I once observed ski department the torment of one lady. She was going to buy skis for her over-aged daughter, but she couldn’t choose: notched or smooth? I did not undertake to advise, so as not to upset. The fact is that neither one nor the other is absolutely and 100% suitable. If you buy one with a notch, the child will swear that the notch is slowing down; If you buy smooth ones, the skis move apart and “shoot” – it’s impossible to push off.
If a person is seriously engaged in sports section, the problem of choosing skis is unlikely to arise for parents - the coach himself will explain everything. But what if you need skis for walking in the forest? If you just want to teach your child to ski for fun?
Which skis to choose - with or without notches? Pros and cons of knurled skis
Pros: they don’t “shoot”, they roll forward better than backward in any weather. Effective on climbs. You can do without lubrication.
Cons: they slow down on descents and when driving on the plain, which can’t help but irritate. Especially in the first season. At first you want to take a file and grind off the notches. Hold on, be patient. By the next season, the notches will wear out on their own and won’t be as annoying anymore. Tested from my own experience. For those who are especially impatient, it is recommended to use gliding ointments or special paraffin. It helps, although it requires additional time and is removed by rough snow (even multi-layer paraffin is not enough for me for 40 km on old snow).
Pros and cons of skis without notches Pros: faster, sportier. Better adapted to skating.
Cons: you can’t go far without grip ointment, and on old snow, grip ointment doesn’t really help. Require good push with sticks.
So which skis should you choose?
My opinion is this: it is better to start with skis with a notch under the block. Yes, it slows down, yes, it crackles on the descents, but on the climb you will overtake everyone. Yes, not very steep, but it’s better to ski on non-steep skis with notches than to not ski on steep skis for skating. I personally think so
I have two pairs of skis in my arsenal - notched and smooth. I change them depending on the weather. General recommendations are as follows: smooth skis are better on fresh snow. There are usually no problems with pushing (with holding ointment). On fresh wet snow, skis with notches run the risk of not going at all - kilograms of snow stick to the block, what a glide there is, and you won’t be able to step!
On old grainy snow, skis with notches are calmer. Here, holding ointment alone will not do. Amateurs walk on their hands. It's sporty, but hard. Moreover, in a deep forest, where the ski track and its surroundings are not as compacted as in the park, the poles are buried in the snow almost up to the elbows, and an effective push is not possible.
Which skis to choose - with or without notches?
Wooden skis... New skis had to be tarred, and in a good way - tarred every year. You warm the sliding surface over the flame of a gas burner and remove the old ointment with a cloth. You apply a dark, almost black resin. Again, heat it over the flame so that it is absorbed. Resin all over the kitchen. But the smell!.. Ah...
Before each trip to the forest, skis were smeared without fail. Remember? Blue ointment “-5..-7″ on the entire sliding surface, warm purple under the block, and green on the ends of the skis... Each layer is thoroughly rubbed with a cork... And the smell!... Ah...
To ensure that the skis retained their gracefully curved shape, a special spacer or the same lubrication plug was inserted between them. And they put a linen bag on the ends so that scandalous women wouldn’t find fault in transport...
Wooden skis were chosen to be longer than now - to the height of a raised hand, and poles were “carried” on the contrary, shorter - to the armpits.
Now, in the era of slippery and elastic plastic, skis have been shortened, and poles are needed up to the shoulders in order to better push and walk with a skate step if necessary...
Spring... Skis!
Like a real retrograde, I didn’t give up my old wooden skis for a long time, until they cross section did not turn into a regular ellipse... In good frost, I overtook stronger skiers on plastic on my “wood” skis. True, at positive temperatures there was no slip at all, no ointments helped. My ski season ended at the end of February - beginning of March. And the weirdos rode on plastic until mid-April.
And I gave up! Got myself one plastic skis. I ride in the spring, among the waking grass. Snow on the ski track, compacted over the winter, lasts longer. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the wet trees smell like spring. Warm. And I'm skiing. In the city I read mockery on the faces of passers-by. And I understand that these people have not been in the forest at least since the summer... Or never at all...
Material from the site dirigent.ru
Captivated by the idea of taking cross-country skiing through the winter forest or participating in small amateur competitions, people go to a sports store and are overwhelmed by the huge selection of options. Many people are surprised to learn for the first time that there are models that have a smooth running side, and skis with notches on it. A notch is a notch on sliding surface. It’s the 21st century, cross-country skis made of wood are a thing of the past, and only plastic products are on sale.
Notches on wooden products they don’t, so here and below we are talking exclusively about plastic skis with or without notches.
