#1 on this list
Delta Comp R Skin Medium
Rossignol
The Rossignol Delta Comp R Skin Medium is engineered for dedicated classic skiers who want training- and race-level speed without the hassle of traditional kick waxes. It targets intermediate to advanced Nordic skiers who spend the bulk of their time on groomed tracks. Rossignol builds the ski around a Nomex honeycomb core combined with carbon reinforcement, resulting in an exceptionally responsive flex pattern and a low swing weight that keeps kick-and-glide mechanics crisp over high-mileage workouts. In field assessments by Nordic specialists, the integrated mohair skin insert earns consistent praise for delivering dependable purchase across fluctuating snow conditions, including hardpack, refrozen tracks, and glazed surfaces where standard fishscales slip. The medium flex camber balances easy kick engagement with clean glide phase clearance, meaning the skin stays lifted off the snow when your weight transfers forward. The primary trade-off is that this is an uncompromising track-only ski. With its narrow profile and lack of metal edges, it offers zero stability on untracked snow or steep, icy backcountry descents. Proper camber sizing is also critical; selecting a stiffness that mismatches your body weight will either cause dragging skins or require excessive downward force to set the kick. **Highlights** * Replaceable 100% mohair skin insert offers quiet, wax-free grip * Nomex honeycomb core reinforced with carbon delivers high torsional stiffness * Active Cap construction allows independent flex at the tip and tail * Light overall weight at approximately 2 pounds, 8 ounces per pair * Turnamic binding plate allows tool-free binding adjustment for fine-tuning grip and glide **Watch-outs** * Strictly built for groomed tracks; unusable in deep or off-piste snow * Demands accurate weight-based sizing to prevent the skin from dragging during the glide * Mohair skins eventually wear out and require periodic replacement
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#2 on this list
Aeroguide Skate 85
Fischer
The Fischer Aeroguide Skate 85 is designed specifically to solve the biggest hurdle facing intermediate and progressing skate skiers: edge stability. Skate skiing demands balance while gliding on one ski, and traditional competition skate planks can feel twitchy and demanding. Fischer addresses this by shortening the overall length and integrating a subtle sidecut profile that helps the ski track predictably while you transfer weight from one ski to the other. Built with Fischer's Air Core Basalite construction, the ski pairs volcanic basalt fibers with an air-channeled wood core to maintain torsional rigidity while damping vibrations over rutted, frozen corduroy. Reviewers point out that the Aeroguide's shorter stature makes hill climbing far less clumsy, preventing tip crossovers during fast, high-cadence V1 techniques. Glide speed remains strong thanks to Fischer's World Cup Pro base material, which accepts wax well and handles a wide temperature band. The trade-off for this forgiving geometry is top-end speed. Advanced racers and elite skate skiers will likely find the flex profile softer and the glide slightly slower than pure competition models. However, for fitness-focused skiers and those graduating from entry-level gear, the control and confidence it delivers far outweigh the loss in peak velocity. **Highlights** * Shorter overall sizing improves agility and prevents tip interference * Subtle sidecut enhances edge hold and directional stability during the glide * Air Core Basalite core balances light swing weight with vibration damping * World Cup Pro base provides dependable glide across varied snow temperatures * Turnamic binding system allows quick fore-aft position adjustments **Watch-outs** * Lacks the top-end glide speed demanded by elite skate racers * Limited sizing options compared to traditional skate lineups * Camber is tuned for recreational pacing rather than aggressive sprint power
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Delta Comp R Skin Medium | Aeroguide Skate 85 |
|---|---|---|
| Discipline | Classic Nordic track | Skate skiing |
| Core Material | Nomex honeycomb with carbon | Air Core Basalite |
| Grip Style | Replaceable 100% mohair skin | — |
| Weight (Pair) | 2 lbs., 8 oz. | — |
| Binding Plate | Turnamic IFP | — |
| Edge Type | Edgeless track profile | — |
| Base | — | World Cup Pro sintered |
| Pair Weight | — | 3 lbs. 2.4 oz. |
| Plate System | — | Integrated Turnamic (IFP) |
| Offered Sizes | — | 165 cm, 185 cm |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Delta Comp R Skin Medium
- Nomex honeycomb core offers race-tier swing weight and lively rebound
- Replaceable mohair skin delivers quiet, secure grip on glazed tracks
- Turnamic binding plate allows tool-free fore and aft tuning
- True high-speed glide when properly fitted to skier weight
- Strictly restricted to groomed tracks; unusable off-piste
- Demands precise body-weight camber matching to avoid drag
- Mohair inserts require specialized cleaning and eventual replacement
Aeroguide Skate 85
- Shorter length prevents tip overlap during steep, high-cadence climbing
- Carved sidecut provides predictable tracking and confident edge hold
- Basalt fiber core dampens vibrations over icy, rutted corduroy
- Turnamic plate enables quick, tool-free binding adjustments for varying snow
- Top-end glide speed falls short of dedicated competition race skis
- Broad size brackets leave between-weight skiers with fewer options
- Camber profile lacks the aggressive snap desired by sprint racers
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