Cross-country ski selection table by weight. How to choose cross-country skis

The onset of the cold season does not mean at all that you need to hide at home under cozy bedspreads, as winter provides a lot of opportunities for outdoor activities. And it is precisely this kind of rest that should accompany your leisure time in order to keep you in good physical shape and help improve your health. Skiing is a full-fledged workout of all major muscle groups with maximum performance, and even in the fresh air. For example, you can go skiing, familiar to us from childhood. Despite the fact that in recent years more and more fans of alpine skiing have begun to appear, there are also lovers of more relaxed cross-country skiing. However, before choosing skis for skating, you need to decide what types of these products are in general.

Main varieties

Cross-country skiing according to its purpose is usually divided into two main types: for classic and skating. In the classic style of skiing, the skier moves the skis parallel to each other, and in skating, the athlete steps in the same way as skaters walk, that is, he uses the inside of the ski to push off the snow. That is why it is worth knowing how to choose skis for skating, so that when you visit an online store or a regular sports equipment store, you will be guided by your needs.

Production material

If we talk about what these products can be made of, then there are only two options - plastic and different types of wood. The former have a whole range of advantages over the latter, as they are characterized by strength, durability and the ability to develop significant speeds. They do not delaminate, which cannot be said about wooden ones, which are prone to changing their properties as a result of repeated contacts with water. However, the main advantage of wooden skis is their cost, which makes them an excellent option for beginners who are just starting to take their first hard steps in the snow.

Skating ski parameters

Knowing the basic parameters will help answer the question of how to choose skis for skating. What to choose, in the end, will depend on their rigidity and length. The selection process should be as thorough as possible, since the convenience of the skier depends on this, but the personal preferences of the athletes also play a significant role in this situation. It is important to understand that skis are intended for skating, which are shorter and more rigid compared to the classics, but here it should be remembered that hard skis are much more difficult to manage. If you answer the question of how to choose skis for skating by height, then it must be borne in mind that their length should be 10 cm more than the athlete’s height.

Subtleties of choice

Skis for skating differ from classic models in the absence of curved noses, and their height, as already mentioned, should be only 10 cm more than the skier's height. When buying this option, it is very important to choose the right stiffness. Ideally, it should be calculated as follows: skis must be installed on a flat surface, after which a person stands on them, evenly distributing their weight on both skis. Next, you need to take a probe, it can even be a sheet of paper to measure the clearance zone between the floor and the ski in front and behind in relation to the boot. It should be approximately 35-40 and 10-15 cm, respectively. After the skier transfers the entire body weight to one ski, the clearance zone should become 10 cm smaller and less in the back and front, while the gap should end earlier than the heel of the boot is located.

However, not every store will allow you to do such a check, so you can use another method. If you are deciding how to choose skis for skating, then there is another option for checking them. It is required to install the skis vertically, fold them to each other with sliding surfaces, put your hands on the blocks, and then squeeze them with force. If the gap between the skis is about 3-4 mm, then they are quite suitable for you, and with a gap of 1-2 mm, we can conclude that they are too soft for you.

So, now you understand how to choose skis for skating in terms of stiffness. Now it is worth saying that it is not recommended to buy these products in a hypermarket. It would be best to go to a sports store, where you can, with the help of a consultant, choose the most suitable option for yourself. Usually, such specialists are well versed in how to choose skis for skating. Fisher is a popular brand to look out for as it produces high quality products at a reasonable price. Each manufacturer has its own line for each category of skis, with different features and prices. In this case, the choice of one or another option depends primarily on how much you are willing to spend.

ski boots

If we talk about how to choose skis for skating, then one of the important attributes in this case are ski boots. They should be rigid, high, fix the ankle. For these purposes, it is completely inappropriate to use classic boots, since they are low, and the legs in them will get tired very quickly during such skating. As a result, you will not get any pleasure. The size should correspond to the size of the foot, while there is no need to leave a margin for woolen socks. Modern boots are characterized by density, softness, and their thermal parameters are designed for use with one toe, but rather dense.

