The ever popular QST range from Salomon keeps on giving as the brand launches a new touring specific version of the 106 width model. This freeride ski has many of the attributes of the standard QST 106 – lively, responsive, powerful and stable, but lightens things up a little with added technology.
While this adds a bit to the price point (less is more in this case!), for anyone looking for a proper freeride ski that is light enough for access tours into those hidden backcountry spots, the Echo is a good value, solid and reliable option.
Aimed at advanced and expert skiers, the Karuba/Poplar wood core offers that balance between power and weight, with Basalt fibres helping to strengthen things up and cork in the tip and tail to keep it all nice and damp when required.
There’s also a titanal edge-to-edge insert running through the skis too, so whilst they aren’t the very lightest ski in this category on the market at 1530 grams (per ski), they do pack a punch on the power scale and still shed enough weight to make the touring experience workable – consider the standard 106 is 1730 grams.
Despite this loss of weight, the Echo still has some of those great features you’d expect from a QST ski – great edge hold, easy turn initiation, great on groomers for the width, lively and fun.
For any freeride skier that wants a genuine tool for performance off-piste riding and wants to access some of that under their own steam, then the QST 106 Echo could be a great choice.
