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Salomon QST 92 Review

The combination of performance and price point make this the most accessible ski in our lineup, perfect for folks aiming to improve
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Salomon QST 92 Review (We think this is a great ski to grow your skills with.)
We think this is a great ski to grow your skills with.
Credit: Marc Rotse
Price:  $600 List
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Manufacturer:   Salomon
By Bobby Garrett ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 31, 2024
70
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#4 of 13
  • Stability at Speed - 20% 7.0
  • Carving Ability - 20% 8.0
  • Powder Performance - 20% 5.0
  • Crud Performance - 20% 8.0
  • Terrain Playfulness - 20% 7.0

Our Verdict

The price of entry into the world of skiing can be a difficult barrier to overcome. Salomon is clearly mindful of this issue and offers the affordable QST 92 as a reasonable way to upgrade your gear. This exciting-looking ski is tuned toward intermediate- to advanced-level skiers. The combination of a thirty-percent rocker and overly pronounced tip and tail width allows for easier early edge grip while carving. Powder performance is this ski's one weakness, though if you're improving your skills, you're probably not looking to charge through deep snow. Our test team firmly believes that the QST 92 offers realistic performance in a high-quality package at an unbeatable price point. This isn't the highest-scoring option in our men's skis review, but it certainly presents the best overall value.
REASONS TO BUY
Unbeatable price point
Confidence while carving
Handles mixed conditions well
REASONS TO AVOID
Difficult to control in powder
Editor's Note: We added the Salomon QST 92 to our lineup on December 12, 2023, after testing it throughout the 2021-2022 season.

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salomon qst 92
This Product
Salomon QST 92
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Top Pick Award
Our Favorite Carving Ski
   
Price $549.95 at Evo
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$750 List
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$699.95 at REI
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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Bottom Line A solid blend of performance and value for the intermediate-to-advanced skierA versatile design makes for a well-accomplished all-mountain ski that excels in the art of the carveStrong, athletic skiers will be able to dance down the mountain on this powerful skiAn eco-friendly, but slow-flexing core limits the performance of this otherwise versatile skiSome of the same secret sauce with improved versatility in powder, but we're not sure it's worth the drop in performance in other metrics
Rating Categories Salomon QST 92 Armada Declivity 92 Ti Atomic Maverick 95 Ti Dynastar M-Pro 94 Ti Nordica Enforcer 94
Stability at Speed (20%)
7.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
9.0
Carving Ability (20%)
8.0
9.5
7.0
5.0
6.0
Powder Performance (20%)
5.0
7.0
7.0
6.0
7.0
Crud Performance (20%)
8.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
Terrain Playfulness (20%)
7.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
3.0
Specs Salomon QST 92 Armada Declivity 92 Ti Atomic Maverick 95 Ti Dynastar M-Pro 94 Ti Nordica Enforcer 94
Length Tested 184 cm 188 cm 180 cm 178 cm 185 cm
Waist Width 92 mm 92 mm 95 mm 94 mm 94 mm
Sidecut (Tip-Waist-Tail Width) 129-92-117 mm 133-92-119 mm 129-94.5-113 mm 128-94-118 mm 128.5-94-116.5 mm
Turn Radius 16 m 18 m 19.3 m 17 m 18 m
Available Lengths 152, 160, 168, 176, 184 cm 164, 172, 180, 188 cm 172, 180, 188 cm 154, 162, 170, 178, 186 cm 167, 173, 179, 185 cm
Camber Profile Tip/Tail Rocker EST All Mtn Rocker Tip/Tail Rocker Progressive Rocker All Mountain Rocker
Manufacturer Claimed Weight per Pair 8.6 lbs 8.4 lbs 7.9 lbs 7.9 lbs 9.5 lbs
Core Material Poplar Poplar, Elastomer, Titanal Poplar, Titanal Poplar, Titanal Performance Wood, Elastomer, Titanl

Our Analysis and Test Results

Product Update


Salomon updated the graphics on the QST 92 (right) since we last tested this ski during the 21/22 season (left). Otherwise, the construction and materials remain identical to the ski we review below. We are, however, linking to the newest model, which is more readily available.

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


salomon qst 92 - the salomon qst 92 is the perfect ski to inspire confidence as you...
The Salomon QST 92 is the perfect ski to inspire confidence as you begin to explore new terrain.
Credit: Marc Rotse

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.

salomon qst 92 - this ski is compliant and stable in most terrain up to medium speeds.
This ski is compliant and stable in most terrain up to medium speeds.
Credit: Marc Rotse

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.

salomon qst 92 - the qst 92 is easy to tip up on edge, and smoothly transitions from...
The QST 92 is easy to tip up on edge, and smoothly transitions from one carve to the next.
Credit: Marc Rotse

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.

salomon qst 92 - we appreciated the consistency of turn radius, giving us the...
We appreciated the consistency of turn radius, giving us the confidence to find our flow.
Credit: Marc Rotse

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.

salomon qst 92 - unfortunately, this ski tends to tip dive into powder.
Unfortunately, this ski tends to tip dive into powder.
Credit: Marc Rotse

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.

salomon qst 92 - the qst still inspires confidence even in variable spring snow.
The QST still inspires confidence even in variable spring snow.
Credit: Marc Rotse

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.

salomon qst 92 - the qst 92 easily slices through suncups.
The QST 92 easily slices through suncups.
Credit: Marc Rotse

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.

salomon qst 92 - into the air on the salomon qst 92.
Into the air on the Salomon QST 92.
Credit: Marc Rotse

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?


If you're an experienced, advanced-level skier getting back into skiing after a few winters off, it's worth considering something a bit more powerful and supportive, like the Volkl M7 Mantra. If your ambition this season is to take advantage of storm-day ski trips and improve your technique in the powder, a wider-waisted ski like the Black Diamond Impulse Ti 98 will better suit your plans. Although the Impulse Ti 98 ski excels in powder, it's not quite as versatile as the slightly more narrow Atomic Maverick 95 Ti.

Bobby Garrett