The right choice of boots is an additional answer to the question of how to choose skis for skating. Much distinguishes them from the classics, so in the store you should once discard all unsuitable options. Boots may well become the most expensive part of the “skis - bindings - boots - poles” set, but you should not save on them, because poles and skis can be changed next season, and boots will last you another 10-15 years, no less.

ski poles

There is one general principle here: the lighter the sticks, the better. The same principle applies to skis and boots. Lighter sticks are made from carbon fiber or carbon fiber, but they are quite expensive, so it is recommended to take fiberglass products. They are characterized by rigidity, lightness and relative cheapness. If we talk about how to choose skis for skating by height, then it is important to know that poles should also be selected according to height. On average, their length should be 15-20 cm less than the height of the athlete himself. But even here it is possible that the skier will select sticks according to his own criteria, because it is convenient for everyone to use them in different ways.

Ski waxing

If it has already been said about how to choose skis for skating, now it is necessary to decide on the preparation of skis for operation, and this is impossible without their lubrication. In professional circles, at least ten layers of different lubricants and accelerator powders are applied to the sliding surface using a special iron, scrapers and brushes. Skating enthusiasts do not need to resort to such tricks, but they cannot completely abandon the use of lubricant. It's all about the composition of the sliding surface of the skis, because it consists of high molecular weight polyethylene, and it begins to gradually wear out from constant contact with snow. If you do not lubricate the skis, then this surface will gradually turn into completely unsuitable for skiing, which will require you to carry the skis to a professional for the scraping operation. After every 2-3 rides, it is recommended to rub the skis with special purpose paraffin, and then rub it with a stiff brush. Manufacturers have taken care of the laziest as well, for these purposes they produce aerosols that must be used before each ride.

skating

If your decision to learn how to ski is pretty solid, then you should first decide what style of skiing you will use. In accordance with this, you also need to purchase skis. Not so long ago, people began to skate - in the eighties of the twentieth century. The ancestor of this style is considered Gunde Svan - the legendary skier from Sweden, who became the Olympic champion four times.

The peculiarity of this type of skiing is that the athlete is repelled from the track by the inside of the ski. At the same time, the route should have a large width, and also be well-packed. The advent of skating style has led to a change in the familiar look of traditional classic cross-country skiing. In addition to the fact that these are shorter skis with blunt noses, these are also products with a center of gravity shifted by 25 cm. In this case, in order to answer the question of how to choose skis for skating by weight and height, you need to understand that not only the type of snow is important here, but also your personal preferences.

If you just love Sunday skiing in the snow, then your best bet is to opt for models of medium and low hardness. Very rigid products have quite significant drawbacks - they spring and slip at the moment of push. But here it is important to understand that their rigidity is proportional to their own weight - the larger this indicator, the greater the rigidity should be. For children, only soft skis should be selected. With their help, the process of mastering skiing will be much easier. Buying skis "for growth" is the most significant mistake of parents. This is with regard to the question of how to choose skis for skating by weight.

The length is selected according to the formula already indicated earlier: height plus 10-15 cm. For sticks, the formula is a bit similar - height minus 20 cm. How to choose shoes has already been said earlier.

Mounts

Another important point that concerns the question of how to choose skis for skating. It is associated with the choice of mounts for them. For amateur skiers, experts usually recommend stopping at NORDIK 75 bindings. In general, these devices can be mechanical or automatic. The first option involves manual latching, and their reliability is quite high. Automatic bindings have a peculiarity in that they work after the boot bracket is placed in the groove. This type for amateurs will be the best choice.

Fisher skis

How to choose skis for skating "Fischer"? There is something to say here. Why do people prefer this particular brand? These are high quality skis with excellent performance. The main advantage of Fischer skating skis is their highest strength and a special hollow core, which makes the body as light as possible. In addition, many models are produced using advanced technologies, for example, in the carrier material there are special carbon fibers that take on the task of providing maximum flexibility with extreme strength. Perfect skating comfort is ensured by the use of a patented profile. Reducing the mass of skis became possible due to the use of a holey toe.

Another advantage of these products is the maximum removal of reference points. This allows the athlete to gain the maximum stability that can be required in biathlon training and competition. We continue to figure out how to choose skis for skating. Reviews of the products of this brand speak of their wide temperature range. For example, in their lineup there are representatives focused on riding on dirty snow or during a thaw. However, practice shows that they are well suited for training in cold weather, and you don’t even need to use any special lubricants. This versatility is quite captivating.

