2022 Salomon Stance 84
Salomon introduced the Stance line of skis for the 2020/21 ski season and on the heels of a successful launch, has expanded the line to include 2 new, narrower skis. One of which is this ski, the Stance 84. The Stance line of skis in general is more focused on groomed slopes and firm snow performance compared to the QST line. The new narrower Stance skis follow that trend, but use slightly different construction. In the Stance 84, we get a full poplar wood core with their Ti-C construction. A single sheet of titanal is positioned on top of the core, as opposed to the two sheets we get in the wider Stance models. The Stance 84 uses the same rectangular cut-outs in the fore and aft positions, but instead of C/FX, they just utilize carbon. This construction results in a much lighter weight ski and while removing a sheet of metal takes away some stability and vibration damping, if anything, Salomon is increasing the amount of energy in these skis. Shape is pretty straight-forward. The Stance 84 uses mostly camber, with some subtle rocker in the tip and tail to smooth out turn initiation, allow for easier edge release, and increase versatility for soft snow conditions.
ROCKER PROFILE
Rocker / Camber / Rocker
CORE MATERIALS
Ti-C Frame
PREFERRED TERRAIN
All Mountain, Groomers
Mike Anglin skied the 177 cm length, which he thought felt a little too short for him. If he had his choice, he’d size up to the 185 cm length. Despite not being on his ideal size, Mike still had a lot of nice things to say about the Stance 84, and some incredibly impressive scores for a ski that’s just $499. Mike awarded the Stance 84 5 out of 5 scores for forgiveness and versatility, and what’s most impressive about his scores is that none of the other criteria dropped below 4 out of 5. Scores like that tell the story of a well-rounded, versatile all-mountain ski. “Salomon's Stance 84 brought some funky pop, light swing weight and sneaky energy to a pretty awesome east coast 1 quiver waist width. With a 16m turn radius, the Stance is a turning machine. Doesn't discriminate between short and long radius, as it performs them all with ease. Loves the bumps and is light and playful in the woods and tighter spaces. Athletic beginners to advanced light footed experts will all enjoy what the Stance 84 has to offer.” Josh Wolfgang also tested the 177 cm length, which he too felt was a little bit short. Slightly lower scores from Josh, but still very impressive considering the affordable price tag on the Stance 84. We saw a lot of 3 and 4 out of 5 scores, with the highest for overall impression and versatility. “For the price this is a really good ski. Can dig into a carve but can also slash put. Soft, but that isn’t a problem at lower speeds.”
Jeff Neagle also skied the 177 cm length, and unlike Mike and Josh, who are quite a bit bigger, Jeff thought that size was great for him. Jeff’s highest scores for the Stance 84 were for quickness/maneuverability, torsional stiffness/edge grip, forgiveness, and overall impression, all receiving 4 out of 5 scores. “There’s undoubtedly a ton of value in this ski. It has a lot of similarities to the Stance 90 in the grand scheme of things, it’s basically just lighter, a little quicker, although not as damp or quite as stable at speed. There’s still a sheet of metal in these, so it’s not like it’s just a noodle. I think that’s important to remember as a lot of skiers might look at the price tag and write it off too quickly. I think realistically, a single sheet of metal is plenty for most skiers. Carves turns well, holds an edge well, and has a snappier, more responsive feel compared to the wider Stance skis. I give credit to both the narrower width and the lighter construction. Off groomers, it’s one of those skis that feels right at home in the bumps. Not too catchy, not so stiff that it’ll buck you, and light enough that it won’t wear you out too quickly. Reminds me a lot of the Volkl Kanjo 84 and a few others in this category. There’s so much to like about these mid-80 mm all-mountain skis, and for some reason, they seem to get overlooked a lot.”
If you’re looking for a versatile all-mountain ski that’s not too punishing and that won’t break the bank, look no further than the Stance 84 from Salomon. It’s not the most powerful ski in the world, but it still benefits from the stability and vibration damping of metal. You get respectable edge grip too, so you can lay over some impressive carves on it, even more impressive when you consider the $499 price tag. You can also take it off trail and while it’s not the widest ski, it can handle some softer snow conditions and un-groomed terrain without feeling completely out of place.
