XC-Ski Gear Suggestions?

[Emily]

I'd like to get xc-skiis, boots, bindings, and poles this winter for new snow around my house, trails, mountains, and groomed trails. Any recommendations on brand, width, options, and where to go to get them in the Capital District or in the Adirondacks for a good price?

I was thinking about metal edges with smooth fish scales on the bottom. No wax? What kind of boots? Do I get the thin or thick metal toe bar? When do most places sell out? Is it a good idea to get them second hand from people or from a rental place? Any help would be appreciated.

When I went to EMS, they didn't have the boots in but they showed me how to test if the ski was right for me; it was interesting. Put the skiis on a piece of paper on the floor and stand on them with equal weight on each foot (over the paper where your feet would normally be). The paper should be able to be slid out from under the skis (less friction when gliding). Put the paper back and put all weight on one ski. The paper should be trapped under the ski (wanted friction when pushing).

[mtgoat]

My best recomendation if you have never done it and want to try it would be to get one of the starter sets that most outdoor equipment places sells for under $150 that is comprised of lowere end products from the major manufactuers. Then if you like it go buy some good equipment. I have seen a lot of folks spend lots of dough on high end equipment and find out the don't like skiing. This way you will also learn alot first hand on what will be right for you.

[Emily]

I love xc-skiing. Did it last year for the first time and went several times over the winter. I only fell down the first time out and got a lesson too. I prefer not to go with the low end stuff.

[mtgoat]

First you need to identify the type of x-country you want to do as most of the good equipment is specialized toward certain types like Touring, Backcountry, Telemarling and performance so you should think about it as well as visit the 2 sites linked below to determine what you really need.

For ski's for back country I would recomend if you want back country......

Atomic Rainier Backcountry Skis
Fischer BCX E-99 Mountain Crown
Fischer Outbound Crown
Fischer Outtabounds Crown Skis
Fischer Outtabounds Waxable
Karhu Dorado
Rossignol Backcountry 68

I mentioned Fischer so many times because they make so many ski's and they are all good. You may want to check out Fischer Ski as well as Karhu Ski to see what will fit the type of skiing you will be doing. Both are excellent ski makers.

For boot manufacurers I would recomend.....

Alpina
Garmont
Karhu
Rossignol
Salomon

I will make the bindings easy.....

Salomon

Check back after checking out this info.

[Trailpatrol]

XC Skis

Emily,
I have been skiing on Karhu and Trak skis for over 30 years, and would strongly suggest the sets that Karhu makes for LL Bean. (www.llbean.com) Either the Heritage or the Adventure skis would probably fit your needs close to perfectly. They have them available in sets with poles and boots, too.

Ski safe,
Hans

[runner]

XC Skis

Check out Freeman's Bridge Sports in Glenville for Fisher skis, Alpina or Solomon bindings and boots. Good prices and knowledgeable folks. After you get outfitted give them a try on the Whiteface Memorial Highway. It's a blast. Good luck.

[Emily]

Thanks - got em!

Well I appreciate all of your advice... I just got a ski package yesterday at Goldstocks. I bought Karhu Pavo skis because I wanted skis that could do track on occasion and state park trails/backyard and the Marcy Dam trail type stuff. I also got the Rottefella NNN BC Auto Binding (they said that people had complained that the manual binding would seize up) and Alpina BC 1550 NNN BC boot.

I tried EMS first but they were completely out of the backcountry bindings (due in Jan). I went to Paddle 'n Pole next and they were out of the 175 Pavo skis (but said they'd have them in soon). Goldstocks had them all so I got the whole package with poles and bindings installed for $350+tax. I thought that was pretty good.

I'll try it out over the holidays and let you know! Thanks again.

[SherpaKroto]

Emily, I have the Pavo's and love them. My setup is Voile 3 pin cable with Karhu Nomad boots. All in all, a very satisfactory, all around setup. Good Luck!

[Trailpatrol]

Boots?

Originally posted by SherpaKroto
Emily, I have the Pavo's ... with Karhu Nomad boots.

I am thinking of either Nomads or Garmonts. What do you think of the Nomads?

Ski safe,
Hans