The only disadvantages of Fisher skis are their high cost, which is beyond the reach of most domestic consumers. For professional products, the price is 30 thousand rubles or more, which is quite expensive for amateurs. But the brand also presents standard modifications that have good characteristics.

conclusions

Now you understand how to choose skis for skating. Photos of these products and pictures of skiers demonstrate that this is a very important task, because they not only provide the convenience of skiing, but also the safety of the athlete. It is not necessary to immediately buy these products for yourself, you can limit yourself to renting skis. This will allow you to feel in practice which option will be most convenient for you. And if you don’t have such an opportunity, then all the indicated recommendations should be useful to you. Good luck with your choice and happy riding!

Skis are a universal type of equipment for sports, suitable for both extreme sportsmen who prefer steep slopes and lovers of quiet walks in the park. Sports equipment stores offer a huge range of models for different purposes. This article will tell you how to choose skis according to height and weight, not to get confused when choosing a cherished pair and take into account all the criteria - from riding style to the physical parameters of the skier.

In this sport, the following areas are distinguished:

  1. Speed ​​skating on the track (professional sports).
  2. Skiing on prepared slopes (carving).
  3. Trail riding and all of them (universal).
  4. Riding on virgin soil and off-piste (freeride).

For each type of skiing, there is a certain sports equipment, the rules for choosing which must be studied before going to the store.

First, you need to decide on the type of activity. Will it be cross-country running or mountain riding. Sports ammunition for each of the ways of skiing has its own. Basically, these are classic, walking or skating methods.

Secondly, it is necessary to understand the methodology for the correct selection of equipment for such body parameters,.

How to choose skis for height?

When choosing a ski pair, you must remember: the shorter the product, the easier it is to manage. Therefore, it is better for beginners to look at shorter models that can provide maneuverability and easy control. Experienced skiers who love speed can afford a longer pair, especially since it is these models that provide the most glide.

Those who intend to take skiing seriously should pay attention to models and. When buying, you should rely on the following rule: they must be 20-30 centimeters longer than a person’s height; for the ridge method - by 10-15 centimeters; for walking - 15-20 centimeters. Walking or combined options are the most popular.

How to choose a grower?

Rostovka is the length of the product. For clarity, when choosing a pair for yourself, it is convenient to use a special table to determine the size and ski equipment. It is advisable to print this table for determining the length by height and take it with you to the sports equipment store. In the case when the weight of the skier exceeds the norm for his height, it is necessary to add an additional 2 or 3 centimeters to the length.

Important! The universal rule when buying a pair of skis is to subtract 10 centimeters from your height.

So you can choose a product in a sports store that is suitable for almost all types of skiing, will provide maneuverability, comfort and safety.

Adult length selection table

skatingHeightClassic move
155 150 160
160 155 165
172 160 178
177 165 178
178 170 187
187 175 187
190 180 195
195 185 202
195 190 205
200 195 205
202 200 210
205 205 210
210 210 220
210 215 220

For women, to determine the optimal length of "snowshoes", you need to subtract 10-18 centimeters from the height indicator. With average preparation and optimal conditions, a woman with a height of 170 centimeters will fit a size of 158-160 centimeters.

Available statistics provide relevant figures. Most pairs bought by men are 167-177 centimeters long, for women this figure is 152-158 centimeters.

It is necessary to take into account the fact that for children there are separate conditions for the selection of a ski pair. Do not rush to buy it for. If it is rather small, then it is growing rapidly, and it is better to rent equipment for skiing. It also makes no sense to buy equipment for the sake of one trip to the mountains. If such trips are regular or the child plans to go skiing, the acquisition should be taken very seriously. When buying, you should rely on the physical fitness, height and weight of the child, as well as the type of skiing (or). The main difference between products from adults is their lightness and size.

Inexperienced little skiers should buy models 5-10 centimeters smaller than the growth rate, approximately up to the child's chin. As you gain experience, skis can lengthen by 5-10 centimeters.

How to choose skis by weight?

To buy ski equipment by weight, it is enough to know your weight and be guided by the table below for selecting skis by weight:

Choice of length according to weight

Note! An important factor in the selection of skis is also their rigidity.

There is a direct relationship between the stiffness of skis and the weight of their owner: the heavier it is, the higher the stiffness index of the products should be. To measure the stiffness, you can squeeze the product in your hands or use a flex tester. A flex tester is a device with which, when installing skis on a flat surface or a special board, you can determine their stiffness.

