What's the deal with $450 cross country skis?
Is the only way to go to buy used gear for skating?
I'm an intermediate skiier and don't want the recreational gear. Do you need to pay threw the nose?
PS: I've got good classic gear, but want to branch out.
It's expensive stuff. Used skis are fine if you don't care about time too much. Even then, have them stone ground and wax em up nicely and you should be good. Just be sure to get the right length/stiffness, and try to try a few brands to see what you like. They all feel pretty different
I read to spend more on the skis. The boots aren't as important as long as they are skate boots (not combi) and fit. Is this correct? Poles? Who cares...
The boots are always the most important. Get the best boots you can. Don't let them talk you into getting skis that are too long. Shorter skate skis are easier to handle for a beginner. This can't be stressed enough. Get skis that are too long and you will constantly be crossing tips and tails. Seriously, when they bring you the shortest skis they recommend, tell them you want the next smaller size.
This time of year, you should be able to get some steep discounts in the store and online. Don't buy pro race skis; a beginner needs to learn skate technique above all and pro skis will just be wasted.
From what I understand, you need skating skis if you really want to skate ski well.
Of course you can look at renting skis and see what's what.
I'm 152lbs, 6'0". The ski chart for Fischer says to use 187 stiff. I found a good deal locally on 190s.
Wait for 182s instead?
Wait a month. There will be clearances. There's a mail order place Akers Ski in Andover Maine They'll do you right. Sierra Trading Post in Cheyenne, also has some good deals. Buy the 2014 or 2013 models. Guess what-they are usually identical to this year's, just have different graphics. Only so many ways to laminate fiber glas.
A tall skinny guy like you should be able to find some long, soft skis that will do fine.
REI will cornhole you. If you are paying more than 200 bucks for a pair of boards, you are a tool.
Well you definitely don't need the super top of the line boots that are carbon fiber - the top plastic boots are great, and if I remember well, the next level down is also totally fine (speaking of salomon). And if you can get an old model, I would do that - tech doesnt change much year to year. You can also go used if that doesn't feel icky to you. If you have a local rental shop that rents high end equipment, I'd try to pick up their rental stuff at the end of the season (or try eBay/Craigslist). For poles, just get the basic aluminum ones - nice light carbon fiber feels great but you'll almost certainly break them, especially if you're still picking up skating.
run and ski wrote:
I'm 152lbs, 6'0". The ski chart for Fischer says to use 187 stiff. I found a good deal locally on 190s.
Wait for 182s instead?
No, Jeez. 175 or less. I'd get stiff 170's at your size and skill level. You will be miserable on 190's. Look, get good boots that you can keep and find the cheapest short skate skis. You can upgrade the skis when you figure out what you're doing. You will be a floundering mess for 100 miles, then you'll find your stroke.
Try atomic - a bit cheaper, and wider skis which are generally easier to learn on. Rossis are great too and a better deal usually
Second that on the short skis. Easier to handle and learn on. Look on GearTrade.com. Used skis are just fine for a novice. You don't need Olympic caliber boots, but nice boots that fit are most important. Just like in alpine, AT and snowboarding, the boots are your contact and feedback point. They need to be comfortable and efficient.
FYI, the guy who's blabbering about not paying more than $200 is way off if you want nice skis (which make a difference). I paid 250 for my last pair and I get my skis below wholesale cost bc of a pro deal
Should be able to get good skis for $200 on closeouts or at an alpine team fundraising swap.
On length - yes, shorter is better to learn on but you want something stiff enough. Make sure you can slide a sheet of paper under the ski with your full weight on it. Look up a ski sizing tutorial on YouTube
Short and stiff, that's the ticket. Nordic gloves are nice, too.
This nordic skiing is just awesome. I'm so pumped and want to go to the mountain every day now. I'd move to a ski town if I could. Anyone else get that? Nordic in the winter, running in the summer.
It's even better than a powder day downhill.