Test: One Way Premio 9 full setup

Couple of days ago I finally had an opportunity to test my new One Way Premio 9 boots on snow. That occasion was also ideal to use Premio 9 Skate skis, which I purchased at the end of last season. As we all remember, last winter was very poor. This is why few days ago was the first time on new skis. I was really excited before I started. Finally I prepared my Premio 9 skis, take the Diamond 930 poles and put boots on. This perfect setup was ready to go.

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!

"Santa Claus is coming to town"

Are you tired of looking for perfect Christmas present? Do you fear a disappointment with getting an useless gift? Don't you have enough time to go shopping or don't like queues? This post can solve all your problems. Christmas is about happiness, spending time with family and giving beautiful presents. We all know, that usually the perfect gift for us is the one chosen by ourselves. That's why I ordered the most important present for me, which I received a couple of days ago. I couldn't wait with unpacking solid box from Finland (note: the country of Santa Claus). Now you may predict, what did I get. The box contained two beautiful products inside: a pair of One Way Premio 9 Skate boots and a T- shirt from latest Endless Winter collection. I'm pleased to write some words about these nice things.

One Way Polar T- shirt.

First of all I have to admit, that I didn't have any chance to try on my new boots in action yet. Unfortunately, I'm slightly injured. It's nothing serious, but I can't go skiing. In addition there isn't any snow in the neighborhood and I couldn't do it anyway. I'm stuck, so it's difficult to make a review. I promise I'll write more about Premio 9 Skate another time. For now I post some pictures I took right after unpacking.

However, I can write more about the T- shirt. I ordered it with my boots at One Way online store. You can check the site out here. As you can see, it's very well designed. Print with pictures of polar landscapes and details make it close related to the main idea of Endless Winter. If you don't know, I'll pleasantly explain all. Endless Winter is a brand new collection of casual clothes developed by One Way Sport. Products' design refer to polar themes. You can learn more here. Looking at the product, everyone should associate it with Northern Scandinavia. We can say the same thing about the Polar T- shirt. As I wrote before, the print looks awesome as well as a badge. Aside, it's well done. Details, such as stripes, aren't printed. They are embroidery. The quality of this product is really high. It costs 29,90 EUR, which is comparable to similar products of other brands. It may be a very good idea for Christmas present. If you look for something unique and comfortable, products from the new Endless Winter collection by One Way will be perfect. You need to hurry, beacuse "Santa Claus is coming to town". In addition, the Finnish brand is offering a free delivery on all EU orders in the online shop, because of upcoming Christmas Holidays. For the offer's details, see the brand's facebook page here. Don't miss this occasion for giving a special present. Merry Christmas, Nordic People!

Everything about new boots

Winter is closer than you may think. The season will start soon and it's good time to look for something new for your equipment. For example you can change your boots. It may be a good idea, especially when some interesting models for SNS just came out. Which ones will be appropriate for amateurs and which ones for pros? This post will give you an answer.

Few days ago I received a great catalogue of One Way products. What did I find there? All boots got upgraded in this season. Well known Premio 10, Premio 9 and Tigara has changed design and technology. At first glance these changes seem to be very slight, but in reality the difference compared to previous versions can be noticeable. Here I'd like to refer mainly to Premio 9, which is equipped with SNS Pilot 3 outsole. Until now, this model contained a conventional SNS Pilot Sport outsole. This means, that beams inserting into the binding have been moved backward compared to the first one (12/13 version). Still, boot will be compatible with previously used bindings, such as SNS Pilot SK Premio, SNS Pilot Sport SK/CL and SNS Propulse Premio CL. Moreover, Skate version will also fit the new SNS Pilot RS Carbon binding, which requires Pilot 3 outsole.

One Way Premio 9  Skate (left) and Classic (right).

The new RS Carbon binding features low weight (only 254 grams), ergonomic lever and secured closing. Integrated wedge is supposed to improve the skating glide.

One Way SNS Pilot RS Carbon.

Speaking about the highest model of bindings, we can't forget about Premio 10 boot. This one is a truly World Cup product made of the best material. Its rotating cuff and lateral insert is made from carbon. It features also an ergonomic 3D foam heel, which can fit every foot. The outsole isn't surprising (SNS Pilot 3), that was present in previous version. OW Premio 10 boot is available for skating technique (compatible bindings: Pilot SK Premio, Pilot RS Carbon), classic (Propulse CL Premio, Pilot Sport CL) and pursuit (Pilot SK Premio, Propulse CL Premio, Pilot RS Carbon).

