Combi skis have been around for a while now and continue to be a valuable alternative for skiers who don’t want or can’t afford to own both classic and skate skis. The Aerolite 60 Combi from Fischer can be used as both a skate ski and as a classic ski. Skis like this are often chosen by new racers as you can use one pair of skis for both disciplines. Fischer uses their Air Core Basalite construction, which is a new development for 2021 and provides lightweight, responsive performance at a very reasonable price. Keep in mind that these skis don’t have a built-in grip system, as that would take away significant performance when skating. Rather, when switching to classic skiing, you’ll need to apply kick wax.
Jeff Neagle tested the Aerolite 60 Combi in both skate and classic applications. “Combi skis are great for skiers just getting into the sport. You can pick up one pair of skis and practice both your skate and classic technique. I do think most skiers will eventually outgrow combi skis and decide it’s worth having a dedicated skate and classic setup, but I would still recommend these to a new skier.” Dedicated skate and classic setups will outperform a combi ski in pretty much every scenario, but you’re spending twice as much money to do so. If you’re not particularly worried about speed and efficiency, and rather care more about overall capabilities, combi skis will work really well.
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Jeff also commented about how skis like this can work well for young racers. “When I was racing, most of the younger skiers just starting out went for combi skis. It just makes sense for a lot of people. It can be hard to justify the cost of both a skate and classic setup, which is totally understandable. Usually skiers aren’t even sure if they’re going to like it enough to stick with it, and a ski like the Aerolite 60 Combi takes away a lot of that risk and uncertainty. I just wish they made them this good 20 years ago when I was racing. The performance of the Aerolite 60 probably rivals the dedicated classic and skate race skis I was competing on back then, which is really cool.” Jeff’s right, ski performance has come a long way and the Aerolite 60 performs admirably as both a skate and classic ski.
If you’re looking to dabble in both skate and classic this season, consider picking up a combi ski like the Aerolite 60. While dedicated skate and classic skis will outperform it, the Aerolite 60 will satisfy the demands of a lot of skiers in both disciplines, and just think of all the money you’ll save!
