OAC Carbon Racer and Long Tour review
We tested OAC’s Carbon Racer and Long Tour touring skates, comparing weight, stability, ice feel and their performance on snow-covered ice.
Finnish touring-skate brand OAC had five models in its range when we had the chance to test two of them: the Carbon Racer and Long Tour. They differ considerably in construction and, to some extent, in how they feel on the ice.
OAC Carbon Racer
According to the product information, this carbon skate was the lightest on the market and the world’s first with the NNN NIS binding system. I cannot confirm the weight claim against every competing model, but one thing is certain: it is very light. Once clipped in, you barely notice it is there. That feels strange at first, but you soon adjust. In terms of technique, I found no difference between skating on carbon skates and conventional touring skates.
We tested the Carbon Racer on relatively rough ice, with only occasional smooth patches. Its responsive edge and clear feedback from the ice and its irregularities were immediately apparent. The low profile contributes to that connection. It delivered long strokes and very good stability with the Rottefella Xcelerator binding and Madshus skate boot.
If you count every gram or simply want to try something different, these are well worth considering. They are enjoyable skates with a strong bite, exceptionally low weight and excellent contact with the ice.
Recommended retail price at the time: SEK 3,000.
OAC Long Tour
The Long Tour is considerably heavier than the Carbon Racer, though still light compared with conventional skates. Tested in the same ice conditions, it also delivered a good feel and long, satisfying strokes thanks to its long blade. This model had a Rottefella BC binding, which we paired with Alpina boots. The setup felt stable, although less so than the skate-boot combination.
The Long Tour’s distinctive blue underside is actually a ski base, designed to make it easier to cross snow-covered ice. We tested it, and it exceeded expectations. It glides through snow without excessive friction. As the blade leaves the ice at the end of a stroke, you can clearly feel the skate continuing to slide on the snow like a ski before lifting clear.
We tried the Carbon Racer in the same place under the same conditions, and the difference in glide through snow was enormous. Despite its low profile, the Long Tour lets you glide several meters through snow and rest if needed. If you encounter these skates in a store, run a finger over the Long Tour’s ski base and compare it with another OAC model or the Lundhags Cruise. The difference is immediately noticeable.
The Long Tour suits skaters who want a long blade and a good skating feel without making minimum weight their priority. Its recommended retail price was SEK 2,400.
Both models also sound different on the ice. Anyone accustomed to conventional metal-alloy skates will notice the change as the blade touches down and during the stroke. It is a small detail, but worth mentioning.
We recommend both models. At the time of the review, they were available through well-stocked outdoor stores, with Swedish distributor Sportwin AB able to provide stockist information.
Strengths
- Low weight.
- Solid construction and a quality feel.
- Enjoyable skating performance.
Drawback
- The Long Tour can feel slightly unstable with the binding and boot combination tested.
