Roller skis were once invented as a means of replacing classic skis during the off-season, but soon they became equipment in a separate sport - speed racing. Such competitions are gaining more and more popularity, thanks to which outdoor enthusiasts have begun to be interested in this sport.
In this article, we will talk about what roller skates are, what to look for in order not to make mistakes when choosing, and also rank the most popular models among athletes and fans of this type of outdoor activity.
Content
By appointment, there are three main types of boards for skiing - training, racing and universal. The first type is intended for training professional skiers in the summer and autumn-winter period. The equipment is designed in such a way as to repeat classic skis as much as possible. The width and diameter of the wheels in such products are chosen so as to increase the load on the athlete's legs, forcing the muscles to train. Boards of this type are more stable than racing boards. To simulate skiing, special deceleration devices are often used to prevent the wheels from spinning quickly. The rotating elements are made of rubber, which has high grip and improves stability.
Racing models are aimed at ensuring that the user can quickly accelerate and maintain the gained speed. They are light in weight, highly maneuverable and easy to control. Since such equipment is often used in extreme conditions, the wheels are made of materials with wear resistance and increased reliability. In order to improve rolling, the rotating elements have a small width and a short frame. In most cases, not soft, but hard materials are used for their manufacture - for example, polyurethane.
Versatile models combine the characteristics of racing and training rollerskis and can be used for a variety of purposes.
Depending on the mode of movement, there are classic, skating and off-road roller skis.The first type is distinguished by the large length of the platform, rollers with a wide base, as well as the presence of the so-called "ratchet" - a device that does not allow the device to roll back and facilitates the pushing efforts of the athlete. Clearance - the distance from the frame to the ground - is small, which is required to increase stability when moving.
Skate models in the way of movement resemble skating, and can move forward and backward. They are equipped with a short platform and narrow rollers. All this contributes to a rapid set of speeds and facilitates control.
Roller skis for off-road are designed to move over rough terrain. In order to facilitate rolling and improve user comfort, they are equipped with large inflatable bladders that help absorb vibration. Since the body of the product is subjected to increased loads, the platform is additionally reinforced with stiffeners. The package may additionally include a foot brake, as well as additional rollers that provide stability when passing uneven sections of the road.
The frame of the product can be made of various materials, which are selected depending on what goals you need to achieve. Initially made of steel or wood, it was brittle or too heavy for the skier, which made the sport unpopular. With the development of science and technology, these shortcomings were eliminated.
The most popular is the construction of composite materials. It is characterized by flexibility, strength, the ability to dampen vibrations, and safety in operation. Even an athlete with a lot of weight will not be able to damage the platform - it will simply bend under him to the ground.Since classic skis are also made of composite, skiers prefer to choose skis with this frame in order to increase the efficiency of training. Among the shortcomings of the composite, one can single out a slight rigidity, which makes it difficult to develop high speeds.
Aluminum platforms are characterized by increased rigidity, transferring even minor road surface defects to the athlete's feet. However, this feature increases the controllability of the equipment, and also allows you to develop high speeds with little effort. Most often, aluminum is used for racing equipment.
Carbon platforms are new for roller skis, they have appeared on sale relatively recently. Unlike composite frames, they have greater ductility and less weight, due to which, when the user pushes, they bend under the foot in the same way as classic skis do. Products based on carbon are the golden mean between composite and aluminum in terms of technical characteristics, but they cost an order of magnitude more expensive than competitors made from other materials.
Roller ski wheels can be made of rubber or polyurethane. The first material is characterized by softness, comfort for the user, as well as a high degree of adhesion to asphalt, which allows the use of rollers in all weather conditions. At the same time, it is necessary to understand that due to these features, the athlete can develop a lower speed and must come to terms with the fragility of the rollers - with frequent use, they quickly fail.
Polyurethane rotating elements are rigid and durable, as well as a quick set of speeds.At the same time, grip is not the best, which can cause an inexperienced user to lose balance. Models with such wheels are most often used in speed races.
Bindings in roller skis are standard, and resemble those used in classic skis. There are two types of bindings that are used with the corresponding footwear - NNN and SNS. The first option is the most common. Most roller skates are sold without mounts, their selection is carried out by a store consultant, depending on the preferences of the client and the shoes available.
As in skiing, the athlete's equipment must consist of appropriate protective clothing, a helmet and poles with end caps for use on asphalt.
This model is the most budgetary of all that can be found on sale. It is made in Russia under the Shamov brand. The frame is made of aluminum, which ensures a low weight of the product, making it suitable not only for experienced skiers, but also for amateurs. Weight restrictions of 100 kilograms allow the use of equipment for skiing not only for women, but also for men with a dense physique. The tires are made of soft rubber, they have good grip and stability on small bumps.
Since roller skis are designed to simulate skating, the length of the platform is small - 62 centimeters. A feature of the rollers is the presence of plastic mudguards, so you can ride them in all weather conditions. The speed of movement of rotating elements according to the generally accepted scale is 3 (average). The total weight of the boards for skiing is 1.4 kilograms. The average price of the goods is 3,200 rubles.
