Next to being on snow, rollerskiing is the best type of training for cross country skiing. If you’re serious about your summer training, rollerskiing is the best way to stay fit, work those ski specific muscles, and make sure you’re ready to hit the trails when the snow flies in December. There are even summer-long rollerski race series like this one in the Midwest or these in New England.
Buying rollerskis can be a daunting task, though, with so many options available and so many skis that, well, kind of look the same. But before we get there, we need to answer the question: what makes a good rollerski? There are lots of answers to this depending on your ability level and what you’re looking to get out of your skis, but in general a quality rollerski is one that mimics a real ski as closely as possible.
Testers roll with it at Vermont’s Craftsbury Outdoor Center. We rounded up a group of Vermont-based Nords to put a selection of rollerskis through their paces. While cruising the asphalt at Craftsbury Outdoor Center’s rollerski loops and on paved country roads, testers evaluated the skis for stability, tracking, dampness (were they chattery or smooth?), swing weight (were the skis nimble and quick or did they take longer to maneuver?) and ski feel (compared to a Nordic snow ski).
Like in cross country skiing, there are two variations of roller skis. Classic denotes the form of sliding one foot forward than the other, a movement similar to running, while skate skiing resembles, well, skating-pushing outward with one foot than the other. The wheels on classic skis are smaller and wider, and have lock mechanisms so the wheels don’t slide backward. For those who backcountry or skimo, classic roller skiing is likely the best option.
Let roller skis get you in top form for skiing before the snow flies
How to Start Roller Skiing
Getting into roller skiing requires some gumption. Skiers will be traveling at high speeds on pavement, likely on country roads where drivers are unfamiliar with the sport. To begin, skiers should head to a flat, evenly paved surface. Parking lots, sidewalks, and schools are good places to find this kind of “forgiving” asphalt.
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Knees should remain bent in an athletic stance, with center of gravity forward in the boot-putting weight in the back of the boot will likely end with your backside on the ground, especially given the lock mechanism that prohibits backward movement. From here, poling or double poling is your friend, and will keep you moving. Great! You’re on the move. And you’re still moving…and need to stop before the next intersection.
Skiers’ best bet is to do the old faithful snow plow, widening your stance and keeping roller skis far apart to eventually bring momentum to a halt. The next method is not for beginners-roller skiers can tow one leg behind the other, placing the back leg at a 45-degree angle to the front. Again, this is not recommended for those just getting into the sport. Finally, there’s always the emergency bail. This entails heading off the road, into grass or a ditch, as carefully as possible.
Roller Ski Models and Reviews
Fischer Speedmax
Fischer’s top-of-the-line classic rollerski was a favorite among testers, getting top marks in all categories. “I don’t believe any rollerski can replicate a classic snow ski, but this was as close as I’ve ever felt,” reported one experienced ski coach. The Speedmax has full carbon construction and a slight upward bend designed to increase clearance while creating a more realistic flex. Testers were also impressed with the ski’s straight tracking ability.
Fischer RC7 Skate
Fischer’s aluminum RC7 Skate aims to balance performance and cost. A balancing act is never easy, but testers had high praise for the ski. “Fast, smooth and very stable,” said one, while others gave high marks for the ski’s stability. Nonetheless, this tester was impressed by the ski’s feel, calling it similar to that of an actual Nordic ski.
Fischer RC7 Classic FR
Aimed at recreational rollerskiers, the aluminum RC7 Classic FR received positive feedback from testers, who appreciated the ski’s noticeable lightness and easy turning ability. “It’s hard to come up with negatives because the skis are so smooth and balanced,” wrote one. The RC7 Classic also earned high marks for tracking, stability and dampness, with one tester appreciating the relatively low 25-millimeter ground clearance. “A solid ski that I would recommend to any skier-beginner to advanced,” enthused one tester.
