Rollerski thoughts for 2022
Craftsbury Juniors from a couple of years ago out getting it done in East Albany.
2022 Update: We’re bumping this up to the top of the feed again (originally published in June 2020). Our advice remains the same, even to the same models (not a lot of movement in the rollerski world). Happy New Training Year 2022!
If May 1 is the start of the Nordic skiers training year, sometime in June is often when it rollerskiing starts to really take shape. We're sharing some of what we sent our Junior program participants about rollerskiing gear.
Rollerskis
Bindings:
People very frequently forget to buy bindings when they buy rollerskis. You need bindings! You don’t need the fanciest bindings, but you DO need rollerski-safe bindings! Rollerski-safe bindings are screwed onto the ski, and not just slid onto a plate. This means that if you have rollerskis with an NIS or IFP (Turnamic) plate, you don’t just want to slap your winter bindings on there. Please have your bindings mounted by a shop or wherever you get your rollerskis from.
We are NOT mounting bindings and we discourage you from trying to mount your own unless you have a whoooole lot of experience, as slightly misaligned bindings are very annoying and dangerous on rollerskis. Get your ski shop to do this for you.
Skate Rollerskis:
For a basic, pretty bombproof, functional, cheap-ish rollerski, we recommend an aluminum ski. We always recommend solid rubber, medium speed wheels and a standard length shaft. If it’s labeled “junior,” steer clear as you’ll wind up with a shorter ski and wheels that are too fast. Good basic options we like: Ski Skett sharks; various models of the Pursuit; and Swenor aluminum skate long.
As people rollerski more and more, they typically like nicer rollerskis, which are made of composite materials and dampen the road vibrations a bit. They feel smoother, are usually a bit heavier, and are always a bit more expensive. Good nicer options include the Swenor Skate Elite and Marwe Skate 620. Mid-speed wheels are generally the best bet, no matter the ski!
If a rollerski isn't listed here, doesn't mean it's not necessarily a good ski, rather for our programs, they may not fit with the aims of the work we're doing and we like a certain degree of uniformity as it makes our coaches' lives easier. If you're part of a program, check with your coaches as they may have preferences of their own.
Classic Rollerskis:
Generally our older juniors will get classic rollerskis as well. Classic rollerskis themselves are somewhat less straightforward than skate rollerskis, and the nicer ones are a whole lot nicer. Aluminum ones can feel squirrely and less stable sometimes - but aluminum is cheaper.
Lots of people like the nicer Swenor classic rollerskis, whether the Carbonfibre model (for slightly lighter skiers) or the Fibreglass ones. They feel more like actual classic skiing than aluminum skis because they have a little bit of flex to them. Marwe also makes great classic rollerskis, but like their skate rollerskis, they’re quite pricey.
Boots
Skate boots:
If you use true skate boots in the winter, these will also work for rollerskiing. Combi boots are not great for skate rollerskiing. They tend to be a bit floppy and too flexible, which leads to feet rolling off of skis, which is dangerous.
Classic boots:
Whatever you have will likely work! Combi boots are actually great for classic rollerskiing, as they provide some additional ankle support.
Poles
What you choose to use for rollerskiing is a matter of personal preference. Nice poles are nice, but they also break, and things seem to break more often rollerskiing. You can find many different mid-tier poles online or at a local shop that will be just fine for rollerskiing.
Cork grips are recommended. Rubber grips destroy skin.
You need road ferrules. Again, look online or check with a local shop. Make sure you get the right size. Shop representatives should be able to tell you what you need depending on what you have for poles.
Pole height:
Skate poles should come to the bottom of your nose; classic poles should be 83% of your height with boots on. Either can be a whisker taller, since you stand tall on rollerskis and then may grow a bit by winter, too. In keeping with our “we’re not a full-service ski shop!” theme, we’re not cutting poles for people. This, however, is relatively easy to do at home. It’s also very easy to mess up. Shops are good at doing what they do.
Where to buy:
SkiRack is our closest full-service Nordic shop! We love to send business their way when we can. Their website can be tricky to browse. It’s best to search for a key word, like “Swenor,” and see what comes up, then call/email with questions.
Nordic Skater is a shop in New Hampshire that also has a big online store. They often have really good deals to start with, and will sometimes offer discounts on top of their sale pricing. In addition to what’s available online, they can order additional things from suppliers, so don’t be afraid to ask them about additional things that you may not see online.
Boulder Nordic Sport is supplier who supports our winter events and one good turn deserves another! Drop them a line about their gear. They carry a really big inventory of all things skiing-related, summer and winter.
Rollerski Safety Checks
In general, you’re looking for tight (but not overtight) nuts on the wheel and fork bolts; wheels that have plenty of life in them; wheel bearings that are not overly loud when you spin the wheels; shafts that are totally intact and sound; bindings that are securely screwed into place and close completely; and the absence of rattly binding screws. You should always do a preliminary rollerski gear safety check in the spring or when you get new gear. Even new gear can be wonky and have loose bolts.
DON’T FORGET A HELMET AND HI-VIS CLOTHING! If you are on the road, one must be as visible as possible - cars always win.
Here’s to a well-equipped and safe dryland season! It’s a lot of work, but all pays off with a good (socially distanced and well-masked) group and just wait until next winter with all your hard earned fitness!