The model is also manufactured in Russia, and is similar in characteristics to the previous contender. It is designed for skating training, has a platform length of 62 cm. The 70 mm wheels are made of rubber, which smooths out small bumps and reduces vibration. The frame is made of aluminum alloy and can withstand loads up to 85 kilograms. Universal color (combination of black with red) allows the use of equipment for both women and men. Roller skis are sold without bindings, and the buyer can choose them to match their sports shoes.
Among the customer reviews, you can find the opinion that the combination of price and quality of rollers is optimal, while some of them complain about the low acceleration speed, which is associated with the material used to make the rollers. The average price of a product is 3,300 rubles.
The review continues with another Russian manufacturer, which appeared on the sports equipment market relatively recently. The frame of the equipment is made of aluminum, which provides ease of control and confidence in rolling. The wheels are polyurethane, they quickly pick up speed and make it possible to participate in competitions in passing the distance for a while. Mudguards are made of plastic, coated with reflective elements.
Buyers who have purchased the product of this brand claim that it is not inferior in quality to Start brand products. Roller speed "3" corresponds to the European value "2", and according to the recommendations of the athletes, this information must be taken into account when purchasing. Among the user reviews, you can find the opinion that roller skis are comparable in weight to idt sport, while they have good rolling, maneuverability and controllability. The average price of a product is 6,500 rubles.
Rollerblades are designed to mimic classic skiing and are most commonly found in Decathlon stores. The 70 cm long aluminum platform comes pre-installed with boot bindings. The speed of rotation of the rollers is medium, the rigidity is 70. The rear rotary element with the function of rolling resistance. The model is designed for adults, the maximum weight is 95 kilograms. Shoe size should not exceed 46 values. The bearings are made according to hermetic technology, the ingress of moisture into the working mechanism is excluded.
The fastening is adjustable, special holes are provided in the frame for the selection of an individual size. Fastening type - NNN. For an optimal combination, the manufacturer recommends buying branded shoes (also sold in Decathlon).Taking into account the fact that the mount is included in the total cost of the product, the model is able to compete with previous contenders, practically not inferior to them in anything. The weight of the pair is 2.3 kilograms. The average price of a product is 8,000 rubles. The manufacturer provides a 2-year product warranty. Claimed service life of 100,000 cycles.
The model entered the market in 2015, and is successfully sold to this day. It is intended for professionals, but the device is designed in such a way that even a beginner can ride it. The RC7 is designed for skating and can reach high speeds in a short amount of time. The platform is aluminum, with good torsional rigidity, does not bend under the weight of the athlete. Thanks to this, the skis are stable not only on asphalt, but also on uneven surfaces. The frame length is 62 centimeters.
The base of the wheels is also made of aluminum, making them durable and light in weight. The bearings are provided with two sealing circuits, which eliminates the need to think about periodic maintenance.Since the device can be used in any weather, the rollers are sold with pre-installed rubber mudguards that protect the feet from mud. Overall dimensions of the rollers: diameter - 10 cm, width - 24 mm. A pair of rollers weighs 16 kilograms. The average price of a product is 11,500 rubles.
The review continues with the roller skates of a well-known brand in the field of production of goods for outdoor activities and sports. The product is made in Finland, and differs not only in its attractive appearance, but also in its wide functionality - it can be used for both professional and amateur purposes. The popularity of the model is due to its versatility, as well as the fact that it is officially approved for official international competitions in passing the distance at speed. Since the rollers are used for skating, the standard frame length is 32 cm. The rollers are made of polyurethane, the diameter is 71 mm, the width is 30 mm. They are characterized by a rapid set of speeds and require periodic maintenance.
The platform has a hole for installing plastic mudguards. The wheels are mounted in a fork, which is integral with the frame. The manufacturer declares that the aluminum used for the manufacture of the product is specially processed and has a light weight (pair - 1.4 kg).According to buyers, the model has one drawback, which manifests itself only some time after the start of use - under load, the bearing begins to rotate worse, which requires more effort to ride. For professional athletes, this is even good, but amateurs may not like this feature. The average price of a product is 12 thousand rubles.
The model differs from the previous ones not only in the compact dimensions of the platform (it is shorter than in standard products), but also in the presence of a brake. The Swedish brand has been developing and selling products for skiers since 1987, it has won the trust of customers due to the reliability and functionality of the equipment sold. The company is constantly improving its products, and when developing new products, it consults with professional athletes, taking into account their opinion in its work.
The model in question has a shortened base (48 centimeters) and is intended for use by athletes of small stature (up to 160 cm) or juniors. The short platform increases stability, and the presence of a brake increases safety, making this type of rollers recommended for beginners. The manufacturer also declares a user weight limit, which is why roller skis cannot be used by people whose weight exceeds 50 kg.The frame of the product is aluminum, lightweight. The wheels are rubber, with a locking mechanism (prevents rolling back). The buyer can choose rollers with different bearing resistances, which allows them to be used both at the initial stage of training and at increased loads. For skiing in wet weather, plastic mudguards are provided to protect the athlete's legs.
