![](http://images.fasterskier.com/2009/05/ski1.jpg" "Rollerskis")
Despite the fact that it was snowing this morning in New England, rollerskiing season is here, or just around the corner, depending on your preference.
Last spring we started a series of comprehensive reviews. We tested as many skis as we could get our hands on, from ten different manufacturers. Unfortunately, the project rapidly grew in scope, and we didn’t get all the reviews published before ski season roller around. But now the winter is fast becoming a memory and it is time to be thinking about wheels.
You can read the introduction to the series here.
You can also get caught up on last summer’s reviews:
Pro-skis
One Way
Ski Skett
Pursuit
Maplus
Woodskis
Still to come are V2, Marwe, Niflheim, and Swenor as well as new Pro-Ski model.
We are dependent on manufacturers and importers for test models, so we have not been able to test every model. If you have specific requests, please let us know, and we will do the best we can!
5 comments
D. Diehl
May 9, 2010 at 4:31 pm
Ill give you a heads up on the Niflheim skate roller ski with speed reducer before your review. I ordered a pair. The price was appealing as well as the anodized finish, and speed reducer. The owner of the compant means well by bringing a skate roller ski with speed reducer to the market for less than $170. However the product falls short in three respects. First the shafts are the shortest of any skate roller ski I’ve been on. They measure 23.5″. I have a size 46cm boot and perhaps this makes the short ski carve a turn during the kick phase of the skate. Its an odd sensation having the tail of the roller ski wash out and start to turn inward. My Jenex XL 98 don’t do this or my http://www.rollerskishop.com, and Marwe skate skis. Secondly the speed reducer is a poor design. It should be possible to adjust a speed reducer in a free running position, but also have the ability to slow the wheel speed down. Unfortunatley when initially setting up the speed reducer to be able to run free in the lowest setting it doesn’t have any effect on wheel speed when adjusted in the highest/slowest setting. I did contact the owner and he has never heard of the shafts feeling to short and washing out. Moreover he said the speed reducer could set up to work even slower, but it wouldn’t let the wheel run free at all. I wanted to return the roller skis but he never returned my two emails. I now wish I ordered the USA made Wooden Roller Skis. The shafts are 28″ and they have an indredible brake which works, and a 30 day return policy. Wow and all for $129. No I’m not affiliated with the New Hampshire based Wooden Ski Company. However I feel burned by Niflheim.
D. Diehl
May 9, 2010 at 4:50 pm
Make that the Woodski Company and still not affiliated with them.
lsiebert
May 9, 2010 at 5:38 pm
I know what you mean with feeling like a ski doesn’t track and has a tendency to wash out or curve when gliding for a long time. I felt the same on a pair of short-shaft Ski Skett skis. However, I know the manufacturer of Niflheim personally, and I know that he has a skier’s best interest at heart. I know during the design process he took in lots of skier comments and criticism, and has been receptive to other constructive criticism as well. Its a one-man operation, and I’m sure he’s busy. No product can please everyone, but he certainly tries hard.
I haven’t yet tried the Niflheims, but I’m sure I’ll have a chance to this summer.
edwarddes
May 9, 2010 at 8:15 pm
Douglas, I’m sorry I didn’t get back to you immediately over the weekend in response to your emails.
I think it is important to point out to everyone that there is a huge variety of skis available now, so everyone should be able to find a ski that is perfect for them. I currently only have one model, which works for most people, and keeps the cost down, but unfortunately can’t be everything to everyone.
I always have demo pairs available in the Boston area, and can usually get a demo pair out to a team to try for a week.
Ed Despard
Niflheim Nordic
D. Diehl
May 10, 2010 at 6:05 am
I saw in my emails this morning Niflheim Nordic refunded my CC. I do appreciate this. Being a one man operation is a tough gig because I work under similiar circumstances. Good luck to Niflheim Nordic in this venture. Look forward to see their classic roller ski.
D