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Marwe Skis
Finnish brand Marwe specializes in rollerskis, and this model’s composite wood construction resembles a Nordic ski’s build for a similar flex and to give the feeling of being on snow. Most testers agreed, ranking it high for ski feel. A noteworthy feature: the rubber wheels are available in five variations, each with a different level of resistance, to accommodate everything from racing to slow rolls for power training. Some testers found the skis noisy-“they chatter constantly when moving,” wrote one. Testers also varied on stability and maneuverability.
Like Marwe’s Classic 700 XC that we reviewed, this ski is constructed similarly to a traditional Nordic model for enhanced snow-like feel and dampening. “Felt like they absorbed more chatter than other skis I tested,” noted one tester.
Pursuit Fork Flex
The Fork Flex line aims to replicate a snappy, snow ski-emulating pop through a proprietary spring steel fork that connects wheel to ski. One tester called these aluminum rollerskis with rubber wheels “really smooth” while another noted “they feel very similar to Nordic skis.” Yet another tester praised the ski’s “agility” while finding that the stiffness that makes the ski nimble meant it didn’t absorb the bumps in cracked pavement.
A new addition to the brand’s fork flex family, this aluminum ski features a single-arm fork designed to increasing flex while maintaining strength. Pursuit calls this model ideal for skiers under 170 pounds. Indeed, one lighter tester appreciated the new design, noting the ski was not as chattery as other, beefier rollerskis. “Very similar to an actual skate ski in terms of feel,” wrote a tester. Overall, reviewers gave the highest marks for tracking and stability. A veteran rollerskier called the Extra Flex a “beginner-friendly rollerski” that was easy to balance on.
Swenor Skis
Norwegian rollerski brand Swenor calls this wood-and-fiberglass ski a bestseller, and our testers could see why. “Love it,” summed up one. According to their feedback, the ski absorbed all chatter and tracked almost perfectly straight while imparting a Nordic ski-like feel. “Super smooth and very well balanced,” said a tester, and another praised the rear ratchet for activating quickly and accurately. One nit-pick: testers found the skis (at 2,150 grams per pair) a bit heavy.
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Testers were split on the performance of this aluminum ski, sharing comments that were decidedly less enthusiastic than those for Swenor’s Fiberglass Cap rollerski. Despite being the heaviest (1,900 grams per pair) of Swenor’s skate rollerskis, this wood-and-fiberglass model felt “light and quick,” said one tester. Reported another, “I loved them-great ski feel.” The ski earned strong scores overall for stability and tracking, as well as a nimble swing weight. The one thing that rattled testers-literally-were the optional speed reducers that came pre-attached to the test skis. “It was nerve wracking to have loose pieces chattering around,” a tester commented.
Price isn’t always indicative of a ski’s performance. Case in point: this well-priced aluminum rollerkski, which is also the longest skate model (630 mm) in Swenor’s lineup. “Very fast and easy to move around and put under me,” said one tester. “Super-smooth, light and balanced,” raved a reviewer, while another praised the ski for being “solid and stable, with a good natural feel.” Despite the length, our testers gave high marks to the ski’s light swing weight, as well as its dampness, stability and tracking.
Swix Skis
This redesigned model in Swix’s rollerski lineup offers an aluminum counterpart to the brand’s older Triac Carbon Classic. Testers gave the ski high marks across the board, citing, especially, its stability, tracking and dampness. Compared to its previous version, the ski has 30 percent more torsional stiffness, says Swix, thanks to a hollow, U-shaped frame and a new fork. The axles and wheels were also redesigned. One smaller tester thought the ski (790 mm) felt a bit long.
The Roadline Skate provides a lower-cost alternative to Swix’s top-of-the-line carbon skate rollerski, with an aluminum frame and new lightweight wheels. But don’t discount this easy-to-use ski’s versatility-Swix markets it to anyone from professionals to recreationalists. In general, our testers agreed, describing the performance as smooth and light, with good stability.
