My slight injury didn't allow me to spend long time on skis. Something happened to my right knee and this made skate skiing difficult and painful. However I could switch double pole if I wanted to. That helped a lot. I could entirely enjoy the new equipment. First thing I noticed was low weight of skis. Premio 9 skate are very good balanced. It felt like being on roller skis, which was great impression. I've always wanted to gain as high speed on snow as on tarmac. These skis are close to the ideal, especially while skiing uphill.
I couldn't experience all advantages of my skis without good boots. This is why I decided to buy the latest version of Premio 9 Skate by One Way in brand's online shop. You can find an information about it in previous post. First impression was strange. I've never skied in such stiff boots. My previous pair compared to this one was like slippers, literally. Premio 9 are that stiff thanks to doubled upper coverlace and carbon outsole. This makes them also a little bit heavier than cheaper model- Tigara. However Pilot 3 outsole provide excellent stability and control on skis. Few grams (and Euros) were worth it. Previously I had also problems with tibia. It hurt while skating. Since I've used new boots, the problem has gone. Maybe it helped but I've made also some improvements in my technique during last summer, so I can't definitely tell, what actually makes my skiing comfortable. Last but not least thing is the way I insert my foot into the boot. This system is very similar (maybe even the same) to this one used by World Cup athletes. It's really cool to use a top- drawer product.
At last I'd like to add few words about Diamont 930 poles. I've used them for a year. You may ask, why did I choose poles with "only" 30% of carbon. I know, that a good skier should own at least Diamond 9 MAX. I've heard a lot about excellent stiffness of the best poles made by One Way Sport. I wish I had one of the highest models. However I'm afraid of using them on not well prepared tracks, where I could easily break it. Not always I have an opportunity to ski on perfect groomed trails. For example last time I skied on trail, where was many holes and my basket was plunging inside them. At this moment I'm satisfied with Diamond 930. Maybe they aren't the stiffest and the lightest but are perfect for my current needs. Maybe someday I'll need more carbon, then I'll definitely buy some of the higher models.
I can't wait for spending another hours on skis. I'm already packed and ready for long and nice skiing. See you on tracks!
