ronb@tekred.UUCP (Ron Bremer ) (01/16/85)
<> I have recently taken up XC skiing and I would like to get your opinions on what to look for in a good ski, what type of binding, and what type of boot. Also poles. I do mostly touring, very little groomed tails. To start out with, I want waxless skis. Maybe after I become more fanatical I will want to optimize for the snow, but right now I want to take to easy route. Are any brands better than others? Are there brands I should be wary of? Thank you for your help. Ron Bremer ..!tektronix!tekred!ronb
rsg@cbscc.UUCP (Bob Garmise) (01/18/85)
>I have recently taken up XC skiing and I would like to get your >opinions on what to look for in a good ski, what type of binding, >and what type of boot. Also poles. Skis: I own waxless and waxable. I prefer waxable if the weather is fairly constant. Waxless is good for starters but typically does not glide well. You may find yourself walking much of the way and not skiing. - Don't get racing xc skis. These are narrower than regular xc skis and are very difficult to control for beginners. - When you stand with both feet on the skis, you should be able to slip a playing card under the ski. It's all in the camber...too much and you glide even on the backstroke...too little and you grip all the time. - Brands are moderately different, but not for the beginner. Fischer, Rossignol, Trak, etc. are all well known, as are others. Look for camber first and color, brand name, etc. next. In other words, don't get an off brand, but brand is not as critical here for beginners as it might be in downhill skiing. - Length is supposed to be perfect if you can curl your upraised hand around the tip. However, if you are very light or very heavy this won't work. Again, camber is the key, not length per se. Bindings: I prefer metal, three prong bindings. I hesitate to buy plastic. Three prong is a standard, but the Adidas system is also popular now. Your choice of shoes may dictate your decision here. Poles: While standing on the skis, they should fit under your armpit. Too long and you cannot get enough leverage to obtain the required push. Too short and you will get a backache from bending over all the time. Shoes: This is the real key. Pay $1,000,000 if you have to to get a comfortable pair. Put on liner socks, a pair of knee socks, and try out shoes. They should feel incredibly great right from the beginning. No break-in period...no "they'll feel better later" lines, no "they'll be ok once you oil them" lines. Simply, they should feel ok right off the bat. I paid $55 back in 1978 which was a lot at the time. Definitely worth the money. Other: Polypropylene long underwear. Polypropylene sock liners. Polypropylene glove liners. And I don't even sell polypropylene. They even sell poly... turtle necks now. Nice warm sweater over your turtle neck and long underwear and a gortex shell over that. Knickers, jeans, or just plain corduroy pants over the long underwear. Knee socks. Gaitors to keep snow out of your shoes. A nifty skiing cap, vasaline for your face, wool mittens (gloves disperse heat more rapidly and are not needed), and you're ready to hit the trail. Don't forget the m&m's, granola bars, raisons, apples, and all the other goodies you can eat and drink along the way. Stuff all those things in your knapsack. With any luck you will only gain 5-10 lbs cross country skiing. ...bob garmise...at&t bell labs, columbus...