"QST BLANK", the definitive version of freeride skiing by salomon

New QST, the third generation since its introduction in 2016

The salomon "QST" series has been popular for many years as an all-mountain model that can handle any situation. Especially in the freeride scene, it boasts a high degree of perfection due to the relationship between the development team and riders such as Chris Ruben, Alexis Godbout, Stan Ray and Cody Townsend.

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Salomon "QST 106" re-edited. The QST series of salomon (Salomon), which is the 3rd generation counting from the appearance in 2016, of skiing that can be played by mixing BLANK and 98 '21-22 reconsidered the concept and reconstructed the optimum waist range and design for the current freeride scene.

The “QST” series lineup is Salomon’s flagship model. It is available in a wide range of waist widths and has a wide range of sizes for each model, so it has been loved by many people since its introduction in the 2017 season.

What is common to the lineup is the "SpaceFrame 3.0", which is an evolution of the "SpaceFrame" that Salomon has cultivated over many years, with a thin and light top and tail and a solid wood core in the center. used for

This realizes a quick change of turns and steadily transmits power even in hardpack snow conditions. It is a ski that brings out performance in various situations and can handle all fields and skiing situations.

There are 5 models in the waist width range from 85mm to 118mm, and especially the 90mm lineup is popular as a ski that can be used at any ski resort, and is easy to handle even for skiers who do not intend to freeride or backcountry at the core. .

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

Since its introduction in 2016, the "QST" series has undergone two updates. In the 2022 season, we will review the design and renew the lineup as the third generation. In particular, we are reviewing the freeride concept from scratch and exploring new possibilities for skis with a waist of 100mm or more. The highlight is the “QST BLANK” with a waist width of 112mm.

Salomon riders were at the center of this new ski development.

Alexis Godbout, Stan Ray, and other members lead the athlete-led film production company "BLANK Collective Films." Filmer Jeff Thomas (who has released many works including salomon SKITV) is the director, and the original free ride video is released every year, and it is a hot topic all over the world.

Many Salomon riders have appeared in this work, centering on the magnificent nature of Canada, on the terrain rich in nature, with lines and big lines that interweave tricks, and covered with powder that fills the whole body. It expresses a freeride that mixes various ski styles into one. It's obvious when you watch the video.

The Salomon riders in this video have always wondered about the huge gap between the deep-snow performance of the 118 and the versatile 106. It's not unrelated to the fact that Salomon's bindings have undergone a big change just in the last three seasons.

A separate type "STH" that maximizes the performance of the ski, a "SHIFT" that has a TEC mechanism when climbing and an alpine binding when skiing, and an ultra-lightweight "MTN" that is ideal for climbing and riding. I felt that using only two skis, 118 and 106, to match those bindings was a little lacking in versatility.

In order to fill that gap, the rider and the development team created the "QST BLANK" with a waist width of 112mm. The name "BLANK" was used because the riders of "BLANK Collective Films"'s freeride views and concepts were incorporated into skiing. It is exactly like the signature ski of "BLANK Collective".

Functional aspects of “QST BLANK”

The basic specifications of “QST BLANK” are as follows.

This 112mm waist width is Salomon's ideal spec for freeride skiing. This ski has two points.

・Outline for agile movement
・Power transmission power to reliably transfer to skis

The first is the shape.
In the "QST" series, only BLNAK and PARK are twin rocker types with curved tops and tails. By bringing the wide points of the top and tail closer to the center, it is easier to perform pivot-like movements, allowing for more agile skiing. If you look at the numerical value of 178 cm and a turning radius of 15 m, the ease of handling is obvious. There is also cork in the top and tail to reduce weight and provide vibration absorption. This is also one of the reasons for the ease of pivoting movement.

Second power transfer. High-density ABS material with high impact resistance is injected into the feet, and by combining it with the conventional sidewall, the grip power has increased more than ever. In addition, a unique reinforcing layer that mixes carbon and hemp as a reinforcing material is incorporated from the top to the tail. This is Salomon's original material that combines the lightness, strength, and stability of carbon fiber with the vibration absorption of hemp.

"QST BLANK" was realized by combining these functions with the versatility of the previous "QST" series.
The waist width of 112mm demonstrates its performance regardless of the situation, such as powder, compacted snow, and undulating natural terrain.
In addition, you can enjoy various scenes depending on the binding you wear. Cody Townsend has set up the "MTN" and uses it to suit his Climb & Ride style. Alexis Godbout draws trick lines in the backcountry with SHIFT bindings. Stan Ray, who descends steep slopes at high speed and makes big jumps, is "STH". "QST BLANK" becomes a ski that matches the characteristics of each style depending on the binding.

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

Impressions of Akira Sasaki and Tenran Katsuno

Akira Sasaki

At the Alpine World Cup, he has stood on the World Cup podium three times, the most for any Japanese player, and has participated in four Olympic Games in a row. Currently pursuing an all-mountain freeride with a wide field of view. His self-produced video work "TWIN PEAKS" is also popular.

Height 182 cm / Weight 86 kg Use model: SKI: QST BLANK (194 cm) BINDING: S / LAB SHIFT MNC 13 BOOTS: S / MAX 130 CARBON

The whole ski is made hard and has strength close to racing specifications.
Ever since I got the completely redesigned QST BLANK, even though it's a fat ski, its high carving performance has given me tremendous confidence in hard conditions that I thought fat skis couldn't reach.
It provides maximum support for skiing that requires speed in conditions such as debris zones and ice. In order to start the turn by biting the top with a fat ski with strong rocker, the wide point of the top is lower than the conventional QST and the wide point of the tail is drawn to the center, so the carving ski is not affected by the rocker point. It creates a bite like this. While it is the greatest weapon for skiers with high ability, it is a model that cannot be ridden by skiers who cannot bend the board due to lack of leg strength. So far Salomon has always made boards aiming for an average score, but I have the impression that they have made boards for fighting in big mountains. However, I'm 194cm, so if I drop the size, advanced skiers will be able to demonstrate their performance. The boot is a lightweight shell with carbon. Above all, carbon has a strong repulsion, so it supports aggressive skiing to the maximum.

Katsuno Tenran

From an early age, he was exposed to skiing through mogul and freestyle in the Niseko area, and used the skills he learned there to participate in freeride competitions in Japan and overseas. In order to solve the problems of athlete activities (economic part of young people and second career of athletes), he is working while 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

With the new addition of Double Sidewall Technology, the skis have more grip and keep you on the ground at speed.
Even at high speed, the top of the board is less likely to flutter. It eliminates ski shake, so you can feel secure even at high speeds. Since it stabilizes when accelerating after jumping, it is also suitable for hard-charging skis that hit items in succession. The wide point of the nose has been slightly lowered, making it easier to do small tricks such as nose butter.
The image of skis is that the nose and tail smoothly enter the direction of travel, and the technology installed under the feet provides a firm grip.
As a result, the operability is high, and you can slide quite hard. It is especially recommended for those who want stable turns and skis even on high-speed turns and hard slopes, and those who want to ski on slopes with continuous hits, and those who want to turn with good grip in any situation. By fixing the foot with the double sidewall technology installed in the ski and "S/Max130" and "STH2 WTR 16", a strong grip is created, so speed, stability and operability are improved. It is set up so that you can slide.

Click here for the Hokkaido session with Sasaki and Katsuno

Click here for details of salomon 21/22 new model