Salomon QST 92 Review

Salomon is marketing the QST 92 towards “skiers that can comfortably ski across the whole resort and are keen to get better on icy slopes and in variable conditions.” We wholeheartedly agree with their approach. This ski can truly improve with you. Despite some drawbacks for powder skiing, the QST 92 is designed to help you improve your carving ability and support you as you grow into the advanced- to expert-level skier you're destined to be.

Performance Comparison

Stability at Speed

Despite the freeride profile, the QST 92 is most confident at medium speeds. Salomon's CORE full poplar woodcore is relatively lightweight, is able to make short and medium-radius carved or smeared turns with the most consistency. However, we noticed a nervous chatter when reaching for longer radius, high-speed turns in firm conditions – which is to be expected of an intermediate-level ski.

The QST 92 is packed with technologies like a fully sandwiched Double Sidewall and a titanium binding reinforcement. The double sidewall is a neat new technology, which combines softer and stiffer plastics to add more edge hold without overly stiffening the ski underfoot. This gives this ski a stable, yet forgiving ride.

Carving Ability

The QST 92 is a strong carving contender even when compared to heavier, advanced-to-expert level skis. The technologies packed into the ski, paired with a relatively narrow waist width, promote precise edge-to-edge transfer and strong edge hold even in firm and icy conditions.

Cutting a carve to throw snow up the mountain is a challenging turn to master, especially on firm snow. The QST 92 makes this process more achievable with the combination of its overall shape. Additional width at the tip of this ski promotes earlier edge grip at the start of each turn, while the more narrow width underfoot makes the process of changing edges quicker. A twelve-percent tail rocker is just enough to hold you through the end of each turn and then allow for the start of the next turn without feeling like the ski is holding you hostage in a carve.

When developing your confidence in firm snow conditions, it's important to know that your equipment is crafted specifically for solid edge hold. Select materials help reinforce the edges and underfoot sections of this ski, providing a nice sense of stability. The QST 92 prefers short- to medium-radius turns, which perfectly promotes a sense of flow for its target audience.

Powder Performance

Some skiers enjoy being in the snow rather than on top of it. Similar to a few other skis in our lineup, the Salomon QST 92 can help you get through a few inches of powder but requires an advanced-to-expert level of effort to rip through deep snow.

The QST 92 easily bogs down in deep snow and is difficult to keep up to speed – an important part of powder skiing. This ski is a solid option to work on your powder technique on blue groomers covered by a few inches of fresh snow. But as soon as the powder started to stack up, we opted to duck into the lodge before snow accumulation made this ski difficult to manage.

Crud Performance

Although the QST 92 is not a strong contender in the powder department, we were happily surprised by how brightly this ski shines when skiing crud. Especially at slower speeds, the preferred shorter turn radius inspires confidence when working through mixed conditions. Even though it doesn't excel in deep snow, it did impress us with its ability to handle changing conditions post-storm or in the springtime.

Salomon's patented C/FX reinforcement technology is a blend of carbon and flax fibers woven together to add a lightweight layer for dampening. The titanium binding reinforcement allows the front of the ski to absorb impact while adding rigidity under the skier's feet. Our testers agree that this mix gives the QST 92 the right blend of strength and dampness.

We could confidently conquer everything from partially refrozen suncups to chopped-up Sierra cement with the QST 92. This ski provides the same consistent feel while carving as it does in more difficult snow conditions. The key with the QST 92 is to continue to make consistent movements, even as the conditions get tricky. As you progress in your ability to ski off groomers, this ski will help you venture into variable conditions with confidence.

Terrain Playfulness

The combination of technologies in the QST 92 makes this ski supportive, quick, and precise. Overall, it has the right amount of pop and dampness to flow through easy moguls and tight trees.

Even though the QST 92 can't quite compete with lighter-weight models for throwing tricks, but it is absolutely up for launching small kickers with easy landings. Part of improving your skiing is trusting the process. So even though the QST 92 might not be the most fun ski, it is confident in doing what it does, consistently.

Should You Buy the Salomon QST 92?

The QST 92 prefers cruising at moderate speeds and making shorter radius turns in predictable snow conditions – all of which makes this the perfect ski for an intermediate skier looking to up their game. If you are eager to improve your carving abilities and gradually explore more advanced terrain, this ski presents a tremendous opportunity at an unbeatable price point.

What Other All-Mountain Skis Should You Consider?