There are representatives of the brand in all major cities of Russia, so the user does not have to worry about service or searching for spare parts. All brand products are made exclusively in Sweden, which distinguishes the brand's products from others that have moved production to China. The weight of a pair is 1.7 kg, the average price is 13,500 rubles.
The products of the German manufacturer are used by professional athletes, and are “sharpened” specifically for them. Roller skis are designed to work out the technology of the classic course. The platform is made of composite material (carbon). Its length is 700 mm. Carbon is characterized by flexibility and quick response to the actions of the athlete. The front wheel has a built-in safety lock that prevents movement in the opposite direction. Roller diameter - 80 mm, width - 38, hardness - 2.
The product can be used for training not only on smooth asphalt, but also on road surfaces with defects. Fasteners are not included in the scope of delivery. On sale, roller skates can be found at a price of 16 to 20 thousand rubles, depending on the store.
The products of the Finnish brand are rarely found on sale, which is primarily due to how much a pair of skis costs - not every fan can afford such a purchase. The model is designed to simulate skating, and has a working surface width of 62 cm. It is a continuation of the previous modification, in which the shortcomings were eliminated according to the comments of users (the design of the platform was improved, reinforcing elements were added in the fork, and the area of the mudguards was increased).
The device is designed for professional athletes, the allowable user weight is 110 kg. Due to the fact that the frame is made of composite material, the weight of the pair does not exceed 1.8 kg. The rollers are made of polyurethane, diameter - 100 mm, width - 24 mm. The rotation speed can be different - 0, 6, 7, 8. Buyers note that carbon absorbs vibrations well, reduces the load on the muscles, so that the athlete can train longer than on standard equipment. The average price of the goods is 27,500 rubles.
The brand's products are designed for professionals, and have a large number of opportunities for improvement. The frame of the product can be of two types of rigidity - Medium or Stiff. Depending on the level of training of the user, and the required load, suitable roller skis can be selected. The length of the foot pad is 790 mm, which corresponds to the classic type of skiing. The manufacturer claims that modern equipment was used in the production, which joins the parts of the product with an accuracy of fractions of a millimeter. High-quality assembly contributes to uniform rolling without leaving the rollers to the side, and also increases the safety of the device.
The layout of the connecting parts minimized the number of fasteners, and all protruding parts are smoothed to eliminate the possibility that the athlete's equipment will catch on them during movement. This also makes the maintenance of the rollers easier. The frame of the product is made of carbon fiber (carbon fiber), which is lightweight and ductile. The center of gravity in the model is lowered in order to ensure optimal balance when driving.
To protect the rider's legs, mudguards are installed, in which anti-damper protection is built in, and so that the fasteners do not unwind from vibration when riding, they are installed next to an aluminum plate that increases the reliability of the connection. To seal the wheels, special inserts are mounted in the frame. Together with the goods, assembly instructions are supplied, as well as a technical description of the model. The average price of a product is 30,000 rubles.
The model is positioned as a racing model due to the fact that ceramic bearings are installed on it, which are considered the fastest among existing ones. The style of movement is skating, the equipment showed itself best on flat tracks without protrusions and other defects. On sale you can find 4 types of wheels that roller skis can be equipped with, they differ from each other in rigidity and purpose (universal, hard, super-hard, for wet surfaces).
The platform is made of aluminum, its length is 530 mm. Whole structure. Ground clearance is 4 centimeters, this height provides stability and contributes to handling. The rollers are wide, diameter 10 cm, width - 2.4 cm. There are no mudguards. The weight of the pair is 1.3 kg. The average price of the goods is 29 thousand rubles.
The manufacturer claims that the product is made by hand. The products of the Norwegian brand are distinguished by wide wheels, as well as the presence of a built-in shock absorption system. It reduces vibration, relieving tension from the athlete's legs, and also smoothes the ski over bumps. According to customer reviews, the behavior of rollers resembles classic skiing.This is due to the fact that the shaft on which the wheel rotates is aluminum, which plays smoothly on bumps.
In order to create the illusion of classic skiing, the rollers have a wide area of contact with the roadway and rounded sidewalls that allow you to feel confident when cornering. Filling in the rotation zone with soft material avoids sharp bouncing of the projectile on protruding pavement elements.
The model is sold with wheels with a speed of rotation "5", which are slow moving and are intended for trained skiers only. There are mud flaps, so you can ride in any weather. The frame length is 72 centimeters, which speaks of classic skating technology. Tires are made of rubber, wheels and platform are aluminum. A pair weighs about 2 kg. The average price of a product is 21,500 rubles.
Before choosing which company to buy roller skis for, it is recommended not only to study the range in available stores, but also to decide for what purpose the equipment is being purchased. If you plan to buy only for amateur rides, you should not spend money on professional-level roller skates, which are much more expensive than budget models.
If you ski on a regular basis, when buying, consider the possibility of upgrading and refining the device (is it possible to purchase wheels with different hardness, install mudguards, mounts, etc.).In order not to regret the purchase, it is recommended to read reviews on specialized forums, learn about the advantages and disadvantages of a particular model. Thanks to the opinion of professional athletes, you can understand how certain skis behave and decide which characteristics are more important to you.
We hope that our review will help you make the right choice!