This is the third and final part of The Big Ski Test 2023. This time, ProXCskiing.com has tested double poling skis. 

Double Poling skis’ prices vary somewhat, but the use is the same: double poling for long-distance skiing races. Together with a test person, ProXCskiing.com has tested five pairs of skis. These double poling skis are intended for training and competition, with longer distances and double poling as the focus.

The skis were tested in the Torsby Ski Tunnel in connection with the Swedish Sports Forum’s Sports Academy Days. There was no wind in the tunnel, and the temperature was zero degrees at the time of the test. The snow was dry and loose.

Sanna Forsman is 24 years old and has previously been active in cross-country skiing for Öje IF. Forsman is 165cm tall and weighs 52kg. This is important because the skis can work slightly differently depending on the person using them. Forsman used the same boots and poles for all ski pairs to have a similar starting point.

Each pair of skis was tested for about ten minutes. The assessments are, therefore, based on first impressions.

A double poling ski is a ski with a low camber and is almost flat. This is because you should not get any “shock absorption” in the ski and thus lose the power during poling.

Part 1: The Big Ski Test 2023 – Skin Skis

Part 2: The Big Ski Test 2023 – Ski Poles

ProXCskiing.com has assessed each product based on an overall impression and three different criteria. The three criteria are stability, glide, and handling.

When using double polishing skis, it is essential to have good stability to easily pole and focus on it. The glide is also important because you don’t want any braking effect in the ski like you get on “traditional” classic skis. The last criterion is handling. This is about how the ski works when changing tracks and how it performs off the classic track. Finally, a rating has been set, from 1 to 6, based on first impressions, an overall assessment, and the three criteria.

ATOMIC – REDSTER DP SHIFT RC

The Redster DP Shift RC is Atomic’s double-poling ski. The company promises good acceleration in the ski and says that this double poling ski has the best characteristics for the long-distance skier. The Nomex core makes the ski both light and stable. The ski is available in a single length and is optimal when the temperature is between -15 and -2 degrees Celsius.

Price: approx. SEK 6,995, including binding (about 600 euros)
Material: Nomex core

This is an excellent double poling ski. The ski works well on the tracks and does its job there; it is slightly more challenging to handle off the classic tracks. The binding on the ski is adjustable, which is positive because you can adapt the ski to the conditions. During the test, Forsman pointed out that the ski was slightly stiff when changing tracks. This is probably a good pole ski to start with if you want to try double pole skiing over longer distances.

Stability: 3
Glide: 4
Handling: 3
Overall impression: 3

ROSSIGNOL – DP PREMIUM X-IUM

The Double Pole Premium X-ium is one of Rossignol’s top skis. They promise a ski with excellent acceleration and a stable frame. The ski is designed for long races and training sessions, perfect for those who, for example, train for Vasaloppet.

Price: Approx. SEK 7,000 without binding (about 600 euros)
Material: Nomex core

This double pole ski is flexible to handle and behaves equally well on and off the classic tracks. The stability was not quite up to par, it could have been improved. Another area of improvement is that this ski feels heavier “on the legs” than the other skis tested by ProXCskiing.com.  

Stability: 4
Glide: 4
Handling: 4
Overall impression: 4

FISCHER – SPEEDMAX 3D DP SPRINT

Fischer’s double poling ski, Speedmax 3D Double Poling Sprint, has an Air Core HM Carbon core, which means that the ski is very lightweight, only 1030 grams (191 cm ski). According to Fischer, a shorter ski allows you to be closer to the skier in front. In addition, the company promises good acceleration.

Price: Approx. 10 000 SEK without binding (about 860 euros)
Material: Air Core HM Carbon

This is undoubtedly the best double poling ski that ProXCskiing.com tested. Fischer’s Speedmax 3D DP Sprint is an incredibly good ski. It works great on the tracks and is the ski that ProXCskiing.com tested that worked best off the trail. The construction of the ski is excellent. The ski has good glide and gets the highest rating. Forsman felt that she stood firmly on the ski and said that this model is clearly the best in terms of stability.

Stability: 6
Glide: 6
Handling: 6
Overall impression: 6

MADSHUS – REDLINE DP 192

Madshus Redline Double Pole 192 is a good double poling ski with a lightweight construction, 990 grams (192 cm ski). The company says many people choose this poling ski model because it is smooth and good, especially when changing tracks and other maneuvers. With this ski, you get to use your double poling capacity.

Price: SEK 8,500, including binding (about 730 euros)
Material: PR100X core with carbon

The first impression of the Madshus Redline DP 192 pole ski is that it is a nice ski. It has a stable frame allows you to stand firmly on the ski. Forsman emphasizes that this is a comfortable ski with good balance. The ski glide is good, but not as good as Fischer’s.

Stability: 6
Glide: 5
Handling: 5
Overall impression: 5

PELTONEN – INFRA X PUMPA

Optimized double poling ski from Peltonen. Made with a core of Nomex Honeycomb, which, according to the manufacturer, enables a super light construction and should provide fantastic skiing properties and glide. It comes with a fluor-free nano-coating to improve glide at higher speeds.

Price: 6 500 SEK without binding (about 560 euros)
Material: Nomex honeycomb core

For Forsman, who is 165cm tall, these skis were slightly long (202 cm). That made them difficult to handle. Such a long ski can be advantageous for those taller than Forsman. Otherwise, the ski was comfortable and worked very well as a consistently good double poling ski. The price is also slightly lower than several of the other skis tested.

Stability: 4
Glide: 4
Handling: 4
Overall impression: 4