Fischer SCS Skate Ski - 2010 BCS

Mark, for the price this is a very solid ski. Light, fast base, good construction. To upgrade from this in the Fischer line you'd have to pay considerably more (+$200). These are narrow, but I have found them to be quite stable. At your weight and ability you should be on 192cm. Do not worry about binding compatibility - first worry about getting the most comfortable boot! Once you have the boot get the binding that fits it. The previous answer mentions a plate. This is wrong; there is no plate. Some skis come pre-mounted with the NIS plate to slide bindings on. This is irrelevant with these skis as they do not have the NIS plate.

most any racing/exercise binding would work, some bindings need a plate though, which any nordic ski shop could help you with. as for sizing a chart recommends 192cm skate skis, but i just found a fischer sizing chart, so look into it more if you want

Judging by your parents, how much heavier do you think you'll get in the near future? Ski length is principally based on skier weight. Because you are young and athletic you want a ski you will grow into, not out of; I recommend a 177cm. They may feel long at first, but if you're athletic, you will dominate them soon enough. Picking poles: the point where the strap attaches to the handle should be between your chin and lower lip. Go lower lip if you think you only have another inch in ya.

The sizing of XC skis goes by 1) your weight and 2) your ability. Though you are a beginner, you sound athletic, balanced on your skis, and looking for a workout. I would recommend something in the 178cm -182cm range. If you get something smaller I think you will outgrow them (in terms of ability) too quickly. If you are looking at these Fischers I would recommend the 182. The Fischer tend to be a stable ski (and you already know how to tele anyway) and the extra length will be appreciated as greater length = greater glide = greater fun. I would also recommend this ski over the Fischer skatecut, in my opinion, the profile of this ski skis much more smoothly.