As for determining this indicator in children, it is necessary to focus only on the weight of the child if it weighs less than 40 kilograms:

Weight, kg10-20 20-30 30-40
Rostov, cm70-80 90 100

For skiing, they are selected taking into account the growth of the child and, as a rule, 25-30 centimeters less than him.

How to choose the right skis and poles for height?

Above is given by height and weight. But when buying ski equipment is also very important to do it right. Approximate - shoulder level. The better a skier skis, the longer sticks he can afford. It is also worth remembering the following rules:

  • sticks must strictly correspond to growth, you can not purchase equipment "for growth";
  • support on sticks must be of appropriate size and length.

What else you need to know when choosing a ski pair?

When buying, it is not always possible to limit yourself to such characteristics as the height and weight of a person. A successful acquisition will also depend on the conditions of subsequent skiing. For non-professional use there are:

  1. Carving skis (convenient for maneuvering, entering into a sharp turn on prepared slopes).
  2. Freeride skis (designed for experienced cross-country skiing).
  3. Universal (the most popular due to their wide use on any tracks, regardless of the preparation and physical characteristics of the skier).

Another important parameter to consider when choosing skis is the presence of notches. Notches are applied to prevent strong slipping, in particular sliding backwards. Models with notches do not need lubrication, however, they do not allow to develop high speed and are inconvenient to use on icy surfaces. Notches are convenient when there is no riding experience.

In the absence of notches, the skis must be lubricated with a special agent - grease. This lubrication allows you to increase the speed when sliding and reduce recoil. It must be applied along the entire length, periodically removing and updating the application.

What is the best ski stiffness to choose?

Rigidity is easy to determine by the gap between the block and the floor surface. If the gap is 0.5 millimeters (the thickness of a sheet of paper), these are skis of medium hardness. Such skating. When skating, skis of increased rigidity are preferable. When checking, the gap between the floor and the skis is about 2 millimeters.

Skis of medium hardness are more versatile, that is, they are models for recreation. In any case, it is better to determine the stiffness on flex testers in specialized stores.

How to choose skis for professional skiing?

This information will be of interest not only to professionals, but also to those who, like athletes, want to try their hand at the slalom track. Skis for professional use are regulated by strict rules:

  • ski size (for men - 163-167 centimeters; for women - 154-158 centimeters);
  • size for giant slalom: 182-190 centimeters for men; 175-182 centimeters for women. In this case, you should focus on the preparedness of the skier, his physical parameters and conditions for skiing.

Studying the available range of ski equipment, we can conclude that the majority of manufacturers produce a range of 4 pairs of skis of different lengths. For the highest accuracy, before buying skis, you must calculate the size according to your weight and height. For the highest accuracy, before buying skis, you must calculate the size according to your weight and height. It is preferable to buy a pair of skis for the first time with the help of a specialist or an experienced skier.

  • Boots
  • Mounts
  • Accessories

Welcome!

We are pleased to welcome you to the website of the KARJALA brand, better known as KARELIA - one of the most famous brands of cross-country skis and accessories, which has been helping your family lead an active and healthy lifestyle for more than half a century.

Season 2014-2015 starts with an updated collection. It is safe to say that the brand KARJALA (KARELIA), the most famous brand with a history of more than fifty years, is experiencing its second birth, re-winning the market, the respect and love of consumers.

If you want to buy a GAZelle 4x4 all-wheel drive car at the prices of an official dealer, please contact us.

Quality materials and classic technology take KARJALA cross-country skis to the next level, while a rich history and good reputation testify to the reliability of ski equipment.

In the KARJALA collection of the current season you will find cross-country and children's skis, modern ski bindings KARELIA of the NNN system and classic ski bindings 75 mm, ski boots KARELIA for two types of bindings (NNN and 75 mm), made of leather or moisture- and frost-resistant synthetic material with waterproof polyurethane coating.

We are also pleased to offer you ski poles, bright, warm skiing gloves and reliable KARJALA cross-country ski cases.

Addresses of stores where you can buy KARJALA skis in the "Where to buy" section.
We invite wholesale buyers to cooperation.

News

This article should answer the main questions that arise in a person who decides to buy skis for himself and his family, and who does not have much skiing experience, with the exception of skiing in physical education classes at school.

On the eve of the new winter season, each of us is faced with a choice. Which skis to choose? Having decided on the brand of skis, difficulties begin with the choice of characteristics. Which is better: smooth skis or notched skis? The advantages of both are evaluated by an experienced skier with many years of skiing experience, the author of the article Sergey Strannik.

