SNS Pilot System
Ski bindings SNS Pilot, promoted by Salomon, presents the skier with a rather interesting two-point connection system between the boot and the binding. In front there is a regular cross bar (2), in the back there is a bracket with a spring (1). There is one central protrusion along the mount.
This approach eliminates lateral vibrations of the boot relative to the ski, thereby increasing stability and stability.
NNN system
The NNN ski binding system developed by Rotefella uses a single point connection between the binding and the boot, and uses a double rubber flexor. Along the binding there are two thin guides to ensure lateral stability of the boot.
The use of a special NIS platform for connecting the binding and the ski allows you to quickly and easily install the bindings and, if necessary, slightly move them depending on the technical characteristics of a particular skier.
Comparison of SNS Pilot and NNN mounts
Lateral stability
Despite the differences in ways to ensure lateral stability of the boot relative to the ski, I did not notice a significant difference. Despite the more rigid fixation in the SNS Pilot system, the feeling of skating with NNN bindings (the Rotefella SSR Skate model was used) does not allow us to talk about a decrease in lateral stability.
Push force
Speaking about the force of the push, we should talk about the length of the lever. The SNS Pilot bindings are attached to the ski using regular screws, and the platform height is a couple of millimeters. This way the boot is minimally raised above the ski.
The Rotefella NNN mount is installed on the NIS platform; in addition, the height of the mount platform itself is significantly higher than that of the SNS Pilot.
Thus, the “higher” Rotefella mount provides a stronger push, since the higher mount actually increases the length of the leg, and therefore the leverage.
Sustainability
The higher mount of Rotefella's NNN system raises the boot's center of gravity above the ski. Due to this, the skier's stability is slightly reduced compared to the SNS Pilot system, where the center of gravity is located as low as possible.
Choosing boots
Now NNN system bindings are actively promoted by ski manufacturers by installing the NIS platform on most ski models. Therefore, the choice of boots for NNN bindings is significantly more extensive. Top brands such as Fischer, Alpina, Madshus, Rossignol offer customers models of different professional level for every taste and budget.
As for the SNS Pilot mounts, the choice of a professional may be virtually the only one - ski boots Salomon
Which mounts are better - SNS Pilot or NNN? How to choose?
Of course, the choice of mounts is a matter of taste. I, who finished competing in professional competitions a long time ago, did not notice a fundamental difference in the use of ski bindings of one or another system. All the differences are in the details.
Therefore, I would advise choosing a ski binding system based on the selection of comfortable boots. It is unlikely that one or another system will improve results if the athlete leaves after each workout with sore legs.
My choice for at the moment– Alpina ESK Elite Skate Pro ski boots and, as a result, Rotefella SSR Skate bindings of the NNN system.
What to do if your skis do not have an NIS platform installed, and you are stuck with NNN bindings? The problem is solvable – which I wrote about earlier.
See you on the ski slopes next season!
Fastening systems transmit force and determine the direction of skis for any riding style. Therefore, high-quality fastening is no less important than good equipment and sports equipment. Therefore, before purchasing, it is recommended to study the fastenings for ski NNN and SNS, the differences of which can ensure safety and reduce the risk of injury.
Important! The choice depends rather on the preferences and needs of the person. You can finally decide for yourself which option is better only after several years of training, based on different indicators and individual anatomical features.
What is and how does NNN differ from SNS?
Types and models
Both systems exist in various models for both beginners and professional athletes. Therefore, when choosing, it is recommended to rely on specific indicators. Models differ in platform height and flexor rigidity. NNN has 4 levels of severity, SNS has 3 levels.
SNS can be divided into Profil and Pilot models. The Profil system is designed for all types of travel, including mixed travel. They are designated by the corresponding marks - “Classic”, “Combi” and “Skate”. Flexors differ in the level of rigidity.
The Pilot binding is designed for skating. The structure of the device is the main difference. It has a double fastening axis, and instead of the usual rubber flexor, a spring is attached. It is acceptable to use Pilot boots with Profil fasteners, but Profil boots cannot be used with Pilot fasteners.
If we compare the SNS PROFIL EQUIPE and the SNS PILOT EQUIPE, the second model has better geometry and mechanics, it is lighter, and provides more precise ski control. Also on this model the repulsion is more powerful and the rolling is better.
The SNS PILOT CARBON RC and RC2 systems have been improved to reduce weight and improve control and stability.
Tourist subtypes of the system usually fasten automatically. They are used for different riding styles as they are universal. These models have a medium-hard flexor. The main disadvantages are that the system is heavy and freezes at very low temperatures.
NNN is divided into models suitable for different riding styles, including mixed ones. They also have different flexor stiffnesses. At the same time, in the high-level R3 Skate and R4 Skate, specialized in skating, an additional flexor was installed. But it can be removed and adjusted; as a result of such changes, the fastener becomes universal. NNN also has touring models with automatic fastening.
