A new training year is coming up and it’s time to update your roller ski fleet, or perhaps buy your very first roller skis. ProXCskiing.com has produced a guide for you to kick off the roller ski season. Here you get help to choose the right roller skis whether you are a beginner or a more experienced roller skier.

The guide has been developed in collaboration with eight of the most famous brands where they have had the opportunity to select three pairs of roller skis from their range that they recommend for training at different levels. We go through classic roller skis recommended for the beginner, classic roller skis for the experienced skier and roller skis for skating.

Also Read: The Big Roller Ski Test

Classic roller skis for beginners

Have you enjoyed the winter and want to get started with your roller ski training? Here’s your guide to buying your first pair of roller skis.

First, there are three important things to keep in mind when buying roller skis. Former roller ski World Champion Ragnar Bragvin Andresen holds roller skiing courses for athletes of different levels and explains:

“Stability, the right wheels, and secure bindings are the most important things to consider. This applies to everyone, both beginners and the more experienced skier.”

Stability

“It is important to find a stable roller ski. The lower the center of gravity and closer to the ground you get, the more stable and ‘ski like’ it will feel to ride on.”

There are several ways to solve this. Some manufacturers have a lowered frame, Swenor is one of them. Others, such as IDT, have solved it by fixing the bolt hole for the wheels further up the frame. “It’s often just a matter of millimeters to give that good, stable feeling,” explains Bragvin Andresen.

He adds that it is also important to keep the roller skier in mind.

“For example, there is a reason why they make junior models. I see many parents who, with the best intentions, buy the most expensive, most technical roller skis for their children. But it’s not necessarily the best for an 8-year-old. When you start roller skiing, regardless of age, it is important that they feel stable and safe for the user, so that you dare to let go. That’s when you become good in the long run,” says Bragvin Andresen.

The right wheels

Most roller skis come with wheels that work well for a wide range of skiers. But Bragvin Andresen emphasizes that large, heavy skiers place higher demands on the wheels.

“Heavier skiers, I mean people who weigh more than 70-75 kilos, need wheels that are made of harder materials than those that normally come as standard on the skis,” he says, and explains further:

“It’s about safety: at high speeds, you risk the skis losing their grip on the ground in curves and lateral movements if the wheels are too soft. But it’s also about getting value for the effort you put in. Heavier skiers with too soft wheels will feel a slight loss of power, especially when skiing.”

Safe bindings

Roller skis should be safe: make sure the bindings are not too old and worn out. Bragvin Andresen fully understands why people inherit roller skis from others or buy used ones. But he urges those who do so to take extra care with their bindings.

For one thing, bindings wear out with use. But there have also been cases where the bindings have not worked properly and in some cases have come loose while the skis are in use. At high speeds and in traffic, it goes without saying that this is dangerous. That’s why it’s important to check the bindings and make sure they are properly fitted, regardless of the age and brand of the equipment.

 “A good way to test the binding is to make sure there is no ‘looseness’ when you have tightened the ski and then shake your foot vigorously in all directions,” says Bragvin Andresen.

TIP! Don’t miss our Friday article (April 26), in which coach Kalle Gräfnings tells you how to plan your first training sessions on roller skis as a beginner.

The manufacturers recommend: Classic roller skis for beginners

SWENOR

FACTS
Model: Swenor Fibreglass
Length: 730 mm
Weight: 2.150 g/pair
Material: Wood
Wheel width: 45 mm
Wheel material: Rubber
Wheel diameter: 70 mm
Rolling resistance: 1-4
Recommended price: EUR 350,-

Manufacturer’s description
Fibreglass is Swenor’s flagship model and best seller. For almost ten years, Swenor Fibreglass has been sold globally. The roller ski has characteristics that the manufacturer believes give a genuine skiing experience equivalent to cross-country skiing. As a directionally stable roller ski with good vibration damping, it provides a sense of security and control. The flexible, but solidly built wooden frame should contribute to the feeling of stability, safety and comfort to the user regardless of the surface. The wheel size of the roller ski is suitable for both double poling and diagonal skiing.

