Comments on: Maplus Roller Ski Reviews

By: tradesmith45

tradesmith45 — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 01:27:29 +0000

Here’s some Eugene, OR experience roller skiing in the wet & on wet leaves. On bare wet asphalt, of the 100mm wheels we have (sorry no Elpex to compare to), the RollerSki.com #2 & #3 wheels have been ok – almost as good as a 70x40mm rubber wheel. Their harder #1 wheel, Marwae 610 & Proski plastic wheels can be a bit too slick on asphalt that’s wet. The V2 150mm & 125mm are better than any of these. Add wet leaves or moss & all of these get slick but probably the V2 150mm does the best in slick wet conditions. Mind you, I wouldn’t try a Zone 4-5 skate interval workout with wet leaves on anything. A Zone 1 OD workout on the other hand is easily doable with care.

By: FasterSkier

FasterSkier — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:43:01 +0000

In regards to combi skis, I am not a big fan. In general combi equipment is a compromise and you end up with mediocrity across the board. We did test the Pro-Ski S2 combi which is a great skate ski on good pavement, but is lousy for classic.

The Ski-Skett Nord Classic is a good classic ski, and decent skater. I am also testing a pair of Marwe combis. They are similar to the Ski Sketts in that they offer good classic skiing and mediocre skating. I am also testing some prototype skis from another company that use a wheel diameter for classic that could make them a viable combi ski. But overall it is hard to do both well.

In regards to safety, you are completely right. It is all about staying on your feet and being visible. I have tested two different skis equipped with brakes, and one pair with speed reducers. Some manufacturers did not send skis with their speed reducers, so I won’t be able to comment across the board.

By: FasterSkier

FasterSkier — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:38:40 +0000

Unlikely There is no question that some wheels are better than others in wet conditions. Wider wheels mean more surface area and more friction. Softer rubber is definitely better. But as you mention, it is a tradeoff. Autumn leaves are another hazard. When it is very wet and slippery, I usually opt to double pole on classic skis. Most large diameter skate wheels are fairly similar, so it is easy to make broad judgements on wet road performance. Narrow and hard will be bad, wide and soft better. Urethane will be terrible!

I’m glad you have been enjoying the reviews!

By: sailguy

sailguy — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:27:48 +0000

These rollerski reviews have been great. Probably my favourite articles in fasterskier so far, although there was some great race coverage last season to compete for the title of ‘best ever’.

On the west coast, we spend too much time rollerskiing in the rain. Many of taller skate wheels are very challenging on wet road. I have elpex team 480s with the soft wide combi wheels which give solid grip skating in rainy conditions, but are a long way short of ideal in the dry.

Is there any chance of persuading your testing team to take a garden hose and the rollerski collection out to some freshly painted crosswalk?

By: tradesmith45

tradesmith45 — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 03:35:11 +0000

Hey Topher, more great reviews & interesting products – especially the unique classic tire. Our team has been using some Maplus wax/tools & have been very pleased.

The unique Maplus tire profile caused me to think about the current crop of combi rollers. As you have noted, most (all?) make a comprise of either classic or skate performance. Yet the idea is attractive on economic terms. I’m wondering if you have a design idea of a more ideal combi roller? Do all of the existing combis use 70-74mm wheels? Have you tried a model that is more successful than others? Seems like an 80 x 35-40mm wheel would be a better starting point but as far as I know there are no 80mm classic rollers out there – correct?

Last and perhaps most important is roller ski safety. You’ve done a terrific job in your reviews discussing ease or lack of balance on the different models. That’s an important part of biff prevention. I hope at some point you’ll get to use & review the various adjustable speed reducers & brakes that are on the market. Another safety issue is how slippery some plastic wheels are in the wet (like on the Flash maybe??).

Thanks again for your great work!