(One other) New Salomon QST 106
Since they launched the QST 106, Salomon has loved re-introducing the ski with recent updates each couple years. Coming off the large releases of the QST 98 and the QST Clean for 2022, they’re rolling into the 2022-2023 ski season with an analogous makeover for his or her flagship freeride ski.
2022-2023 Salomon QST 106 Evaluate: Discipline Notes
First impressions matter much less in snowboarding than, say, relationship. However the brand new QST 106 did pique our curiosity from the get-go. The largest purpose? Just like the development from the 2021 QST 99 to the 2022 (and now 2023) QST 98, Salomon made essentially the most notable modifications to the skis’ form and rocker profile. Particularly, the bulbous tip taper and deeper rocker strains that had been added to the 98 now come to the 106. We liked these additions a 12 months in the past—the brand new QST 98 was certainly one of our prime picks within the all-mountain class for 2022—so we had been curious to see if we’d like them as a lot in that ski’s larger brother.
Internally, the QST 106 mirrors the 98, and it’s not an enormous deviation from the earlier 106. Salomon’s C/FX (carbon and flax) plus poplar comprise the core, whereas cork inserts within the suggestions and tails dampen vibrations. Underfoot, the Double Sidewall tech that we noticed within the QST 98 and the QST Clean additionally involves the brand new 106.
For skiers useless sufficient to care about graphics (responsible), the brand new 106 will get color-pop bases (big up-vote), and a brand new topsheet coloration.
Oh, and another up-vote: The brand new QST 106 will probably be provided in a wider (unisex) measurement run, right down to 157 cm, making it as a lot a ladies’s ski as a males’s ski. Girls can nonetheless go for the Stella 106, which options totally different graphics.
Groomers
Previous variations of the QST 106 have sometimes carried out a better-than-average job of snowboarding groomers for a mid-fat ski. Not the chargiest however a lot dependable on-edge down agency runs.
The most recent version follows swimsuit. The skis really feel stout underfoot, and I really feel assured sufficient to put into them at excessive speeds on most groomed runs, particularly from a centered stance. And regardless of the extra pronounced tip taper, you possibly can drive the shovels onerous with out feeling such as you’re going to fly OTB.
That mentioned, the brand new QST 106 will not be essentially the most energetic/snappy carver on this class. Neither is it essentially the most steady on very agency groomers or frozen corduroy. That is sensible when you think about the updates—extra taper, extra rocker, extra of soft-snow form. On this class, I’d nonetheless reasonably ski one thing with metallic and extra rigidity, just like the Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, down agency groomers. Slush, packed snow, wind buff, softer groomers—relaxation assured that the QST 106 is a lot at residence in all that stuff. It’s simply nonetheless a non-metal ski.
This may unlikely be a dealbreaker until you prioritize firm-snow groomer efficiency in your mid-fat skis (which I don’t). So, onto the remainder of the mountain.
Bushes and Bumps
In our assessment of the earlier QST 106, I wrote that the ski “completely shines off-piste.” Properly, I must double-down on that remark for the 2023 model. Does that imply I ought to write absolutely-ly?
Whenever you dip into chutes, bumps, or tree alleys, these aforementioned updates matter. The brand new QST 106 drifts and smears effortlessly, and it doesn’t punish you if you get kicked to the backseat. In steep, rutted bumps or these difficult bump-tree hybrid runs, I discovered the QST 106 to be one of the crucial intuitive and confidence-inspiring skis I’ve examined. Why? Along with thriving in smooth snow, it additionally holds up surprisingly properly in dust-on-crust circumstances or when your chute will get crunchy. There’s sufficient suspension to maintain the 106 balanced. The progressive flex—from pretty average tricks to stout middle to semi-soft tails—helps you management your pace and keep in your line. And whereas the QST 106 weighs greater than “light-weight resort skis” on the size, it feels nimble on snow.
Store for the Salomon QST 106
Powder and Blended Snow
In case you couldn’t inform: I had a tough time making myself dislike this ski off-piste. Quick or gradual, centered or ahead, lengthy turns or quick turns—it’s well-balanced throughout the board. I needed to straight-line some agency chop to really feel sketched-out, one other low-percentage circumstance the place a burlier, metallic ski will all the time show to be extra steady.
In combined snow (agency chop, smooth chop, heavy stuff, wind buff, and many others) the QST 106 feels intuitive and clean at gradual and medium speeds. Whenever you open the throttle, the skis reward a dynamic and energetic snowboarding model. In case you wish to cost by means of combined snow and really feel planted no matter what crosses your path, there’s an opportunity you’ll need extra stability. However for a ski that’s so nimble, maneuverable, and drifty, the QST 106 can also maintain its personal as a directional driver. That’s very true for smaller skiers like me (5’7″ / 163 lbs).
One word on the directional/playful character of this ski: It runs an extended flip radius than the QST 98 and the broader Clean. Having skied every of those QSTs at size, I can say that I discover the distinction within the 106. As a reasonably directional skier, I like these skis’ means to open issues up.
In powder, I’ll say this: That is the primary QST 106 that I’ve wished to ski on one of the best days of the 12 months. Just like the much-loved Black Crows Atris, this ski floats and surfs wider than its waist width. After all, on really deep days, you’ve ideally acquired a QST Clean or different bonafide powder ski in your truck. But when the QST 106 is your widest choice, the 2023 model will ship the mail.
Draw back
At this level, Salomon is aware of how you can make a QST 106 that can get alongside properly with a variety of skiers. That mentioned, although, a pair small teams of customers might wish to look elsewhere.
Whereas that is, for positive, the loosest, driftiest, and most playful QST 106 so far, I nonetheless wouldn’t name it a freestyle-first freeride ski. There are extra playful skis on this waist width class. Most of them compromise among the balanced, all-around efficiency that the QST 106 brings, however you most likely received’t care.
Likewise, significantly directional and technical skiers—those that prioritize a planted really feel in all snow circumstances or a extra conventional ski form—might wish to search for a ski with extra metallic and fewer taper/rocker.
Backside Line
As somebody who repeatedly gravitates towards directional skis with playful freeride aptitude, I’m a giant fan of the brand new QST 106. Whereas it will not be essentially the most playful or essentially the most chargey choice available on the market, it’s one of the crucial balanced skis you will discover between 100mm and 109mm underfoot. For that purpose, it’s going to possible agree with a majority of individuals purchasing for skis on this class.
Test our model previews for info on extra 2022-2023 gear
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