Roelant wrote: ↑Mon Feb 06, 2023 2:29 am
JB TELE wrote: ↑Sun Feb 05, 2023 2:24 pm
Can nordic skates be mounted with 3 pin? Or would that be too sloppy of a connection?
Was it @telerat who tried this? The 75mm binding is wide and the binding may touch the ice when you try to go fast.
You are correct. I have mounted skates with 75mm (both Super Telemark and also tested Riva 3), NNN (non-BC) and modified mounts to allow for Xplore on Lundhags T-Skate. 75mm is okay if you dont' want to go fast, i.e. don't let the skate go far out, because if you do then the binding will touch the ice on Isvidda, and I think also on Lundhags T-skate (the height of the skate will decide the possible angle/deflection). My wife thinks they are fine, but I found when making the most powerful kicks that the binding just touches the ice and the skate slides out, which is not nice. I'm also not fond of the small play in the 75mm 3-pin interface, both for skating and skiing, but it is not a deal breaker. If I only had 75mm boots I'd mount a 3-pin binding and try it out.
Both Xplore (with Alfa Skaget) and NNN with combi boots (Fischer RC5 combi) works well, but I recommend a sturdy boot for beginners and some practice before making longer tours; the foot/ankle tires much quick on the first outings. Regular NNN skating boots should also work very well. The drawback on NNN-boots is the plastic'y sole that can make them very slippery on ice and hard frozen ground, so a rubber sole is very nice. Crampons can be nice to have for hiking on slippery ground/ice. I very much like my Alfa Skaget, which are nice for both biking and hiking to where I skate. I also like a flexor in the bindings for a clap skate action, and the normal flexor feels right both on NNN and Xplore. I will now also try the hard flex on Xplore, but assume I'll prefer det regular flexor, as I also preferred the Super Telemark instead of Riva.
Ordinary ski poles can be good to bring for the first outings if it is long since last time or you have little skating experience. A helmet and other protective equipment can also increase security, confidence and enjoyment. Remember to read up on safety and be prepared; always ice claws at a minimum. Apetor from the Youtube video unfortunately died skating in November 2021, but I feel that some some of his stunts were quite extreme.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apetor
Good luck. I think Nordic skating is awesome when the conditions are right.