Looking to cast a big line? ARMADA "ANTIMATTER 114" or SALOMON "S/LAB QST X"? │26-27 New Model Comparison

The differences in the "feel" and "character" of skis cannot be fully understood from the spec numbers alone. This is the depth and enjoyment of choosing skis. Therefore, we've picked out two similar 26-27 model skis to highlight. Let's explore their individual characteristics based on user test ride reviews. Which one will you choose?

ARMADA "ANTIMATTER 114" or SALOMON "S/LAB QST X"?

Two high-end freeride boards designed for big mountains. Both are renowned for their excellent buoyancy and maneuverability, but..

Model	D (Dimension)	R (radius)
ANTIMATTER 114	D=138-114-132mm	R = 21m (187cm)
S/LAB QST X	D=140-116-127mm	R = 25m (184cm)

"ANTIMATTER 114" is this kind of ski

The "ANTIMATTER," developed in collaboration with Max Palm, is ARMADA's pure freeride line, following in the footsteps of "ARV" and "JJ." While its predecessor, "DECLIVITY," was an all-mountain ski with excellent on-piste performance, the ANTIMATTER has been redefined for a more core freeride domain. Of the six models with waist widths ranging from 82 to 114mm, the 114mm is the widest, featuring a twin-tip shape that balances buoyancy in powder with performance on big mountains

The user who test-drove this model was Motoki Kato, who described its acceleration and stability as "out of this world."

Overall, it feels very rigid, gripping and sharp. It absorbs and returns maximum power. The tip flexes more, while the tail feels solid. It seems like it would release well in powder.

It carves so well that you might think you could get it into a pole, and it doesn't feel like it's digging into the edges in any strange way. Despite the firm camber, it turns so easily that I initially thought it was a flat camber, so lateral movements like sliding are also good. It's stable and doesn't wobble at high speeds, making you want to test the limits of your abilities. I haven't been able to test it

in powder or bad snow conditions, so I don't know how it feels then, but it feels like it has the firm tension and flex of a White Walker. However, it's the sharpest of the models, so I think the floating feeling will be reduced, but it's simply very strong. I also felt the lightness of the swing weight. It feels solid underfoot, and you don't feel the weight of the nose or tail.

The Armada is inherently easy to understand; if you get bounced off with the "Zero JJ," or if that's not enough, go for the JJ. The JJ is the perfect version for enjoyable powder riding. If you're looking for a JJ model for high-speed turns, rough terrain, or competing at higher speeds, then the White Walker is the one. But above all of that is the "Antimatter 114."

After actually riding it, I personally felt that the Armada-like characteristics of previous models had been toned down in a good way, or rather, that it had changed and evolved. It felt like it had enhanced the best aspects of each model.

This model is good for people aiming for freeride competitions or big mountain, people who have a solid technical foundation and can confidently dive into the next turn while going full speed ahead, and it's highly recommended for experienced alpine skiers. Furthermore, I think it's the perfect choice for people who want to confidently tackle any conditions, such as bumpy, rough slopes, wet snow, or icy conditions, and for those who want to increase their speed range.

"S/LAB QST X" is this kind of ski

The Salomon S/LAB QST is the top-of-the-line model in the QST series, embodying the "infinite possibilities of freeride." It consists of the ultra-lightweight, touring-ready "ECHO (106mm)," the "BLANK (112mm)" developed with young athletes for hard riding, and the widest "X" at 116mm. This model acts as a "powder," offering high buoyancy and excellent downhill performance. It represents the brand's technological pinnacle and features a design supervised by a French luxury brand

Two people experienced the ultimate freeride experience with SALOMON. First up was Ken Sasaki from "Paddle Club"

Despite its lightweight design, this board offers excellent stability in the center, with a supple balance of rigidity from the tip to the tail. It has just the right amount of stiffness underfoot, providing a great balance of edge grip and maneuverability.

On groomed slopes, its turning performance is easier to handle than its R value (approximately 25m) would suggest, and at low speeds, its ease of sliding and maneuverability are outstanding. It glides stably at medium speeds, but at high speeds, its light weight can sometimes make it feel unreliable.

The center-biased balance design provides good swing balance, making it easy to maneuver even in tree runs. The large top rocker absorbs shocks on rough snow surfaces, resulting in a mild ride. 

In powder, it has a strong surf-like character that allows it to glide across the snow, making it easy to take free lines that suit the terrain and undulations. This board takes advantage of its light weight and buoyancy, offering a well-balanced combination of lightness and flexibility.

User Yuta Nakazato also test-rode the bike and commented that it was a well-made machine that would satisfy even advanced riders

The board offers stability underfoot, while the nose and tail have a flexible finish. It's not a lightweight board, but you can sense the intention to improve maneuverability compared to the Blank model. Recommended for those who find the Blank model too heavy or too rigid. I think even advanced riders will be satisfied with this board.

The longer rocker in the nose, combined with the width of the center, promises good buoyancy in powder. However, on rough slopes with slushy snow on top of hard ice, as was the case at this test ride event, the board felt a little unstable at times.

It would be especially recommended for those who prioritize maneuverability in powder, and for those who spend long hours skiing and enjoying various conditions.

What we learned from the comparison

The ANTIMATTER 114 offers the power and stability of Titanal while also allowing you to enjoy slashes and smears thanks to its rocker, making it a board that balances attack and play. On the other hand, the S/LAB QST X boasts a lightweight Karuba + Poplar core, carbon/flux, and a large rocker that provides buoyancy and agility. Will you push through the snow and drive forward, or glide lightly across the surface? Try linking it to the image you have in your mind of how you want to ride the big lines