An athlete's height is one of the main factors to consider when choosing skis. The ideal length of this sports equipment, as well as ski poles, depends on this parameter.

At the same time, it is important to take into account, what modern models, which are made from new materials, are shorter than those used in previous decades.

Therefore, in that case if you want to buy skis for yourself or your child, you should not focus on numbers that were previously considered generally accepted.

How to choose the right skis and poles for height?

Usually, classic skis must exceed the height of the athlete by 20-30 cm. Skate models much shorter, here the excess is no more than 15 cm.

The ideal ski length for two different skiers of the same height can vary considerably- it depends on the weight, stiffness of the material and riding style.

The higher the weight, the longer and stiffer the skis should be.

Ski types

In order for skiing to be successful, it is important not only to choose the right size skis and poles.

The first step is to decide which skis to choose, what type of this sports equipment you need, and for this you need to know where and how are you going to ride.

For the classic move

Skis for classic skiing- the best choice for those who often go skiing. In the middle part of such models, special notches are made that provide excellent grip on snow.

For skating

These skis are designed to move in skating style. when an athlete walks along a wide snowy road, and the technique of his movement is similar to the movements of a skater.

Skating this way is somewhat more difficult than the classic style.

Mountain

Alpine skis are designed for downhill skiing from the slopes and for skiing. They come in several types, each of which is designed for certain style skating:

  • skis for carving;
  • for freeride;
  • freestyle;
  • ski touring and ski mountaineering.

Cross-country

Cross-country skis are perfect for country walks and easy hikes over short distances.

At the same time, it must be borne in mind that they are intended primarily for moving on already trampled snow, while tourist models are better suited for virgin lands.

For a child

If you want to involve children in skiing, the choice of children's skis and sticks needs to be approached even more carefully.

After all, the child does not have so much strength, and if the model is chosen incorrectly, he will probably not like skating.

Choosing ski boots and bindings

For newbies systems with automatic fastening of boots are well suited. Advanced skiers Prefer to use manual fixing.

First you need to find comfortable shoes, and then choose bindings that fit them. In order not to be mistaken with the size, you need to purchase thermal socks for skiing in advance and measure the shoes already in them.

At the same time, it must be borne in mind that there are boots for classics, boots for skating and combined shoes that will suit both styles of skating.

The choice of skis is not the same simple task as it might seem at first glance.

However, if you arm yourself with knowledge in advance and approach the matter with all seriousness, making the right decision will not be difficult.

Zermatt, St. Moritz and others: for everyone!

With well-chosen skis by type and length your skiing or your children's skiing will be held with maximum comfort and safety and will definitely bring a lot of positive emotions.

How to choose the right skis, boots and bindings is described in the video:

sneakers on my feet, ski poles in hand - this is the Russian response to the popularization of Nordic Walking, literally going at full speed around the world. Nordic or otherwise Nordic walking has recently been an outlandish hobby for our compatriots.

But making sure that the new kind sport is unusually good for health (and, importantly, is available even for those who have a little bit of this very health left), many soon joined the ranks of his followers.

Although just take old ski poles and get on the path of health is not enough. You must have the right sports equipment in your hands, otherwise it will turn out, as in the saying about that stick that has two ends ... Let's figure out how to choose the right sticks for Nordic walking.

Why is the emphasis on sticks

To sticks magically returned health, and not, they are selected individually for themselves and not in the ski row of a sporting goods store. Athletes and lovers of Nordic Walking, interested in the maximum efficiency of such walking, train with special sticks designed for Nordic walking. Support sticks regulate the work of the musculoskeletal system, loading those muscles that need to be developed, and sparing those departments and joints, pressure on which is contraindicated.

The main contingent of "Scandinavian walkers" are people with cardiovascular pathology, suffering from arthrosis, protrusions and hernias of the spine, or who have been injured in the past. Nordic walking for them is a feasible cardio load and the ability to actively move without harming themselves. The same applies to untrained people, whose goal is to increase endurance, activate oxygen transport in the tissues of the body. Therefore, what kind of sticks are in the hands, such is the result.

