Salomon’s QST line has been a staple for freeride skiers at resorts across the globe for a number of years and the new QST X brings a pivoty, surfy and slarvy feel to the series. Sharing some of the tried-and-true characteristics of its narrower QST predecessors, this ski was built to float atop the deep stuff.
“The flotation of the ski in untouched blower pow was unbelievable,” said one of our ski testers. “Once the snow got a little chopped up, it had the stability to plow through. It was snappy, quick and versatile. At 116-mm underfoot this ski is ideal for deep days but can hold its own in any condition.”
The QST X’s lightweight karuba and poplar wood core provides stability and playfulness in fluff. Cork damplifiers inserted into the tip and tail of the ski adds vibration absorption and damping while keeping the ski’s overall weight down.
Salomon uses a weaved layer of C/FX, or layers of carbon and flax fibers, in the QST X to deliver strength and stability from the lightweight carbon and further reduce chatter via the flax.
Early rise rocker in the tip of the QST X makes for ultimate float and easy turn initiation while camber underfoot and slightly less rocker in the tail increases the effective edge when the snow isn’t as deep. Adding to this ski’s versatility when there isn’t blower pow the QST X combines a high-density piece of ABS under the binding with full length sidewalls for a strong platform to maximize grip on the hardpack.
Tie-dyed neon pink and black graphics only add to the QST X’s allure and are sure to turn a few heads.
“The topsheet of the ski has everyone near me in the lift line in awe,” another tester said. A true unicorn of a ski, Salomon has outdone themselves with the QST X.