Fastening systems transmit force and determine the direction of the skis for any style of travel. Therefore, high-quality fastening is no less important than good equipment and sports equipment. Therefore, before purchasing, it is recommended to study the NNN and SNS ski mounts, the differences of which can ensure safety and reduce the risk of injury.
Important! The choice depends rather on the preferences and needs of the person. You can finally decide for yourself which option is better only after several years of training, based on different indicators and individual anatomical features.
What is and how does NNN differ from SNS?
Types and models
Both systems exist in various models for both beginners and professional athletes. Therefore, when choosing, it is recommended to rely on specific indicators. Models differ in platform height and flexor rigidity. NNN has 4 levels of hardness, SNS has 3 levels.
SNS can be divided into Profil and Pilot models. The Profil system is designed for all types of travel, including mixed travel. They are designated by the corresponding marks - “Classic”, “Combi” and “Skate”. Flexors differ in the level of rigidity.
The Pilot binding is designed for skating. The structure of the device is the main difference. It has a double fastening axis, and instead of the usual rubber flexor, a spring is attached. It is acceptable to use Pilot boots with Profil fasteners, but Profil boots cannot be used with Pilot fasteners.
If we compare the SNS PROFIL EQUIPE and the SNS PILOT EQUIPE, the second model has better geometry and mechanics, it is lighter, and provides more precise ski control. Also on this model the repulsion is more powerful and the rolling is better.
The SNS PILOT CARBON RC and RC2 systems have been improved to reduce weight and improve handling control and stability.
Tourist subtypes of the system usually fasten automatically. They are used for different riding styles as they are universal. These models have a medium-hard flexor. The main disadvantages are that the system is heavy and freezes at very low temperatures.
NNN is divided into models suitable for different riding styles, including mixed ones. They also have different flexor stiffnesses. At the same time, in the high-level R3 Skate and R4 Skate, specialized in skating, an additional flexor was installed. But it can be removed and adjusted; as a result of such changes, the fastener becomes universal. NNN also has touring models with automatic fastening.
The Xcelerator Junior, which comes in classic skating styles, is suitable for athletes and beginners alike. Exercise is a simple model used by basic and intermediate skiers.
XCELERATOR is a modern device, which is also available in “Skate” and “Classic” versions, used by professionals. The model is lightweight and comfortable. There are also modifications for the skating version - a specialized XCELERATOR SKATE SPACER platform is installed, which raises the toe. This increases stability and repulsion.
Important! The New Nordic Norm boots fit almost all NNN systems, except for the backcountry model.
By riding style
As mentioned above, the riding style does not depend on the type of fastener, but on the specific model. Moreover, many of them are universal, so they are used for different styles of skating. They depend on the stiffness of the flexors on a particular device. However, HNN systems help to better control the skis when skating.
Brands
There are brands that produce boots adapted to these systems. Ski boots for SNS are produced directly by Salomon, as well as Adidas, Fischer, Alfa. Brands that produce boots for the HHH system are Rossignol, Alpina, Atomic and Karhu.
Material
The fasteners are made from modern materials, however, the important difference lies not in them, but in various details. Namely, in the presence of staples, flexors and lower fasteners. For example, flexors are made of rubber, or a spring is used instead.
For both systems I use high-quality plastic, rubber, and metal parts.
Conclusion
Despite the points by which NNN and SNS can be distinguished, they are equally popular and are used in sports almost equally. Although NNN systems with automatic fastening. As they improve, a person’s desires and abilities are assessed, based on which he chooses the fastening system independently.
Today, most skis are sold without bindings, so you have to select them yourself. This allows you to create the optimal set for comfortable, technical and safe skiing.
How to choose bindings for cross-country skis?
Let us immediately note that bindings, skis and boots do not have to be of the same brand. The main thing is their compatibility according to the type of fastening.
So, for cross-country skis there are three types of fasteners:
- NN75, or welted. Surely everyone remembers them from school physical education lessons. This is a simple mechanism with three pins and a metal clip. The pins are aligned with the holes in the boots, and the sock presses the protrusions of the boot with a bow. This mount is universal for any size. Suitable for the classic move, but not for skating, since the fixation of the leg is rather weak and there is not enough rigidity in the stop for technical, strong pushes. Now these fasteners are rarely purchased, even despite the low price, because there are more modern and convenient options.