Cross-country skiing is classified as a cyclic sport. This means that the skier repeatedly repeats the same movements, and his body functions with sufficient oxygen supply, in an aerobic mode. Such a cardio load is the best way to burn calories, train the cardiovascular system, lungs, spine, and also keep yourself in great shape ...

Preparing for the winter season, outdoor activities, many people think about purchasing the appropriate sports accessories for skiing or leisurely walks. What they should be depends on the landscape, and the sizing table will tell you how to choose cross-country skis for height and weight.

According to the characteristics of the methods of movement, they can be divided into:

  • skating;
  • tourist;
  • combined.

Another gradation divides them into groups for:

  • beginners;
  • intermediate level skiers;
  • experienced amateurs-experts;
  • professional athletes.

Each line has its own design features, which somewhat complicates the selection without manufacturer's instructions. Sizes of cross-country skis for height are selected based on the type of skiing and the height of the skier.

Skating

Skating provides speed of movement along a well-rolled track. Skis of this sample are used in competitions by biathletes. A distinctive feature of the shells is the toe, which is almost not bent. Sticks are used to accelerate, the skier's foot movements resemble those used by speed skaters.

Important! Skating skis are shorter than normal skis. To choose cross-country skis for height, you will need to add 5-10 cm to your own height. The resulting result will be equal to the desired projectile length.

In order for the intended load to correspond to the weight of the athlete, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of this model from the manufacturer. A suitable ski should be springy when riding. At the same time, its bend should not bend under the weight of the athlete so that it forms a single plane. The distance between the lower part in the middle and the snow should remain. Despite this feature, paraffin is applied over the entire surface.

classic type

Used for classic skiing. The location of the skis is strictly parallel, regardless of whether the skier is riding on a knurled track or just laying it.

In appearance, products in this category differ:

  • length (up to 207 cm);
  • highly curved toe;
  • less elasticity than skating.

The middle part when skiing should bend and touch the surface of the snow.

The stiffness of the classic cross-country material is lower. Longitudinal notches in the lower part prevent slipping, they help to keep the direction in the absence of a deep packed track.

It is necessary to choose medium hardness, soft ones will slow down by pressing them into the snow with the weight of the athlete. In this situation, neither a properly selected ointment nor the notches provided by the manufacturer will contribute to slip.

Combined view

Universal, more similar in design to running shoes. When choosing to move in both ways, you must consider the length. It should be smaller than the classic ones so that the rear parts do not intersect when skating.

The classic structure of the projectile is explained by the possibility of using it for skating. It is impossible to keep a ski track on skating. The maximum allowable length of the combined ones is 2 m.

Length determination

Cross-country, designed for the classic style of skiing, are traditionally chosen 20-25 cm above the skier himself. The peculiarity of models with notches is that they do not move back when climbing a hill, stopping on a hillock, overcoming a snowdrift. The kit would not be complete without sticks. They help you speed up. The height should reach the chin of the person to whom they are intended.

The optimal length of skate shoes for both a child and an adult is the height of a skier plus 10-15 cm. Combined ones can be 5-10 cm longer than skate shoes. The size of ski equipment is similar to the choice of universal equipment, if it is not intended for balancing on a slope with a springboard. For flip jumps, extreme skiers choose equipment that suits their personal training program and skill level.

Selection of cross-country skis by weight

Regardless of the size, when choosing a model for a novice athlete who does not fully know the technique of skating, you can buy shorter ones. They are easier to manage, but the rigidity of the product must correspond to the weight of the athlete. The children's range features more rounded noses and a softer material that makes it easy to slip and break-resistant.

Attention! The rigidity of the material used in the manufacture, the height of the notch under the boot binding are commensurate with the weight of the athlete. Both stiffer and softer models will make riding difficult due to too much or too little cushioning.

Masters of sports can afford to use soft and hard accessories on different tracks, but for an amateur level of skiing, the manufacturer's recommendations should not be neglected.

Auxiliary table for determining projectile parameters

Options

classics,

universal

skating,

Feature of ski sets: standard poles are short, and skis are long. For a skate, the proportional ratio of the length of the inventory changes.

