing and provide comfortable riding in any weather. Lovers of a leisurely walk in a classic style liked the model.

Cross-country skis are bright and tasteful. They attract buyers not only with a democratic price, but also with optimal geometry and flexibility. The average price of a product is 2 thousand rubles.

Advantages

• the presence of chipping;
• ease of use;
• correspondence of price to quality.

disadvantages

• noise on slopes from notches.

Larsen Sport Life Step

Rating: 4.5

Cross-country skis from the largest company Larsen are perfect for beginner riders and lovers of active pastime. The planks are made of high quality materials (wood and plastic). Such skis will last a long time and will give you a lot of positive emotions from skiing. The range of sizes is 150-205 centimeters. The runners are 190 centimeters high and weigh 1300 grams.

The available notches allow inexperienced athletes of any age to use the bars. Cross-country skiing is a relaxing walk along the forest trails. The model is good for those who are not chasing sports awards. When pushing off with the foot, there is excellent adhesion of the skis to the snow surface.

Advantages

• various sizes in length;
• durability;
• high quality material;
• comfortable use.

disadvantages

• slight deterioration in sliding;
• the need to use paraffin.

Best cross-country skiing for advanced

Semi-professional models undergo strict quality control stages. The price of such skis belongs to the average cost category. The challenge for advanced riders is to maximize performance in competition and training.

Salomon equipe 6

Rating: 4.9

The versatile model from Salomon is designed for riding in a variety of styles. The lightweight core has good torsional rigidity and ensures a smooth ride even at high speeds. It is made of glass fiber and molded foam. The special Heel Toe deflection provides a slight boost.

Buyers rate the model as an average ski for amateurs. Most owners skate on them. They grease them with paraffin for better glide and note the presence of burrs on the plastic due to the unevenness of the road. However, they note that the price is quite consistent with the quality.

Advantages

• original design;
• acceptable price;
• universal purpose.

disadvantages

• the material of the sliding surface is peeled off over time.

Fischer SCS Skate IFP

Rating: 4.8

Slalom carver has a stacked wooden core with reinforced titanium. The innovative design ensures the planks are stable on slopes at all speeds and guarantee maximum comfort. This is one of the best skating models and is ideal for training and competition. Existing heel inserts extend product life and reinforce construction.

The swept profile appeals to elite skiers who value excellent rigidity, durability and perfect deflection. The plank is 187 centimeters long and weighs 1270 grams. The size range ranges from 171 to 191 centimeters.

Advantages

• optimal rigidity;
• maximum comfort;
• good flexibility;
• use of high quality material.

disadvantages

• the IFP platform assumes the purchase of appropriate mounts.

ATOMIC Pro C2 Skintec

Rating: 4.7

The next model in the rating is the classic treadmill runners, which, according to the manufacturer, do not require lubrication. It is designed for heavy athletes. The core is made using Ultra High Densolite technology and ensures the lightness of the product. Optimum glide is achieved through special surface treatment. Digital control of the planks and checking them through the database make it possible to identify the optimal weight values ​​for cross-country skiers. Each bar has laser-printed recommendations.

The model will be the best partner for advanced skiers and experienced athletes. Customers note a soft and comfortable glide, confident balance, and ease of use. Constant runner widths and optimal sidecut provide excellent balance to maintain traction strength.

Advantages

• individual selection;
• optimal sliding;
• mount compatibility;
• lightweight material.

disadvantages

• no serious flaws.

The best cross-country skiing for professionals

Professional cross-country skiing models are aimed at experienced athletes who take part in serious sports. Such products differ greatly in price and type of technologies used, which, however, do not solve much in terms of reliability of use.

Salomon S-Lab Carbon Skate

Rating: 4.9

One of the best models among skating skis for experts is the equipment from the French brand 'Salomon'. Cross-country skis have an extra stiff last with a setting for heavy people. Slats are produced in Austria and are called the future of cross-country skiing. They became the main participant in world competitions.

The model stands out for its super light weight and extended sliding phase. Customers are delighted with the all-carbon construction, enhanced transmission, soft toe and stiff twist heel. The model is designed to slide along any tracks, regardless of their state. The only drawback is the high price.

Advantages

• excellent glide in any weather;
• suitable for heavy athletes;
• ultra-light;
• carbon fiber construction.

disadvantages

• expensive.

Fischer Carbonlite Skate H-Plus Stiff NIS

Rating: 4.8

The Fischer skating model is ideal for pros and training amateurs. It entered the 15-16 season lineup. In 2017, it was released in an updated form with a hole in the toe. Cross-country skiing requires some training and has a blunt toe. The swept profile improves the performance of the product, the reinforced edge extends the service life. When riding, there are minimal vibrations.

The sliding surface is treated with a Finish First coating with a Plus structure, which includes a base paraffin, natural diamond. Planks behave excellently in all weather conditions. The owners of the product warn that ski boots with bindings that provide for parallel toe stops and no others are suitable for the model. The model is made in black and yellow shades.

Advantages

• control system for determining the hardness;
• high strength;
• ultra-light toe and heel;
• stylish design solution;
• reinforced edging;
• minimum vibration.

disadvantages

• high price;
• limited choice of boots.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.