In the telemark world, we always have questions about the equipment: the choice of skis sizes, boots, poles, the adjustments of bindings, the change of a piece... etc. Telemarkshop will try to inform you as much as possible through this article.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BOOTS SIZE IN TELEMARK
The choice of the boot is primordial in Telemark.
In the ski world, the measurement unit is the mondopoint (foot size in centimeter).
The sizes are generally displayed in this unit (for example on www.telemark-shop.fr).
Because of the flexion in Telemark, the foot comes "crushed" in the boot so take a 1/2 size or 1 size bigger to choose the right size of your telemark boot.
Important remark :
Depending on the manufacturer, the shell change for the half sizes (ex: 25,5/26,5/27,5). Thus, at Scarpa and Crispi a 25,5-boot will have the same shell as a 26-shell. Only the liner and the sole size will change whereas, at Scott, Garmont, and Black Diamond, a 25,5-boot will have the same shell as a 25.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SKIS SIZE IN TELEMARK
It depends on your level and your practice.
If you are a beginner, we recommend you a ski of your size. Because of the flex, do not take too short or you risk to cross your skis. Moreover, all the skis have a rocker now, which reduces your effective edge.
For a person who has well-assimilated telemark, we recommend to take a bigger ski (about 5 cm more than his/her height).
If you wish to do a lot of ski-touring, a shorter ski is more appropriate, more manageable, and easier for inversions while a longer ski will be more "efficient" to do only piste (stability, amplitude).
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT POLES SIZE IN TELEMARK
To begin, you can take the same size as the size of your alpine poles. Then we recommend poles a bit shorter than the one you use usually (about 5cm shorter) due to the flexion.
The best is to start with adjustable poles which allow you to adjust them to the right size according to your practice.