Hi:
I am looking to get a downsized ski, mostly to work on moguls with. My current one-ski quiver is a pair of 189cm salomon qst 98’s. I got those to replace a pair of volkl 98’s, I like the qst’s much better in soft snow, but feel slower edge to edge with them, and it just seems like a lot of ski for me to move around in the bumps. I’d use the skis for freeze/thaw days in california – making some shorter radius turns on hard groomers, and then going into the bumps once they soften up.
I’m 6’3″ 215, and pretty strong. I was thinking about getting something mid 170’s. I’m an advanced skier until I hit the bumps. I was wondering if you had any thoughts on what ski or even what kind of ski to get. Getting it downsized I could probably handle some of the more popular 88 cm skis (brahma, enforcer, kendo), but thought that I might want something more forgiving which landed me here. Getting more of a frontside ski would provide more separation from the qst’s, but I am mostly looking to pivot and slide this ski, I just want to be able to do it quicker. I do want it to feel solid on steep, firm groomers though.
Any thoughts? Thanks!
Hi David!
Something like the Volkl Kanjo or the Stance 84 makes a lot of sense. If you can stay on the long side of 170’s or short side of 180’s I think that would be fine. These more forgiving options are certainly friendlier in the bumps.
SE
Hi:
I am looking for a second pair of skis for 50/50 firm groomers and moguls. I have a pair of salomon qst98 189cm as my primary pair – I replaced 184cm volkl 98s this season. I love the qst’s in soft snow, but i feel slower going edge to edge on them – so i’d like to add something less bulky to swing around.
I’d be using this on colder freeze/thaw days – starting the day making sort of aggressive but short/medium turns on groomers – and then hopefully moving to the bumps. I’d consider myself an advanced skier on other terrain, but suck in the moguls even after a few clinics. I was thinking of downsizing this ski to upper 170s to really focus on that application.
This ski seemed kind of middle-of-the-road in a good way. Do you have any other suggestions? Ideally I’d like something with a bit more front-side feel to separate from my qst’s, but still want it to pivot and slide, and don’t want something that punishes my technique more than necessary.
HI Dave!
I’m a big fan of the Stance 84 for that application. Volkl Kanjo and Black Crows Vertis fit that description as well. Have fun!
SE
Hi,
I’m a 24 year old advanced skier (height 179cm, 75kg) skiing most of the time on the red slopes in Europe (80% making quick, playful small turns in outsides of the slope where the snow is more bumpier, rougher and more voluminous after the morning/ 20% carving big turns on width slopes). I love working out when i’m skiing. When I’m at the bottom of the slope, I like to say “that was a exertion!” (if you understand what I mean).
So I’m hesitating between:
– Rossignol Experience 84 (2021)
– Rossignol Experience 82 basalt (2022)
– Salomon Stance 84
– Dynastar legend 84K
– K2 Disruption Sc
What are they compared to each other? What is a good choice for me?
I love to hear your advise! Thank you in advance!
Pierre
Hi Pierre!
I’m a big Stance 84 fan. It makes very clean and round turns on the quicker side of the spectrum. I’d lean to that or the Experience 82 Basalt for another quick and energetic turning ski. Have fun!
SE
Is the Stance 84 an apples-to-apples comparison with the Armada Declivity 82 ti for a 160 pound skier, Western US, intermediate-expert, not super aggressive. Thinking 174-177.
Lots of positive glowing almost hyperbolic reviews of the Armada. Very few of the Stance 84. Price is considerably less for the Stance.
Either would be a frontside hardpack groomer icy option when the QST99 doesn’t have enough snow or I’m looking for a change of pace.
We got on the Stance 84 at Alta this year and loved it. Here’s a link to the 2023 test video which hopefully shows the 84 in a positive light. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwNxDyfbv_E
It’s still not quite as reactive as the Declivity, but it’s a ton of fun!
