2021 Salomon QST Lumen 99

The 99's these days are truly the swiss-army knives of the ski world. While their build methods and general shaping may differ, their purpose is about the same. They are pretty much ideal for any and all conditions and terrain, and that's all there is to it. But there is more. The Salomon QST Lumen 99 is a long name but it really all boils down to the skis being totally and completely versatile. They can do it all. Unchanged for 2021, the skis got a remake last year to include a bit more weight due to the addition of cork in the tips and tails for damping, but the carbon, flax, and basalt all add up to a strong and stable ski for a wide variety of skiers. At 99 mm underfoot, you're floating on powder, carving on groomers, swiveling through trees, and even touring in the backcountry. If you're looking for one pair of skis and value stability, maneuverability, and ease of use, the 2021 Salomon QST Lumen 99 is a wonderful set of skis. Our testers all skied the "2020" version and all had fairly similar reactions, that they couldn't believe how versatile the skis are and that they're continuously surprised that there's no metal laminates in there. Just plain fun, is what we've noticed to be the biggest communal thread, and we wouldn't have it any other way.

On the 174, Annie MacDonald "loved this ski!" She thought the length was just right and gave top marks of 5 out of 5 for stability, torsional stiffness, edge hold, and overall impression. The fact that versatility only got a 4 out of 5 apparently did not deter her overall positive feelings and experience on this ski. "Light and stable with good edge hold and light enough that it's a great floater in pow! Very versatile all-mountain ski that would be good for all conditions and touring. Good one-ski quiver! Thumbs up!" That word "versatile" just will keep popping up in regards to the QST 99. Caroline Kessler also skied the appropriately sized 174 and had a lot of positive things to say about it. All 4's on the scorecard for Caroline except for a lonely 3 for flotation. This consistency in scores shows the well-roundedness and versatility of the skis for sure. "Super-fun all-mountain ski for just about anyone! Holds an edge at any speed, maintains stability through crud, and is fun! Poppy from turn to turn-I could see having fun on these in any terrain." Yup, that all-mountain, all-conditions, all-terrain talk just continues!

Kristi Brown didn't leave a whole lot of comments on her 174, other than she called the 99 a "big mountain ski for a big mountain girl!" Like the sounds of that! "Bonus," she continues, "it matches my outfit!" Like the sounds of that, too! Her scores of 5 out of 5 given for stability, torsional stiffness, edge hold, and overall impression are pretty awesome as well, showing a high level of sophistication at work here from Salomon. All good things, really! Kelsey Boleski could have gone longer than the 174 that she tested, but it seemed okay, at least as far as her scorecard was concerned. All 5's except for a lonely 4 in flotation. She called it her "favorite ski of the day. Checks all the boxes. Not super-heavy, yet remains damp. Can hold an edge on the hard stuff but playful in the fluff. Quick to turn and super-easy to earn your turns with this QST." Good stuff there from Kelsey, obviously a fan.

Lots of talk about versatility, impressive edge grip, and all-around well-roundedness for the QST Lumen 99. From front-side carving to backcountry touring, there are a lot of skiers who will love have this thing on their feet as it delivers on its promises.