The article will be useful for those who have not yet made a choice. After reading, it will become much easier to decide.
Classification of notched skis
Cross-country skiing(the name speaks for itself) are designed to move on a relatively flat surface only with the efforts of the skier. They differ in skiing style and skill level of the skier.
By riding style
- For a classic move. Length 205-207 cm. The toe is sharp and long. In the classic course, the ski track consists of two parallel straight lines. When moving, the skier pushes back with force from the snow with his foot. The central part under the foot is in contact with the snow, and if these are cross-country skis with notches, then the latter prevent slipping. If the surface is smooth, lubricating the pad under the boot performs the same function.
- For skating. The length is shorter than for the classics - 190-192 cm, the toe is blunt. There are no ski tracks as such, there is a compacted wide snow crust. The leg movements are similar to ice skating, hence the name. Skier pushes off internal part one ski and transfers the weight to the second, sliding at this moment. The central part, where the boot is, under the block should not touch the snow when pushing, otherwise the force of the push is lost. If the skis have notches for skating, the notches are located with inside to the center block. On smooth types, lubricant works again in the same places.
- Combined. Combines both styles. The structure is closer to the classic ones, the length is no more than 200 cm, so that the heels of the skis do not catch during skating. The toe is sharp. Running performance is reduced by combining different styles in one item.
- Tourist running models. Also called BlackCountry. For hiking in virgin lands, outside ski slopes. Wider than regular running shoes. Often edged with metal for greater rigidity. They belong to the expensive category.
By skill level
- For beginners. The most popular category. For a leisurely weekend ski trip, health activities on a prepared and groomed ski track. Can be for all riding styles. They are distinguished by an increased width - 47-59 mm in the central part, increased weight - 1.4-1.7 kg, and the use of less expensive materials, since there are no speed requirements.
- Average level. At this level there are amateurs who have skied actively for 1-2 seasons and acquired skiing skills at a basic level. The skis are narrower compared to the initial ones. 44-48 mm - width of the central part. At this level, models with notches and for a combined style are much less common.
- Expert level. You won't find a combined option here. These models are for serious amateurs and as training models for athletes. Weight 1.1-1.3 kg and high rigidity. You won't find notches on skis at this level.
- For athletes. The most expensive products from the entire line. Weight 0.9-1.1 kg. They are characterized by high rigidity. They are often made individually for the athlete, taking into account all personal characteristics. Material: high quality plastic. Different structures for different weather conditions and types of track.
Features of cross-country skis with notches
If skiing is limited to walking fresh air or physical education, it is better to make a choice in favor of the option with notches. Let's take a closer look. In those places where pushing forces occur, special notches are made in the plastic - notches. What are notches on skis for?
They prevent the ski from sliding when pushing off. Riding in walking mode is comfortable, enjoyable, and reduces the risk of injury. The notch technology is also called “no wax”, that is, “without lubrication”. The name speaks for itself; skis with notches do not require special care and do not need to be lubricated. Literally unsheathed, dressed and went. It makes sense to take combined skis so that you can skate if you wish.
Types of plastic for sliding surfaces
Plastic for the sliding surface can be low-molecular and high-molecular. There is no point in delving into the chemical composition; suffice it to say that low molecular weight plastic is cheaper, it cannot be processed mechanically by scraping, it crumbles. Paraffins and lubricants are poorly absorbed and wear off quickly.
High molecular weight plastic is much higher quality and more expensive. It can be polished and scraped with a sharp scraper. Excellent absorption of paraffins and ski waxes, due to which the lubricant lasts throughout the entire period of skating, training or competition.
Which skis to choose - with or without notches?
The main conditions for selection are the purpose of using the skis. Having understood it, the answer will become clear - choose skis with and without notches.
If you are going to enjoy skiing outdoors on the weekend, you don’t want to bother with lubricant, and there is no goal of winning competitions - it’s better to choose skis with notches. Relaxed riding, comfort and pleasure are guaranteed. Depending on the price range, skis can be made of low molecular weight plastic and high molecular weight plastic. Their price varies from 1,500 to 6,000 rubles on average.
If the goal is to achieve sports result, active training, increasing speed, it is worth choosing professional smooth skis made of high molecular weight plastic for the desired style. The price will depend on many components. The cheapest - from 6,000 rubles, the most expensive, for individual orders, can cost several thousand dollars.
