The Salomon XDR 84 is part of Salomon’s collection of all mountain skis, although it can also be considered a wider-than-traditional carving ski. The XDR 84 uses a poplar wood core with edge to edge carbon and flax fibers, which Salomon refers to as C/FX Super Fiber. This is the third rendition of this material and effectively doubles the amount of carbon and flax in the ski compared to the 2018 version. It also uses a Ti Power Platform titanal laminate that’s full width underfoot and tapers as it reaches the tips and tails of the ski. The XDR collection positions itself to compete against other all mountain carving skis, and within that category, they use a little bit more tip and tail rocker and early taper than we typically see, which suggests playful, versatile performance. Let’s see if our testers felt that way.
Charlie Roy tested the 186 cm XDR 84 and found it to be a very enjoyable all mountain ski. “This ski was great for every day, east coast skiing. It is not the strongest hard snow ski, but makes up for it with a fun surfy feel.” We’ve had similar reactions to the XDR 84 in the past. Its shape handles softer snow conditions really well, what Charlie is referring to here as being “surfy.” That feel also allows you to manipulate turn shape easily, as the ski allows you to smear a turn relatively well compared to other skis in this width range. “These would be great for a ski instructor, or just a person that likes to do it all, but doesn’t want a heavy ski.” Ski instructors will find it’s an easy ski to use to demonstrate different techniques, and Salomon effectively reduces weight by focusing on carbon and flax instead of using full width, full length sheets of metal.
Hans von Briesen thought it was an exceptionally versatile all mountain ski. Hans tested the 179 cm length and gave the ski 5 out of 5 for versatility and a 4.5 out of 5 for overall impression, with all our other criteria receiving relatively high scores. Only flotation was scored lower than 4. “A true all mountain ski for low tide conditions. It would be good in powder, but I would opt for the wider version (88). Variable turn shapes were easy and it performed in corduroy, slop, and bumps. I would take this ski all over the mountain.” The XDR 84 carves well, but its versatility truly sets it apart from some competitors’ skis.
Marcus Shakun opted for the 186 cm length, which is easily the best length for his size. Marcus found that the softer flexing tips and tails gave it a relatively relaxed feel, describing it as a “mellow all mountain carver.” Marcus, like our other testers, was impressed by its ability to make different turn shapes. “Medium turns that can go from being locked in to breaking into smearing turns.” Touching on the softer flexing tips he did mention that the tip can “get deflected at high speeds,” but that it has a “solid under foot feel when in the turn and is easy to roll into the next turn.”
David Wolfgang was another tester who benefitted from the ski’s versatility. David was on the 186 cm length and really had a great time on the XDR 84. Here’s David’s full, unedited reaction, “Some skis turn quicker than I do and the XDR 84 is one of them. That is a good thing because when you want to carve wide it does it with confidence. When you want to turn quick the ski is there for you. A constant smile.”
While the XDR 84 might not be the most powerful carving ski in this category, it’s arguably one of the most versatile and still performs at a high level when you’re linking carving turns. Those that like to make GS turns on groomers, then jump into the moguls, trees, and other variable terrain all on the same ski and on the same day will love the versatility and the blend of performance characteristics. It’s a true all mountain ski.