One Way Premio 10 Skate (left) and Classic (right).

The lower model of One Way boots is also notable, namely Tigara. This one has got a standard Pilot Sport outsole. Practically it means, that front beam inserting into the binding is located at the head of a boot. Similar solution is used by NNN. The price is certainly a big advantage of Tigara, compared to Premio models. All female skiers should be interested in women's version of this boot, designed specially for ladies by using purple and white colors. OW Tigara is available for skating technique (compatible bindings: Pilot SK Premio, Pilot Sport SK, Pilot Universal), classic (Pilot Sport CL, Profil CL) and duathlon.

One Way Tigara Skate for men (left) and women (right).

One Way Tigara Classic for men (left) and women (right).

Before we'll judge which boot is the best, we should take into consideration our personal preferences. If I had to choose one for me, I'd probably pick Premio 9 or Tigara. Only the outsole would be a problem to resolve. For some reason SNS has evolved to Pilot 3, by moving beams backward. According to producers, this solution guarantees the most efficient kick and stability, which is supposed to give an advantage compared to NNN. However, I can't explain, why limited edition of ridiculously expensive Salomon Carbon Skate LAB boot features traditional Pilot Sport outsole, while the cheaper model has got Pilot 3. In addition, One Way athlete Sami Jauhojärvi was using Premio 9 (with Pilot Sport outsole) for skating technique during the 2012/2013 season, instead of Premio 10 (with Pilot 3). Perhaps the solution with boot's beams located at the toes is actually the most comfortable and efficient. Thinking this way, we should choose Tigara or look for the first version of Premio 9 in stores. Probably you'll find some of the 12/13 models. I personally don't want to judge, which system is better. Probably this difference won't be that notable for an amateur as well as weight. Skate version of Tigara is 60g lighter than Premio 9, because of more solid material in Premio 9. Whereas classic ones are very close, there's only 10g advantage for Premio 9. Furthermore, these two models are made with using very similar technology and provide similar level of comfort. However, in the future bindings such as SNS Pilot RS Carbon can be in common usage. It can cause, that boots without compatible outsole will become obsolete.

Thus, everything depends on our demands. For pros low weight and high comfort are essential. That's why Premio 10 would be the best choice for them. Ambitious amateurs, who love cross- country skiing on the highest level, can decide for Premio 9, which provides stability and power transmission similar to World Cup models. If we care only about very good quality in decent price, Tigara will satisfy us. Choosing the right boot isn't easy, but described One Way products can meet everyone's requirements. Now you can go to a store to find your matching pair and enjoy skiing in the upcoming season.

Revolutionary Madshus empower

Next winter season is going to be crucial for entirely new Madshus programme, which is called empower. This project is supposed to be revolutionary in cross- country skiing business. The company wants to treat every customer individually by using the empower system. In this way, choosing the right pair of skis in 3 easy steps will take less time than before. How does it work?

Skis are different to each other. It depends on flexibility, length and stiffness. Madshus embedded a special chip on every pair, that helps to identify them accurately. Marked skis are transported to stores. Then it's customer's turn, who put parameters such as weight, length and skill in an application. The app search for the perfect skis matched to the customer. The best part in my opinion is when empower adjust wax areas according to your weight. It's really important for classic skis. Thanks to the chip, customer can find his matching skis immediately and buy them. The animation below explains it all exactly.



Who'll receive an advantage? Obviously ski sellers. This empower system was developed to save time while choosing the right skis. Somehow it seems to be very innovative. The award for Madshus at this year's ISPO wasn't a coincidence. This brand consistently and deliberately develops revolutionary systems setting trends in cross- country skiing. You may be arguing about design, because everyone has his own liking. For example I'd rather choose the look by One Way brand. However there's no doubt about technology. The empower system can be a new method to encourage customers. Speaking about customers: what do they get? With this system they can pick perfect skis. There's no chance to make a mistake while buying them. Even if you aren't a professional skier and don't have any knowledge about matching skis, you can trust the application and be satisfied. In addition Madshus empower App measures your performance in the track and can be great alternative for Endomondo and others. I've written about it in the last post. At last the client is treated individually, what is a big advantage. It makes your skis very personal, which is something needed and notable in my opinion.