You have reached the questions and answers page following the article. “How to wax cross-country skiing for a beginner”? It so happened that after reading this article, our readers began to ask me a variety of questions not only about lubrication, but also about skis, ski poles. I try to answer all these questions within my competence. In my search for an answer, sometimes I call the best experts in the country in their field and they help me give you the right answer. If, after reading this article and all the answers, you still have questions, please write to me.skisport@mail. ru, I will definitely answer them.
Editor-in-Chief magazine "Skiing"
Master of Sports of the USSR in cross-country skiing
And now, in fact, the letter itself from our reader.
Ivan, good afternoon!
I can't find the answer to my question anywhere. Maybe you can help me. I'm not a professional skier. I never smeared my skis with anything, but everything suited me. I bought new plastic skis from Marpetti. Russian production with notches. I bought them in St. Petersburg at Lenta, i.e. not at a specialty sporting goods store. They cost 3,000 rubles all winter; however, I bought them on sale for 1,600 rubles. They are with good ones NNN mounts. And, oh horror, they don’t go! I have never experienced such feelings before. Whether on soft snow or ice, you drive as if you were walking on sand, or as if some kind of grass was stuck and in the way. I removed some visible irregularities with sandpaper, but it didn’t help at all. The skis, of course, are not branded, but still not cheap. It's a shame to throw them away. I don’t understand what else I can do... Maybe you can help me with some advice?
Sincerely, Natalya Sinitsyna
* * *
Okay, let's talk about skiing.
In order to answer you, Natalya, I contacted a representative of the Kant company (this company is the manufacturer of Marpetti skis) Artem Yarovikov. This is what he told me:
The skis that Natalya is talking about belong to the cheapest segment of cross-country skis - they use the cheapest plastic for the sliding surface, they have the simplest design. These skis are designed for very leisurely walks, almost on foot, through the forest, that is, you don’t need to expect any good glide from these skis. Plus - these skis have notches, and skis with notches always glide worse than skis without notches. Plus, you need to understand that these skis are made at the Russian STC factory, and this factory is famous for its commitment to very aggressive, “toothy” notches. That is, STC’s ideology is this: skis with notches, in order not to disappoint their owner, must cling to any snow surface. The downside of this property is that such skis glide much worse than similar skis without notches.
And now, after Artyom’s explanations, let me tell you some simple things about skiing in general - understanding a few basic theses will greatly simplify your understanding of the situation as a whole.
Skis with knurling
You need to understand that notched skis are a child of compromise. A huge advantage of these skis is that they do not need to be oiled: in any weather, you can just take them and go. This circumstance is very captivating large number people. The other side of this coin is the fact that such skis ALWAYS ride worse than non-notched skis. That is, before buying skis, you need to try to answer the question of what is more important to you: leisurely skiing (walking) without “headaches,” that is, without lubrication, or faster, more comfortable skiing, inevitably associated with “ headache” in the form of the need to smear them every time before a walk.
Two types of plastic sliding surface
All manufacturers use two types of plastic for the sliding surface: high molecular weight and low molecular weight. In fact, there are many more of these types and differences, but I won’t immerse you in all the details now, just let’s remember: expensive and high-quality plastic (high molecular weight) provides better glide compared to cheap (low molecular weight). Accordingly, high-molecular plastic can be processed - scraped, paraffinized, polished, but low-molecular plastic is useless to process, and in some cases is even contraindicated: for example, when scraping skis with a sharp scraper, high-molecular plastic produces beautiful chips in rings, and low-molecular plastic is chipped (torn out) in pieces.
Two main classes of skis
All cross-country skis are divided, by and large, into two large classes: recreational and sports. In fact, there are many more of these classes and divisions, but again I am deliberately simplifying the situation. Walking skis 90% are made from simple materials, use cheap (low molecular weight) plastic, and they cost in the range from 1,000 to 6,000 rubles per pair. Sports skis, as a rule, use expensive (high molecular weight) plastic and have a more expensive design. Price sport skis falls within the range from 5,000 to 15,000 rubles per pair.
Border zone
You should keep in mind that the most expensive (top) models of recreational skis are sometimes equipped with high molecular weight plastic. Such skis usually cost the most in their class - 5,000 - 6,000 rubles. Please note that for the same money you can buy sports skis entry level– they also cost exactly the same 5,000 - 6,000 rubles. Why, in this case, buy a top model of recreational skis, if for the same money you can buy an entry-level model of sports skis? The fact is that recreational skis have a slightly different design and ideology compared to sports skis. Walking skis, as a rule, are stronger, wider, but also heavier than sports skis. Therefore, in this “borderline” zone, for 5,000 – 6,000 rubles you can buy skis with high-quality high-molecular plastic, both recreational skis (stronger, more durable, tenacious, but also heavier) and entry-level sports skis (lighter, narrower , high-speed, but also less tenacious).