SE
Thanks for a very informative review. Based on my research, especially your review, it seems like the Stance 84 ticks all the boxes for me except one, which is that I usually ski a 165 cm length, which isn’t offered. In light of that, would you recommend going with the next shorter size (161), the next longer size (169), or a different ski all together? I noticed that both Mike Anglin and Josh Wolfgang indicated they would have prefered a longer ski than the 177 they tried, but since I don’t know what size they typically use, I don’t know if they just didn’t have the opportunity to demo their prefered size or if 177 usually is their prefered size but this ski rides shorter than its actual length.
At 6’3″ and 195 pounds, I know a 165 is on the short side for my stature, but I am 50, and my priority is to stay in control, concentrate on form and finesse, and enjoy myself all day. I don’t necessarily want a ski that is going to constantly challenge me just so I can get down the mountain a little faster. In the past, I’ve found myself struggling a bit whenever I’ve used skis at 170 or above if the conditions aren’t perfect, but those have been rentals that are probably not as responsive as these would be. I would say I am a “Type II” skier, maybe toward the upper end of Type II in terms of form, but toward the middle of Type II in terms of agressiveness. I ski groomers almost exclusively, but I’d love to be able to ski moguls, and I’m planning to take some lessons this winter to improve my ability on the bumps, so it’s important to me to get a ski that can handle both.
Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me.
HI Scott!
I wouldn’t have any problem seeing you in the 169 in that ski. Based on your stats and application, as well as the maneuverability and overall composure of the ski, I do not think you’ll find it too long. Have fun!
SE
Hey thanks for all your great content! I’m reading to get off rentals, was snowboarder my whole life, picked up skiing prettt quick….I’m a bigger guy at 6’3” 235 and am deciding between the mindbender 85 and the Atomic maverick 83 RX….I’m going to be doing a lot of groomers and front side in VT but want something the fun at normal speeds and turns easy but also can handle my weight. What your thoughts?
I’d say the Mindbender in the 177 makes good sense for what you’re looking to do. The Maverick may be on the lighter-duty side of the spectrum. Have fun!
SE
I’m 67, 5’9” 177, with a 10 year hiatus from skiing, advanced/intermediate looking for a fun groomer ski that also feels stable carving at higher speeds. Last skis owned were 22 year old shaped 198s last skied 10 years ago. Skied rental 170s at Mammoth last season and did not like the lack of stability at higher speed. Was looking at Solomon Stance 84 177cm or Atomic Vantage 82 ti in a 174. Your thoughts?
I’m a huge Stance 84 fan from start to finish. The Vantage is a bit jumpy compared to the more stable and composed Stance. I’d go that route in the 177. Have fun!
SE
Hello!
5’11 185/190lb advanced skier. Trying to pick my length! Mainly going to be used as a midwest carver. Torn between 177 and 185.
Does it ski a bit shorter than stated? Does it measure any shorter than stated?
Thanks so much!
I’d go 177 in that ski. It skis pretty true to size. For an on-trail ski for your stats and application, I don’t think you need to go 184 in that ski. have fun!
SE
Looking to get back into skiing. 51 y/o. Skied a lot in high school/college/late 30s/early 40s. Strong intermediate. Mostly groomers. Had Rossi Exp 83s 160 from 2012ish and really liked them. 5’8” 160. Mostly Minnesota and groomers so hard crud and sometimes icy, with a trip west each year. Haven’t skied in 4 years and no longer have the Rossignol. Picked up snowboarding over the past 3 years, but interested in gettin back into skiing. Again, prob mostly frontside and Minny with a trip out west to keystone/park city. At 51, want something that can carve well, but not too tiring. Something that can also handle steep but also hard pack. Was looking at Rossi exp 86 basalt, atomic maverick 86c, Völkl blaze 86. Atomic and Völkl sound like great skis but Völkl too lite and wondering if okay in harder snow. Stance 84 seem like more of a perfect compliment with some Ti for carving but not too demanding? Still lighter with ability to get into some bumps and bigger snow/steeper terrain? Really interested in difference in these types of skis. And for stance 161?
