Roller skis with brakes let you decide your speed – not the hill. The FF brake is patented and pole-activated: you brake by pressing your pole tip lightly against a bowl-shaped cup on the brake, without leaving your skiing position. There is one version for classic and one for skate, and each weighs approx. 20.8 g. FF roller skis are FIS-approved including the brake. 
Want to learn the technique itself? Read How to Brake on Roller Skis. For a broader look at safety, see Rollerski Safety Technology Explained.
What are roller skis with brakes?
Roller skis with brakes have a brake you can use on descents, at crossings and on unfamiliar routes. The FF brake sits on the rear fender and is activated with your pole. The brake pad takes the wear and can be replaced when it is worn.
The Three Types of Roller Ski Brake Systems
1. Retrofit Add-On Brakes (Most other brands)
Most other brands offer brakes as retrofit accessories, typically activated by the calf or foot. Many retrofit brakes are activated by moving the calf/knee back or the foot forward. Brakes that press directly on the wheel can cause some extra wheel wear.
2. Hydraulic Disc Brakes (RollerSafe)
RollerSafe offers hydraulic disc brakes triggered via a wireless remote on ski poles. These are technically sophisticated — remote-operated, strong, and adjustable. They also require battery management and are primarily designed for high-speed descents rather than technique training. They represent a real engineering achievement, but they serve a different use case than the everyday roller ski athlete.
3. Pole-Activated Progressive Brake (FF Rollerskis)
The patented FF brake sits on the rear fender and is activated with your pole. The harder you press, the more you brake: light pressure gives a gentle slowdown, full pressure a controlled stop. You keep your skiing position and can steer while braking. It weighs approx. 20.8 g and can be retrofitted to most roller skis.
Roller skis with brakes – classic
The classic brake is designed so you can brake without breaking the rhythm of diagonal stride and double poling. Press your pole lightly against the bowl-shaped activation cup for smooth, controlled braking.
- Patented, pole-activated brake for classic
- Weight: approx. 20.8 g
- Universal fit – fits most classic roller skis
- Replaceable classic brake blade
FF classic roller skis: FF 360 Flow Classic, FF V Pro Classic and FF V Active Classic. The Norwegian magazine Kondis described FF V Pro Classic as «Markedets beste klassiske rulleski» (the best classic roller ski on the market) – Kondis.
Roller skis with brakes – skate
The skate brake is activated the same way with your pole, without losing the rhythm of your skating technique. It can be used at the same time as snowplough braking, and braking reshapes the wheel back toward a round profile, which counteracts uneven wear.
- Patented, pole-activated brake for skate
- Weight: approx. 20.8 g
- Special aluminium, mounted on the rear fender
- Package includes 2 fenders with brake pads
- Replaceable skate brake blade
FF skate roller skis: FF 360 Flow Skate and FF Active Skate.
Already have roller skis? Retrofit the brake
Both brakes are universal and can be retrofitted to most roller skis. Choose by technique: brake for classic or brake for skate. See all brakes for rollerskis. Not sure it fits? Contact us.
How the FF brake works
- The brake sits on the rear fender.
- Press your pole tip lightly against the bowl-shaped cup.
- The pressure pushes the brake pad against the wheel – the harder you press, the more you brake.
- You can keep steering while you brake.
The brake was developed by Henrik Georg Lindhagen, founder of FF Rollerskis, and tested in real training conditions by Norwegian cross-country skiers.
Roller skis with brakes for juniors
The skate brake also fits junior skate roller skis, such as FF Active Junior Skate. Read more in Roller Skis for Kids.
For classic junior skis, such as FF 360 Flow Classic Junior, contact us for advice on brakes.
Frequently asked questions about roller skis with brakes
Do roller skis have brakes?
You can get them. The FF brake is a patented, pole-activated brake used on FF roller skis that can also be retrofitted to most roller skis. There is one brake for classic and one for skate.
How do I use the FF brake?
Press your pole tip lightly against the bowl-shaped cup on the brake. The pressure pushes the brake pad against the wheel. See How to Brake on Roller Skis.
How much does the brake weigh?
Approx. 20.8 g.
Can I fit the brake to my current roller skis?
Yes, the brakes are universal and fit most roller skis. Choose the classic or skate version for your technique. If unsure, contact us.
Can the brake pad be replaced?
Yes. The brake pad is replaceable, and there are separate replacement blades for classic and for skate.