Ski news part 1: Here are the new classic and double poling skis

by Maja Eriksson • 26.10.2024
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ProXCskiing.com’s sister site Langd.se visited Torsby in Sweden for Sportakademin’s test days in mid-September. In Part 1, you’ll find classic and double poling skiing news. Additionally, you’ll get tips on equipment for Vasaloppet and Marcialonga.
ProXCskiing.com’s sister site Langd.se visited Torsby in Sweden for Sportakademin’s test days in mid-September. In Part 1, you’ll find classic and double poling skiing news. Additionally, you’ll get tips on equipment for Vasaloppet and Marcialonga.

From September 16 to 18, Sportakademin hosted test days at the Torsby Ski Tunnel. Over two intensive days, staff from sports stores got to test this year’s new products and all suppliers’ offerings. Naturally, ProXCskiing.com’s sister site, Langd.se, was there to document the new releases and speak with various suppliers.

What’s the hottest on the market for the upcoming winter? In a two-part article series, this year’s new products will be presented. First up are the new double poling skis and classic skis.

Also Read: The Big Ski Test 2023

ATOMIC: Johan Henriksson, Atomic Sweden Sales Representative

What new products do you have in double poling and classic skis?

“We’re introducing an entirely new core in our top products: C9 Skin, C9 Carbon, and the regular C9. The core is manufactured in our factory in Altenmarkt and is both lighter and stiffer, providing better energy return in the ski. An important feature is that it’s significantly more environmentally friendly than before, with a 39% lower carbon footprint in the core,” says Henriksson and adds:

“The next big news is the C8 Skin, which also has a brand-new core called ‘stringer.’ It’s lighter and also has a lower carbon footprint, which is positive for the environment.”

What makes the new products better?

“Compared to the old core, the ski becomes more stable and stiffer. Many World Cup skiers have replaced large parts of their ski collections with skis featuring the new core.”

What skis would you recommend to a recreational skier planning to do the Vasaloppet or Marcialonga?

“If you want a skin ski but also want to chase time, I’d suggest the C9 Skin, which has our best base for long-lasting glide. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable ski, the C8 Skin is the best-selling skin ski. I’d also recommend checking out our waxable skis. Visit a dealer, explain what you want, and skis can be ordered from the factory to have, in about 10 days, essentially the same skis as the World Cup skiers.”

Johan Henriksson – Atomic

MADSHUS: John Wikman, Madshus Sweden Sales Representative

What new products do you have in double poling and classic skis?

“Ski construction is the biggest thing. They’ve become more torsionally rigid and robust, with stiffer and higher camber heights. We felt this was an area needing improvement, especially in skin skis, which are the most popular on the market. For our three top models—Race Speed, Race Pro, and Redline—we have an entirely new construction that applies across all models, whether skate, double poling, or skin skis.”

What’s the difference between the new and old construction?

“The difference is that we now have a flat top and flat sidewalls with a small protrusion along the edge for better grip. We’ve used less foam and more carbon and fiberglass. The skis’ flex is 10% higher, and the torsional rigidity is significantly improved. The ski is very strong when edged and much more stable.”

What skis would you recommend to a recreational skier doing Vasaloppet or Marcialonga?

“Many want to overcome the threshold to manage double poling. Race Speed is where many end up, available in both double poling and classic. First, you need to decide if you’ll double pole or go with kick wax. Skin skis are a good option if you want to use ‘kick.’ Our Race Speed Skin model is a popular choice when balancing price and performance.”

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ROSSIGNOL: Henrik Åkerlund, Rossignol Sweden Sales Representative

What new products do you have in double poling and classic skis?

“All new developments are in what we call X-IUM. We’re the only brand now releasing a double poling ski with a transparent base. Many skiers have several double poling skis that are quite similar. Both double poling models are new in terms of camber profiles, but we have two versions: one with a black base and one with a red (transparent) base.”

What’s the difference between the new and old construction?

“They have new camber profiles. We’re the only brand with transparent double poling skis, suitable for wetter conditions, such as Vasaloppet 2024. Previously, we only had double poling skis with black bases.”

What skis would you recommend to a recreational skier doing the Vasaloppet or Marcialonga?

“We have several skin skis. Rossignol’s hallmark is that our skin skis glide smoothly forward without resistance. The best skin ski is the X-IUM R-SKIN, which is our top skin ski. We also offer cheaper models.”

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FISCHER: Niklas Darin, Fischer Sweden

What new products do you have in double poling and classic skis?

“Above all, our new double poling ski. Previously, we dominated with our yellow DP Sprint ski. Now, we’re adding another ski, the RCS DP Sprint. The concept is simple; it’s molded in the same shape and pressed like the Speedmax. It has the same camber construction, but we get a ski that’s black and doesn’t have the 3D concept of the Speedmax and has a different core construction. However, in terms of base and camber, the skis are identical. It’s an additional model in the series, but a significantly cheaper model.”

What makes the new double poling ski cheaper than DP Sprint?

“It’s in how the core construction is executed and the absence of the 3D concept. It’s aimed at anyone wanting to try out double poling skis.”

What skis would you recommend to a recreational skier doing Vasaloppet or Marcialonga?

“It depends on your starting position, but generally, I’d recommend a skin ski for most people. Often, choosing a slightly higher-priced skin ski in Fischer’s lineup can make a big difference, especially in glide and kick.”

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PELTONEN: Måns Sunesson, Peltonen Sweden

What new products do you have in double poling and classic skis?

“We have a completely new design across the entire product line—a fresher, more modern look. Our double poling ski features a new construction method where we build the ski from the inside out rather than from the bottom up. This allows us to control how the ski will perform right from the start. The new double poling ski is a bit shorter, built on a skate profile instead of a classic profile, but with a longer camber that’s harder at the end but softer at the beginning.”

What’s the difference between the new and old construction?

“It’s mainly lighter. As mentioned, we can control how the ski will perform from the start with the new construction.”

What skis would you recommend to a recreational skier doing the Vasaloppet or Marcialonga?

“If double poling, choose the new double poling ski; there’s only one top model on the double poling side. For skin skiing, I recommend the Skin Pro model. It’s very stable and easy to ski, and you can get fairly stiff skis in shorter lengths, ideal for shorter, heavier skiers who want a good experience without using skis over two meters long.”

Peltonen

In Part 2, you can read about the new skate skis.

Are you interested in equipment for traditional cross-country and long-distance skiing? Click HERE and read more about it.

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