What are they, Nordic sticks

When choosing sticks, they are guided by three main criteria: material of manufacture, design, size.

Design
Folding (telescopic) Solid (fixed length)
compactness, ease of transportation in a bag, versatility (the ability to adjust to the growth of family members or guests); suitable for athletes who change the load during training, exercising, jogging. reliable and lightweight monolithic rod; convenient for walking close to home; last longer than folding ones. The resilience and springiness of the shaft are the most important quality indicators to choose from.
come across with a poor-quality mechanism; heavier and more expensive than whole ones; service life is lower. inconvenience of transportation, the need to cover.

Aluminum folding poles with an anti-shock system are more resilient compared to their springless counterparts.

Size is a defining characteristic

The main guideline when choosing sticks is their length, which is selected according to the height of a person, but at the same time, taking into account the degree of future activity, the level of training and health status. Definition system right size Scandinavian poles are different than ski poles. The calculation is based on the Nordic constant of 0.68, which is multiplied by a person's height. The result obtained and rounded to the integer is what you need.

According to some coaches, the length of the sticks is obtained more accurately if the value of 0.70 is taken as a constant, and for skiers training in summer time, and at all - 0.72. For the elderly and those with painful joints, a ratio of 0.66 would be ideal.

When choosing, it is best to follow the advice of experienced "walkers" and try on a future purchase.

If the angle in the elbow joint with a vertical stance is 90 degrees, these are your sticks.

But for the weakened category, it is more comfortable if this angle is slightly larger, that is, the sticks will be slightly lower. Sticks that are too high will prevent the body from tilting forward, as required. And too short will cause back pain.

Matching sticks to height is a determining factor for achieving the desired result.

Discomfort, muscle strain and lower back pain are a signal that the selection was made incorrectly.

The optimal length of sticks - to each his own

The ruler of stick lengths in sports stores is a multiple of 5 cm.

In the table, the values ​​are focused on the health group. The fitness program allows an increase in the length of the sticks by 5 cm, and the sports program - by 10 cm.

If you are not sure that a fixed height of monolithic instances will work well, beginners it is better to buy the first telescopic sticks and adjust the size for yourself.

Video: how to choose sticks for Nordic walking

About tips, handles and lanyards

The tip is an important detail. For branded sticks, it is indelible. By changing shoes, you can make walking not only all-weather, but also all-terrain. Hard and sharp iron tip suitable for ice, snow, soft ground and sand. Rubber soft and silent - for asphalt and paving stones. The kit with sticks includes a set of tips, but you can always buy the right one separately.

When choosing sticks for yourself, you need to pay attention to how the grip area is framed.

The handle must be non-slip and durable.

Usually it is made of natural cork or a material comparable in texture to it, most often rubber. Unlike easily worn cork, the substitute is easy to clean and has a longer service life.

A lanyard is attached to the handle. This is a half-glove, popularly called the "trap", which is adjusted to a specific size with the help of belts. There are expensive models with gloves of generally accepted sizes. In any case, it is advisable to measure it to make sure that it does not press on the palm or wrist.

Ski and trekking poles - no

If in winter you can still go with ski poles(assuming the correct length), then in warm time years on hard surface without depreciation is indispensable. Rubber tips from Scandinavian sticks will not work, and the shock load will become unbearable for the spine and joints.

Thick and strong trekking poles are also not suitable for long-distance travel and mountain routes. They are designed for the combined weight of the tourist and the backpack, they are too long, and besides, they are always foldable. Such a stick is devoid of elasticity and will be heavy for Nordic walking.

Who produces and what is produced

Height adjustable

Manufacturer

Aluminium alloy

Carbon

Peculiarities

Price
Our choice:

NordicStep Compact Carbon ,
Finland

 3-section
Folded size, 66 cm
Size 110 cm min - 135 cm max
Handle - Rubber/cork
Weight, 450 gr
Color - Silver/Purple

Russia-China

Non-removable iron tip, rubber nozzle, propylene/cork handle; divisions every 1 cm, weight 480 g, 85 cm folded;

The same + Anti-Shock, 3 sections;

Non-removable metal tip, rubber boot, propylene/cork handle;

Complete set of tips in addition to fixed serrated, cork handle, quick release lanyard, 2 sections, weight 400g.

