Salomon QST 94 Skis Review
With wide tips and a 94 mm waist, the Salomon QST 94 skis bridge the gap between all-mountain and freeride. They offer grip and stability on piste, while providing extra float when needed. Built for downhill skiers who want one ski to handle groomed runs and powder days alike, the QST 94 pairs a full poplar woodcore with a tip and tail rocker profile. The result is a versatile, playful ride that encourages edge-to-edge quickness without sacrificing the confidence to charge through mixed terrain and soft snow.
Tech Specs (At a Glance)
- Waist Width: 94 millimeters across all lengths
- Ski Camber: Tip and tail rocker with a partial twin tail
- Core: Full poplar woodcore with basalt and fiberglass laminate
- Sidecut Radius: 13.5 m (156 cm) up to 17.5 m (188 cm)
- Weight (Pair): 6 lbs. 11.2 oz. (156 cm) up to 8 lbs. 8.8 oz. (188 cm)
All-Conditions Performance
The Salomon QST 94 closely matches the rest of the QST family, perfectly blending freeride-inspired tips with piste-inspired tails for an extra-versatile ride. That combination gives the ski a split personality in the best way: it holds a confident edge on firm groomers but still has the tip shape and rocker to stay on top of soft snow. Riders who like to explore the whole mountain in a single day will appreciate how little compromise there is between the two.
Quick Edge-to-Edge Transitions
Shorter on-snow contact and a subtle tail rocker speed up edge-to-edge transitions and add maneuverability to every turn. The partial twin tail also makes it easy to pivot and smear when the terrain gets tight or the snow gets deep. Trees, bumps, and narrow chutes all feel more accessible, and the ski responds quickly without demanding a lot of input from the rider.
Playful, Poppy Ride
Inspired by freeride, these skis bring in the fun with a snappy, poppy ride, energetic tails, and playful tips — all thanks to their lively rocker profile. The ski feels light underfoot and eager to launch off natural features, while the energetic tail gives a strong finish to each turn. It is an approachable ski for intermediate and advanced riders who want personality rather than a purely damp, race-like feel.
Stability and Damping
A full poplar woodcore maximizes liveliness, stability, and ski-to-snow contact while filtering vibrations. Full sandwich sidewalls guarantee stability and precision, enhancing performance by providing good edge grip and smooth ski-to-snow contact. Full-length integration of basalt fibers paired with fiberglass ensures unparalleled flex, maximizing performance while providing superior edge grip across the entire platform. The Cork Damplifier in the tips adds a high level of vibration absorption and damping with even less weight — cork is three times more absorbing than Koroyd, so the ski stays calm at speed without feeling heavy.
Build and Terrain Versatility
With tip widths ranging from 131 mm at 156 cm to 135 mm at 188 cm and tail widths from 117 mm to 121 mm, the QST 94 has the surface area to float when the snow gets soft, while the 94 mm waist keeps it quick on hardpack. The 13.5 to 17.5 meter sidecut radius scales sensibly with length, so taller and heavier skiers get a proportionally stable platform. It is a true unisex downhill ski that works for groomed and powder terrain alike, and it is sold without bindings so riders can pair it with their preferred setup.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Versatile all-mountain shape that handles groomers and powder; playful, poppy feel with energetic tails; quick edge-to-edge transitions; smooth damped ride thanks to cork tip inserts; lightweight poplar core; available in five lengths.
- Cons: Bindings not included, which adds to the total cost; the 94 mm waist may feel narrow for dedicated deep-powder days; lighter weight means strong experts may find it less damp at very high speeds; not the stiffest option for aggressive hard-charging skiers.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Use | Downhill Skiing |
| Ski Terrain | Groomed and powder |
| Tip Width | 156 cm: 131 mm; 164 cm: 132 mm; 172 cm: 133 mm; 180 cm: 134 mm; 188 cm: 135 mm |
| Waist Width | 94 mm |
| Tail Width | 156 cm: 117 mm; 164 cm: 118 mm; 172 cm: 119 mm; 180 cm: 120 mm; 188 cm: 121 mm |
| Sidecut Radius | 156 cm: 13.5 m; 164 cm: 14.5 m; 172 cm: 15.5 m; 180 cm: 16.5 m; 188 cm: 17.5 m |
| Ski Camber | Tip and tail rocker |
| Tail Type | Partial twin |
| Core | Full poplar woodcore |
| Bindings Included | No |
| Boot Sole Compatibility | Bindings not included |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Weight (Pair) | 156 cm: 6 lbs. 11.2 oz.; 164 cm: 7 lbs. 0.8 oz.; 172 cm: 7 lbs. 7.8 oz.; 180 cm: 7 lbs. 15.7 oz.; 188 cm: 8 lbs. 8.8 oz. |
Where to Buy
The Salomon QST 94 skis are available at rei.com and evo.com. Both retailers list the current-season model with the full range of lengths, so shoppers can choose the size that matches their height, weight, and riding style. REI is a solid option for members who value the co-op’s return policy and in-store boot and binding services, while evo is a go-to for skiers who want detailed product pages, customer reviews, and frequent deals on ski gear. Compare availability and pricing at both shops before buying, especially if you plan to add bindings to the package.
Final Verdict
The Salomon QST 94 is a well-rounded all-mountain ski that earns its place as a one-ski quiver for riders who split their time between groomers and soft snow. The blend of freeride-inspired tips and piste-friendly tails, combined with the lively poplar core, basalt and fiberglass laminate, and cork tip damping, produces a ride that is quick, playful, and calm at the same time. It is not the most demanding or the most powder-specific ski on the market, and the lack of included bindings adds cost, but for intermediate to advanced skiers seeking a versatile, energetic companion across the whole mountain, the QST 94 is an easy recommendation.