What to choose?
I’ll repeat once again: if you don’t need “ headache» in the form of the need to lubricate your skis, buy skis with notches, but remember - such skis will ALWAYS roll worse than skis without notches. At the same time, you need to understand that specifically in Russia, close to 100% of skis in the cheapest segment (regardless of the name - there are about three dozen of them) are made at the STC factory, and at this factory, as we now know from the words of a representative of Kant » Artyom Yarovikov, they make a particularly “evil”, especially aggressive notch. This means that such skis hold better, but roll even worse.
If gliding and the pleasure of skiing are important to you, come to terms with the idea that you will need to wax your skis under the block (in the middle part of the ski, under the boot) every time. In addition, try to allocate not 1,000 - 2,000, but at least 5,000 - 6,000 rubles in your budget for the purchase of skis. In the store, when purchasing, ask the seller what kind of plastic - expensive or cheap - is on this particular model of skis that you are going to buy.
And finally, remember that you can always buy skis significantly cheaper than the starting price in the spring, at sales in the store. Another good option is to buy used sports skis. For example, here, on this site, in the forums in the flea market. Many competitive skiers sell their skis in the spring for 20% - 30% - 40% of their starting price, don't miss this opportunity.
And - specifically Natalya
What should you do, Natalya, with your Marpetti skis? You write that these skis, together with bindings, cost 3,000 rubles in the store in winter. You need to understand that at this price the skis themselves cost about 2,000 rubles, and the bindings cost about 1,000. But at the same time you write that you bought them in the spring at a sale for 1,600 rubles. Essentially, you bought good bindings for 1,000 rubles and not very good skis of the cheapest, entry-level level for 600 rubles. Agree, this amount can be donated. You can buy yourself new or used skis, taking into account the recommendations I have outlined, and install your bindings on the new skis in the workshop at the store - it should work out quite inexpensively. Now, in the spring, just good point in order to make such an “upgrade”. Because, believe me, it is impossible to force this particular couple of yours to go, Natalya. You can, of course, try using “lazy” gliding ointments (see. my answer #4), but I don’t think it will help your skis much. So my advice to you is to get rid of them and don’t regret anything.
Not champions, but they cover 35-40 kilometers a day - on notched skis
Every time a new season begins, a beginner skier is faced with the burden of choosing: which skis to buy - smooth skis or notched skis.
And he starts looking for advice. Naturally, in ski world Recommendations from the coolest skiers are valued. The verdict of the ski race winners is harsh - only smooth skis.
What kind of skis are notched? This, they say, is for housewives to indulge on the ski track.
I want to vigorously advocate for knurled skis when it comes to ski touring.
According to ski champions, notched skis are only to blame for the fact that they have notches and, by definition, cannot glide as quickly as smooth skis.
Since 2005, I regularly go on weekend ski trips with Ryzhavsky’s group, and in 2011 I ran the “100 km in one day” ski ultramarathon with Safronov’s group.
During this time, more than 3000 km were covered on skis. Moreover, unlike many critics of smooth skis, I am not a “champion”, but an ordinary skier who has tried both smooth skis and notched skis quite well.
Yes, indeed, in the temperature range: minus 2 – minus 15 degrees, smooth skis fundamentally glide better than notched skis.
At near-zero and positive temperatures, skis with notches glide better than smooth skis.
And at temperatures below minus 15 and especially below minus 20, both types of skis glide equally poorly.
However, from the experience of hikes, where the majority of skiers are of approximately average level, in almost every hike at any temperature out of about 40 participants, there were always skiers whose skis gave up severely due to the fact that they did not put the ointment under the block correctly.
A good return during a long climb up the slope of a hill near Moscow can be so exhausting that it will ruin the pleasure of the entire ski trip.
If, on the contrary, out of anger you apply ointments against recoil, the skis will not move at all.
It’s interesting to watch beginner smooth ski lovers on the train before a ski trip. Looking around anxiously, they are looking for advice from experienced people on what ointment to use this time. Experienced skiers always have a set of ointments in their backpack, and when they make a mistake, which happens quite often, they get smeared already on the ski track.
The owners of notched skis on the train are as calm as elephants. They don’t care, because they know that they will go, albeit not so fast, in any weather. And there is practically no recoil on skis with notches. If ointment is used, it is always the same liquid ski ointment with a notch. Easily climbing up the slopes, they enjoy the beauty of winter nature.
