I thought of it differently. On downhills, riding your heels is a
good way to gain more speed on classical skis. The latter are flexed
differently in the center portion than skate skis because the push into
the snow is different in the two styles. Do you really mean pressing
your toes down, or just riding a full foot? There's no reason I know
of to do the first. If, OTOH, you're feeling the need to raise your
forefoot in normal double poling, and I feel that need occasionally,
then, assuming good technique, it's likely either the snow, the flex
(fit) of your skis (absolutely or relative to the snow conditions), or
your wax pocket is dragging in front, meaning it's a little too thick
or long up there. The latter is where I'd start. For some ideas, see
http://www.caldwellsport.com/ski-ser...ex-evaluation/, including
the PDFs. You can fine tune length and thickness of wax pocket by
waxing a bit longer than normal and then looking at how it's worn after
a good ski.

Gene

" wrote:

On Jan 24, 7:11*pm, "Brian Pauley" wrote:
Hi,

First season taking waxable classic skiing seriously, so my learning curve
is currently steep.

My skis are professionally fit and the grip zone marked. *I find that I get
better glide, especially double poling, when I lift my toes (or press my
heels). *If I press my toes down, I hit the brakes. *Is this normal, or does
my grip zone extend too far forward?

To do this heel press (or toe lift), it seems to change my downhill tuck
position from the one I use skating. *The classic position seems to position
me further back with straighter ankles.

If this is normal, do you try to incorporate this heel glide into each
diagonal stride, as well? *Is this why the new Solomon striding boots use
the carbon heel cup?

Thanks,

Brian

Does the wax pocket of the ski extend in front of your toes? Have you
tried moving the wax pocket further back? It may be professionally
fit, but the fine adjustments are up to you ( and will depend on ski
conditions).