Finland/Russia

Handle material - rubberized cork, straps in two versions - removable and non-fastened; minimum length 83 cm, weight 330 g;

Fixed pobedite tip + removable rubber tips: sand rings, snow disc, 3 sections, 63 cm folded, weight 450 g.

Pobedite alloy tip, sand and asphalt tips, 2 sections, cork handle, quick-release lanyards for left and right hand, weight 390 g, withstand the load;

Excel Nordic Traine,

Finland

Serrated tip from Pobedit, non-removable lanyard with division into both hands, cork handle, folded 61 cm, weight 410 g,

Leki Smart Traveler Alu,

Germany

heavy duty with anodized surface

Universal tip for any type of surface; ergonomic handle, reflective elements, maximum size 61 cm, weight 400 g;

Fixed height

Manufacturer

Aluminium alloy

Carbon

Peculiarities

Price

Russia

Pobedite tip + replaceable rubber for asphalt and ring for soil; cork handle, non-removable lanyard, weight 260 g.

Finland/Russia/

the Baltics

100% fiberglass;

A set of tips, a quick-release lanyard, rubberized cork handle, weight 340-370 g;

Full set of interchangeable tips, handle - rubberized cork; quick detachable lanyard, 340-370 g;

Finland

Universal serrated tip + rubber nozzle, natural cork handle, non-quick release lanyard, weight 330 g;

(15 layers of carbon)

Advanced systems: quick release lanyard, universal tip, increased comfort.

Video review of telescopic poles CMD Sport with Anti-Shock

The choice of one or another manufacturer is a matter of taste and financial possibilities. Brand copies that have passed the test of time, tested by professional athletes, may seem expensive for a poor Russian. But it is they who, after some time of training sessions, are guaranteed to restore physical fitness.

For all visitors of our portal, the store provides an additional 5% discount using the promo code 1TREN.

The same carbon content of different manufacturers does not mean equal product quality.

Skiing is becoming an increasingly relevant form of recreation, and sometimes a hobby. Before the beginner, the question becomes how it is right, according to their height, they need to be chosen or otherwise. It should be noted that correctly selected equipment is already 50% of success in mastering skiing and skill growth.

When choosing, there are factors to consider.

  • materials;
  • size;
  • peculiarities.

materials

Material is an important selection criterion. On this basis, it is divided into the following categories:

  1. Wooden structures stood at the origins of this sport. From them all subsequent groups went. They are suitable for beginners, due to the fact that they are more "obedient". When choosing, the price will also be interpreted in their favor, since they are cheaper than plastic ones. By nature, wood is stiffer and less manoeuvrable. Their wear resistance is inferior to plastic, due to the fact that they are sensitive to weather conditions. Not recommended for use during snowmelt and for extreme mountain skiing. They also do not slip back in severe frosts.
  2. Plastic models are the new generation. Them specifications more advanced. The main plus is wear resistance. They are unpretentious to weather and humidity. Only in severe frosts slip back. This track is suitable for experts or at least amateurs, but not for beginners. Plastic is more flexible, soft and quirky. Such equipment is suitable for maneuvers, mountain slopes and uneven roads. According to the type of construction, they are divided into a sandwich and a cap. The caps have a foam core. Sandwiches are based on the same wood combined with plastic.

Note: Wooden equipment will be a good choice for the successful development of skating and a smooth transition to running mode.

Rostov

There is no single table for calculating the size of skis regarding the physical characteristics of a person. Everyone has their own physique and features, so an individual fit is needed, but there are general rules to help you make the right choice. It is necessary to consider the pros and cons of different track lengths.

The heavier, taller and more massive the skier, the longer and wider the skis should be. These figures are directly proportional.

If skis are used for normal walking, then, as a rule, they should be 15 cm longer than the height of the owner.

If skis will be used for skiing, then their length should be calculated according to the formula human height + 25-30 cm.

Provides for the choice of ski tracks, which will be 15-20 cm longer than the owner. Notice the increased flexibility.

