Help with GEAR for newb FIRST POST

[StillWill]

I am a total newbie with cross country, but have experience alpine skiing and snowboarding.
Taking the plunge into cross country this winter. My goal is to cruise the trails in the woods and explore- probably over some gnarly terrain. I am in Massachusetts so we don't have huge snow totals, and it can be all over the place in terms snow quality.

Been lurking on these forums and have decided to get the Coleman's Asnes Skis, paired with Ski/March boots. Wondering what to do for bindings and poles. Leaning towards either a fancy new pair of Rottefella Super Telemark for $75-100, or a more affordable pair of other 75mm Rottefella from ebay, like $20. Also considering a pair of USGI Ramer bindings for the second set of skis from Colemans, also about $20 as a loner pair for friends.

1) What should I get for bindings? are other used or vintage 75mm Rottefellas any good? or should i take the plunge and get a brand new pair of Super Telemarks?

2) I need 145cm poles, what should I be looking for as a beginner? Was gonna get the USGI poles to continue the theme, butI've heard they are crap...Advice?

3) are the Usgi skins for the Asnes total junk? thinking tey might be useful for climbing small icy hills then removing..

Thanks!!

[Woodserson]

BINDINGS: You don't need to get new ST's but definitely do not get the older 3pin XC-classic bindings (NN nordic norm). For the skis and boots you're getting you'll need the beefier binding.

As an example, NOT THIS, it is not the super telemark it's a classic k&g binding for small shoes, NN:

Here are some ST's branded as Karhu for $65 free shipping, and they are new:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/284222156097?h ... SwefBgUPTJ

Here's a smoking deal for Voile 3pin cable: https://www.ebay.com/itm/324723148604?h ... SwEUpg-NFe

You can also look for Voile 3 pin or Voile HD Mountaineer.

The Ramer's could be fun for visitors and that way they don't have to struggle buying XC boots.

POLES: Are you totally sure 145cm is long enough? Don't go short on yourself. I buy cheap rental quality alu poles from XC shops, LL Bean Outlets, scrounging around tag sales, the like.

SKINS: I can't speak to the skins.

One thing you haven't mentioned in WAX. You gonna need wax, like nordic grip wax. Many fantastic threads on this site, check the WIKI sub-forum for really banging advice.

Now go buy those Karhu bindings before someone else does!

[Woodserson]

@fgd135 worked at Ramer IIRC... he could advise better on this type of set-up than anyone else here, probs.

Yes--- lots of good info on this thread http://www.telemarktalk.com/viewtopic.php?t=2884

[Spiny Norman]

or if you are anywhere near Keene, NH You can get equipped for $35




https://nh.craigslist.org/spo/d/harrisv ... 69358.html

not my sale btw

[fisheater]

I have both Ski March boots and Coleman’s USGI skis. It’s not a bad way to start. I love the boots, and the skis are solid, but maybe a little heavier ( and a lot less expensive) than some more modern alternatives.
Woods is spot on on bindings. A cable can be helpful on more challenging downhills. Hopefully someday you will not need them with a powerful boot like the Ski March. However by then you will have lighter boots and skis. That isn’t a bad thing, it just means you will be enjoying winter on skis!
Oh! By the way, kick wax ain’t Chinese Arithmetic! Don’t freak out! It’s really awesome, and you will catch on.

[riel]

Been lurking on these forums and have decided to get the Coleman's Asnes Skis, paired with Ski/March boots. Wondering what to do for bindings and poles. Leaning towards either a fancy new pair of Rottefella Super Telemark for $75-100, or a more affordable pair of other 75mm Rottefella from ebay, like $20. Also considering a pair of USGI Ramer bindings for the second set of skis from Colemans, also about $20 as a loner pair for friends.

1) What should I get for bindings? are other used or vintage 75mm Rottefellas any good? or should i take the plunge and get a brand new pair of Super Telemarks?

I just bought some Asnes Storetind skis off Marketplace, and they'll be arriving with Voile 3 pin bindings, which I plan to replace with some 0 pin cable bindings.

I'm up in Concord NH, and would be happy to get you some Voile 3 pin bindings for a good price.

3) are the Usgi skins for the Asnes total junk? thinking tey might be useful for climbing small icy hills then removing..

I actually got some of those $20 nylon skins off eBay, to use with my Asnes USGI skis, but have not used them yet. Wax works amazingly well in all sorts of conditions.

Of course, I also did not use my Asnes USGI skis last season, because I somehow ended up with quite a collection of skis

When the Storetinds arrive, I suspect I'll be looking to get rid of some Rossignol BC90 skis (too soft for my taste, but could be a turny complement to the fast-but-going-straight-only USGI skis) and some never used, never drilled Fischer S-Bound 98 skis, both in 189cm length...

[StillWill]

Here's a smoking deal for Voile 3pin cable: https://www.ebay.com/itm/324723148604?h ... SwEUpg-NFe


Took your advice and put an offer on these, and the seller accepted (20% off listed price) They seem to be very versatile and will allow me to try a few different things (cable/no cable; riser/no riser) Thanks for your help!

[fgd135]

The USGI strap-on skins are a real PITA to use. They're very time consuming to install and remove, with all the straps to fasten/unfasten. Those straps will freeze up with ice and are hard to adjust, remove, etc. Plus,. snow and ice tend to build up between the skins and the ski base...and the skins generally tend to roll off the uphill side of the ski on rising traverses.
Not that it isn't a good price, though. For long distances on simple rolling terrain they work OK.

Personally, I'd save my Yankee dollars and buy a pair of adhesive skins, even second hand ones. Used ugly fat skins for AT skis can easily be trimmed with a razor blade to fit.

Here's additional info on the Ramer cable aka Silveretta 125A:
viewtopic.php?f=21&t=3687&p=37267&hilit=ramer#p37267

[jyw5]

don't go cheap on the skins. they can last a long time if you take care of them. Good performance and easy on and off is important and makes the sport more enjoyable.

If you dont want to spend too much on them, try the Black Diamond Kicker skins, comes in various sizes (50mm, 65mm, etc)...can get them for about $70-80. Or if you want full length straight skins and want to spend more, Contour Guide Skins 50mm mohair mix have very good grip (I use mine with tip attachment only, no tail) for skis as wide as 72mm waist.

When you decide to get better skis later, you can still reuse these skins. I prefer thinner and shorter skins for more glide on easy hills. So it doesnt matter if your skis are 60mm or 80mm waist...especially since you aren't climbing steep terrain.