In mid-September, ProXCskiing.com’s sister site Langd.se visited Torsby for Sport Academy’s test days. Part 2 covers what’s new in the skate category.

From September 16-18, Sport Academy hosted test days at the Torsby Ski Tunnel in Sweden. Over two intense days, store staff tested this year’s new releases and products from various suppliers. Naturally, ProXCskiing.com’s sister site, Langd.se, was also on-site to document the new skate products and speak with the suppliers.

What’s the hottest on the market for the winter? In this two-part article series, this year’s updates are introduced. Part 2 presents the latest in skate skis.

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

Atomic – Johan Henriksson, Sales Rep, Atomic Sweden

What new developments do you have in the skate category?

“We’re introducing an entirely new core in our top products, including the S9 Carbon and standard S9. The core, produced at our factory in Altenmarkt, is lighter, stiffer, and provides better energy return. Importantly, it is also much more environmentally friendly, with a 39% lower carbon footprint in the core.

What makes these new products better?

“Even in the skate skis, the difference between the old core and the new one is that the ski is more stable and also stiffer. Several World Cup skiers have switched out large parts of their ski fleets for skis with the new core.”

Madshus – John Wikman, Sales Rep, Madshus Sweden

What new developments do you have in the skate category?

“The main update is ski construction. They are now stiffer and more robust, with higher camber heights. We felt this was an area we needed to improve. In our three top models – Race Speed, Race Pro, and Redline – we’ve introduced an entirely new construction that applies to all models, whether skate, double poling, or skin skis. Another significant update is the Skate-X binding that we’re introducing on our skate skis.

What makes the new construction better?

“Similar to classic skis, we now have a flat top and flat side edges with a slight protrusion on the edge for better grip. We’ve reduced foam and added more carbon and fiberglass. This increases the ski’s longitudinal stiffness by 10% and dramatically improves torsional stiffness. The ski is exceptionally strong and much more stable when placed on edge. The construction has been changed in both the geometry and the inner structure of the ski.”

Rossignol – Henrik Åkerlund, Sales Rep, Rossignol Sweden

What new developments do you have in the skate category?

“For skate, we have two new models within the X-IUM line. The S1 and S2 are previous models. Rossignol has faced challenges with softer conditions where the skis tend to sink. Therefore, we’ve created an entirely new model, the SX, with a much lower camber curve and a different pressure distribution. The SX has a black base that is suitable for all conditions. We also have the S3, which is the same model as the SX but with a transparent base.”

What makes the new models better?

“Rossignol skis are very stable – they go exactly where you direct them. The new model, with a lower camber curve and different pressure distribution, is designed for softer conditions.”

Fischer – Niklas Darin, Fischer Sweden

What new developments do you have in the skate category?

“Fischer’s basic idea is that all skis, both racing skate and racing classic, are built with the same shape: 44mm in the back, 44mm underfoot, and 41mm in the front. The new Aeroguide series has a unique hourglass shape. Aeroguide comes in two models: Aeroguide 85 and 75. The 85 is slightly higher priced and measures 43mm in the front, 40mm underfoot, and 43mm in the back. The 75 is a bit more affordable, with dimensions of 45mm in the front, 40mm underfoot, and 45mm in the back.

Who are the new skate skis targeted toward?

“The Aeroguide 85 is for those who have skated a bit but still need help finding the right skate stride. The 75 is priced lower and is even more suited to beginners looking for maximum assistance in learning to skate.”

Peltonen – Måns Sunesson, Peltonen Sweden

What new developments do you have in the skate category?

“We have an entirely new design across the product line, with a fresher and more modern look. We’ve introduced a new construction for skate skis, utilizing a production method that builds the ski from the inside out instead of the bottom up. This allows us to control the ski’s final characteristics more precisely. The skate skis are designed to be compatible with the new Skate-X binding, though they also work with standard bindings.”

What makes the new skate skis better?

“They are lighter compared to other brands and now have a more competitive weight. The edges are gone, but with Skate-X and high torsional stiffness, they remain stable in the snow. They are built and pre-fitted to be used with Skate-X.”

Kästle – Fredrik Heikki, Kästle Sweden

What new developments do you have in the skate category?

“Our new feature is the Skate-X. This year, we’re introducing it on the racing side. We’ve also strengthened the ski in response to Skate-X.”

What reinforcements have been made to the ski?

“The skis have received a stronger carbon reinforcement, especially from the middle of the foot forward. This not only strengthens the ski for Skate-X but also enhances the ski overall, reducing the risk of snagging in varying conditions.”

In the next few days, you can read about this year’s updates in the cross-country skiing boots category.

Read More: The Big Ski Test 2023

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