It’s time to get serious about dryland training, which means massive time on roller skis for many skiers. Check out our big roller ski test, including 17 models of roller skis for skate and classic.

Why did we do the test?

We know that roller skiing is a significant part of dryland training for many of our readers and members.  That’s why we wanted to do an in-depth test of the major roller ski manufacturers in order to provide a comprehensive buyer’s guide for those who are in the market for new roller skis.

How we tested

We invited all the major roller ski manufacturers to take part in our review. We left it entirely up to each manufacturer to submit the roller ski model(s) they wanted us to review, but limited to one pair each for classic and skate.

We used two testers, one male and one female. Both have a background in cross-country skiing and racing at the elite level and several years of extensive roller skiing experience. 

We sat down with our equipment testers and nailed down the features and properties we would rate: Stability, comfort, and overall performance. Each of these is rated on a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 is terrible, and 5 is marvelous.

In addition to rating these features and properties in a matrix, the testers also describe each pair in terms of the ride, skiing experience, overall feel, pros and cons, design and functionality of fenders, etc.

Our testers reviewed the skis in sets of two pairs. In other words: one tester skied a lap on one of the two pairs while the other did the same lap on the other pair. Then they swapped skis and repeated the drill with the pair they didn’t ski on the first time. Finally, the testers even skied with one ski from each pair.

After testing all the roller skis in pairs, our testers compared the different skis to really feel the difference between the various roller skis. 

What we tested

We tested nine pairs of classic and eight pairs of skate roller skis.

All the roller skis we tested are good. But just like the roller skiers who use them, they have different strengths and properties. Accordingly, different skis fit different skiers depending on their needs and preferences.

All the roller skis were tested and compared in varied, rolling terrain. All the roller skis on the same day, on the same course on Kullahavön in Skåne in southern Sweden. The air temperature was 10 degrees C, and the pavement was warm and dry. The technical specifications and the price (MSRP) for each model are supplied by the manufacturers. Where the price was quoted in a different currency than Euros, we converted using the exchange rate on the day we received the information, which means slight differences may occur.

CLASSIC ROLLER SKIS

SKIGO – CARBON SOFT

Skigo Carbon Soft features wheels with a softer rubber mix and a somewhat softer shaft than previous models of this roller ski. The composite shaft is made by hand and features a flex that resembles snow skis in order to deliver a snow-like ride.  

EVALUATION

Pros: This roller ski model has a lively construction and a taller camber. For lighter and more inexperienced skiers, this can lead to a slightly unstable feeling that puts higher demands on balance. The roller ski was good on rougher surfaces, especially in double poling.    

Cons: The fenders are a bit too short.  

Recommended for: Skiers in a slightly “heavier weight class” looking for a roller ski for all types of asphalt. 

RATINGS
Stability: 3.5 
Comfort: 3.5  
Overall performance: 3.5
Total: 3.5 

IDT SPORTS – CLASSIC

According to IDT Sports, this roller ski is so directionally stable that it comes with a warranty from the manufacturer. The aluminum shaft is produced and crafted in Norway. The shaft shape is designed to deliver the ski-like feeling you are looking for when roller skiing.  

EVALUATION

Pros: The roller ski is stable and easy to maneuver all skiing techniques and provides a ski-like feel. We consider this a complete roller ski.  

Cons: The aluminum frame can feel a bit bumpy on rougher surfaces.    

Recommended for: All skiers, unless you plan to do most of your training sessions on rougher asphalt. 

RATINGS
Stability: 5
Comfort: 4.5 
Overall performance: 5
Total: 4.8  

FISCHER – SPEEDMAX CLASSIC

Speedmax is the lightest of the Fischer roller ski models due to its carbon construction. The curved shape of the shaft is designed to provide a snow-like feeling.  

EVALUATION

Pros: Stable and easy to ski in all skiing techniques. The ski’s construction that puts the skier close to the ground contributes to a ski-like feeling.  

Cons: The roller ski’s construction generates some noise when skiing, and we feel a little uncertain about how it handles rougher surfaces.   

Recommended for: Those who don’t want to skimp on the equipment. This is a great roller ski but at a premium price. 

RATINGS
Stability: 5
Comfort: 4     
Overall performance: 4.75
Total: 4.6  

SWENOR – ALU CLASSIC ELITE

Swenor’s Alu Classic Elite roller ski features a longer shaft than the other classic aluminum model and is a stable roller ski, according to the manufacturer.