The Xcelerator Junior, which comes in classic skating styles, is suitable for athletes and beginners alike. Exercise is a simple model used by basic and intermediate skiers.
XCELERATOR is a modern device, which is also available in “Skate” and “Classic” versions, used by professionals. The model is lightweight and comfortable. There are also modifications for the ridge version - a specialized XCELERATOR platform SKATE SPACER, which raises the toe. This increases stability and repulsion.
Important! The New Nordic Norm boots fit almost all NNN systems, except for the backcountry model.
By riding style
As mentioned above, the riding style does not depend on the type of fastener, but on the specific model. Moreover, many of them are universal, so they are used for different styles of skating. They depend on the stiffness of the flexors on a particular device. However, HNN systems help to better control the skis when skating.
Brands
There are brands that produce boots adapted to these systems. Ski boots for SNS are produced directly by Salomon, as well as Adidas, Fischer, Alfa. Brands that produce boots for the HHH system are Rossignol, Alpina, Atomic and Karhu.
Material
The fasteners are made from modern materials, however, the important difference lies not in them, but in various details. Namely, in the presence of staples, flexors and lower fasteners. For example, flexors are made of rubber, or a spring is used instead.
For both systems I use high-quality plastic, rubber, and metal parts.
Conclusion
Despite the points by which NNN and SNS can be distinguished, they are equally popular and are used in sports almost equally. Although NNN systems with automatic fastening. As they improve, a person’s desires and abilities are assessed, based on which he chooses the fastening system independently.
Skis today are produced for a variety of purposes - for beginners and experienced athletes, for running or mountains.
Accordingly, models differ in the materials from which they are made, length and width, and necessarily in the types of fastenings.
Since the choice of ski boots depends on the chosen bindings, and sometimes even special design solutions are required in the design of the skis themselves, the issue with them should be resolved first.
Retro style mounts
Considered obsolete but still in use, fastenings known as NN-75. These are the devices that parents of today's athletes are accustomed to calling hard.
They consist of a plate with pins and a clamping bracket. Boots for such fastenings must have appropriate holes in the sole.
Such mounts are very cheap, but are gradually being replaced by other designs.
It is claimed that they do not allow the use of skating (although Soviet non-professional skiers somehow managed to do this). But the fact is that this system leaves the heel unfixed.
Modern fashion - SNS and NNN
The most common types of cross-country ski bindings today are called SNS And NNN. Each of them requires a special type of shoe, and there is no compatibility between them (although it is possible within the same group of bindings).
Both of these systems are distinguished by the presence of unique guides instead of pins (in the first case - one, in the second - two), which securely fix the foot using similar grooves in the sole of the shoes.
Both types of fastening are distinguished by rigidity. It is determined by the indicators of the rubber bands into which the shoe rests when pushing. They can be distinguished by color or numerical markings. Fastenings SNS For skating They are sometimes produced with special springs instead of rubber bands.
System NNN It is distinguished by the location of the fixing spring closer to the foot (almost under the toes), which also facilitates movement with a “skate”.
Both of these types include varieties that fasten automatically and require manual operation. Experienced athletes usually choose SNS with manual fastening (they are more reliable), and beginners - NNN with automatic equipment (they are cheaper). These types of bindings are suitable for any shoe size.
NIS technical innovation
Another type of ski binding for cross-country skis appeared in 2005. His symbol – NIS. The difference here is not in the principle of fixing the boot, but in the approach to the idea of installing the bindings themselves on the skis.
They can be attached without screws, very quickly, and can also be moved along the ski. There is only one problem - only skis that have the appropriate platform already installed at the factory are suitable for this.
In this case, you do not need special shoes - boots with standard soles will do.
If the athlete intends to take only the first steps on skis, he better first purchase equipment in accordance with the recommendations of a professional consultant.
And you don’t need to strive to immediately buy all the most expensive ones - such equipment is intended for professionals, and completely different models and designs are suitable for beginners.
Video on fastenings
Skiing - popular view sport that has captured the hearts of many people. But before you start riding like this, you need to prepare and choose the right equipment, which includes fastenings. When buying fastening systems, many are faced with the problem of choice, because they do not know what is the difference between NNN and SNS ski bindings and which ones to buy. It is impossible to say which is better, since both types have characteristics suitable for certain riding styles.
When choosing ski designs, you need to take into account: the type of track, skiing style, and the experience of the athlete. For example, alpine skiing requires skills that are not suitable for cross-country skiing.
Features and Benefits
NNN ski mounts feature single-point coupling, which simplifies installation and dismantling of the structure. There are also two guides on the sole that provide lateral stability, preventing the boot from sliding to the side. Fasteners, like boots, can be: skate, classic.
