When selecting running equipment, attention is often focused on the runners themselves. The clubs may then only seem like an accessory, but underestimating their selection can easily slow down your technique and performance. If you mean it seriously, the right clubs will help you achieve effective reflection and certain movement on the track. Let's look at the key factors that you must not miss when choosing the clubs.
1. What kind of skiing do you choose clubs for?
As with running, it is important to think about what kind of running style you will be running - classic style or skate. Each style requires different characteristics of clubs:
Cane for classical style: They should usually reach height approximately up to the shoulders of the runner (about 83% of the height of the figure). They are shorter, which allows a stable reflection in the track.
Cane for skate style: These clubs should reach the chin or nose (about 90% of the height of the figure). Skate style requires a more energetic reflection, so longer sticks provide better power transfer and optimum forward movement.
Shaving tips by terrain and snow
While the cross-country runs are adapted to style and conditions, even the spikes on the clubs can play a role. Bigger tips is suited to softer snow while sharp and smaller tips appreciate on a hard base where they have better support and help to maintain stability in the energy reflection.
2. Shaving Material: Key Factor for Performance and Efficiency
The material is a very essential parameter for sticks, which affects their weight, strength and flexibility. Performance ambitions require quality materials that provide strong, stable reflection without losing energy.
Aluminium sticks: The most common choice for beginners and recreational runners. They are affordable but heavier than other materials. For recreational tourism they provide sufficient support, but for performance runners are not ideal - when moving more intensively you will feel their higher weight quickly.
Composite sticks (glass laminate): These sticks are lighter than aluminum and a little more flexible. They are suitable for skiers who seek better energy transfer and want to increase their performance. They are strong and durable, while they are less weight, which allows for a more energetic and faster reflection.
Carbonated sticks: The highest class of cross-country clubs used by racers and demanding athletes. Carbon is extremely light and rigid, which ensures perfect energy transfer and very solid reflection. Thanks to the fact that carbon sticks do not "vibrate" effectively, they minimise energy losses. Their reflection is highly dynamic, which is especially appreciated by more experienced runners at longer routes or at higher speeds.
Tip: For carbon sticks, note the percentage of carbon (e.g. 80% carbon, 20% composite). A higher share of carbon means better strength and lower weight, but also higher price.
3. More details you should not forget
Handcuffs: Quality handlebars allow better grip and transfer of power, which is especially important for skate style. Be careful with a comfortable and adjustable handlebar that fits and does not slide well.
Handrails: Handrails are usually rubber, cork or plastic. Cork handles are comfortable and well done to sweat, which you will appreciate during longer running.
Modern pilgrimage systems from brands like Lepi a Swix provide runners with greater comfort and better control over movement than traditional handlebars. These systems often have removable loopThis practical mechanism is ideal for athletes and performance runners who need to move effectively, but appreciate the opportunity to uncuff themselves quickly, for example, while refreshments or easier handling of chopsticks.
Leki Trigger Shark System
Lepi offers a unique system Trigger Sharkwhich allows easy and safe connection between hand and stick thanks to a unique mechanism in the area of the handle.
Principle: Trigger Shark has a small latch in the handle, which you click a special loop attached to the glove or to the cross-country belt on the hand. This will give you a strong connection that ensures optimum energy transfer.
Benefits: This system allows quick and easy release of the hand from the stick by one press, which is ideal for example when you take refreshments or when you cross more demanding sections of the track.
Adaptability: Leki Trigger Shark system also offers several types of handkerchiefs that are compatible with different gloves and preferences of runners. You can choose between different levels of comfort and support.
Swix Triac Connection System (TCS)
Swix came up with his own solution called Triac Connection System (TCS), which is focused on a firm but comfortable grip with the possibility of simple fastening and unlocking.
Principle: The TCS system uses a special clip that simply fits onto the handle of the stick and creates a strong connection. The handcuffs connect directly to gloves or using adjustable tape, which ensures comfort and stability.
Benefits: Thanks to the TCS system, the runner can quickly change the clubs if needed or unbuckle during the race or training. In addition, it ensures very accurate and direct guidance of the stick, which is important for optimal energy transfer and minimizing power loss during reflection.
Compatibility and spare parts: Swix also offers the possibility to buy replacement handcuffs and compatible gloves that are made for this system, which ensures that the equipment can be easily customized and restored.
Why choose removable loop systems?
The Trigger Shark systems from Leki and TCS from Swix are designed with the needs of demanding runners, especially for skate style that requires accurate and strong reflections. The removable loop allows better control, more efficient movement and comfort in longer routes or intensive training. The advantage is also practical handling - the laying of the stick is fast and easy, which you will appreciate in various situations on the track.
If you're serious about the skiing and you want to achieve maximum efficiency and comfort, Leki or Swix's pilgrimage systems are a great choice to improve your technique and bring you new options on every jogging trip.
Summary: How to choose clubs according to your needs
Whether you are a recreational runner or a racer, the correctly chosen clubs will allow you to move more efficiently and more comfortable. For classical style, choose shorter and solid sticks to facilitate reflection in the track, while for skate you will appreciate longer and lighter sticks with solid material that will ensure dynamic movement forward. Always think about the quality of the material and adjust the sticks not only to your ambitions, but also the terrain where you will most often run.
The choice of the right sticks can be a subtle detail at first, but when you cross-country, you will appreciate how much they can help you or, on the contrary, hinder you.