The Madshus empower can make a revolution in XC- skiing business. Of course it needs some time to succeed. First effects we'll see perhaps in upcoming season. I'm very curious, how it'll work in Poland, where Madshus is still less popular brand.

Heart Rate Monitor- necessary or not?

Autumn is coming, days are getting very short and weather isn't always perfect. It makes me a little sad, but I've got some time to think. Recently I recalled an inscription on my OW Premio 9 skis: "Nordic sports is a spirit. It's about doing the things you want and looking the way you want", which means pure freedom by skiing. I'm such a hypocrite- I thought. On every training I take my mobile phone with an application, that is supposed to measure a distance, time etc. Usually it doesn't work very well. GPS loses a connection or the phone goes insane. Then joy with skiing turns into anger with devices. That's why I consider buying a heart rate monitor. Do I really need this?

The most important is to precise, for what you need a heart rate monitor. If you are a pro skier and need all the data of your every training, it's obvious. But if you are an amateur and compete rarely, this device isn't necessary. Moreover, it costs near 110EUR, like for example Polar RS300X, which has got all needed functions.

Polar RS300X

I just wonder, why we need to check the watch or heart rate monitor every time when we train. It's the first step to become addicted, literally. We are only amateurs. And that's great. We don't need to inform our coach about everything. So we don't need the "smart coach" in Internet as well. We are free. However it's always interesting to watch our own progress. Thanks to heart rate monitor we can improve our efficiency and do this accurately. Especially, if you have a main goal, like participating in Marcialonga for example. Also, without this device we aren't able to do intervals. So, there are advantages and disadvantages. A heart rate transmiter with Bluetooth seams to be a golden mean. It has to be compatible with your smartphone and application, which you use. In this way you can save some money, because it costs near 70 EUR. But you should be careful. Endomondo Premium can be here an example. It has many great functions but you have to pay for it every month. In addition, today's smartphones don't last long time. In this case, a traditional heart rate monitor may be a better choice.

Polar transmiter with Bluetooth.

Another important thing is our comfort. We can't take our phone everywhere. It isn't comfortable to have it in a pocket. I know that there are many accessories such as armband case for smartphones. Recently it became very popular. But as I see, it's used mostly by people who just go out for their evening jogging and must demonstrate it on facebook. Personally I take my cell phone to the pocket in my OW thermo- drinking belt. And it's work for me because I don't like to wear anything on my arms. I don't even have a watch. Of course I don't take my drinking belt always and then I have to run without anything. And you know what? I like it. At least I don't hear annoying Endomondo voice. Yes, I know that I can turn it off but without it I can't presume if application works or not.

If I had to decide today, I wouldn't buy a heart rate monitor. I would rather spend this amount of money for some nice clothes by One Way. The new Endless Winter collection is out in stores. Meanwhile I'm going to stay by my Endomondo Pro but now I promise that I won't get angry, when GPS will lose a signal. Because skiing is about enjoying perfect conditions and "doing things you want".

Polish biathlon center- Jamrozowa Polana

Few days ago I visited with my friends a biathlon center in Duszniki- Zdrój. You may know this location as a place of the IBU Cup and upcoming Biathlon European Championships. There are skiing and roller skiing trails. It seams to be perfect for training for pros and amateurs as well. Summer is a good time to explore places like this. There are less athletes than in winter. As we arrived I realized how wrong I was...

Shooting range in Jamrozowa Polana (Duszniki- Zdrój)

Weather was good for training, especially compared to last rainy days. That's why we saw a bunch of biathletes on the shooting range. As we had heard, before our arrival was so many athletes that all 30 places were used for shooting training. I think it's amazing. They left before we started our trip. Probably they had a break between morning and afternoon sessions. It was great for us. We had the entire object at our disposal. However before we took our roller skis, I visited PR-SPORT. This shop sells (as the only one in Poland) One Way Sport products. I couldn't restrain myself and bought a thermo drinking belt by OW.

Then we started our training on roller skis. The course isn't easy. There are two loops to choose from. Both begin on the stadium and follow through the bridge. We were a little surprised as we saw the downhill from the bridge. It's really steep. Probably you can't see it in the picture below.

Then the track goes in the forest. We must pass a small uphill up to the intersection. We could choose one of the loops, 2,5 km length or 1,4 km. There are more skiing trails without tarmac, which are groomed in winter. 

  

We took left turn and chose the 2,5 km loop. This one contains a lot of steep uphills and downhills. Less experienced skiers may have there some problems.

