Test 2020: Salomon QST Lumen 99
BEST FOR: Big turns in big snow.
LENGTHS: 167, 174, 181, 188
DIMENSIONS: 137/106/123
RADIUS: 22@181
SUGGESTED RETAIL: $499
OTHER MODELS: QST 99, QST 92, QST 85
Cork is more wondrous than we realized. Beyond helping to age wine, cushion floors and footbeds, it also makes Salomon’s QST skis even better. Salomon stuck cork in the tip of its backside-loving skis, right where its vibration dampening and light weight have the biggest impact. The cork helped absorb rutted early-morning chunder at Mount Washington while testing the QST 106. Testers noticed its power overcoming the frozen ruts. “Very stable,” wrote Nigel Harrison. Some found it playful and reactive, even in the bumps. Others noted its carving and steep-skiing power. Everyone agreed it preferred big turns—no surprise with a 22m radius—at high speeds. Beyond the cork tip, there’s a wood core with a Titanal sandwich, plus a sheet of carbon fibre and basalt, and a strip of flax laminate underfoot. It’s light, powerful and fun. The QST 106 is a good choice for a slackcountry setup that won’t leave you wanting in or out of the resort.