- SNS, with one guide. This system was developed by the French company Salomon. The fastening is based on one longitudinal projection and an elastic stop. Depending on your riding style, you need to choose the right stiffness of this rubber flexor. The index is usually indicated by numbers on the element itself. The lower the number, the softer the stop. For skating you need hard fastenings, for classics - soft ones.
- NNN, or rail. They differ from the previous ones by the presence of two parallel guides and a bracket shifted under the fingers. This gives clearer and more understandable ski control. The stops also have different rigidity and different colors. White, green, black, red - in this order the rigidity of the fastening decreases.
Fasteners are universal for all sizes except children's.
Pay attention to the years of boots and bindings, as modern options are not always the same as earlier collections.
You can choose automatic or mechanical ski bindings. The first fasten themselves as soon as the shoe is inserted into the groove. The second is done manually. Professionals choose the second option, as it secures the leg more securely.
How to choose bindings for alpine skis?
You need to select bindings for alpine skis very responsibly, accurately calculating the actuation force. Your safety on the slope will largely depend on this.
Ski bindings fit absolutely all boots because they have the same toe and heel grip. Another question is whether they will fit the skis and whether they will match your sports experience.
If the skis have a special platform, then it is better to select bindings from the same manufacturer, otherwise their screws may simply not coincide with the holes on the skis. If there is no such platform, then the restriction is lifted. However, if the platform also does not have factory holes, and you have to drill them yourself, you don’t have to limit yourself to a single brand.
Pay attention to the width of the ski at the waist so that the ski stops (a ski braking system with metal rods on the sides that are activated when the boot is released) will fit.
It is important to select the correct range of fastening loads. The accuracy of shooting the ski, that is, detaching from the boot during a fall, will depend on it. The front (falling backward and sideways) and heel (falling forward) parts of the fastening are responsible for this. If you select the wrong values, the binding may not work in the event of a fall, and the skier will most likely be injured. Or, conversely, shoot while moving during a sharp maneuver.
When calculating the load, you need to divide your weight by 10. The force range is selected as +/- 3 units from the obtained value. The greater the load and the more experience, the stricter the setting should be. The minimum indicators are suitable for beginners who often fall. It happens that the load is indicated in kilograms, then you need to choose an indicator that is 20-30 kg less than your weight. The exact values again depend on skill. A prerequisite when installing ski bindings is that the actuation force on the heel and toe must be the same.
Like cross-country ski bindings, alpine skiing options are also mechanical and automatic. But there is also a semi-automatic device, in which the fastenings are set manually, and when the boot is pressed, they close themselves.
If you are just starting to learn skiing, you may need help choosing equipment. The SportExtreme salon will tell you which bindings are best to choose and which boots and skis to pair with. We have a wide selection of running bindings and ski sets for children and adults, for beginners and masters of skiing.
Skis are one of the most popular equipment for winter sports. There is a heated debate among amateurs and professionals about the best mounting option - NNN or SNS. Which alternative is more reliable, and what is the general difference between them? The differences are visible even with a superficial study of the issue.
Definition
NNN is a special system for fastening boots to cross-country skis, proposed by Rottefella from Norway. A distinctive feature is the presence of two parallel flexors (stops), into which the toe of the shoe rests when pushing. The fastening is universal and is suitable for any boots produced for NNN, with the exception of children's and youth boots.
NNN mount
SNS is a system for fastening shoes to cross-country skis, created by Salomon from France. The most important feature of the design is the presence of a central protrusion into which the toe of the boot rests when pushing. The presence of two brackets (one of which is located in front of the toe) for fixing the shoe allows for increased controllability of the ski, which is more responsive to the athlete’s movements.
SNS mount Comparison
Thus, the question of choosing between NNN and SNS depends on the individual athlete, his needs and preferences. The technical differences between these types of fastenings are as follows. NNN has two parallel protrusions for fastening boots, SNS has one central one. This point must be taken into account when choosing boots, as they must be compatible with the fastening system.
At the same time, the NNN lock is located under the fingers, which makes the ride more manageable. The SNS has it in front of the toe, and this is considered a more reliable solution in terms of wear. NNN fastenings are presented with 4 alternatives in terms of rigidity, while SNS only three. However, you can choose the appropriate option for professional sports only after training, since you need to take into account the anatomical features of the athlete.
