The QST range has been tweaked a little for the 2022-23 season and the 106 sits at the upper middle of the collection that includes a 112mm, a 98mm and a 92mm under foot. The 106 holds onto many of the QST's well known characteristics - playful, easy to turn, nicely balanced and great on both off-piste variable terrain and groomed slopes.
The full Woodcore and titanal plate that runs through the ski ensures that a high-end level of performance is there for advanced and expert freeride skiers that want to be aggressive all over the mountain, yet like to tune things down and relax a little too. The QST's seem to be able to handle switching nicely between whatever mood you happen to be in. Push them hard and they respond, pull back and they won't feel overly demanding.
That versatility is what makes the QST range so successful in general and the 106, despite the width, feels fun and stable at even higher speeds on groomed slopes. For seasonaire's that spend most of their time off-piste but need to deal with a huge variety of conditions through the winter, the QST 106 presents a great one-ski-does-it-all option. With a Salomon Shift binding stuck on top, skiers have an ideal terrain access touring ski that does everything well.
If you're the kind of skier that is used to an alpine piste ski or has grown up on race skis, then the QST range in general will have some familiarity about them for you. Yes this is absolutely 100% a freeride ski, but just love being ridden by technical skiers that know how to carve and get the most out of a ski. If you're looking to progress then don't be put off, turn initiation is easy and the skis don't feel super demanding.
Salomon might be a huge brand name and produce a huge amount of skis but they certainly do it well, especially with the QST range.
Buy Salomon QST 106 Skis: $559.99 at Amazon (US)
