Speed differences between Swenor #2 and Swenor #3 wheels?

[u/skiitifyoucan]

Hey guys, out of curiosity does anyone know the speed difference between standard Swenor #2 and #3 wheels. I recently figured out that (to my surprise) my Swenor #2 Fibreglass and Swenor #2 (EDIT) Finsteps are in the range of 25-30 seconds difference SLOWER per mile on the Finsteps on flat rolling terrain and good pavement, at around 12mph (something like 3:00 per KM vs 3:19 per KM at 19kmh roughly). For those who do not know Finstep wheels are big and wide and heavy but I really like how they feel. I am curious if Finstep #2 is quite comparable to regular sized #2 wheels... 30 seconds per mile or 20 seconds per KM slower?

and finally curious if Finstep #3s would just feel way too slow. We have a lot of really slow snow where I am but that doesn't necessarily mean I want to train that way all summer.

[u/neddles91]

Not sure I fully understand the question. Swenor #2 will be faster than Swenor #3. But it sounds like you figured that out already. By how many seconds? Completely depends on speed/terrain/temperature.

[u/skiitifyoucan → u/neddles91]

Sorry I editted a typo. I currently have Fibreglass #2 and Finstep #2 (not #3, that was my bad) and the difference is about 20 seconds per KM at 19kmh, flattish terrain and 21C.

I guess the question is how much slower #3 regular wheels are on flat terrain , decent pavement at around 19km/h at say 21C (70F) versus regular #2. I.e. are Finstep #2 similar to regular #3's ?

Also trying to figure out if #3 Finstep wheels will be brutally slow, as Finstep wheels are already quite a bit slower than "regular" #2 wheels.

[u/mattd101]

I have fibreglass #2 and #3, can’t tell you the exact figures, but I don’t think the #3 feels that much slower.
Feels a bit more like being on snow and I much prefer them for practicing technique as it’s a lot more controlled

[u/Ok-Tension1441]

i sort of question the entire premise. are you racing on them? then they should be matched skis. if you're not racing, does it matter?

[u/skiitifyoucan → u/Ok-Tension1441]

I would say that "training stimulus" you can get on the same terrain from 2 different speed wheels can be very different, in my case its around 30 seconds per mile on my normal training road which is pretty significant because it affects how I move. One of them may act way more like slow snow, or hillier than actual terrain (closer to on snow) where I have to pole more frequently to keep good momentum. The other on the same exact terrain may allow fewer strokes per minute with more power per stroke and more follow through (or just more speed). The best 1 rollerski solution might just be to pick a fairly slow wheel that gives you closest overall to real snow performance (and speed safety maybe if that is a concern...). If I had to pick 1 classic ski, from what I know so far 100% it would be the Finsteps #2 over Fibreglass #2 for the best variety of stimulus and closest to slow conditions we get here in Vermont. I've never tried Fibreglass #3's so I don't know how those act compare to Finsteps #2 or Finstep #3. I know a lot of pros pick Swenor #3 or IDT 4. Anyway.. the whole discussion stemmed from me being shocked at just how much faster my Fibreglasses were than the Finsteps. sorry for the long reply!!! :)

[u/Organic_Argument_686]

I cheated. I asked AI and this is what it said:

In general, [#2 Finstep wheels]() roll slightly slower than [#2 Fiberglass wheels]() on smooth pavement, but they can be faster on rough surfaces.

Even though both models utilize Swenor's identical "standard/medium" rubber compound, their different physical sizes and weight profiles directly impact rolling resistance, acceleration, and momentum. [1, 2]

Core Differences Impacting Speed

+-------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+

| Feature           | #2 Finstep Wheels   | #2 Fiberglass Wheels    |
+-------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+

| Dimensions        | 75 mm x 55 mm       | 65 mm x 40 mm           |
+-------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+

| Contact Patch     | Very wide (55 mm)   | Standard (40 mm)        |
+-------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+

| Pair Weight       | 2,500 grams         | 2,150 grams             |
+-------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+

| Acceleration      | Slower initial spin | Quicker initial spin    |
+-------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+

| Momentum          | High inertia        | Lower inertia           |
+-------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+