If the seller did not have a table at hand, then use the scheme for selecting sports equipment based on a person’s height. For skating, the sticks should have a length equal to the height, minus 15-20 cm. The length of the projectile is equal to the height plus 10-15 cm. Classic sticks should end (when placed vertically) between the shoulder and chin. The length of the skis corresponds to the height plus 20-25 cm.

When buying sports equipment, it is always necessary to build on your own physiological characteristics. The length of cross-country skis is selected according to height. Each manufacturer has a developed grid, where an athlete of a certain height will find the recommended length of the goods. If cross-country skis are selected on the basis that the fingertips of the outstretched hand should touch the tips of a vertical ski, then this rule does not apply to skate and combined skis.

For maximum comfort when skiing, it is better to choose skis and poles according to height and weight.

Selection table for skis and poles for classic skiing

Skier weight Ski length Skier Height Stick length
<45 170-175 150 125
45-49 175-180 155 130
50-54 180-184 160 135
55-59 185-189 165 140
60-69 190-195 170 145
70-79 195-200 175 150
79-89 200-205 180 155
90> 205 185 160
90> 205 190 165
90> 210 195 165

For beginner skiers, they are suitable with notches or skins. They are almost maintenance-free and wider for better stability.

For experienced skiers, models with skins, or with a flat sliding surface, are suitable. They are narrower, which allows you to develop high speed, but require care to maintain high-speed qualities.

Selection table for combined skis and poles

In terms of properties, these are something in between classic and skating, and allow you to ski in two ski styles. The sliding surface is even - it has no notches and camus.

Selection table for skis and poles for skating

Models are suitable for beginner skiers, as there is a high probability of breaking skis and poles while improving the technique of movement.

For experienced skiers, models of well-known brands are suitable, which have low weight and high speed qualities.

skating

The skating style of skiing was invented in the early 80s, before that they moved exclusively by the classic course. Skating is the fastest style of cross-country skiing. For skiing, you need a wide, prepared track. More suitable for active people, lovers of speed.

It will take at least one season to master the technique of skating.

It is necessary to prepare the body physically: when skating, all the muscles of the body are involved in the work - the neck, shoulders, arms, abs, back, legs. With every kilometer you walk, your body will get stronger. And most importantly, without strong muscles, it is impossible to learn the correct skating technique, which threatens with injuries. Particular attention should be paid to strengthening the knees and lumbar back. And be sure to stretch all muscle groups before and after training.

Mastering the technique of skating is not an easy task. You need good coordination, a strong back, strong arms and legs. This will give you a good rolling and high speed when riding. For the development of legs, back and coordination, ride without poles. To develop your arms, abs, and back, go cross-country skiing (double poling).

To begin with, it is worth mastering the skating two-step course. Learn how to do a long roll on one ski and how to push with your hands correctly. Gradually move on to a skating, simultaneous one-step move.

Equipment for skating

To get started, buy inexpensive, but high-quality skis and poles. When shopping for boots, focus on comfort, not cost.

When you feel that you lack speed, switch to more expensive skis.

Classic move

The classic move is the very first move that was used for skiing. It is slower than skating and not as difficult to master. For skiing, you only need a ski track, which you can lay yourself in any convenient place near the house. Suitable for calm people for family holidays who want to strengthen the body and immunity.

Recommendations for those who want to ride classic style

Mastering technology

The classic move is mastered almost immediately, it is similar to normal walking. At first, your speed and endurance will be noticeably lower than that of experienced skiers, but over time, if you learn the technique and strengthen your muscles, you can easily cover 10-20 km without stopping at high speed.

Particular attention should be paid to strengthening the legs and the lumbar part of the back, this will help riding the classic move without sticks. And it is imperative that there are no injuries, before and after skiing, stretch your muscles.

Inventory

For maximum comfort when skiing, you need to choose the right classic skis, especially the version with notches. The difficulty is that the classic ski has 2 functions - to roll forward well, and not to roll back when climbing uphill. Each ski size has an individual stiffness that can be checked. Too soft skis will always bend - touching the snow with notches (this reduces speed), and too hard skis will always keep their bend - preventing the notches from catching on the snow (the skis will shoot through when climbing uphill).

If you are a beginner skier and ski rarely, buy inexpensive high-quality skis. If you are an experienced skier and like to ski often, buy more expensive and high-quality skis from well-known brands. It is better to buy boots in which you are comfortable, regardless of the price.