NNN structures are installed on the ski platform. To correctly distribute the center of gravity, structures can be placed in any position. This is convenient for adjustments before riding on snow of varying densities.
SNS ski bindings have one flexor guide, which is located in the middle of the sole. The pairing can be one-point or two-point. On Pilot models, the boot is secured in two places. With this method of fastening, the separation of the sole from the platform is minimal, which allows you to better feel and control the skis.
Both systems are: mechanical, automatic. The difference in the designs is that the mechanics are fastened manually, but with the automatic one it is enough to get the groove into the mechanism, which even a child can handle.
Professional athletes use mechanical fasteners, since such structures do not come loose even during intense driving. To fasten the machine, you need to thoroughly clean the sinuses of the structure. Prices for manuals are higher than for automatics.
Differences between NNN and SNS mounts
Based on the structure and characteristics of fastenings, experts and professional athletes distinguish the following differences:
- Lateral Stability - The presence of flexor guides provides sufficient stability for both systems, however, the Pilot models are designed to provide the best fit to the boot. To control the riding process, it is better to buy SNS mounts, but before purchasing, you should consult with a specialist.
- Push - the strength of the push depends on the height of the leg raised during the stroke. NNN systems designed to provide the leg with a free lift off the platform, which increases the force of the push.
- Stability - SNS bindings provide a stronger grip on the boot to the ski, eliminating movement and slippage, giving the skier more stability.
How to choose
Before purchasing sports equipment, it is better to consult with specialists. When purchasing from professional sports stores, for example, Decathlon, you can get the necessary information from the seller, who will help you purchase: winter skis, roller skis. The consultant will give instructions on the operation and repair of fasteners.
What should you base your choice of ski equipment on:
- skiing skills - it is better for beginners and amateurs to choose stable models;
- riding style - will it be just leisure riding or fast running riding;
- a track is, perhaps, a distance without serious obstacles or skiing on mountain slopes;
- Possibility of self-assembly of structures.
In order for sports equipment to last as long as possible, it is recommended to adhere to some recommendations for caring for structures:
- Along with the fasteners, you need to purchase covers for storing equipment that will protect the product from external negative factors and possible damage.
- Before you get on your skis, you need to check that the mounting systems are installed correctly.
- To ensure a strong and correct grip of the mechanisms, the grooves must be cleared of ice and snow. If the structure becomes clogged, the fastener may come loose during fast skiing, causing the skier to fall.
- After skiing, the equipment is cleaned on the snow and dried naturally, retracts into covers.
Before you start skiing, you need to take care of your equipment, because even professional athlete is not insured against injury if he rides with poor binding. It's better to spend more money and purchase a branded product that will be safer.
Published: February 5, 2016.
How to choose cross-country ski boots
When choosing boots for cross-country skiing, you need to decide how often and what style you plan to run. If you plan to go skiing only a few times a season, is it worth spending serious amounts on equipment? And vice versa, if you plan to ski quite often or even play sports, then you need to approach the choice of boots more seriously.
In both cases, you can choose decent and high-quality boots and bindings. In general, the price when choosing boots and bindings plays far from main role. The most important thing is that the sports shoes you choose are comfortable to run in. But you should think about fastenings only after you have already chosen your boots. This is because they are manufactured for a specific type of mount.
Many companies produce boot models specifically designed for men and women, as well as children's models. This diversity is dictated by differences in anatomical structure. Men have much wider feet than women. In addition, women's and children's shoes make them more elegant.
Since the choice of ski boots and bindings for them are interconnected, it is worth learning a little about ski bindings.
What types of ski bindings are there?
For felt boots, ski bindings are soft, made of leather straps. For other shoes, fastenings can be semi-rigid or rigid. The mounts have been like this for a very long time. And today they are no longer used for cross-country skiing. Today no one skis in felt boots.
Today everyone skis in ski boots. But boots are also different. They are made for specific fastenings. What types of them are used today?
Types of ski bindings
There are four types of ski bindings in use today:
- NN 75
Let's take a closer look at each type of fastening.
NN 75 or Nordic Norm 75, where the numbers indicate the width of the mount. This is already a little used type of mount. It is a metal body in the form of a horseshoe with three rods - protrusions. It uses a boot with a sole protruding slightly forward. It is installed on the mounting rods with the protruding part of the sole, in which there are respectively three holes.
Then the front, protruding part of the sole is clamped with a metal bracket and latched with a special latch. A boot with this type of fastening does not fit tightly enough on the ski and may wobble a little. It is not suitable for skating at all. But just some twenty years ago, it was precisely these bindings and boots that everyone rode on.
But progress does not stand still. And a Norwegian company Rottefella improved her creation, and without further ado, she called it NNN, adding another letter to the old name.
