We tested stingers in 2018. This time we have extended the test with two new types. One of the newcomers scores very high.
All the stings are tested according to the following criteria:
- Grip on the smooth.
- Ease of use/comfort.
- How easy they are to take on and off.
In the previous round, we had curling queen Dordi Nordby with us.
With several Olympic and World Cup medals from the nineties, she is used to smooth ice.
The test panel also included her nephew Fredrik Nordby and professional curler Joachim Lange.
AT FIRST GLANCE: The curlers discuss which sticks they have the most faith in. Photo: TV 2 helps you
Two others who also tested the stings are chiropractor Morten Johanessen and physiotherapist Frida Leiulfsrud at the foot and ankle clinic at NEMUS Bryn.
Impeccable grip
“Snowline Chainsen Pro” is specially made for trips in forests and fields, and the test panel found that the powerful steel spikes in carbon provide an impeccable grip. Nevertheless, there is something to draw on in terms of ease of use and appearance, so it will not be a full pot.
Snowline Chainsen Pro – dice roll 5
Price NOK 549 (XXL, Intersport). Also available in other stores.
CHAIN IN A BOX: For anyone who is going to work up the last leg to the cabin. Photo: TV 2 helps you
Light and neat
The smallest and cheapest stinger in the test is the “Nordic grip Mini”, a rubber strap with two spikes that attaches to the front of the foot. The “Party Brodden”, which comes with its own waterproof storage box, fits nicely in the bag, which Frida thinks is easy and good.
The test panel, on the other hand, seems to disagree a little when it comes to fastening. On the curling ice, Fredrik found that the stick had varying grip, while Morten thinks it passed the ground test well considering its size.
Nordic Grip Mini – dice roll 2
Price NOK 69 (Electric purchase). Also available in other stores.
EMERGENCY SOLUTION: Morten thought it was better to go with the mini-stings than nothing. Photo: TV 2 helps you
Unnatural heel bite
“Nordic Grip Mini”, the neat spike product with two spikes at the front of the foot, got a dice roll of 2. Can “Nordic Grip easy”, which has five metal tags on the heel work better?
Not according to TV 2 help you its reporters.
– The grip is good if you only walk on the heel, but it is basically a very unnatural form of walking, says Glenn Aaseby.
He believes the stings give an unsafe feeling.
– The center of gravity tends to be on the front of the foot when you walk, and therefore I have to be very conscious of my steps when I use these, he continues.
Reporter Anna Bårdsen agrees.
– For my part, this almost feels like not walking with thorns.
This becomes clear when the product is put to the test on a smooth counter-hill.
– It becomes almost impossible to secure the grip on the downhill if you have to lean on your heel, says Aaseby.
Both reporters agree that the product does not work in reverse.
It is concluded that they are easy to use, that they are easy to put on and take off, but they fail when it comes to grip on the smooth surface.
Nordic Grip Easy – dice roll 3
NOK 329 (Vitusapothek). Also available in other stores.
ON THE FOOT: The five tags should give you a good grip on the heel. Photo: Bernhard Moe Nyquist
Strong newcomer
“Snowline City” is the second newcomer the panel got to test.
With chain and spikes in hardened stainless steel, although only with spikes on the front part of the foot, the panel is pleasantly surprised by these.
– These are much better, says Aaseby, after walking and then jogging across the soapy ice.
Admittedly, he is still missing a spike on the back of his foot.
– With these I feel safe, says Bårdsen.
They appreciate the small bag in which the stings are delivered, and perceive the product as reliable.
– But these are a bit more difficult to get on, says Aaseby.
Aaseby particularly appreciated the smart Velcro used on “Nordic Grip Easy”, but at the same time believes that it is not problematic to get the City studs on the shoes.
Snowline City – dice roll 5
NOK 349 (Sunkost). Also available in other stores.
SOLID: The spikes give you good grip both on flat and steep terrain. Photo: Bernhard Moe Nyquist
Still best in test
The walking bite from Nordic Grip really appeals to the panel. A full-coverage sting with 10 strong metal studs. Easy to put on and take off, and with a solid grip on the smooth – this was the test panel’s favorite in the previous test.
In 2023, it retains the top position.
Nordic Grip Walking – dice roll 6.
Price NOK 229 (Vitusapotek). Also available in other stores.
TEST WINNER: Nordic Grip Walking is still the only walking product with a dice roll of 6. Photo: TV 2 helps you
