Madshus, Rossignol or maybe something else? New to XC

[telerat]

If you are looking at Rossignol, I'd check out the BC 100. It is almost as wide as the BC 120 in the waist, which matters the most for float, but much straighter and lighter for better XC speed. It will of course not turn as quickly as BC 120, Madshus Panorama M78 etc. I think that BC120 and similar skis would be more suitable for tours involving more downhill and with stiffer plastic boots. Only skiing XC in soft snow sounds like a big limitation to me, but it depends on your local conditions and interest. Any ski is a compromise where you have to choose the properties you want to prioritize, although some skis have a wider repertoire than others.

For pulling a ski sled, grip is paramount and skins will be good or even necessary for going uphill.

[lilcliffy]

Hello and welcome RysKus!

Reading the description of the ski touring you want to do-

is there a reason why you are considering fairly wide downhill-oriented skis like the Madshus 78/Rossi BC120?
Both of these skis are tuned for turning- and as such are not directionally stable-
traditionally- and conventionally- most people with the ski objectives you describe- choose a touring ski with a more cross-country focus.

In addtion- if you want soft Nordic touring boots- you won't have the support and leverage to drive either of those skis downhill- so, again, I am curious as to why you are considering those particular skis?

As far as skins- yes, you will want skins if you plan on climbing steep slopes and/or want to pull significant weight.
Please keep in touch and let us know how you make out with this,
Gareth

[lilcliffy]

Now I’m thinking between Panorama M78 and M68. Sometimes there’s a lot of snow, where I plan to ski, so it must be floating.

The 78 offers much more flotation than the 68- it is very significant, unless one is a very light skier.

[lilcliffy]

If you are looking at Rossignol, I'd check out the BC 100. It is almost as wide as the BC 120 in the waist, which matters the most for float, but much straighter and lighter for better XC speed.

The current Rossi BC100 is a very interesting and unique ski design indeed-
short
wide
no rocker
little sidecut
low camber
soft round flex
tapered tail

I was almost stunned by how directionally stable they are- even when XC skiing on consolidated snow.
As far as turning- the width-flotation, camber-flex pattern and tapered make them floaty and slarvy, smeary on soft snow. Interesting and unique ski design.
They are very slow- but, depending on the context- who cares?

The round and very-low profile tip is a deal-breaker for me.

[Manney]

Thanks. I’ll rather try to catch a nice, powder day. I can keep my snowboard for the rest of the season, when snow is not that good.


Those spots and snow conditions are similar to my local places.

I’m 178 cm tall and weight about 78kg. I guess longer skis will be better.

Ps. I really like riding forests, but this will take few years to learn how to ski again

Moderate snow. A bit of moisture, so consolidates. Not waist high, cold and dry powder. Look at the skis at 1:15. Wide but not long. A narrower, longer ski would float just as well on that snow. Be faster on the flats, climb. Surface area ~ the same. Anything 65 mm under foot or wider would work. Maybe a bit of tip rocker (upward curve at the front of the ski) to cut through the snow. Don’t have to go crazy wide to get floatation in that snow. You are 78 kg, not 90+.

I’ve spent a lot of time in plastic boots, slalom skier. Support needed when the forces can exceed human ankle strength. Nowhere near that force in the skiing shown in the video. Easy in leather, suede boot that goes above the ankle.

[RysKus]

I am curious as to why you are considering those particular skis?

Hi,
To be honest my choice was based on this video:


I don’t know anyone, who’s using telemark skis On this video I can see that soft (compared to plastic ones) shoes, Rottefella Xplore bindings and Madshus skis is ok for riding downhill. I’ll be focused more on touring, but if the person from the video is skiing so easily, this means it’s possible and can be learned

[Manney]

That’s a 20 degree angle. Firm, hard packed snow. Much different that the terrain, snow you’re planning to ski..

Different snow, slope requires different ski, boot, bindings.

[lowangle al]

Thanks. I’ll rather try to catch a nice, powder day. I can keep my snowboard for the rest of the season, when snow is not that good.


Those spots and snow conditions are similar to my local places.

I’m 178 cm tall and weight about 78kg. I guess longer skis will be better.

Ps. I really like riding forests, but this will take few years to learn how to ski again

If you want to ski terrain like in this vid, I'd recommend plastic boots.

[Manney]

See plastic boots on the skier in the video? 0:41s

No. LOL. A young guy showing some athletic prowess. Applying himself, ability.

[RysKus]

On the other hand I’ve seen guys riding in a deep snow in the woods Altai skis with binding for normal shoes. Everything is possible I’m aware that there will be huge difference between stiff plastic boots and soft ones, but if it’s just possible to ride it, then I’ll try. I can always upgrade later, when I learn.