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In the world of cross-country skiing, a lot has changed over the past few years. What once looked like stiff wooden planks and tight laces has evolved into a true high-tech market – with lightweight, carbon-reinforced skis and an ever-growing range of specialized equipment that puts performance and efficiency front and center. While skating has established itself as a radical “evolution” of classic cross-country skiing and now plays a dominant role in international competitions, the market for equipment continues to grow as well.
(Dual) BOA continues to establish itself
One particularly exciting trend: modern BOA® lacing systems have made their way almost seamlessly from other sports like mountain biking and road cycling into skiing – and are now making headlines in cross-country skiing too. Instead of traditional laces or fiddly ankle straps, small dials allow the shoe to be adjusted to the foot with millimeter precision. Some models even feature two separate dials, known as Dual BOA, which allow the forefoot and cuff to be adjusted independently. This technological advance not only increases comfort, but also improves control and power transfer in the skating stride – a great example of how modern technology is taking classic cross-country skiing to a whole new level.
THE TOP BRANDS AT A GLANCE
Atomic
Atomic Redster S9 Carbon
The Atomic Redster S9 quickly makes clear what it’s built for: clean technique and precise lines. The ski runs stably, responds immediately to pressure and delivers a lot of feedback. In the push-off, it feels precise and almost analytical – it only forgives mistakes to a limited extent. Skiers with clean technique are rewarded with a very controlled, fast ride, especially at higher speeds. A clear advantage for those who consciously work on technique and efficiency.
Atomic Pro S2 Nordic Ski Boots
The Pro S2 shell from Atomic forms a stable, sporty base that becomes especially noticeable at higher speeds and during powerful push-offs. Testers and experienced cross-country skiers highlight that models like the Pro S2 strike a good balance between stiffness and comfort: not as brutally stiff as pure World Cup shoes, but still stable and direct enough to deliver strong performance during intensive training sessions or races. Thanks to robust construction, they are also suitable for regular use. (General assessment based on reports from cross-country skiing communities and product comparisons.)
Fischer
Fischer Speedmax 100He Skate Plus
The Fischer Speedmax 100 stands out above all for its smoothness. Even at higher speeds, the ski remains stable and “sticks” calmly to the track. The push-off feels efficient rather than explosive – the ski absorbs unevenness and keeps gliding consistently. This feels very economical, especially on longer sessions or in races. Less lively, but extremely predictable and energy-saving.
Fischer Speedmax 9 Skate RL BOA
The Speedmax 9 Skate RL BOA is a very direct racing boot with a carbon chassis and a dual BOA system that independently secures heel and forefoot. Tests show that this setup provides outstanding power transfer and control – ideal for ambitious skiers who want to get the maximum out of speed and technique. The boot sits surprisingly close to the ski, which improves balance, but can initially feel a bit “slim” for those with less refined foot technique. Overall, the model impresses with a stable, highly efficient ride, especially at higher speeds.
Rossignol
Rossignol X-ium Skating Premium +SX
The Rossignol X-IUM Skating Premium feels balanced and surprisingly relaxed. It builds the push-off cleanly, remains stable and generally feels forgiving. Small technical inaccuracies are absorbed without becoming unsettled. Compared directly to other models, it is less aggressive but pleasantly controlled – a ski that is sporty without constantly demanding maximum attention.
Rossignol X-IUM W.C. Skate Boots
The X-IUM W.C. Skate is often described in tests as a more traditional racing boot: stiff construction, strong support for a direct push-off and an overall sporty fit. In comparison discussions, cross-country skiers report that Rossignol boots offer a slightly “longer” and more stable stance, which can be an advantage for powerful skating. At the same time, they tend to be more demanding for less aggressive technique.
Madshus
Madshus Redline Skate F2
The Redline Skate F2 feels very lively right from the start. The ski reacts quickly, accelerates clearly out of the push-off and demands an active skiing style. Skiers who apply pressure cleanly are rewarded with a dynamic, almost explosive ride. At the same time, it can feel a bit unsettled with sloppy technique. A ski for skiers who like to work actively and appreciate direct feedback.
Madshus Skate BOA Skate Boots
The Madshus Skate BOA boots combine racing performance with the practical BOA system, allowing quick and precise adjustment. User feedback from community sources generally describes BOA boots as more comfortable and easier to fine-tune than traditional lace models – offering secure hold without hard pressure points, which is especially beneficial on long training sessions. In practice, the boot delivers a stable push-off, solid lateral support and a sporty but not overly aggressive character – well suited for ambitious skiers who aren’t exclusively World Cup-focused.
Salomon
S/LAB Skate Blue
The S/LAB Skate Blue shows a very race-oriented, finely tuned character. The ski feels light and precise, with a clearly defined push-off and quick transition into the glide phase. Particularly noticeable is the balance between dynamism and control: it accelerates cleanly while remaining manageable and not overly nervous. Compared to very aggressive models, it feels more harmonious and balanced, making it comfortable even over longer sessions. A ski for technically skilled skiers seeking fast but controlled World Cup-level performance.
Salomon S/LAB Skate BOA
The S/LAB Skate BOA combines modern racing DNA with the comfort of a BOA lacing system. A dial allows precise, step-free adjustment without opening the zipper – a real advantage over traditional lacing systems. The fit is tight, direct and powerful, and combined with the carbon chassis it enables excellent power transfer. Testers and users highlight that it feels like a second skin and reacts extremely agilely without sacrificing comfort – provided your foot shape matches the slim, sporty construction.
AN OVERVIEW OF THE DIFFERENT SKI MODELS
| MODEL | GUIDANCE & CONTROL | GLIDE PERFORMANCE | TECHNICAL DEMANDS | CHARACTER & TEST IMPRESSION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atomic Redster C9 Carbon | Very stable tracking | Smooth and consistent | High | Very balanced, inspires confidence and allows controlled completion of longer training sessions. |
| Fischer Speedmax 100HE Skate Plus 610 | Calm and predictable | Strong, even glide | High | Efficient glide, solid overall package of stability and performance. |
| Rossignol X-IUM Skating Premium +SX | Very precise, direct control | Very good glide | High | Strong with clean skating; less forgiving, demands solid technique. |
| Madshus Redline Skate F2 | Sporty, good guidance | Dynamic and smooth | High | Agile and smooth-running, requires more power and technique to unlock full potential. |
| Salomon S/LAB Skate Blue | Very direct response | Excellent in cold conditions | High | Top race performance with lightweight build, stable power transfer and high efficiency – converts effort directly into speed. |
Conclusion
All the skating skis presented here are clearly positioned in the performance segment. With these skis, you can extract every last percentage point from the material and maximize your performance. That said, these are top-tier models and may be overkill for beginners – or even hinder progress.
Our advice: get expert guidance. Our trained staff are available in our stores and are happy to help you find the right setup.
You might also be interested in:
- Cross country skiing guide – Styles: classic, skating, backcountry, classic no-wax skin ski
- Cross country skiing guide: Which equipment do you need for skating?
- Slip-proof through fall and winter: Which shows provide grip in wet conditions, on leaves and in snow?
- Buying advice: Which skis are right for me?