Having remembered these rules, the table of the ratio of the length of the ski track will always be at hand.

Peculiarities

The main characteristics have been considered, it remains to mention some tricks and nuances.

  1. The selection of ski tracks for a child is as follows: 20 kg = 70 cm. Further, this number grows proportionally. From 40 kg skis are selected according to the same formula as for adults.
  2. You can not build on only the height of the skier, because it is the weight that creates a load on the surface. It also needs to be taken into account.
  3. A beginner runs the risk of not mastering skiing if the equipment is not chosen correctly.
  4. For beginners, it is better to choose a wider canvas for greater stability.

Table of the correct length of skis depending on height and weight

This table shows approximate indicators of the length of skis with a person's weight proportional to his height. If the skier's physique is dense, then 5 cm are added to these figures.

Mounting types

The choice of brand, binding size depends on which skis and ski shoes the athlete uses. It's pointless to dig into this. The choice is made between the types of fastening: automatic or manual.

For beginners, it is better to choose automatic fastening. It's cheaper and easier to use. Beginner skiing does not involve sharp turns and feints, so this mount is perfect.

Professionals and experts are better off choosing a manual mount. It is more reliable, although it is more difficult to attach it.

How long should ski poles be?

No less relevant is the question of ski height. It is believed that ideal sticks should not be higher than the owner's ear, but not lower than the shoulder. Otherwise, the selection of ski poles by height is carried out according to the following table.

Height (cm)Sticks for the classic move (mm)Skating poles (mm)
150 1200 — 1300 1300-1350
155 1250-1300 1350-1400
160 1300-1350 1400-1450
165 1350-1400 1450-1500
170 1400-1450 1500-1550
175 1450-1500 1550-1600
180 1500-1550 1600-1650
185 1550-1600 1650-1700
190 1600-1650 1700-1750
195 1650 1750

Parts selection

When buying skis and poles, you need to consider not only their length, you need to pay attention to other points.

Pens

For beginners, it is advisable to choose lightweight and easy-to-use foam handles.

Lanyards

The best lanyards made of material. Nylon strap and Velcro for attaching to the wrist. That is the recommended choice.

Tips

Tips are divided into three types: small, medium and wide. Those with a wide diameter are considered more versatile.

notches on skis

For beginners and students, it is better to choose notched skis, they are more convenient and practical to use.

Success in the craft of skiing starts with the right choice of tracks and poles. To make riding a pleasure, the choice of equipment must be treated with special care.

To understand how to choose cross-country skiing for a beginner skier, you must first decide what style of skiing you prefer. For the skating style, when, like a skater, they move along a wide prepared track, or the classic style, when the movement is made on a ski track, different skis are made. It is not recommended to buy skating skis, implying the possibility of skating also on the track or vice versa. It will be hard and it is unlikely that such a ride can be enjoyed.

What are notches for?

When you set out to choose cross-country skis for a classic run, remember that there are models with and without notches. If you are a beginner and you do not have the slightest desire to figure out how to properly apply ski wax depending on the temperature of the snow, then choose classic skis notched. If you bought smooth skis without a notch, then be aware that they are used only in conjunction with holding ointment, otherwise they will slip.

When driving on a ski track, the middle part of the ski flexes during repulsion and comes into contact with the surface of the track. Notches are made in such a way that they do not allow the ski to slip back, holding it, but allow it to slide forward almost unhindered. It should be noted that the speed of riding will always be slightly lower than on smooth skis. In difficult conditions, such as above zero temperatures or icy snow, the notches cannot cope with recoil and the skis begin to slip backwards. For these reasons, notched models are not used in skiing, but are very convenient for beginners and inexperienced skiers, as well as for children.

Lubricants for holding and sliding

Ski wax for plastic skis comes in two varieties: gliding and holding.

Ski lubricants are designed to improve gliding properties. They are applied only to the front and back of classic skis, whether they are notched or not. And for ridge skates, the entire sliding surface is lubricated.