After short descent we go up immediately...

... and then even more up. This uphill reminds me a part of the most difficult cycling climbs, like Monte Zoncolan.

This is the most difficult downhill of the loop. You gain a lot of speed at the beginning and then you have to turn right.

After this steep descent you'll manage to lose all the speed going up this hill.

This hill was the last one on the big loop. As we passed it, we could relax a little bit during an easy descent to the stadium.

Here is a look at the small loop. Both meet again next to the stadium.

The stadium was empty. We was taking a look at the shooting range every time as we passed them. Everyone noticed an inscription: "Centrum polskiego biathlonu", which means "The center of Polish biathlon". Then also quick look at the grand stands and we could feel like Martin Fourcade during World Cup race. Sometimes we was doing one or two penalty loops, and afterwards taking another lap. We liked the small 1,4 km course. It was very dynamic and demanding. I think I made a huge effort during this 1,5 hour roller skiing session. After our training biathletes returned for afternoon training session. In team were youth and children. It's great to see that Polish biathlon still have a future ahead. Thanks to this place young athletes have opportunity to achieve results like recent gold medal of Krystyna Guzik (Pałka) at IBU Summer Biathlon World Championships in Tyumen. Of course not only a place for training counts, but it's a significant part of success. Now I know, why this place has been called "The center of Polish biathlon". And even today I'm sure, that I'll come back to Jamrozowa Polana in upcoming winter season.

Something new- One Way bikes

One Way decided to become even more competitive in the sport's branch. At ISPO in Munich were presented mountain and road bikes. Recently their models appear on offer. Let's take a look at these products and judge, whether it was a good decision.

One Way is known as very innovative brand. Their products are always well designed. Is it true, when it comes to bikes? Let's start with MTB models. At this time, two models are available to buy, named similar to skis and poles- Premio 9 HD and 10 HD. OW admires carbon, so both of them have carbon frames. The lower one- Premio 9, has got proper equipment- it's full group Shimano XT. What's more, it has Rock Shox fork with manual lockout of course. Rims are made by Mavic and the saddle by Selle Italia. The handlebar and the saddle seatpost are great work by FSA. Knowing these brands and their reputation on bikes field you can trust them immediately, that this product is well- constructed. And for this kind of product, price has to be relevant. One Way Premio 9 HD costs 1790 EUR. All the details of this bike you can find here: E- Nordicworld.com.

Time to describe the higher model Premio 10 HD. It's available in two versions: with Shimano XT and with XTR. Price is respectively 2490 EUR or 3490 EUR for the first and the second one. The more expensive specimen has got Selle Italia SLR XP saddle and other rims- made by BOR. On the other hand the first one offers X1 saddle and Mavic rims. Frame is the same in both of them. More about One Way Premio 10 HD bike you can find at these links: XT version, XTR version. 

And now we move to a pure poetry, which means road bikes. One Way presents here one model Premio 10 HD with carbon frame, but in two versions. The cheaper one has got Shimano 105 equipment, Selle Italia X1 saddle, FFWD rims, Cont Tech handlebar and seatpost. It costs 2290 EUR. More about this version you'll find here. The expensive one offer Shimano Ultegra equipment, Mavic Cosmic rims, Selle Italia SLS XC saddle, FSA handlebar and seatpost. Full specification of One Way Premio 10 HD road is available here.

Who can be a buyer for these bikes? It's difficult to answer this question. I've got a feeling, that One Way bikes would rather choose XC- skiers and this brand's fans. For example, if I had much money, I'd decided for buying the Premio 9 HD of multiple reasons. First of all, I haven't got a mountain bike now and secondly this model is objectively well- constructed. Moreover, quite subjectively, it's an outcome of cooperation terrific OW brand with reputable manufacturers, so as a result we must get an interesting bike. When it comes to the road model, I'm not sure. At the same price we can find similar bikes made by more famous brands. Road biking has his own tradition co- created by marks, such as Bianchi or Colnago. So, if you had to spend the same amount for a bike made by newbie in this branch, as for a trustworthy product constructed by experienced people, I'd recommend you to persist in traditional solutions. However if you aren't interested in all this "road bike's stuff" and treat your bike like an ordinary element by preparing for the season, you'll be satisfied with this model. 

Through developing bikes, One Way became very versatile and showed, that there's nothing impossible for them. Still there left only one question: how big will be the interest in their new training equipment. I guess time and customers will verify it.