2022 Salomon Stance 102

The widest ski in Salomon’s All-Mountain collection, the Stance 102 really feels like it’s bordering on being a freeride ski. The width is one reason, but another is the increased rocker length and splay on the 102 compared to all the narrower Stance skis. It essentially shares the same rocker profile with the QST 106, which means a shorter effective edge on firm snow, but more float and easier maneuverability in deeper snow. While the shape differs from the narrower Stance skis, the construction matches both the Stance 90 and 96. A full poplar wood core is paired with 2 sheets of titanal metal. The top sheet of metal has long rectangular sections removed right in the center of the ski both in front of the bindings and behind. Instead of metal in these spots, Salomon uses their C/FX material, which helps reduce weight a little bit while retaining good torsional stiffness and overall composure. We say reduce weight a “little” bit because in the grand scheme of things, the Stance 102 is still on the heavy side of the spectrum at 2120 g in the 183 cm length.

Bob St.Pierre has tested both the 183 and 190 cm versions of the Stance 102, but ultimately found the longer length was the right choice for him. We saw some impressive scores from Bob for the Stance 102. 5 out of 5 for flotation, stability, and overall impression. Playfulness, torsional stiffness/edge grip, and versatility were right behind at 4 out of 5, and forgiveness and quickness/maneuverability dropped to 3 out of 5. Those lower scores aren’t terribly surprising or concerning. With 2 sheets of metal, quickness and forgiveness are both hard things to achieve and not necessarily a goal of the Stance 102. “I love this ski, especially in the 190. It's like a graceful freight train, if such a thing exists. Strong, stable and powerful due to the dual-metal laminate, but fairly agile thanks to the longer rocker profile, especially in the tail. This ski does, however, have a speed minimum, much like a Bonafide, and does not operate particularly well below about 20 mph. It's on the clunky side up until about then, but when you get it going and up on edge, this is one of the smoothest and most predictable skis I've been on. It neither hesitates nor balks when it comes in contact with any type of adversity, and simply plows through any chunky snow that gets in its way. I really appreciate the longer turn radius in this ski, as the straighter cut allows you to take a more direct and aggressive "Stance" in the fall-line. Advanced and expert skiers who spend a lot of time in softer and more variable snow conditions will glean the best results from the 102. Added bonus: orange bases really light up the snow.”

Brad Schauerman skied the 183 cm length in the Stance 102 and was most impressed by its flotation and stability at speed, with both of those criteria receiving solid 4 out of 5 scores. Brad didn’t quite find the same maneuverability as Bob, which is interesting as Brad is a much smaller skier both in height and weight. “Good all mountain ski, though the 102 felt a little clunky. Fun in the slop but not the most nimble pr playful ski for the conditions.” Jeff Neagle also skied the 183 cm length and had a more favorable reaction to it than Brad, although Brad’s feedback wasn’t exactly negative. “I generally would rather be on a slightly lighter, slightly softer flexing ski compared to the Stance 102, but I have a blast skiing these. They feel like a tank and just mob through whatever you point them towards, but the longer rocker lines give it a surfy feel that’s lost on most skis with 2 sheets of metal and this much powder. It’s not exactly quick, but it’s also not hard to make smeared, slarved turns, which translates to reasonably good control in technical terrain for a ski this heavy. Then when you get back into more open terrain you can just point them down the fall line and go, which is a lot of fun. Kind of like a blend between the Enforcer 100 and 104. Not a twin tip like the 104, but more rocker than the 100. Construction feels different, but I still think that’s a good comparison.”

If you’re looking for a powerful, stable ski that can handle a wide range of snow conditions, the Stance 102 is a fantastic choice. We can picture an advanced or expert level skier out west skiing these super-fast through chopped up bowls and soft snow conditions. In terrain like that, the weight isn’t as much of an issue when maneuvering, but they’ll even work here on the east too thanks to the kicked-up tail rocker. For such a damp, stable feel, that ability to release the tail edge is impressive, which really comes in handy when you’re venturing into tricky terrain.