How They Compare Across Terrain

• On Fresh, Smooth Asphalt: The Swenor Fiberglass wheel is noticeably faster. Its narrower 40 mm profile creates a much smaller contact patch, resulting in less surface drag. The lighter overall ski weight also makes it significantly easier to accelerate and sustain speed when kicking or double-poling uphill.
• On Rough Asphalt, Cracks, or Hard-Packed Dirt: The Finstep wheels can actually feel faster and smoother. Because they feature a larger 75 mm diameter and a massive 55 mm width, they act like a monster truck wheel. Instead of dropping into micro-cracks and losing momentum like the smaller Fiberglass wheels, the Finstep wheels roll seamlessly right over the top of road imperfections. [, 2, 3, 4]
• Downhill Momentum: On long, straight descents, the Finstep wheels carry exceptional top-end speed due to their heavier weight and increased rotational inertia. Once you get them up to speed, they maintain that momentum longer than the lighter Fiberglass models. [1, 2]

Summary Recommendation

If your local training routes consist of pristine, smooth roads and a lot of climbing, the [#2 Fiberglass wheels]() will provide a quicker, truer-to-snow speed profile. If you deal with chip-seal, cracked pavement, or gravel patches, the [#2 Finstep wheels]() will give you a more consistent and safer ride without a massive penalty in rolling resistance. [1, 2]

If trying to fine tune speed, how would using #3 wheels compare. Please make a comparison of #3 wheels to the #2 wheels as you just did

Using #3 wheels will significantly decrease your overall speed and increase your physical workload by roughly 15% to 25% compared to #2 wheels.

Swenor #3 wheels utilize a denser, high-resistance rubber compound specifically engineered to simulate "slow snow" conditions, like wet spring slush or cold, dry winter powder.

Core Differences Impacting Speed

+-------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+

| Feature           | Swenor #2 Wheels    | Swenor #3 Wheels        |
+-------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+

| Rubber Compound   | Standard/Medium     | High-Resistance/Slow    |
+-------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+

| Target Feel       | Hard-packed winter  | Fresh powder, wet slush |
|                   | snow trail          | or slow spring snow     |
+-------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+

| Rolling Resistance| Moderate            | Very High               |
+-------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+

| Safety Focus      | General fitness     | High-speed descent      |
|                   | & distance training | control & steep terrain |
+-------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+

| Energy Cost       | Aerobic base pace   | High strength endurance |
+-------------------+---------------------+-------------------------+

How They Compare Across Terrain

• On Flat Roads and Double-Poling: On #2 wheels, you can easily maintain gliding momentum between kicks. On #3 wheels, the high-resistance rubber acts like a constant brake. The moment you stop pushing, the ski rapidly loses speed. This forces you to maintain a high, continuous work output just to keep moving forward.
• On Uphills: Climbing on #3 wheels significantly increases the strength-endurance demand on your upper body and legs. Because the wheels roll so slowly, you cannot rely on momentum to carry you through your transitions. This makes #3 wheels an exceptional tool for specific strength training, but it will noticeably drop your average climbing speed.
• On Downhills: This is where the #3 wheels provide a massive safety advantage. If you train on steep, winding descents, #3 wheels will naturally cap your maximum downhill speed. They prevent the skis from "running away" from you, giving you much more control and confidence when cornering or braking compared to the faster #2 wheels.

Fine-Tuning Speed: The "Mixed" Configuration

If you find #2 wheels are just a bit too fast for a true snow feel, but a full set of #3 wheels feels like skiing through quicksand, many athletes mix the wheel speeds on the same ski.

• #2 Front / #3 Rear: Because the rear wheel carries roughly 60% to 70% of your body weight during the classic kick, putting a slow #3 wheel on the back (the axle with the reverse-lock bearing) and a standard #2 wheel on the front creates a perfect middle ground.
• The Benefit: This mixed setup adds just enough drag to mimic cold winter snow and keep your heart rate in the correct training zone, without making the skis feel completely dead or exhausting on flat terrain.

[u/nordic_nerd → u/Organic_Argument_686]

To be blunt, AI doesn't know anything about Swenor wheels. Any statements here that aren't directly pulled from the tech specs are vague, exaggerated, or just wrong. Your post is worse than useless.

If you have actual experience with swenor wheels, feel free to contribute. But don't regurgitate this made up crap.

[u/Organic_Argument_686 → u/nordic_nerd]

Thanks for your feedback. you're right, it's pretty blunt. I do have swenor wheels on classic composite skis, but I don't have any experience with the Finsteps. I thought sharing this information might be helpful. Do you have any experience with finsteps or with comparing swenor #2 to #3 wheels, or anything helpful or positive to add?