V2 Skis
With a carbon-composite frame and a wood core, this new lightweight ski garnered mixed results. Some testers praised the ski’s stability, dampness and tracking, while others found those elements lacking. One tester noted that it was hard to maintain long strides on the XLC98, as the ski had a tendency to roll inside (though tracking can be adjusted on the shock-absorbing wheel forks). V2 offers four types of rubber wheels for the ski, as well as optional brakes and speed reducers.
Like its new skate sibling, the XLC920 has a wood core, carbon-composite frame and shock-absorbing wheel forks, with brakes and speed reducers as add-on options. Scores for stability, dampness and tracking varied; “the ski feels quite stable and tracks well when on both skis,” said one tester. This model comes with medium-speed rubber wheels (faster or slower replacements are available); testers thought they felt a little slower than similar wheels from other brands so recommended this ski for beginner to intermediate rollerskiers or those looking for a higher-resistance workout.
Additional Models
- Fischer RC5: As the cheapest ski in Fischer’s lineup, there’s nothing truly special about this ski other than the price. It tracks reasonably well, is reasonably stable, and is reasonably priced. For recreational skiers or anyone looking to try rollerskiing for the first time, this is a great option!
- Fischer RC7: For those looking for a bit of an upgrade from the RC5 in weight and performance, the Fischer RC7 is the perfect option. This ski is incredibly smooth and balanced, tracks well, and features low ground clearance that helps it mimic a real ski.
- Fischer Carbonlite Skate: With a very similar build to the Speedmax Skate rollerskis (see below), the Carbonlite Skate rollerski is designed to give the feeling of a real ski on the road.
- Swix S7 Rookie: With smaller wheels and a shorter wheelbase than most skate rollerskis (a construction similar to the Fischer RC5 Skate), the Swix S7 Rookie is built for younger skiers. This ski prioritizes maneuverability over straight-line speed, which makes it easier to learn on than other skis. Swix recommends it for younger skiers weighing up to 70kg (154lbs). The frame is designed to be sturdy without any excess weight, and the smaller diameter wheels keep this ski’s center of gravity low.
- Swix Roadline: The Swix Roadline is another aluminum ski with incredible value for the price. It also tracks exceptionally well for a ski at this price point, and features Swix’s new CNC-machined alloy wheels that save a few grams and provide excellent tracking. That means you can glide on this ski for longer, which makes working on technique and balance easier than ever before. The roadline does sit higher than some of their competitors, which some argue makes them feel a bit on the tippy side.
- V2 XL150S: For anyone looking to take their rollerskiing off road, or at least onto gravel or poorly paved roads, the V2 XL150S stands alone. With inflatable tires of a much larger diameter than the rest of the skis we carry, these skis can smooth out even the roughest pavement and even handle smoother gravel roads with ease. This model is also easily compatible with V2’s brake and speed reducer systems, which offer more control than you would have with a more traditional rollerski design. The tradeoff is that this ski is nowhere near as fast or light as its competition. For those looking for a more performance-oriented ski, look elsewhere.
- SkiGo Aluminum Classic Rollerski: At a very reasonable price point, this ski can help you perfect your double pole and striding techniques over the summer without breaking the bank.
- SkiGo Carbon Classic: Featuring a cambered carbon frame that flexes like a real ski while dampening chatter on the road, this ski is the perfect choice for those looking to work on classic skiing over the summer. There are two options available, with the “Soft” model ideal for skiers under 145lbs and the “Hard” for those weighing 145lbs and above.
Factors to Consider
There are a few factors to consider when choosing the right roller skis. Be honest with your skill level-are you just starting out? Have a few seasons under your belt? Then consider, are you looking to skate or classic ski, and from there factor in your build and weight.
Roller skiing entails moving at a fast clip on hard surfaces, so there’s inherent risk involved. That being said, proper protective gear worn and safety precautions followed, it should be a relatively safe outing. Many roller skis are compatible with cross country ski boots and poles.
We know this is a ton of information, and we’re here to help you out if you’re looking to purchase a new pair of rollerskis. A winter is only as good as you make it. And a huge part of getting the most out of the snowy season is having the stamina to keep up, day after day, week after week.