Smooth skis glide really well, and not only forward, but also backward, left and right. Therefore, the sensations of a beginner skier on smooth skis coincide with those experienced by a cow on ice.
The art of smooth skiing requires a lot of practice until a sense of balance is developed.
On knurled skis, the skiing technique is very similar to walking, with a confident push and a sense of grip on the ground. I personally know many examples when beginner and intermediate skiers switched from smooth skis to skis with grooves, experienced a feeling of extreme relief, and, paradoxically, showed a noticeable increase in speed at any temperature. Their general opinion can be summed up that on notched skis they began to feel like people and enjoy ski trips.
Based on my personal experience If you are an average skier, I can confirm that in terms of speed/effort and fatigue ratio, notched skis in most cases have a huge advantage over smooth skis.
The motto of notched skis is: slower, but more reliable. As they say, the quieter you go, the further you will go.
At near-zero temperatures, miracles generally happen. While smooth skis do not roll at all due to strong sticking, skis with notches begin to glide surprisingly well. An intermediate skier on notched skis can easily outperform a seasoned smooth ski expert in these conditions.
During the debate about which skis are better, the issue of skiing technique is completely overlooked.
Based on my experience, I can responsibly declare that in terms of skiing technique, smooth skis differ from skis with notches in approximately the same way as skis and skates differ.
When an experienced skier is trained in the technique of skiing on smooth skis, then trying to ride “this washboard” that cracks under his feet makes him feel disgusted and shuddering.
This explains the persistent negative opinion of ski masters regarding notched skis and their stubborn reluctance to use notched skis where they have an undeniable advantage, for example, at near-zero and positive temperatures.
During my preparation, I fundamentally used the technique of skiing with notches until I had the feeling of fluttering my skis like a butterfly with its wings.
My attempt to switch to smooth skis ended in acute pain in my knee joint due to a completely different character muscle tension and a feeling of fear of smooth skis.
Therefore, I consider the common advice to beginner skiers: first ski with notches, and then switch to smooth skis, to be fundamentally wrong.
You need to immediately decide what you need: race ahead among the leaders or be content with a consistently average level of skiing.
If you set your sights on becoming a champion, then immediately master smooth skis with their intricacies of applying ointments and paraffins.
If the training effect for health and pleasure from long ski trips is enough for you and you don’t want to bother yourself with the art of preparing your skis every time, then feel free to choose skis with notches.
Modern knurled skis are very easy to choose. There is no need for any correlations with height or push tests. It is enough to know your weight to choose your knurled skis from the offered weight ranges.
What to do if skis with notches do not glide - tips for beginners. The notches on the skis are made to make the ride easier. Why doesn't this always happen?
Most beginner skiers buy just such skis for themselves, although many subsequently change them to others. The reason for this is that skis with notches, as a rule, are recreational, not sport, are cheaper and do not require special care and lubrication.
Notches in the middle part of the skis are made for better grip on snow. They prevent the ski surface from slipping back and make walking easier, especially when climbing. If a skier is attracted to healthy recreational walking, then this is the best option for starting sports.
Why don't skis glide?
Skis with notches, as a rule, are not lubricated at all. They belong to the lower price category and are usually made of inexpensive (low molecular weight) plastic. Such plastic glides well on snow without any lubrication, but, of course, much worse than the high-molecular plastic of cross-country skis with properly selected lubricant.
Although for beginner skiers, a slight reduction in speed may even be useful, especially on the slopes, since with insufficient experience the speed becomes dangerous.
Poor gliding of skis with notches is most often caused by snow sticking to the notches themselves, especially if the snow is wet. Walking on such skis can also become uncomfortable if an ice crust forms on the snow. In this case, the notches simply stop working, and low-quality plastic begins to crumble from micro-impacts.
What to do to improve gliding
If the reason for poor gliding is snow accumulation, then it is still useful to lubricate the skis. It is not necessary to select a lubricant based on temperature, as for cross-country skiing. Simply use paraffin.
Most often, it is enough to rub the notches themselves on the middle part of the skis with paraffin. Paraffin will prevent snow from sticking and make sliding easier. If this method does not help, you should rub the entire surface of the skis with paraffin, starting from the top.
Pay attention!
Skis must be completely dry before treatment. You should thoroughly grind the paraffin, remove its excess and polish the surface as much as possible using a cork or piece of wood wrapped in a cloth.
It must be taken into account, however, that at very low temperatures paraffin can change the dynamics of ski movement, as the surfaces become too slippery. On such days, it is better to apply it only to the notches or not to apply it at all.