EVALUATION

Pros: A stable roller ski that gives a ski-like ride that works well in all techniques. It rates well on all parameters but does not rate best on any of them.  

Cons: The fenders make a rattling sound. 

Recommended for: This is a solid all-round roller ski that works well for all skiers. 

RATINGS
Stability: 4
Comfort: 4
Overall performance: 4  
Total: 4 

SRB – CR07+ CLASSIC

SRB’s classic roller ski CR07+ is made from aluminum and designed with a low center of gravity. According to the manufacturer, these roller skis are extraordinarily durable, stiff, and designed to take you securely through even hilly terrain.

EVALUATION

Pros: These skis were a pleasant surprise from a brand that none of the testers had tried before. The roller ski was perceived as light, stable, and easy to handle with a low center of gravity.

Cons: We are somewhat concerned about how it handles rougher surfaces.

Recommended for: A great choice for lighter/smaller skiers.

RATINGS
Stability: 3  
Comfort: 4  
Overall performance: 4
Total: 3.7 

AE ROLLERSKIS – PRO CLASSIC

AE Rollerski’s model Pro Classic is a stable and comfortable roller ski with an aluminum shaft for long-distance workouts, designed to handle even rougher pavement well.

EVALUATION

Pros: A stable and easy-rolling roller ski that excels at double poling, all at a great price point.  

Cons: The front part of the roller ski feels a little heavier, which makes diagonal striding a little more challenging.  

Recommended for:  Entry-level skiers who want to try roller skis. 

RATINGS
Stability: 4  
Comfort: 3.5
Overall performance: 3.75 
Total: 3.75

SWIX – ROADLINE CLASSIC

The Swix Roadline Classic is engineered to deliver an authentic ski feel even in the summer. This model features an all-new shaft designed to capitalize on the advantages of aluminum.

EVALUATION

Pros: Overall a very good roller ski that is easy to ride, especially in double poling.  

Cons: A little heavier to handle when diagonal striding.  

Recommended for: All types of skiers, especially those looking for a stable roller ski. 

RATINGS
Stability: 5
Comfort: 4  
Overall performance: 4
Total: 4.3  

KÄSTLE – RS10 CLASSIC

Kästle uses a shaft with a wooden core in order to better absorb the vibrations from the pavement, while layers of carbon and fiberglass provide stiffness. According to the manufacturer, this roller ski can handle skiers weighing up to 100 kilos.

EVALUATION

Pros: Great comfort on all types of surfaces.  

Cons: The roller ski construction feels a little heavier, and the center of gravity is higher, making for an unstable feeling when diagonal striding.  

Recommended for: Those who roller ski a lot on rougher surfaces and less in really hilly terrain. 

RATINGS
Stability: 3.5  
Comfort: 3.5
Overall performance: 3.5
Total: 3.5 

ELPEX – WASA 610

An aluminum frame roller ski with flex. Wider wheels provide added stability and will, according to the manufacturer, turn roller skiing into a pleasure.

EVALUATION

Pros: A stable and easy-to-ride roller ski that works well for double-poling and diagonal striding. Directionally stable and easy to turn. 

Cons: Feels slightly creaky and bumpy on very rough or uneven surfaces. 

Recommended for: All types of skiers, unless you roller ski a lot on rough and uneven pavement.

RATINGS
Stability: 5  
Comfort: 4  
Overall performance: 4  
Total: 4.3 

SKATE ROLLER SKIS 

IDT SPORTS – SKATE ELITE

A stable skate roller ski from IDT Sports developed in collaboration with Norwegian cross-country skier Ingvild Flugstad Østberg. A longer aluminum shaft provides a ski-like experience.

EVALUATION

Pros: A stable and easy-to-ride roller ski with a ski-like riding feel. Both testers feel that the roller ski provides a straight, distinct, and clear glide, as well as being responsive to the terrain and the surface.    

Cons: A slightly heavier roller ski, which might affect the ski feel of some skiers.  

Recommended for: All types of skiers, from beginners to recreational skiers. 

RATINGS
Stability: 4.25
Comfort: 3.75
Overall performance: 4  
Total: 4 

FISCHER – RCS SKATE

RCS Skate is an all-new roller ski model from Fischer. According to the manufacturer, the fiberglass construction delivers a lightweight feel, making this roller ski well-suited for more demanding workouts. A low center of gravity brings the skier closer to the ground and makes the roller ski more stable.

