Salomon's ultimate freeride ski, the QST Blank

The new QST is the third generation since its launch in 2016

Salomon's QST series has long been popular as an all-mountain model that can handle any situation. In the freeride scene in particular, the QST series boasts a high level of perfection thanks to the development team's close relationships with riders like Chris Ruben, Alexis Godbout, Stan Ray, and Cody Townsend

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The QST series is Salomon's flagship model. It is available in a wide range of waist widths and each model is available in a wide range of sizes, making it a favorite among many people since its introduction in 2017

What the lineup has in common is that they use the ``SpaceFrame3.0'' as their basic system, an evolution of the ``SpaceFrame'' that Salomon has developed over many years, which makes the tip and tail thin and light and the center part made of a solid wood core

This allows for quicker turn transitions and a steady transfer of power even on hard-packed snow, making these skis capable of performing in a variety of conditions and adapting to any field or skiing situation

The company offers five models with waist widths ranging from 85mm to 118mm, and the 90mm range in particular is popular as a ski that can do anything on the slopes, and is easy to handle even for skiers who are not primarily interested in freeriding or backcountry skiing

The highlight is the "QST BLANK" with a waist width of 112mm

The QST series has been updated twice since its introduction in 2016. For 2022, the design has been revised and the lineup will be completely revamped as the third generation. In particular, the freeride concept has been completely rethought, exploring new possibilities for skis with waists of 100mm or more. The highlight of this is the QST BLANK, with a waist width of 112mm

Salomon riders were at the heart of the development of this new ski

BLANK Collective Films is an athlete-led film production company whose members include Alexis Godbout and Stan Ray. Directed by filmmaker Jeff Thomas (who has worked on many projects including Salomon SKITV), they release original freeride videos every year, creating buzz around the world

This film features many Salomon riders and is set in the majestic Canadian countryside, showcasing freeriding, a mix of skiing styles, including trick-laced lines, big lines and powder so thick you're completely covered in powder

The Salomon riders featured in this video have always been concerned about the big gap between the 118, which performs well in deep snow, and the versatile 106. This is no coincidence that Salomon has made major changes to its bindings over the past three seasons

The STH is a separate type that maximizes ski performance, the SHIFT has a TEC mechanism for climbing and an alpine binding for skiing, and the MTN is ultra-lightweight and perfect for climbing and riding. I felt that using only two skis, 118 and 106, to match these bindings was somewhat lacking in versatility

To fill this gap, the riders and development team came up with the QST BLANK, which has a waist width of 112mm. The name "BLANK" was chosen because it incorporates the freeride perspective and concepts of the riders in the "BLANK Collective Films" into the ski. It is truly positioned as a signature ski for "BLANK Collective."

Functionality of "QST BLANK"

The basic specifications of the "QST BLANK" are as follows:

This 112mm waist width is what Salomon considers to be the optimal spec for a freeride ski. There are two key points about this ski

- Power transmission that reliably delivers power to the outline skis, enabling agile movements.

The first is the shape. In the "QST" series, only the BLNAK and PARK are twin rocker types with upward-curving tips and tails. By shifting the wide points of the tips and tails towards the center, pivot-like movements are easier, allowing for more agile skiing. The turning radius of 15m for a 178cm ski is immediately apparent from the numbers.
In addition, cork is placed on the tips and tails to reduce weight while also providing vibration absorption. This also contributes to the ease of pivot-like movements.

The second is power transmission. A high-density injection of impact-resistant ABS material underfoot, combined with the traditional sidewalls, provides greater grip than ever before. A unique reinforcement layer made from a blend of carbon and hemp is also incorporated from top to tail. This is a Salomon original material that combines the lightness, strength, and stability of carbon fiber with the vibration absorption properties of hemp

The "QST BLANK" combines the versatility of the previous "QST" series with these new features. The
112mm waist width ensures performance in all conditions on the mountain, from powder and groomed snow to undulating natural terrain.
Furthermore, the skis can be enjoyed in a variety of situations depending on the bindings used. Cody Townsend uses the "MTN" bindings, suited to his climb-and-ride style. Alexis Godbout, who incorporates tricks into his lines even in the backcountry, uses the "SHIFT" bindings. Stan Ray, who descends steep slopes at high speed and performs big jumps, uses the "STH" bindings. The "QST BLANK" becomes a ski that matches the characteristics of each individual's style, depending on the bindings used.

So, what kind of settings do Akira Sasaki and Tenran Katsuno, who use them in domestic fields, use, and what is the feeling when using them?

Akira Sasaki and Tenran Katsuno's impressions

Akira Sasaki

He has stood on the podium three times in the Alpine World Cup, the most ever by a Japanese skier, and has competed in four consecutive Olympic Games. He is currently pursuing the broader perspective of all-mountain freeriding. His self-produced video work, "TWIN PEAKS," has also been well-received

Height: 182cm / Weight: 86kg Model: SKI: QST BLANK (194cm) Binding: S/LAB SHIFT MNC 13 Boots: S/MAX 130 CARBON

This ski has a hard construction overall, giving it strength close to that of a race-spec ski.
Ever since I got my hands on the completely redesigned QST BLANK, I've gained immense confidence in its high carving performance, even in hard conditions where I thought fat skis couldn't reach. It provides maximum support for speed-oriented skiing in conditions such as debris zones and ice.
To initiate turns by digging the tip into the snow, this fat ski has a strong rocker, and compared to the conventional QST, the wide point of the tip has been lowered and the wide point of the tail has been brought closer to the center, creating a grip similar to a carving ski without being affected by the rocker point. While it will be a great weapon for highly skilled skiers, it will likely be a model that skiers with less leg strength and who cannot flex the ski will not be able to handle. Up until now, Salomon has always made skis that aimed for average performance, but this one gives the impression of being a ski made to compete completely in big mountains. However, the one I rode was 194cm, so advanced skiers will likely be able to utilize its performance if they choose a smaller size. The boots have a lightweight shell with carbon fiber. Above all, carbon has strong rebound properties, which provides maximum support for aggressive skiing maneuvers.

Katsuno Tenran

He has been involved in skiing since he was a child through mogul and freestyle skiing in the Niseko area, and has used the skills he acquired there to compete in freeride competitions both in Japan and overseas. He is currently working to solve issues surrounding athlete activities (the economic aspects of young people and second careers for athletes) while also building a career as an engineer

Height 174cm/Weight 74kg Model used: ■SKI: QST BLANK (186cm) ■BINDING: STH2 WTR 16 ■BOOTS: S/MAX 130 CARBON

The newly added double sidewall technology provides strong grip and stability even at high speeds. The ski tips are less prone to chattering even at high speeds. The reduced ski wobble provides a sense of security even at high speeds. The stability when accelerating after a jump makes it suitable for hard charging skiing, such as hitting multiple features in succession. The
slightly lowered wide point of the nose makes it easier to perform tricks like nose buttering.
The skis feel like the nose and tail smoothly enter the direction of travel, and the technology underfoot provides firm grip. This not only makes them highly maneuverable, but also allows for very hard skiing. They are especially recommended for those who want stable turns and skiing on high speeds and hard-packed slopes, or those who ski on slopes with continuous hits—anyone who wants grippy turns in any situation.
The double sidewall technology incorporated into the skis, combined with the "S/Max130" and "STH2 WTR 16" to secure your feet, creates a powerful grip, resulting in a setup that enhances speed, stability, and maneuverability, allowing for the most aggressive skiing.

Click here to see the Hokkaido session with Sasaki and Katsuno

Click here for details on the new Salomon 21/22 models