AE ROLLERSKIS

FACTS
Model: AE Classic
Length: 715 mm
Weight: 2.024 g/pair
Material: Aluminum frame
Wheel width: 45 mm
Wheel material: rubber
Wheel diameter: 74 mm
Rolling resistance: 2, 3, 4, and 5
Recommended price: EUR 190

Manufacturer’s description
The AE Classic is a Swedish roller ski that is described as being perfect for beginners and the average skier of all ages. The combination of the aluminum frame and rubber wheels gives the skier both stability and comfort. Which is appreciated especially on bad asphalt.

SRB

FACTS
Model: CR06+
Length: 700 mm
Weight: 1.745 g/pair
Material: Aluminum
Wheel width: 43 mm
Wheel material: Rubber
Wheel diameter: 72 mm
Rolling resistance: 2
Recommended price: EUR 319,-

Manufacturer’s description
The SRB CR06+ classic performance is an easy-to-handle, lightweight classic roller ski. The new V-shaped wheels provide optimal stability and control for beginners and more experienced skiers. The roller ski is made in Germany and, according to the manufacturer, thanks to its construction, provides the skier with extra safety and a unique skiing experience.

FF ROLLERSKIS

FACTS
Model: FF V Active Classic
Length: 725 mm
Weight: 2.500 g/pair
Material: aluminum
Wheel width: 44 mm
Wheel material: Rubber
Wheel diameter: 74 mm
Rolling resistance: 2
Recommended price: EUR 349,-

Manufacturer’s description
FF V Active Classic is a light and stable roller ski for both double poling and diagonal skiing. Thanks to the patented V-tracked wheels. They have a profile that mimics that of cross-country skis. According to the manufacturer, this ensures that you get a directionally stable ski and a more ski like feel and technique. The profile and rounded corners give you a better diagonal ski and allow you to maintain a higher speed in sharp turns.

IDT

FACTS
Model: IDT Classic
Length: 750mm
Weight: 2.124 g/pair
Material: Aluminum
Wheel width: 50mm
Wheel material: Rubber
Wheel diameter: 50 mm
Rolling resistance: 1,2,3,4
Recommended price: From EUR 340,- without binding.

Manufacturer’s description
The IDT Classic is a directionally stable roller ski. Which has an aluminum frame machined and manufactured in their own facilities in Toten, Norway. These skis provide constant response from the surface and provide the authentic “ski like” feeling you are looking for, even in the summer.

The skis can be customized with different rolling resistance, depending on how much resistance you want from the wheels, with RM1 being the lightest and RM4 the heaviest. IDT defines all rolling resistance in the rubber compound, as all skis are equipped with the same type of bearings in all models. This provides a consistent experience across different ski types. With no upper weight limit, these skis can be used by all age groups and weight classes.

For experienced skiers

For more experienced skiers, much the same applies as for beginners when buying roller skis: stability, the right wheels and secure bindings. But some more experienced skiers, for example, often want multiple pairs of roller skis for different purposes, and different types of wheels for different surfaces and sessions.

First, when are you a “more experienced” skier?

“Quite simply: When you feel comfortable with turns and braking.”

What should more experienced skiers look for when buying roller skis?

“Firstly, it’s finding the right skis for the purpose you’re going to use them for, whether it’s double poling on country roads, classic cross-country skiing with diagonal skiing on varied roller ski tracks, or skating. Secondly, it’s the right rolling resistance and different types of wheels.”

Roller skis for different purposes

Road poling: These are mostly skis used for long runs, usually on surfaces of varying quality.

“Think comfort. A frame with some flex helps to absorb vibration from the surface. The same goes for slightly softer wheels,” says Bragvin Andresen and adds:

“Take a look at what the cross-country pros use. They put in long sessions and a lot of training on roller skis.”

Diagonal skiing in varied roller ski tracks: Here you need stable roller skis because you don’t have ski tracks to walk on, as you do in winter.

Correct rolling resistance and wheel type

For more experienced skiers, it is often interesting to have wheels with different rolling resistance for different purposes. The wheels are classified from 1 to 4, with wheel 1 having the least resistance and wheel 4 being the heaviest.

