BNS Rollerski Roundup 2023

If you’re serious about your summer training, rollerskiing is the best way to stay fit, work those ski specific muscles, and make sure you’re ready to hit the trails when the snow flies in December. Buying rollerskis can be a daunting task, though, with so many options available and so many skis that, well, kind of look the same. Below, we’ve broken down some of the pros and cons to every rollerski we have in stock to help you with the buying process of this important training tool. 

Before we get there, we need to answer the question: what makes a good rollerski? There are lots of answers to this depending on your ability level and what you’re looking to get out of your skis, but in general a quality rollerski is one that mimics a real ski as closely as possible. Different skis aim to accomplish this in different ways (some of which will be covered below) but often a rollerski that sits low to the ground and tracks well is a good place to start. 

Fischer RC5 Skate

As the cheapest ski in Fischer’s lineup, there’s nothing truly special about this ski other than the price. It tracks reasonably well, is reasonably stable, and is reasonably priced. For recreational skiers or anyone looking to try rollerskiing for the first time, this is a great option! It can also be a solid option for middle and early high school-aged athletes, since it features smaller wheels than other skis which can be a little easier to manage for younger athletes. 

Fischer RC7 Skate

For those looking for a bit of an upgrade from the RC5 in weight and performance, the Fischer RC7 is the perfect option. This ski is incredibly smooth and balanced, tracks well, and features low ground clearance that helps it mimic a real ski. For those looking to balance performance and price in Fischer’s lineup, this would be the ski to check out. 

Fischer Carbonlite Skate

With a very similar build to the Speedmax Skate rollerskis (see below), the Carbonlite Skate rollerski is designed to give the feeling of a real ski on the road. Featuring Fischer’s Air Core Composite frame with Carbonfiber Cap, this ski offers a slightly cheaper alternative to the Speedmax while offering much of the same performance. 

Fischer Speedmax Skate

For those looking for the lightest, highest performing rollerski out there, the Speedmax is the one for you. Everything about this rollerski is designed to help you feel like you’re on a real ski, from the way it flexes to the way it glides on the road. Built with an Air Core Composite frame that mimics the feeling of a ski like nothing else, this ski also tracks well and feels extra stable thanks to the 4cm of ski length that Fischer added to their design this year. 

Rundle Rush Skate and Classic

We’ve been a fan of both versions of the Rundle Rush since we first tested them out a couple years ago. The Short Fork Design (SFD) on their skate ski results in lower geometry and enhanced stability, and they come in at a very reasonable price because of their aluminum construction. The classic ski features Pro-Track wheels that improve handling on corners and provide exceptional tracking. Both skis are pre-drilled for Turnamic, Rottefella, or Salomon bindings, which our service team loves. These skis offer an incredible value, but won’t be quite as light or quick as some of the more performance-oriented skis in our lineup. 

Swix S7 Rookie Skate

With smaller wheels and a shorter wheelbase than most skate rollerskis (a construction similar to the Fischer RC5 Skate), the Swix S7 Rookie is built for younger skiers. This ski prioritizes maneuverability over straight-line speed, which makes it easier to learn on than other skis. Swix recommends it for younger skiers weighing up to 70kg (154lbs). The frame is designed to be sturdy without any excess weight, and the smaller diameter wheels keep this ski’s center of gravity low. For younger athletes or those just getting into the sport, this is a great ski to check out!

Swix Roadline Skate

The Swix Roadline is another aluminum ski with incredible value for the price. It also tracks exceptionally well for a ski at this price point, and features Swix’s new CNC-machined alloy wheels that save a few grams and provide excellent tracking. That means you can glide on this ski for longer, which makes working on technique and balance easier than ever before. The roadline does sit higher than some of their competitors, which some argue makes them feel a bit on the tippy side. We think the extraordinary tracking ability makes up for that, but it is worth noting.

V2 XL150S

For anyone looking to take their rollerskiing off road, or at least onto gravel or poorly paved roads, the V2 XL150S stands alone. With inflatable tires of a much larger diameter than the rest of the skis we carry, these skis can smooth out even the roughest pavement and even handle smoother gravel roads with ease. This model is also easily compatible with V2’s brake and speed reducer systems, which offer more control than you would have with a more traditional rollerski design. The tradeoff is that this ski is nowhere near as fast or light as its competition. For those looking for a more performance-oriented ski, look elsewhere. For those looking for a ski that’s stable and easier to control than our other options, this is the ski for you!

V2 XLC98

The V2 XLC98 features a carbon-composite frame and wood core, which means it has similar snapiness and overall feel as an on-snow ski. The shock-absorbing forks and composite shaft help this ski dampen your ride more than other skis at the same price, but it doesn’t track quite as well as some of the other skis we tested. That said, you can adjust tracking through the forks or by trying out one of V2’s four available rubber wheel options. As with other V2 skis, there are brakes and speed reducers that can be mounted to this ski. 

V2 XLA98M 

The more budget-friendly alternative to the XLC98, this ski features the same shock-absorbing forks and wheel options as its higher-priced cousin, but is easier on the wallet since it features an aluminum instead of carbon shaft. The shock-absorbing forks still provide a smooth ride, and you still have the same brake and speed-reducer options as on other V2 products. 

SkiGo Aluminum Classic Rollerski

It’s just as important to practice classic skiing over the summer months as it is to practice skate skiing skills, and the SkiGo Aluminum Classic Rollerski gives you the opportunity to do just that. At a very reasonable price point, this ski can help you perfect your double pole and striding techniques over the summer without breaking the bank. The long shaft and SkiGo classic wheels combine to make a ski that is incredibly stable and easy to manage at speed. 

SkiGo Carbon Classic Rollerski 

If you’re looking for a slightly more performance-oriented classic rollerski, the SkiGo Carbon Classic is a great choice. Featuring a cambered carbon frame that flexes like a real ski while dampening chatter on the road, this ski is the perfect choice for those looking to work on classic skiing over the summer. There are two options available, with the “Soft” model ideal for skiers under 145lbs and the “Hard” for those weighing 145lbs and above. We have the Soft version in stock at our BNS Boulder location, but can order the Hard version upon request. 

We know this is a ton of information, and we’re here to help you out if you’re looking to purchase a new pair of rollerskis. Stop into one of our stores in Boulder, CO or Portland, ME, or give us a call to have one of our helpful staff members help figure out the best ski for you!