How do I choose roller skis?

The cross-country skiing season does not have to end immediately after the Swedish race called Vasaloppet, it can continue considerably longer than that. With a pair of roller skis, you extend the season properly and at the same time you build up the basic physics for the next season. Roller skiing not only gives you ski training, it is also gentle training for the whole body that neither cycling nor running can offer.

Should I choose skate or classic roller skis?

Roller skis are based on the same principle as regular cross-country skis where we distinguish between two different ones: skate (freestyle) and classic style. You can also choose a pair of combi skis if you want a combination of the two variants.

Classic roller skis

Classic roller skis have small and wide wheels that provide good stability and vibration damping. These characteristics make the classic ski more suitable when poling than the skate ski. In addition, the classic ski has a backstop on one of the wheels that prevents the ski from rolling backwards. The backstop provides very good grip but makes it easier to cheat with the technique. Therefore, think a little extra about the technique in all moments when you ski in classic style. It should be as similar to your usual cross-country skiing technique as possible.

Skate skis

The skate skis are shorter and have higher and narrower wheels, which makes them more unstable than the classic ones. However, you get a higher speed and have easier to turn and brake.  The characteristics of skate skis also makes it easier to find the feeling from cross-country skiing, which makes skiing more realistic and also does not encourage carelessness with the technique.

Combination skis

Combination skis are for those who want to ski both classic and skate, but only want or have the opportunity to buy one pair of skis. Combination skis are actually a shorter version of the classic skis. However, you get slightly worse properties than if you had chosen a pure classic ski or skate ski.

The material of the roller skis

Roller skis are usually made of carbon fiber, aluminum or fiberglass-reinforced wood. A frame made of carbon fiber or wood has more vibration-damping properties than an aluminum frame, which provides better comfort when skiing. Carbon fiber and aluminum skis have a longer lifespan than wooden skis because they lose their properties faster. A ski with an aluminum frame is usually a cheaper option.

When choosing material for the skis, you should also bear in mind that your weight affects it. Some suppliers provide weight recommendations which can be helpful. However, not everyone does this and then the skis must fit everyone, regardless of weight. If you are a slightly heavier skier, we recommend that you look at a ski with a wooden frame, these can withstand a little more load. A carbon fiber or aluminum frame cannot withstand the same load and can, in the worst case, crack.

Wheels for roller skis

Roller ski wheels are available with different rolling resistance; one, two, three and four. The standard resistance is two, which is what most skis comes with. These fit and are used by most people because they roll fast enough and provide good comfort. Wheels with rolling resistance one are a little harder than the standard wheels and therefore roll a little faster. Wheels with rolling resistance three are softer and provide more resistance, which means you have to struggle a little more when poling. Rolling resistance four is even softer and thus harder when poling.

A pair of standard wheels will normally last several seasons, but to get an as even a wear as possible, we recommend that you shift the skis between your feet at regular intervals.

Roller ski poles, boots and bindings

Roller ski poles

For roller skiing, it is fine to use the same poles as for cross-country skiing, but you should replace the tip with one that is adapted for roller skiing. You can also buy poles adapted for roller skiing that have the correct tip from the start. The length on your poles depends on your height. For classic skating, we recommend a pole that is 30 cm shorter than your body height and for skate a pole that is 20 cm shorter.

If the tips start to feel dull, it may be time to sharpen them with a sharpener. And if the steel is completely worn out, you need to replace them. It may also be a good idea to bring an extra tip during the trip in case of an accident. To replace the tips, you need to heat the glue between the pole and the tip. You do this either with a heat gun or by dipping the poles in warm water. Then just pull off the tip. To get the new tip attached, use a glue gun and push the new tip in place, then let it harden for a while until the glue has solidified.

Roller ski boots

You can also use your cross-country skiing boots for roller skiing, but keep in mind that dirt and gravel cause increased wear. However, it can be advantageous to use the cross-country skiing boots for roller skiing as well, as they will be worn in for the winter season.

But if you want a pair of boots specifically designed for roller skiing, there are special roller skiing boots that have better ventilation, dry faster and are better suited to warmer climates. They are also slightly more durable and more torsionally rigid, which makes it easier when you need to brake.

Roller ski bindings

When it comes to roller ski bindings, you should use a binding that is designed for roller skis - they are stiffer and will last longer.