Roller skis usually come with standard type 2 wheels. If you want more rolling resistance, you can switch to type 3 or 4 wheels. If you want more speed and less resistance, you can choose type 1 wheels.

“If you have the opportunity, I would recommend varying the rolling resistance. It gives extra stimulus to the sessions, and it is also the case in winter that the conditions are not always the same,” says Bragvin Andresen.

Classic: Here, Bragvin Andresen recommends using type 3 wheels as standard for well-trained athletes. For younger skiers and recreational athletes with less training experience, type 2 wheels are the way to go.

Also Read: Five videos to improve your roller skiing technique

Which material should I choose for the construction? There is aluminum, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and wood core.

“You can be good on roller skis made of all materials, but as mentioned, it is important to consider the weight. If you are big and heavy, aluminum is the safest,” says the former roller ski World Champion.

The manufacturer recommends: Classic roller ski for the experienced skier

FISCHER

FACTS
Model: Speedmax Classic
Length: 745 mm
Weight: 1.660 g/pair without binding
Material: 100% carbon fiber
Wheel width: 45 mm
Wheel material: Rubber
Wheel diameter: 70 mm
Rolling resistance: Medium speed
Recommended price: EUR 580,- incl. binding

Manufacturer’s description
According to the manufacturer, the most ski like roller ski on the market. The roller ski has a technology with an “arc shape” that provides a low standing height, while the roller ski does not risk touching the ground. This gives the user a feeling of being close to the ground. It should provide a stable position on the skis and safe steering. The frame, which is made of 100% carbon fiber, provides a dynamic forward movement in fast diagonal skiing and compensates for vibrations on uneven asphalt. Speedmax Classic is available in two stiffnesses – the medium version is suitable for skiers up to 85kg and for the longer distances. The stiffer version is recommended for skiers over 80kg or for more sprint-oriented skiers, if they weigh less than 80kg.

AE ROLLERSKIS

FACTS
Model: PRO Classic
Length: 752 mm
Weight: 2.260 gram/pair
Material: Aluminum frame
Wheel width: 45 mm
Wheel material: Rubber
Wheel diameter: 74 mm
Rolling resistance: 2, 3, 4, and 5
Recommended price: EUR 225,-

Manufacturer’s description
The AE Pro Classic is a slightly longer classic roller ski for the average and more advanced skier. The longer aluminum frame gives you a comfortable ski with a nice balance in both diagonal skiing and double poling. The rubber wheels have a good absorbent function that gives the skier good comfort on many different types of asphalt.

SWENOR

FACTS
Model: Alu Classic Elite
Length: 760 mm
Weight: 2.200 g/pair
Material: Aluminum
Wheel width: 45 mm
Wheel material: Rubber
Wheel diameter: 70 mm
Rolling resistance: 1-4
Recommended price: EUR 335,-

Manufacturer’s description
Swenor Alu Classic Elite originates from the best-selling Swenor Alutech. The Alu Classic Elite is a directionally stable aluminum roller ski. Due to the low weight and stable construction, the roller ski feels both flexible and stable at the same time and is therefore suitable for both double poling and diagonal skiing.

The Swenor Alu Classic Elite is 40 mm longer than the original Alutech, and the qualities that come with the extra length have proven attractive to experienced skiers who place high demands on experience and equipment. The extended frame should provide better flotation and stability, especially when skiing diagonally, allowing the skier to maintain a relaxed technique and good comfort even at high intensity.

SRB

FACTS
Model: CR07+ classic premium
Length: 720 mm
Weight: 1.820 g/pair
Material: Aluminum
Wheel width: 45 mm
Wheel material: Rubber
Wheel diameter: 70 mm
Rolling resistance: 2
Recommended price: EUR 439.-

Manufacturer’s description
With its long and stable aluminum frame, the CR07+ classic premium will give you an authentic ski feeling and comfortable workouts. This is due to the wide rubber wheels, which were developed together with the manufacturer Continental. Even on bumpy roads, the CR07+ should be very easy to ski and control.

