Salomon "QST 106" re-edited. Ability to enjoy skiing by mixing BLANK and 98

Salomon's QST series, which is the third generation since its introduction in 2016. The 2021-2022 concept was reconsidered and the waist range and design optimized for the current freeride scene were reconstructed.

2022-23 season, 3rd generation QST completed at last

In 2022-23, QST92 and women's models will be updated to the latest structure, led by "QST 106 (One Osix)".

First, let's review the QST series. The concept is an all-mountain model that can handle any situation. What is common to the lineup is the ability to quickly turn back regardless of the situation and steadily transmit the power of the skier to the ski. The top and tail are thin and light, and the center part is composed of a strong wood core. It is based on "SpaceFrame 3.0" which evolved "SpaceFrame" that Salomon has cultivated for nearly 20 years. In addition, it features a long rocker shape and a double sidewall structure that exhibits high grip.

The lineup includes 4 models with waist widths ranging from 92mm to 112mm. The women's model has 3 models with waist widths of 92mm, 98mm, and 106mm, and SPARK and TEAM for next-generation freeriders are added to develop a total of 9 models.

"QST106" reconstructed based on the highly complete "BLANK" and "98"

Among them, "QST 106 (One Osix)" is attracting attention. In the first place, the QST series has a versatile design, but it has a hard gliding performance. Mixing the already completed “QST BLANK” and “QST 98”, “QST 106” has been re-edited into a more playful ski than the lineup. The performance can be seen in the video below.

Various turns that can be manipulated at will, quick pivot movements, glide as if licking deep fresh snow or diving, tail that can slide easily, carving that the edge sticks to the grooming burn, stability at high speed, etc. You should be able to fully enjoy the snowy mountains with this one.

There are two points that support this slip. shape and technology.

Shape first. The "QST 106" adopts the latest rocker shape. The widest wide points on the top and tail are closer to the center than ever before. This makes it easy to perform quick pivot operations and has excellent agility. As a result, the rocker part is longer than before, and even fresh snow can easily float. The rocker and camber distribution for the entire ski is twin rocker: top: 25% rocker, 60% camber, tail: 15% rocker.

The technology has the functions common to the QST series.
The "cork dampener" with cork built-in in the thin top and tail absorbs vibration and brings about ease of handling and smooth glide.
The double sidewall structure is injected with high-density ABS with high impact resistance. As a result, the edge hold power is enhanced, and power is transmitted to the entire ski from the top to the tail by "C/FX carbon", which is a mixture of carbon and hemp. This is Salomon's unique reinforcing material that combines the lightness, strength, and stability of carbon with the vibration absorption of hemp. In addition, the fact that it is 150g lighter than the conventional model also contributes to the ease of handling.

Women's models also have a lineup that incorporates the same functions, so female skiers can enjoy the versatility and gliding performance unique to the QST series.

Also, "QST 106" can enjoy a wide range of scenes depending on the bindings attached. For those who enjoy the backcountry as their main field, choose "MTN". If you want to draw an aggressive line while going back and forth between the ski resort and the backcountry, use "SHIFT". If you want to specialize in skiing and maximize the performance of your skis, we recommend the STRIVE, which will debut in the 23rd season. The "QST 106" is a ski that matches the situation depending on the attachment binding.

Finally, let's hear the test drive reviews of Akira Sasaki and Noriko Fukushima, who have ridden the "QST 106" and "QST STELLA 106" respectively.

Akira Sasaki and Noriko Fukushima, their respective evaluations

・ Model used by Akira Sasaki
: QST 106
Instagram: ＠akiraexploring

The length I use is 181 cm.
"QST BLANK" is a high-end model of "QST 106", but the big difference is how the rocker works.
"106" has a longer contact area than "BLANK". For that reason, it is a board that can cut even in hard places, and it has a sense of stability when speeding up. Furthermore, like "BLANK", the double sidewall system is included, so the center position is a very strong board. On hard slopes or when you want to carve firmly, stepping on the skis will increase the sense of stability.

There may be an image for icy and grooming bahns, but the board can be submerged in fresh snow, and after submerging, it rises to the top. It is a board that can do things like old school dolphin turns. In addition, the tail is strong, so you can do freestyle play such as tail tapping.

The setting position of the binding is placed at the recommended position. The reason is that the performance of the board is enhanced by increasing the contact area. Making the most of the side curves is the most comfortable way to ride. I think it's the perfect board for those who want to master their turns.

・ Model used by Noriko Fukushima　
: QST STELLA 106
Instagram: ＠norikofukushima

The "QST STELLA 106" is the type of ski with the widest waist among female models who want to enjoy the powder.

Of course, powder riding is my specialty, but I can enjoy it anywhere with just one ski, not to mention the entire slope. In addition, since it is a ski for women, it is made very lightweight and easy to handle. It has good operability even in powder, and you can feel enough buoyancy even in deep powder.

The flex, torsion, rocker rise position, the shape of this top, and the strength of the board against speed, all seem to be well balanced.

Among the lineup, this waist width of 106mm is the most well-balanced for me, so I really like it. Radius is 18m. The firm tension allows you to use the tail firmly even in the second half of the turn and you can ride to the end.

What I like about it is that you can easily enjoy everything from carving to bumps and tree runs. This ski is recommended for women who want to enjoy both slopes and powder in one ski, women who feel that their skiing skills have improved, and women who want to ski down the mountain by steadily connecting turns.

The "QST 106" has been well received at test ride events held throughout the season. Like the two riders who have ridden it, "The transmission to the edge is fast for the thickness of the shape," "It's exhilarating to turn on compacted snow, not just powder," and "The rocker rise is lower than other models." Therefore, the snow contact length is long and stable.”

Regardless of the situation, for those who can get on the right position and can step on the skis, the skis will be easier to run and the turns will be more enjoyable than ever.
In addition to utility performance, "QST 106" allows you to enjoy various ways of playing and sliding. 22-23 season, one of the attention.