NNN or New Nordic Norm. The mount is made in the form of a plate that is attached to the ski. It has two longitudinal guides that secure the boot from lateral movement. On the sole of the boot there are two longitudinal recesses for fastening guides. A transverse rod is mounted in the front part of the sole of the boot, with which it snaps onto the mount.
This way the boot is fixed in the longitudinal direction. And so that it does not dangle on this rod, its front part rests against a special elastic band - a stop. By selecting the rigidity of this elastic band, you can control the rigidity of the entire fastening. Rottefella fasteners are used by such well-known companies as Rossignol, Fischer, Alpina, karhu.
NlS or Nordic lntegrated System appeared in 2005, all in the same company Rottefella. The mount is placed on the skis without the use of screws. However, skis must be specially prepared for this. They must have the NIS platform installed. Otherwise, the fastenings are almost no different from the previous version.
This type of fastening is used by such giants of sports equipment as Rossignol, Alpina and Madshus. Accordingly, the price of such mounts is higher.
SNS or Salomon Nordic System - cross-country ski bindings developed, as the name suggests, by the French company Salomon. The boot is fixed to the ski using one longitudinal guide. The front of the boot is secured with a rubber stop.
The company produces 2 models of fastenings: Pilot And Profile. The first type of fastenings are specialized and are intended only for use during skating. Because of this, they have two guides, and spring stops are used instead of rubber stops. And the Profil model is universal and traditional for the company. Salomon fasteners are used by Adidas, Atomic, Spine, and Salomon itself.
Which cross-country ski bindings are best?
It is impossible to say definitively which ski bindings are better. But let’s try to figure this issue out.
The outdated NN 75 mount, although used less and less, is significantly cheaper than other types. And, despite its shortcomings, it still finds fans. In addition, it is often bought for children. Its price is relatively small, and a growing child will have to change the shoe within a year or two.
The NIS type mount is used mainly by professionals and enthusiastic athletes. This is primarily due to its price. But the benefits are not so obvious. Therefore, the most common mounts are NNN and SNS.
Ski mount NNN and SNS and their differences from each other
Both types of fasteners are similar in shape to each other. There are also few fundamental differences. The main difference is that the SNS type uses one longitudinal guide, while the NNN type has two longitudinal guides. For a skier they are approximately equivalent. Both are used by professional and amateur athletes.
How to choose ski boots by size
In order for boots to fit comfortably on your feet, they must be the correct size. To do this they need to be measured. You need to try them on wearing the socks with which you are supposed to wear them.
If the skier already has some experience, then good. If not, then it’s better to play it safe when choosing socks. Or do you want your feet to get cold? And if not, then you can purchase thermal socks specifically for this case. Grandma's wool socks will also work. In extreme cases, you can wear several pairs of socks.
After the boots are put on, they are laced. If possible, you need to walk around a little here and there. If you are choosing classic shoes, then try standing on your toes, as if pushing with your foot. If you are choosing shoes for skating, then place your foot at an angle, simulating a skating move. If everything is good and your leg is comfortable, then you can buy.
How to choose ski boots depending on your running style
The choice of boots and bindings also depends on whether you plan to skate with skating or classic skating. Different styles have different requirements for boots and bindings. So, for example, for skating, boots are made higher and stiffer. For the classics, shorter and softer. All major sports equipment companies offer boots for both skate and classic.
How to choose cross-country ski boots for skating
For skating, boots are produced higher. This is done in order to fix ankle joint. The skating style of running assumes that during the push the leg is placed at an angle and the ski is on the edge. And in order not to twist the joint and reduce the load on it, it is fixed with a high boot.
A denser sole is used here. The boot itself fits more tightly on the foot. It is manufactured taking into account anatomical structure legs. For skating, you can use boots with both types of bindings: SNS and NNN. In addition, there are combination boots. This is something between classic and skate. And to fix the ankle, they use a removable cuff.
How to choose classic ski boots
Ski boots for classic move, whether a product from Fisher, Salomon, Alpina or another company is slightly shorter than for skating. There is no need to fix the ankle joint here. But, nevertheless, classic boots are manufactured by leading companies, taking into account many of the requirements for skate boots.
The classic boot is slightly lighter than the skate boot. They use a softer sole. Mounts are used by both SNS and NNN. Only if preference is given to the SNS type, a small nuance should be taken into account. Boots with Profil bindings do not fit on Pilot bindings. On the contrary, it is quite suitable. But don't forget that the Pilot is designed for skating only.
How much do ski boots and bindings cost?
Modern ski boots from well-known companies are made from high-quality synthetic materials and from high-quality genuine leather and down. Therefore, they are very light and warm. Accordingly, they cost significantly more than products from less well-known companies.
The price range is very wide. This is understandable. They start from one thousand for simpler boots, to several tens of thousands for a product for professionals. Good ones can be purchased for two to four thousand rubles. Good fastenings also start from a thousand rubles and end in many thousands.