The holding ointment is applied only to smooth skis intended for the classic move, and only to their central part (block). Such ski lubricant comes in solid or liquid form and is selected according to the temperature of the snow. Serves the same purpose as the notches - it does not allow you to slip back when pushing off.

It is not necessary to apply grip lubricant to notched skis, but glide lubricant is applied to any ski.

Selection of skis by stiffness

If you want to know how to choose the right skis, remember that the most important thing is to choose the right stiffness. Each ski has a deflection that more than half determines driving performance. The stiffness of a ski is determined by how much force must be applied from above in order to push it through.

One of simple ways the definition of stiffness for the classics is to push the ski with both hands until the sliding surface under the block completely touches the floor. If you can’t push through, then choose with less rigidity. As for skis for skating, when compressed with one hand, the gap should be 1-2 mm. By the way, some models indicate the weight range of the skier for which they are designed.

Beginners and non-professionals are best suited for low and medium hard skis. If classic skis do not push through completely during repulsion, then the stiffness is not chosen correctly.

As for how to choose skis for skating, they are almost twice as stiff as classic ones, and should not be completely pressed through when pushing off. Moreover, they are usually shorter than the classic ones by 15-20 cm.

If you are planning walks on virgin lands, without skiing, then choose special walking or tourist (touring) skis. They are wider than the usual classic ones and on them you will lay your own track anywhere.

Ski length selection

The length of the skis are selected as follows:

  • for classical style add 25-30 cm to your height;
  • for ridge - add 10-15 cm to the height.

The question of how to choose the right skis for height is less important than choosing the stiffness. Generally, the longer the ski, the stiffer it is. Therefore, if the skis chosen for the length are soft, take longer ones.

Choice of ski boots

Before choosing your ski boots, it's a good idea to buy thermal socks for cross-country skiing and wear them when you try on your boots.

Skating boots have a rigid cuff to support the ankle and a rigid sole. For classics, they should not be used, as the sole will not bend enough when pushing off. For a classic style, lower boots with soft soles are designed. In turn, it is not recommended to use them for skating style, because they will not provide the necessary support for the ankle.

Combined boots can be a good choice for amateurs, allowing you to ride both classic style and skating. They feature a mid-soled sole and, on select models, a removable cuff.

When choosing, be sure to consider the comfort of the boot. If possible, choose boots that have a zipper in addition to lacing to keep snow out.

Choosing fasteners

To date, three main types of mounts are produced:

  • NNN (and her a new version NIS),
  • Nordic 75 (the so-called "75 mm", the old standard from the times of the USSR).

The first two are practically the same, and the last one can be ignored at all. The main thing is to choose comfortable boots, and then choose the appropriate bindings and install them on your skis.

Choosing sticks

Now let's figure out how to choose ski poles. They are made in the following types:

  • Carbon fiber. The most expensive. Lightweight and very tough.
  • Fiberglass. The cheapest. Less rigid and less durable. Heavier and easier to bend. Suitable for kids and beginners.
  • Aluminum. Affordable. A good choice for beginners, amateurs, as well as for those who have a lot of weight.
  • Composite fiberglass and carbon fiber. The price and strength will greatly depend on the carbon content.

It is recommended to choose sticks whose hand loops are securely fastened with Velcro. It is not recommended to buy sticks with small support rings (paws). They will fall into the snow, because they are designed for specially prepared tracks.

Ski poles are selected according to the height of the skier. Their length can be calculated with a simple formula:

  • for a classic style, subtract 25-30 cm from your height;
  • for ridge - subtract 15-20 cm from height.

Or you can use the standard selection tables.

In this article, you will learn how to choose cross-country skis and poles for height as a beginner skier, as well as how to choose the right size for ski boots. Below are tables for selecting ski sizes and boot sizes.

Choice of cross-country skis and poles

In order to choose the right cross-country ski length, you need to decide what style you are going to ride - classic (on the ski track) or skating:

  • For a classic move, add to your height 20-25 cm
  • For skating, add to your height 10-15 cm

There are two types:

  • Notched (step): the notch is a ribbed sliding surface of the ski in the binding area. The notch allows the skis not to slip and not to use holding ointments. Perfect for pleasure skiing with classic cross-country skiing.


