Delta Comp R Skin Medium vs Aeroguide Skate 85
top ten:best cross country skis
Choosing between the Rossignol Delta Comp R-Skin and the Fischer Aeroguide Skate 85 highlights the fundamental fork in modern Nordic skiing: precision classic touring versus dynamic skate progression. The Delta Comp R-Skin is engineered for athletic classic skiers who demand race-inspired responsiveness without the daily hassle of kick wax. Built around a lightweight honeycomb core with integrated mohair strips, it delivers reliable mechanical kick across variable snow temperatures. In contrast, the Fischer Aeroguide Skate 85 reimagines skating for fitness enthusiasts and intermediate skiers. By incorporating a distinct sidecut and shorter length profile, Fischer minimizes the tippy sensation typical of competitive skate skis, granting immediate edge control and efficient power transfer on groomed corduroy. Your buying decision hinges directly on your preferred discipline and grooming access: if you track parallel tracks across undulating topography and want waxless speed, Rossignol provides a performance-driven classic solution. If your local Nordic center grooms wide skate lanes and you want an accessible, confidence-inspiring skate ski that accelerates learning curves, the Aeroguide 85 is purpose-built to get you gliding faster.
Spec-by-Spec
| Spec | Delta Comp R Skin Medium | Aeroguide Skate 85 |
|---|---|---|
| Discipline & Sub-Category | Classic Nordic (Skin / Waxless) | Skate Nordic (Fitness / Performance) |
| Weight (per pair) | Approx. 1,140 g (at 198 cm) | Approx. 1,250 g (at 175 cm) |
| Sidecut / Dimensions | 44 - 44 - 44 mm (Parallel) | 45 - 40 - 45 mm (Carve / Dual-Arc) |
| Core Material | Honeycomb Nomex with Light+ Core | Air Core Basalite Pro |
| Base & Grip System | K7000 Base with 100% Mohair R-Skin Insert | World Cup Pro sintered glide base (Glide wax only) |
| Binding Plate System | IFP (Turnamic compatible) | IFP (Turnamic compatible) |
| Price Tier | Mid-to-High Performance ($350 - $430) | Mid-Range Fitness ($280 - $350) |
| Durability | High; replaceable mohair strip (approx. 100–150 days) | High; robust sidewalls and sintered base material |
| Warranty | 2 years limited | 2 years limited |
| Best Use | Fast classic fitness, training, and citizen racing | Fitness skate skiing, technique progression on groomed lanes |
Delta Comp R Skin Medium
Best for: Fitness and citizen classic racers who want high-tempo speed without the fuss of kick wax.
Pros
- Lightweight Nomex honeycomb core yields lively, energetic flex on classic tracks
- Replaceable 100% mohair inserts offer reliable kick in tricky freeze-thaw snow
- Race-proven K7000 base delivers exceptional glide without kick-wax prep
Cons
- Classic-track specific; unusable on dedicated skate corduroy
- Requires proper body-weight camber matching to avoid drag on the mohair insert
Aeroguide Skate 85
Best for: Beginner-to-intermediate skate skiers seeking enhanced stability and easy edge control on corduroy.
Pros
- Pronounced sidecut design makes edging intuitive and significantly aids balance
- Shorter sizing profile increases maneuverability for newer or progressing skate skiers
- Air Core Basalite Pro construction provides smooth dampening over hard-packed tracks
Cons
- Noticeably slower top-end speed than traditional, straight-sided race skate skis
- Strictly requires well-groomed skate lanes; useless in untracked or classic conditions
The Verdict
Because these skis target entirely different Nordic disciplines, the overall winner comes down to execution within their respective categories—and the Rossignol Delta Comp R-Skin takes the top honor. Rossignol successfully brings World Cup Nomex core technology and race-grade sintered bases into an approachable, waxless skin platform, making it a masterclass in classic training efficiency. It delivers effortless kick and uncompromising glide for both fitness laps and marathon racing. The Fischer Aeroguide Skate 85 remains a standout innovation for recreational skate skiers, removing the steep learning curve of flat skate skis through a forgiving, stabilizing sidecut. Choose the Delta Comp R-Skin if you want pure classic efficiency with zero kick-wax frustration on groomed parallel tracks. Opt for the Aeroguide Skate 85 if you are dedicated to learning or refining skate technique on corduroy and value balance over raw racing velocity.
See where both rank in the full list: the complete Top 10 →