The Secret of a Reliable Kick – Part 1: Choosing the Right Ski Length and Stiffness
There are many things that determine whether a classic cross-country ski will provide a reliable kick.
Unfortunately, not all of them can be fixed with another layer of wax.
Some factors are beyond the control of an ordinary recreational skier. Others, such as choosing the correct kick wax, are at least theoretically within everyone's reach.
So what do we actually need for a reliable kick?
Correct ski length and stiffness
Suitable ski base and grip system
Correctly defined kick zone
Properly selected kick wax
Correct application of the wax
At least a basic ability to transfer body weight
At least a basic ability to read the ski tracks
For now, we are talking about classic cross-country skiing on mechanically groomed tracks.
Let's begin with the first and perhaps most important requirement.
The Right Ski Length and Stiffness
The relationship between ski stiffness, ski geometry and skier weight determines whether classic skis can perform their two essential functions: gliding and kicking.
A classic cross-country ski has three functional zones:
Front glide zone
Middle kick zone
Rear glide zone
During gliding, the kick zone should remain sufficiently unloaded to avoid excessive contact with the snow.
During the kick, when the skier transfers weight onto one ski, the middle section must be pressed into contact with the snow to generate grip.
Sounds simple?
Unfortunately, skis have their own opinions.
When Skis Are Too Soft
If the ski is too soft for the skier, the kick zone may remain in contact with the snow even during the glide phase.
The result is increased friction, poor gliding performance and, under certain conditions, an increased tendency for snow to accumulate or freeze onto the kick wax.
And once the kick wax starts icing, cross-country skiing can become a rather unpleasant activity.
You intended to enjoy a peaceful winter landscape.
Instead, you are trying to move forward on two very expensive snow collectors.
When Skis Are Too Stiff
The opposite situation is not much better.
If the skis are too stiff, the skier may struggle to press the kick zone into the snow during the kick.
The skis glide beautifully.
Unfortunately, they may glide backwards almost as enthusiastically as forwards.
You can apply another layer of kick wax, and another one, and perhaps one more.
But wax cannot fully compensate for an unsuitable ski flex.
What About Old Skis?
Even skis that look perfectly fine may no longer be appropriate for their current owner.
A pair that worked beautifully twenty years ago may not match today's body weight, technique or skiing expectations.
Ski flex can also change with age, damage and prolonged use, although not every old ski necessarily becomes softer.
This brings us to a familiar winter scene.
A Small Family Drama in the Ski Tracks
Imagine a husband proudly presenting a pair of classic cross-country skis inherited from his father.
"They're practically new!" he announces.
Indeed, the old Artis skis look surprisingly good.
The colours are still bright.
The bindings seem to work.
And the skis have survived more winters than anyone cares to count.
Twenty minutes later, his wife is standing in the middle of the forest, completely exhausted.
"I KNEW IT! I told you this was a terrible idea! I should have gone for mulled wine with my friend instead of coming here!"
Her husband explains that the problem must be the snow.
Or the wax.
Or perhaps the unusually high humidity.
Under no circumstances could it be the skis.
Well, there may be some truth on both sides.
But before blaming the snow, the wax, the weather or your spouse, it might be worth checking whether those beautiful old skis are actually suitable for the person using them.
Sometimes the cheapest pair of skis becomes surprisingly expensive in terms of marital harmony.
Conclusion
A reliable kick starts long before the first layer of kick wax is applied.
Correct ski stiffness and geometry are essential for maintaining the balance between grip and glide.
Skis that are too soft may drag during gliding.
Skis that are too stiff may fail to provide sufficient grip.
And no amount of waxing expertise can completely correct a fundamentally unsuitable pair of skis.
So before investing in the latest miracle wax, make sure your skis actually fit.
Good skis will not automatically make you a good skier. But unsuitable skis can certainly make you a very unhappy one.
In Part 2, we will look at another important factor: the ski base and its influence on grip and glide.