2024 2025
RENTAL BUYER’S GUIDE
SKIS The “go-to workhorse” in Rossi’s touring package, says Hoefler, is the XT 55 ski; Reeder says that Fischer’s 50 mm Apol- lo and the 60 mm Voyager are the most popular rental touring choices. The XT 55, the Apollo, and the Voyager all come in somewhat shorter lengths and wider sidecuts than performance skis to pro- vide more control and maneuverability for less experienced skiers. The Salomon Escape Snow 59, which comes in five lengths (unlike Fischer’s and Rossignol’s four-length approach) is probably the brand’s best rental option. There have been relatively few tech- nological advances in cross country gear in recent years. One exception: under- foot skin “pockets,” instead of textured surfaces, for waxless kicking. Howev-
Top to bottom, classic skis: Fischer Apollo; Rossig- nol XT 55; Salomon Escape Snow 59; Fischer Spider OT 62; Rossignol EVO OT 65. Skate skis: Fischer Aeroguide 75; Salomon RS7; Rossignol Delta Sport.
BOOTS When it comes to boots, the main options are touring or combi boots. Even in classic mode, combi boots are often popular with rental customers because of the extra ankle support they provide. Hoefler says that Rossignol’s most popular rental model is the X2, a touring boot with a little more support than the budget-priced, rental-specific X1. Howev- er, neither the X1 nor the X2 can really double as a skate boot. Buyers seeking such a combi boot can jump up the price ladder to a higher-cuffed X5, X6, or X8. Fischer’s XC Power for classic skiing comes with a sole that makes for easier walking, says Reeder, and it also “trans- fers power really well.” For a combi boot, Reeder says that the Control has been improved with a higher and stiffer cuff.
er, Reeder points out that “mechanical” bases (textured or fish-scale-like surfac- es) still have a wider range of utility and require less maintenance, making them a smart choice for fleet use. Brown reports that he has seen a “bump in skate gear,” perhaps a signal to rental buyers to expand their skate fleets. For skate skis, Reeder recommends Fisch- er’s new Aeroguide 75 (or the next-level Aeroguide 85), which he characterizes as “more stable and easier to push” than an advanced skate ski. Rossignol counters with the Delta Sport, the least pricey of its three Delta models. Salomon offers its RS7, which also comes in a stiff version. Off-track skis. Reeder says that he has seen “huge interest in the off-track category.” If there is lots of off-track (ungroomed) terrain nearby to explore, a rental investment in wider skis and beef- ier boots might make sense. Rossi’s Evo OT 60 or Evo OT 65, both of which are still narrow enough to fit into groomed, set tracks and have a partial metal edge underfoot, might be a sensible option. A comparable Fischer model is the Spider 62, designed for on- and off-track versa- tility, with a full metal edge.
Top: Fischer XC Power. Above: Rossignol X2.
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