I think you’re right on with your evaluation of the Stance. Great blend of metal underfoot with carbon in the tips and tails for energy and lightness. We’ve loved it every time we’ve skied it as it fits such a broad range of skiers and skier types. I’d say Experience 86 B would be next on my list with the others just being a bit too light. I’d say you’d be pretty happy on the 161 Stance. Have fun!
SE
Hi, I’m buying skis for my husband as a gift and would love some advice. He’s 5’7″ 180, 45 y/o. We mostly ski the Poconos and occasionally a trip to Vermont, only on rentals so this would be his first owned pair. I’d think he’s considered intermediate, mostly due to lack of time spent on skis although he’s pretty athletic in most endeavors. He skis on mostly blue and single black diamonds with our daughter. I was thinking the Stance 84 or Volkyl Blaze 86, or is there something else I should consider? Been doing internet research for days and these seem like good options. If you like the Stance 84 would you suggest 161 or 169? If Blaze 86 would be better, is 166 the right size? Or am I way off and you would suggest something else entirely? Thanks for your help!
Hi Mary,
The Salomon Stance 84 is a fantastic ski that has a range of capabilities. It’s great for intermediate to advanced skiers who spend an equal amount of time on groomers as they do off-piste. They are really quick and agile, love carving powerful turns while maintaining stability and control. For your husband, we would suggest the 169 cm length. The Volkl Blaze 86 is a tad more freeride focused with a more playful personality. A great ski with plenty of versatility, I think they lack in stability more so than the Salomon Stances. For the Blazes, the 166 cm length would be appropriate. Have fun!
SE
Hi,
I’m 5’7, 145lbs, intermediate skier. Looking at the Stance 84 and kore 80x. Never purchased skis before. Planning mostly on piste groomers and really going down the mountain with my young kids who are learning. What are your thoughts and should I be considering anything else? Thanks
Hi Minh!
The mid-80’s skis are great for all-mountain skiing, groomers, and skiing with kids. I think something like this, which is a bit lighter and quicker, is a great choice: https://www.skiessentials.com/2023-volkl-kanjo-84-skis-w-tyrolia-attack-11-bindings.html
Have fun!
SE
Thanks SE,
For the Kanjo, would you recommend 161 or 168 for my height and weight?
Minh
If you’re in between lengths on that ski, I’d go down to the 161. Great skis!
SE
Hi,
I currently have the QST98 in in the 176 length and love them for the my powder / occasional back country ski (shift bindings). I’m looking at the stance 84 as my groomer / family time ski and am having trouble deciding between the 169 and 177. I’m 5’11” and 175lbs. I’ve been using a set of Fischer RC4 Curv skis, but found them heavy and tiring for a family ski day so was looking for something more playful, but capable on the groomers. Would you recommend the 169 or 177 length? I should mention that I’m 48 and while an advanced skier, not as active as I once was. Thanks
Hi John,
As an advanced skier and at your height/weight, I would recommend the 177 cm length. Have fun!
SE
hey, buying my first pair of skis and your website and youtube reviews have been invaluable thank you.
Getting back into skiing, only did several days last year. Hope to do more this year. Ski only east coast, synapse,wildcat,crotchet in NH and sunday river saddleback sugarloaf in maine. I don’t ski extremely hard, try to have fun rather than treat it like serious exercise.
Enjoy tight agile turning more than big long carves. Very Comfortable on blues and some blacks on the smaller mountains. Don’t have a ton of experience in trees and glades but I do like some bumps and popping into air off a little lip occasionally.
From reading your site and looking at whats available to purchase in my area and budget I’m interested in
Mindbender 85C
Salomon Stance 84
Atomic Maverick 86
I’m 26 yrs old 5 10” and weigh 165lbs very curious what you’d recommend in Stance or any of other models between 169cm or 177cm length options.
Thanks!
I think the Maverick is such a sleeper ski. Stance is great, but the Atomic makes very quick and agile turns. I’d say the 176 would be ideal in that ski. Have fun!
SE