SWIX

FACTS
Model: Roadline Classic
Length: 725 mm wheelbase
Weight: 2.200 g/pair
Material: Aluminum
Wheel width: 50 mm
Wheel material: Rubber
Wheel diameter: 67 mm
Rolling resistance: 2 (rolling resistance 1 and 3 can be purchased separately)
Recommended price: EUR 340,- (without bindings)

Manufacturer’s description
Swix has developed a frame that takes advantage of the best properties of the aluminum material. It should make the roller ski feel like you are skiing on snow. The combination of the new fork and frame increases torsional stiffness by more than 30% compared to the old Roadline model. The axles and wheel system have been completely redesigned to remove protruding screws/nuts and to facilitate maintenance and wheel replacement.

KÄSTLE

FACTS
Model: RS10 Classic
Length: 730 mm
Weight: 2.160 g/pair
Material: Aluminum, wood core, carbon and fiberglass layers
Wheel width: 45 mm
Wheel material: Rubber
Wheel diameter: 70 mm
Rolling resistance: 2
Recommended price: EUR 349,-

Manufacturer’s description
The RS10 Classic is designed to provide a natural rebound. The wooden core absorbs vibrations from the road, while the carbon and fiberglass layers give it good stiffness. The design of the aluminum fork, carbon and fiberglass bearings and soft rubber wheels should result in a very smooth ride. This roller ski is suitable for the enthusiastic skier who wants to perform. For skiers weighing up to 100 kg, who are looking for an easy way to train during the summer months.

FF ROLLERSKIS

FACTS
Model: FF V PRO Classic
Length: 720 mm
Weight: 2.200 g/pair
Material: Aluminum
Wheel width: 43 mm
Wheel material: Rubber
Wheel diameter: 73 mm
Rolling resistance: 2
Recommended price: EUR 549,-

Manufacturer’s description
The FF V Pro Classic is an innovative and high-tech roller ski. V Pro Classic is FF Rollerski’s flagship model but is equally suitable for both professionals and beginners as it should recreate the correct technique and the good skiing feeling you get on real cross-country skis. This pair from FF Rollerskis also has the V-groove wheels, which should make them more similar to the profile of cross-country skis.

Skate roller skis

When it comes to skate roller skis, the weight of the skier is the deciding factor.

“A lightweight skier can pretty much choose roller skis with any material and will find a carbon frame responsive and springy, for example. But for a heavy skier, it’s different. A frame with too much weight will be like skiing where all the power just disappears. In that case, an aluminum roller ski is best,” says Bragvin Andresen.

“If you look around, you will find that some of the elite ride on carbon, but that a lot of people ride on aluminum.”

He highlights another advantage of aluminum: It is an extremely robust material that can withstand a lot of knocks and bumps.

“You can also get more weight and response by using softer wheels,” says Bragvin Andresen.

Correct rolling resistance and wheel type

In skate, the standard wheels (2s) work well for most people as training wheels.

“Few people benefit from experimenting with heavier wheels like 3s in skate. The benefits of the increased rolling resistance are few, but the risk of constantly having a little too much muscular load is that you become slow. No one trains to become good at skating slowly,” says Bragvin Andresen.

However, he sees a good effect of varying with faster wheels (1s).

“It’s fun and useful to have a pair of fast wheels to practice technique and skills at top speed. It is also good to get a different stimulus on the muscles.”

Manufacturers recommend: Skate roller skis

FISCHER

FACTS
Model: RCS Skate
Length: 670 mm
Weight: 1.680 g/pair
Material: Fiberglass
Wheel width: 28 mm
Wheel material: Rubber
Wheel diameter: 100 mm
Rolling resistance: Medium
Recommended price: EUR 410,- incl. binding

Manufacturer’s description
According to the manufacturer, a skate roller ski that suits everyone. RCS Skate is built in an arc shape technology. Which provides a very low standing position without the risk of touching the ground. This should provide a good ski feeling, close to the ground, stable and comfortable experience on the roller skis.