Conclusions website
- Location and number of guide protrusions. NNN has two parallel protrusions, SNS has one central one.
- Fastening system. The NNN fastener is located under the toes, 10 mm from the toe of the boot, while for the SNS it is located directly in front of the toe.
- Controllability. NNN provides more control over the ski when skating than SNS.
- Number of species. NNN is available in 4 stiffness options, SNS – in three options.
Today, there are different types of mounting for cross-country skis, among which there are several basic ones, which we will tell you about in this article. For example, the NNN and NIS systems are mainly used by experienced athletes, but are also available to beginners.
New Nordic Norm ski rack system
The cross-country ski binding system, called NNN for short, was developed by the Norwegian company Rottefella. The front part of the mount has rubber stops against which the toe part of the boot rests at the moment of impact. The stiffness of these elements affects the control of the skis, so different rubber stops are used for different riding styles.
The NNN system differs from its SNS counterpart by having shoe guides along the bindings. NNN has two parallel protrusions, while SNS has only one. In the New Nordic Norm bindings, the boot fixation bracket is slightly shifted back under the toes, providing more precise control of the skis when using a skating technique.
It is important to understand what types of ski bindings there are and what boots are needed for them. Among the advantages of the NNN ski rack are the following:
- a wide range of boots;
- availability of automatic and manual fastening types;
- There are children's and teenage models;
- They have a good combination of cost and quality.
Among the disadvantages of NNN systems is that automatic models can freeze when exposed to water.
Nordic Integrated System Ski Bindings
This ski binding system (abbreviated as NIS) was developed in 2005 and was immediately used by such well-known brands as Madshus, Rossignol and Alpina. This is an upgraded version of the NNN system, which has a board that is attached to the surface of the skis at the factory. This ensures easy installation of the mount and the ability to move it in the longitudinal plane. NIS bindings are compatible with boots using the NNN system.
Among the advantages of Nordic Integrated System fastenings, experts highlight:
- ease of installation;
- ability to move the mount;
- Compatible with the NNN standard.
Salomon Nordic System ski bindings
This fastening system, called SNS for short, was invented by the French company Salomon. The boot is fixed on a wide longitudinal guide, in the front part of which there are rubber stops. By changing their rigidity, you can change the rigidity of ski control. Therefore, those who are looking for good fastenings for skating should take a closer look at this option.
SNS mounts can be divided into two subcategories:
- SNS Pilot is a good option for skating riding techniques;
- SNS Profil is a universal option, suitable for skating, classic or combined styles.
These types of ski boot fastenings are considered very reliable. Such well-known companies as Atomic, Salomon, Adidas and Spine work with SNS fastenings. Their advantages include:
- good strength and reliability;
- production of children's and teenagers' fastenings.
These types of fastenings for running bikes also have their disadvantages:
- you need special shoes;
- used on trails processed by snowcats;
- Shoes suitable for this type of fastening are not represented in a very large assortment.
Ski bindings Nordic Norm 75 mm
Considering the types of ski bindings, one cannot help but talk about the Nordic 75 fastening system, which was used back in Soviet times. It can use a locking thrust pad, and one of the advantages of the 75 mm ski binding type is the low center of gravity of the skier.
Modern Nordic 75 systems are made of plastic, various alloys and composite materials. Among the advantages are:
- low cost;
- the best option for children (don’t mind buying a new system every year).
If you are looking for which types of ski bindings are best, pay attention to the disadvantages of the Nordic 75 binding system:
- There are many cheap, low quality models on the market;
- difficult to operate;
- there are fewer and fewer boots suitable for this mount;
- inconvenient separation of left and right fasteners.
Now you know what kinds of ski mounts there are. Experienced skiers usually prefer manual systems, while beginners and amateurs can opt for automatic models, as they are easier to operate. Considering the low speeds and elevation changes, as well as skiing mainly on flat trails, accidental opening or freezing of the binding is not as dangerous as during downhill skiing for professional athletes.
Screws indicating load scales must correspond to the tables supplied with the fastening system. If you have any difficulty choosing, contact professionals or consultants in the store, who will always tell you what kind of ski mounts there are.