EVALUATION

Pros: Directionally straight-running and stable roller skis with good comfort. The roller ski construction puts the skier close to the ground, which provides a ski-like and very comfortable ride.    

Cons:  Slightly heavier, which is particularly noticeable when using the V2 technique, and a relatively high price tag.   

Recommended for: All skiers, especially those who do not want to skimp on equipment. Like Fischer’s classic roller ski, this is a very good roller ski, but you also have to pay for it.

RATINGS
Stability: 4.75  
Comfort: 4.5
Overall performance: 4.75
Total: 4.7

SWENOR – SKATE LONG

A low-profile aluminum roller ski from Swenor featuring a low center of gravity and added directional stability.

EVALUATION

Pros: The long frame gives the skate roller ski from Swenor a very ski-like feel. A stable roller ski with a distinct and directionally straight ride that feels comfortable to roller ski on.  

Cons: For shorter skiers, a longer roller ski can be a disadvantage as it can be perceived as more challenging to handle.  

Recommended for: More experienced skiers who want to take their skate roller skiing to the next level. 

RATINGS
Stability: 4.75
Comfort: 4
Overall performance: 4.25
Total: 4.33 

AE ROLLERSKIS – PRO SKATE

An aluminum skate roller ski with a longer shaft for added stability and a more ski-like feel.

EVALUATION

Pros: A stable and affordable roller ski that provides a nice flow to the glide and performs impeccably both in flat and steeper terrain. A nice surprise for both testers.  

Cons: A relatively long frame, which can make it difficult to handle for skiers with limited experience with skate roller skiing. 

Recommended for: More experienced skiers who want to take their roller skiing training to the next level.

RATINGS 
Stability: 3.75
Comfort: 4
Overall performance: 4    
Total: 3.9 

KÄSTLE – RS10 SKATE

Just like Kästle’s classic roller skis, the skate roller ski shaft features a wooden core designed to absorb vibrations from the pavement. The wooden core is encapsulated in a carbon and fiberglass construction.

EVALUATION

Pros: The wooden core provides extra comfort on rough surfaces. A directionally stable roller ski that works well even for heavier skiers.  

Cons: Quite heavy compared to other brands.    

Recommended for: Skiers new to skate roller skiing and/or looking for a solid all-round roller ski. 

RATINGS
Stability: 3
Comfort: 3.5
Overall performance: 3
Total: 3.2

SRB – SR01 SKATE

The SR01 Skate roller ski from SRB features an all-new and very stable aluminum shaft made from a super-light aluminum material also used in the airplane industry.

EVALUATION

Pros: A low center of gravity makes the roller ski easy to ride and handle, even when cornering and braking. The roller ski is a little shorter and has an integrated NIS plate, which provides a stable ride and improves balance.

Cons: Slightly shaky and uneven on rough pavement, which affects comfort. The shorter frame delivers less of a ski-like feel. 

Recommended for: Smaller skiers or those looking for a lighter roller ski that is easy to handle.  

RATINGS
Stability: 4.25
Comfort: 3  
Overall performance: 3.5
Total: 3.6

SWIX – ROADLINE SKATE

Roadline Skate is a lightweight aluminum roller ski with a low center of gravity. The low-profile frame delivers an optimal ski feel.

EVALUATION

Pros: The slightly shorter frame makes the roller ski easy to handle when skiing, cornering, and braking. The roller ski is light, which can be an advantage for smaller skiers and beginners.   

Cons: The testers felt it was difficult to fully ride the glide, making these roller skis feel more like inline skates.    

Recommended for: Smaller skiers looking for a light-weight roller ski or beginners who are just starting to add roller skiing into their training. A good entry-level roller for skating.

RATINGS
Stability: 3.75
Comfort: 2.75
Overall performance: 3.5
Total: 3.33  

ELPEX – F1 PRO

Elpex F1 Pro is an aluminum skate roller ski featuring a low center of gravity engineered to provide balance and directional stability.

EVALUATION

Pros: Easy to handle and suitable for all types of skiers. A low center of gravity improves balance, and makes for a responsive roller ski with a clean, directionally straight glide even at higher speed.  

Cons: A little uneven and shaky on rough surfaces.  

Recommended for: All skiers, from beginners to those at the elite level.

RATINGS
Stability: 4  
Comfort: 4  
Overall performance: 4  
Total: 4 

Are you interested in more information about roller skis and cross-country skis and equipment? Read more here.