Rollerskiing Portland Part 2: The big Rollerski Review 2019/20.

On a moody October day here in Portland, Oregon, Karl and I took to the roads to test out some of the latest rollerski technology. We used a short loop that included a nice variety of climbing, descending, and flats. Here are the results:

*note: OMC does not stock all models included in this review; however, they are all available for special order. Links are provided for all models in stock. 

Skate (on a scale of 0.0--5.0): 

Harrison's scores and general feedback: 

Swix Triac Carbon $550

Comfort: 3.5

Power Transfer: 4

Climbing: 4.5

Descending: 3

Stability: 3

Weight Distribution: 3

Overall Controllability: 3.5

Total: 24.5

Overall a pretty good rollerski. They felt very light, which on the steep climbs when I'm looking for quickness and power transfer is great, but I felt that they were almost too light for my taste, which detracted from the overall comfort. They don’t live up to their classic rollerski sibling (which we will get to in the second half of this review). 

IDT Skate Elite Speed 2 $319.95

Comfort: 4

Power Transfer: 4.5

Climbing: 4

Descending: 4

Stability: 4

Weight Distribution: 5

Overall Controllability: 4.5

Total: 30

This is my favorite of all the skate rollerskis we tried. The weight, and the weight distribution is spot-on for my taste, which makes for a very solid platform to kick off. I felt that I could really put all the power I wanted to into the ski without worrying about sliding the tires. Part of this I’m sure is due to the longer wheelbase, compared to all the other roller skis in the demo.

KV+ Launch $236.95

Comfort: 3

Power Transfer: 4

Climbing: 4

Descending: 3

Stability: 3

Weight Distribution: 2.5

Overall Controllability: 3.5

Total: 23

A good roller ski for the price, and probably a fine ski for anyone just getting into it. I’m still trying to figure out what it was I didn’t like about them. The weight distribution just felt a bit off to me. I definitely enjoyed how they skied uphill more than on the flats and downhills.

Genex (V2) XLA 98 $229

Comfort: 2

Power Transfer: 4.5

Climbing: 3

Descending: 3

Stability: 3

Weight Distribution: 2

Overall Controllability: 3

Total: 20.5

What I liked about these roller skis was mainly the power transfer. I felt as though I could load the ski up and push as hard as I wanted and it would hold the pavement. That’s perhaps the most important thing about a skate roller ski, to me. However, this ski lacks in most other categories. It’s not comfortable or smooth, and the weight distribution is strange. Kind of feels like there’s too much weight in the front. But, the price is right, and the speed reducers do work well (sold separately). 

Rundle Sport Flex $314.95

Comfort: 5

Power Transfer: 3.5

Climbing: 3.5

Descending: 4.5

Stability: 4

Weight Distribution: 4

Overall Controllability: 4

Total: 28.5

These were the biggest positive surprise of the whole skate test for me. I’d tried these rollerskis in the past and didn’t like them. The feel of the shock absorption felt sloppy to me. This time however, I used a pair slightly too stiff for me and had a much better experience. For anyone looking for a comfortable roller ski with great feel, these are the ones. If power-transfer is superlative, go for the IDT or Fischers.

*note: these rollerskis are flexed according to a weight range. They are sold in 0-140lbs, 140-180lbs, and 180+

Fischer Carbonlite $349

Comfort: 4

Power Transfer: 4

Climbing: 3.5

Descending: 4

Stability: 4

Weight Distribution: 4.5

Overall Controllability: 4.5

Total: 28.5

I’ve been using these rollerskis pretty exclusively for the past few years. I like them. They’re comfortable and the power transfer is pretty good. There’s nothing totally outstanding about them, but that’s fine. The only rollerski in our test that beat them outright for me was the IDT.

Karl’s scores:

Swix Triac Carbon $550

Comfort: 3.5

Power Transfer: 4.5

Climbing: 4.0

Descending: 3

Stability: 3.5

Weight Distribution: 4

Overall Controllability: 3.5

Total: 26.5

IDT Skate Elite Speed 2 $319.95

Comfort: 4

Power Transfer: 4.5

Climbing: 4.5

Descending: 5

Stability: 4.5

Weight Distribution: 4.5

Overall Controllability: 4.5

Total: 31.5

KV+ Launch $236.95

Comfort: 3

Power Transfer: 3.5

Climbing: 3.5

Descending: 3

Stability: 3

Weight Distribution: 3

Overall Controllability: 3

Total: 22

Fischer Carbonlite $349

Comfort: 4

Power Transfer: 4.5

Climbing: 3.5

Descending: 4

Stability: 4

Weight Distribution: 3.5

Overall Controllability: 3.5

Total: 27

Rundle Sport Flex $314.95

Comfort: 5

Power Transfer: 3.5

Climbing: 3.5

Descending: 5

Stability: 4.5

Weight Distribution: 3.5

Overall Controllability: 5

Total: 30

Karl’s overall feedback:

In comparing two designs - the Swix Triac vs the Fischer Carbonlite – while they tied in overall score it is within the details that your personal devil is found. The Fischer was solid across the board in every category, a solid all-around choice. Due to the extreme stiffness that provided power transfer, coupled with the exceptional low weight the Swix Triac was the champ for climbing hills at high tempos. The problem with the Swix is that everything that goes up, well, has to come back down, and in doing so they didn’t inspire confidence.

The KV+ and Jenex/V2 rollerski didn’t stand out compared to everything else, except that they work well and are affordable.

This brings us back to the Rundle Sport and IDT comparison. Here, the Rundle were standouts compared to everything else, especially regarding smoothness, ride quality, and controllability. Definitely confidence inspiring on downhills and any rough pavement. The power transfer and weight kept it from being a favorite at high tempo uphill V1, but they didn’t need a leash, either. Again, if you live near chip-sealed roads there are few better.

The IDT Elite was just clearly more fun. Anything you wanted to do, they inspired. High tempos, fast downhills, quick step turns, they were solid. What is surprising is that for such a stiff and responsive rollerski, the ride was wonderfully smooth and surprisingly quiet. So much for any categorical claim that rollerskis with composite shafts are a better choice.

Classic:

Harrison's scores & general feedback:

IDT Classic $349.95

Comfort: 3.5

Power Transfer: 4

Climbing: 3.5

Descending: 3

Stability: 3.5

Weight Distribution: 4

Overall Controllability: 4

Total: 25.5

A fine classic rollerski. I didn’t feel that it had any eye-popping stand-out qualities, but there was nothing about it that I explicitly did not like. Solid all-around.

Swix Triac Carbon Classic $550

Comfort: 4

Power Transfer: 5

Climbing: 5

Descending: 3.5

Stability: 4

Weight Distribution: 4

Overall Controllability: 4

Total: 29.5

Can’t really say enough about these; probably the best classic roller skis I’ve been on. Light, snappy, stable, and pretty comfortable. The only place slightly lacking, which is true of most classic roller skis: they are a tad unstable on fast descents.

Rundle Sport Flex Classic $359.95

Comfort: 4

Power Transfer: 3

Climbing: 3.5

Descending: 4.5

Stability: 4

Weight Distribution: 3.5

Overall Controllability: 4

Total: 26.5

These are solid all around. What I liked best about them though was the stability while descending at speed; quite a bit more stable than most classic roller skis.

Karl’s scores:

Swix Triac Carbon Classic$550

Comfort: 4.5

Power Transfer: 4.5

Climbing: 5

Descending: 4.5

Stability: 5

Weight Distribution: 5

Overall Controllability: 4.5

Total: 33.5

IDT Classic$349.95

Comfort: 4

Power Transfer: 4.5

Climbing: 5

Descending: 4.5

Stability: 4.5

Weight Distribution: 4.5

Overall Controllability: 4

Total: 30

Rundle Sport Flex Classic$359.95

Comfort: 4.5

Power Transfer: 3.5

Climbing: 3.5

Descending: 5

Stability: 4.5

Weight Distribution: 3.5

Overall Controllability: 5

Total: 29

Karl's overall feedback: 

Rundle vs IDT may be the most intriguing discussion, since once one has tried the Swix Triac there’s no possible discussion about the most enjoyable classic rollerski available.

I prefer the IDT over the Rundle, but only barely. It is a bit lighter weight and tracks a wee bit better at high tempos. Going downhill they’re both above average in controllability. If one lives where the pavement is quite rough, including chip seal, then Rundle has the advantage.

The only negative about the Swix Triac is the price. Super stable, remarkably light, stiff enough for efficient power transfer yet it doesn’t transmit much road vibration.

Last Note from Karl: 

the most important tip we can offer: –Carbide tips!

You’re going to need them, and please notice that this is plural. They break.

Sold here: Swix Rollerki Ferrules $19.95