2021 Salomon QST 85

I don't know what it is about a ski that makes it pop or stand out from a marketing and retail standpoint, and that's one of the big reasons why I enjoy writing the ski test so much. We get to take a real look at what a ski is like rather than what a magazine or a salesperson says about it. Instead, the real people that ski the skis get to put in their input and voice their opinions and expressions in a real-world format. The Salomon QST 85 is one of those skis that doesn't jump off the page at you; it doesn't have the cache of a better marketed ski; it isn't featured on any magazine covers that I know about, but it's one heck of a ski, and it really comes out of nowhere. It doesn't even have the normal "build" of an 85 mm underfooted all-mountain ski with its semi-sandwich sidewalls and kind of blasé graphics. But when you're clicked in and skiing, it's a great ski-one that a greater number of skiers should be on. But we don't get to make those kinds of calls-all we can do is report on what we see and feel and leave it up to you to decide. Both myself (Bob St.Pierre) and Dave Carter skied this thing last year, and with only graphics changes for 2021, the bones, nuts, and bolts of the ski all remain the same.

First with Dave Carter, the 177-cm test length that he tried was good for him. He gave top marks of 4's out of 5 for stability, torsional stiffness, edge hold, versatility, and overall impression. Sometimes you get on a ski that you weren't thinking you'd even try, and it ends up surprising you the most. A score of 3 for flotation is unsurprising, as these skis were meant to stay on-trail and in more manicured conditions. Dave calls it a "stable ski that you can put on its edge and trust." In comparison to other mid-80's all-mountain skis, Dave notes that they're "not quite as agile as the others, but they'll be good in trees." It's that quiet and composed nature of the skis that really stands out, and when you get on something like that in the trees, especially around here in VT, that composure really is a benefit.

I wish they had the 185 for me to try, as the 177 is short for my size and ability. The tech only had the 177, as it's not the marquee model that everyone wants to ski. As a result, it didn't get a whole lot of play. Regardless of all that, I had an awesome time on it. Slick, smooth, and quick, the QST 85 can make all sorts of turns at most speeds. The top-end is on the elusive side for sure, but for an all-wood ski with partial cap construction, it's pretty darn sturdy. I loved taking this into the bumps and the woods off the Gondola here-they swiveled and snaked easily and smoothly. There was no hesitation in the initiation or completion of the turn, and when you open it up a bit, they respond in kind. They're actually a bit heavier than the QST 92 and 99 due to the fact that they lack the C/FX material, so in reality, they're quite a bit more stable than expected. It's not like they're a dumbed-down version of the 92's and 99's but rather a different and unique feel that's more "woody" than anything else.

Any skier, any time, any condition. That's kind of how I feel about the QST 85. Not quite the high gear of the upper-end models, but a different feel and dynamic for sure. Whatever reasons exist for skis getting or not getting attention or accolades, I'm not sure, but what I do know is that the QST 85 slips through the cracks and I don't think it should.