There are many good brands of cross country ski equipment.  Listed below are some specific brands and models to help in the purchase of the correct gear.  Equivalent models  from other manufacturers will work just as well.

There are three different levels of equipment used by members of RXCSF Youth Skiing.

Recreation Program

Beginner skiers ages 4 to 7 learning how to cross country ski who will only be classic skiing.

Skis - Fischer Sprint Crown Jr. Skis (waxless ski with fish scales)

Bindings - Rottefella NNN Dino Bindings or Salomon equivalent

Boots - Alpina ST 10 Jr. Cross Country Boots or Salomon equivalent

Poles - Swix AluStar Jr. or less expensive option without big round basket

Sport Program

Intermediate skiers 8 years old and older who classic and skate ski.

Skate Skis -Fischer SC Skate Jr. for younger skiers or Fischer RCR Skatecut Jr.

Classic Skis - Fischer SC Race Jr. for younger skiers or Fishcer RCR Universal Jr.

Bindings - Rottefella R3 Skate Bindings and Rottefella R3 Classic Bindings or Salomon equivalent (Salomon Pilot for Skate)

Boots - Alpina R Jr. Combi Boot or Salomon equivalent

Poles - Swix AluStar Jr. or Swix Star CT4 Jr. with Profit Strap

Race Program (and advanced Sport Skiers)

Experienced skiers who will be racing competitively.

Skate Skis - Fischer RCS Skate Jr.

Classic Skis - Fischer RCS Classic Jr.

Bindings - Adult NNN  or SNS bindings

Boots - Classic - Alpina RCL Classic, Skate - Alpina RSK Skate or Salomon equivalent (Salomon Pilot for Skate)

Poles: Swix Star CT4 Jr. with Profit strap

Other Equipment

Ski Bag - A ski bag is useful in transporting skis and poles.  It will also keep skis cleaner and in better overall condition.

Ski Sleeves - Ski sleeves that slip over the tips and tails of skis to hold them together helps protect the bottom of the skis.

Additional Information

Ski Sizing:

To ensure the correct ski size skis should be flex tested at a ski shop with the skier and a knowledgeable salesperson.  If the proper skis cannot be found locally there are many reputable ski stores throughout the country that can work with you to ensure the proper fit.

Some of the older and larger children will require adult models.

Rock Skis:

Skiers with racing skis should also keep an older pair of skis to use when the snow conditions are less than ideal.  This will go a long way in extending the life and performance of race skis.

Combi Skis:

Combi or Universal skis are intended to be used for both classic and skate skiing.  Although the cost savings of purchasing one pair of skis is attractive many families who have tried this approach felt the effort necessary to clean and wax the skis for both techniques is not worth the savings.

Combi Boots:

Combi Boots are used by almost all of our Sport Group Skiers.  Members of the Race Group should consider purchasing one pair of boots for classic and a separate pair for skate.  Skate boots typically have a stiffer sole and more ankle support which is unnecessary and can be a hindrance to classic technique.

Bindings:

There are two binding types to choose from NNN and SNS (SNS Bindings come in multiple forms and they are not compatible with each other: Profil, Propulse  and Pilot).  From a performance perspective they are equal.  However, it is recommended that a family chooses one or the other and plans to stick with it.

For recent information about SNS bindings.  http://blog.ultratune.net/2010/03/new-sns-propulse-classic-bindings.html
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Bindings are also offered in an adult and youth version.  An advanced skier or one who weighs 90lbs or more should be using the adult binding.

Poles:

Two different pole lengths are needed for skiers doing both classic and skate technique.  Skate poles are typically 10cm longer than classic poles.  Size charts are available to help find the correct pole length.

As skiers advanced do not underestimate the performance benefit of lightweight carbon poles.  It is difficult to maintain quick tempo with heavier aluminum poles.