The hottest topic at SALOMON for the 2025-2026 season is the arrival of the fourth generation of the QST series. In particular, the new look of the S/LAB QST BLANK, SALOMON's flagship freeride model, attracted passionate attention at test ride events during the season. Users who wanted to ride it lined up waiting their turn. What exactly are these changes?
The evolution of the QST series
Since its debut in 2016, the QST series has been SALOMON's flagship freeride ski model, constantly pursuing cutting-edge technology, design, and graphics, and expanding what SALOMON calls the "infinite possibilities of freeride."
After 10 years, the QST series has finally entered its fourth generation for the 2025-2026 season, and has been reborn. The flagship model, the S/LAB QST BLANK, has been completely redesigned, incorporating new technology, updated materials, a tweaked shape, and new graphics. With the cooperation of young athletes, this product has evolved to support their endless adventures and challenges, allowing them to maximize their performance
Let's take a look at some specific changes
Updated materials and QST's unique technological evolution
- Full poplar wood core
Poplar wood is used throughout the ski, making it lightweight, highly resilient, and stable
- Basalt Fiber
The fourth-generation QST uses a full-length "Basalt Fiber" board, which combines a basalt-derived material with graphite fiber, replacing the previous carbon/hemp combination (C/FX). This provides excellent flex and edge grip
- Cork Dump Purifier 2.0
Cork Dampener Technology has been updated to 2.0, with newly developed co-molded TPU and cork inserts in the tip and tail for improved shock absorption
Profile Optimization
Freeride Rocker Profile
The combination of moderate rocker in the tip and tail allows it to handle a wide range of snow conditions, from powder and deep snow to rough snow and packed snow. The rocker point has been changed in the fourth generation. The third generation had 28% in the tip and 25% in the tail, but the fourth generation has 23% in the tip and 20% in the tail, making the rocker a little gentler (shallower)
What kind of changes does this bring? Rocker has some effect on the movement of the ski and the field it can adapt to. The shallower rocker makes the effective edge longer, making it easier to transfer power to the board when you step down, improving edge grip and increasing stability. Although buoyancy is slightly reduced, it is still more than enough, making it an all-situation specification that can be used on any field
Radius Adjustment
The fourth generation introduces a new 192cm size. This longest size has a 20m radius (turning radius). The third generation had a longest size of 194cm with an 18m radius. The larger radius improves stability during high-speed gliding. It can be said that it has been optimized to support hard performance that makes the most of speed
The fourth-generation QST Blank utilizes the latest materials and technology, while maintaining the cutting-edge shape and versatile 112mm waist, achieving unprecedented stability and maneuverability. Its performance has been further improved to support the riding style desired by riders in all situations
Staff member Shoji Kishi gave us an explanation at the 2025-2026 new model test ride event held at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort in April
QST series design update
For the 2025-2026 season, the QST series has also received graphic updates. The QST ONE O SIX, QST 100, and QST94 have all been redesigned. Last season, the men's and women's designs were different, but for the 2025-2026 season, the series is unisex and available in two colors, allowing you to choose your favorite color.
With more freedom and more aggressiveness, the possibilities for QST are endless.
Information
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