AE ROLLERSKIS

FACTS
Model: AE Skate
Length: 615 mm
Weight: 1.636 g/pair
Material: Aluminum frame
Wheel width: 24 mm
Wheel material: Rubber
Wheel diameter: 100 mm
Rolling resistance: 1, 2 and 3
Recommended price: EUR 190,-

Manufacturer’s description
AE Skate is a skate roller ski suitable for the average skier. Its low center of gravity makes it stable even if you do not have the most expensive boots. The ski’s shorter length should also make it easier to handle.

SWENOR

FACTS
Model: Swenor Skate Long
Length: 630 mm
Weight: 1.450 g/pair
Material: Aluminum
Wheel width: 24 mm
Wheel material: Rubber or polyurethane
Wheel diameter: 100 mm
Rolling resistance: 1-3
Recommended price: EUR 300,-

Manufacturer’s description
The Swenor Skate Long is a directionally stable roller ski. The recessed aluminum frame is designed to make the roller ski immediately feel stable and suitable for all surfaces.

The Swenor Skate Long is 50 mm longer than the Swenor Skate. The extra centimeters should make a noticeable difference in the experience of the roller ski, but places higher demands on the technique of the person skiing it. But with practice, the longer ski should contribute to a more ski like experience.

SRB

FACTS
Model: SRB SR07+ skate premium
Length: 700 mm
Weight: 1.600 g/pair
Material: Aluminum
Wheel width: 24mm
Wheel material: Rubber
Wheel diameter: 100 mm
Rolling resistance: 2
Recommended price: EUR 310,-

Manufacturer’s description
The SR07+ from SRB has an extended frame and lower center of gravity to be more ski like. Their wheels and construction should provide control, grip and contribute to safety. Available with three different rolling resistances.

SWIX

FACTS
Model: Roadline Skate Rollerski
Length: 613 mm wheelbase / 630 mm frame
Weight: 1.460 g/pair
Material: Aluminum
Wheel width: 24 mm
Wheel material: Rubber
Wheel diameter: 100 mm
Rolling resistance: 2
Recommended price: EUR 285,-

Manufacturer’s description
Roadline Skate is a roller ski with a lower frame to give a more ski-like feeling and stability. The Skate is suitable for both elite and recreational skiers. According to the manufacturer, the Skate is easy to maneuver and a lightweight skate roller ski.

KÄSTLE

FACTS
Model: RS10 Skate
Length: 615 mm
Weight: 1.900 g/pair
Material: Aluminum, wood, carbon and fiberglass layers
Wheel width: 24 mm
Wheel material: rubber
Wheel diameter: 100 mm
Rolling resistance: 2
Recommended price: EUR 350,-

Manufacturer’s description
The RS Skate provides a natural rebound thanks to its high-quality frame made of lightweight wood with a robust multi-layer sidewall structure. The wooden core absorbs vibrations from the road, while the carbon and fiberglass layers give it rigidity. Suitable for roller skiers weighing up to 100 kg.

FF ROLLERSKIS

FACTS
Model: FF Active Skate
Length: 640 mm
Weight: 1.410 g/pair
Material: Aluminum
Wheel width: 24 mm
Wheel material: Rubber
Wheel diameter: 100 mm
Rolling resistance: 2
Recommended price: EUR 220,-

Manufacturer’s description
The FF Active Skate is a solid and lightweight roller ski and is suitable for those who want to get better at roller skiing. This is the second generation of FF Active Skate and has a slightly lower center of gravity to provide better stability. This is a roller ski for those who want a simple but good roller ski that is suitable for both beginners and elite skiers.

IDT SPORTS

FACTS
Model: IDT Skate Elite
Length: 715 mm
Weight: 1.698 g/pair
Material: Aluminum
Wheel width: 24mm
Wheel material: Rubber
Wheel diameter: 100 mm
Rolling resistance: 1,2,3
Recommended price: Starts at EUR 290,- without binding

Manufacturer’s description
IDT Skate Elite is a ski-like skate roller ski that, according to the manufacturer, makes the transition from asphalt to snow seamless. The ski’s length makes it similar to a cross-country ski, and the length forces you to maintain a correct technique. IDT Skate can be supplied with several different rolling resistances. The wheels are made of 100% rubber, the same kind of rubber used for car tires.