  • With a smooth sliding surface (wax): these are skis without a system of notches, the sliding surface is smooth, the use of holding ointments is required. Unlike notched skis, these skis are suitable for any style of skiing and are better suited for combined skiing, skating, and sport skiing.

When selecting ski pole lengths also focus on the style of riding:

  • Sticks for the classic move should be about 25 cm smaller than your height. In this case, when you are skiing in boots, the sticks will go into the snow up to their feet, and the handle of the sticks will reach your armpits. It is this length of ski poles that is optimal for classic skiing.
  • For skating, ski poles must be longer - approximately 15 cm less than your height.

Table of selection of cross-country skis and poles by height:

Skate style Growth Classic style
skiing sticks cm skiing sticks
200 175 195 210 165
200 175 190 205 165
200 170 185 205 160
195 165 180 200-205 155
190 160 175 195-200 150
185 155 170 190-195 145
180 150 165 185-190 140
175 145 160 180-185 135
170 140 155 180 130
165 135 150 170 125
160 130 145 170 120
155 125 140 160 115
150 120 135 160 110
145 115 130 150 105
140 110 125 150 100
135 105 120 140 95
130 100 115 140 90
120 95 110 130 85
120 90 105 130 80
110 90 100 120 80

Choice of cross-country ski bindings

The most popular types are:

  • 75 mm (NN75)- classic steel fasteners (three-pin system), familiar to everyone since Soviet times, are still very popular due to their simplicity, reliability and low cost. These mounts are perfect for touring.
  • NNN and SNS - modern systems bindings, differing from each other with guide ledges for boots along the bindings. Such mounts are better suited for more active and sporty riding.

Choice of ski boots

All are made from modern frost-resistant synthetic materials, less often - from genuine leather.

All ski boots are insulated, which allows you to choose boots of your size without a stock and wear them without a woolen sock. We recommend using thermal socks.

The sole of the ski boots is suitable for a specific binding system: 75 mm, NNN or SNS:

  • Boots for bindings 75 mm are available in standard Russian sizes. The size of the boots can be chosen completely according to your foot size.
  • Boots for NNN / SNS bindings are produced in Euro sizes, which are approximately 1.5-2 sizes smaller than Russian ones, i.e. if you wear Russian size 39, then you should take size 41 boots.

Most easy way choose shoe size is to measure with a ruler shoe insole length that you are wearing.If it is not possible to get the insole out of the shoe, then it is necessary to measure the length of the foot. How to do it correctly - see under the table below.

Ski boot size selection table according to insole length:

Insole length, cm Russia size Euro size
19 - 30
19,5 - 31
20 30 -
20,5 31 32
21,5 32 33
22 33 34
22,5 34 35
23 35 36
24 36 37
24,5 37 38
25 - 39
25,5 38 40
26 39 41
26,5 40 -
27 41 42
27,5 - 43
28 42 44
28,5 43 -
29 44 45
29,5 - 46
30 45 47
30,5 46 -
31 47 -

How to measure your foot length correctly:

Stand on a piece of paper so that your heels only lightly touched behind the wall (doors, cabinet sides, etc.). If you press your heel hard against the wall, the measurement will be wrong.

The weight of the body should be transferred to the leg being measured.

Hold a pencil strictly vertical, do not get it under your fingers!

Mark lines near the thumb and second finger, draw a line along the wall. Measure the maximum distance between the marks with a ruler. Measure both feet as size may vary.

Ready ski sets

In our online store you can choose and buy, consisting of cross-country skis, poles, bindings, boots and ski bundles.

We have prepared for you several options on skis from the Russian manufacturer STC (Sports Technology Center). You can choose skis with or without notches. The kit includes 75 mm or NNN / SNS bindings, matching ski boots, some ski kits include additional accessories - a ski bag and a set of ski waxes.

Especially for parents of schoolchildren, we have 2 options for inexpensive Ski set Schoolboy: a simple and budget kit with 75mm mounts and a kit with NNN / SNS mounts. Both ski sets are perfect for PE classes at school, as well as just for ski trips and skiing in winter.