Expert Review: Salomon Stance W 84 Skis · Women's · 2023
This review is my honest opinion of the skis, which I purchased with my own money in November of 2022.
Photo courtesy of Rachel Puma
About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the skis, which I purchased with my own money in November of 2022.
My take
The Salomon Stance 84 skis are very easy to turn and allow my legs to last longer. The Stance 84 is great for skiers looking for an all-mountain ski that handles various conditions and will help them advance in their skiing. With its waist width, it's ideal for on-trail skiing. There were not any big changes from the 2022 and 2023 models.
About the gear
- Model: 2022 Salomon Stance 84 Women’s Ski
- Size: 151
About me
- Height: 5’2”
- Weight: 150lbs
- Experience: 35 years of skiing and 28 years of snowboarding
Test conditions
- When I bought these: November 2022
- Days tested: 30
- Boots: 2010 Atomic b9
- Boot Size: 24.5
- Bindings: 2022 Warden MNC 11
- Where I’ve used it: Mt. Hood and Tahoe
- Terrain: On mountain trails
How they perform
What I was looking for
I have not had a pair of new skis in over 10 years. However, I was looking for a ski that I could take out on morning groomed runs, handle speed, and have a strong edge hold.
Why I chose this gear
I really enjoyed the Salomon Stance 84 skis when I tested them at the mountain. It handled the speed and trunks just like I wanted. I looked at the K2 Disruption, but the ski package was a little more expensive. I went with the Salomon because I am more familiar with their product and the ski and binding set was a better price.
Mt. Hood Skiing
What I love about them
- Carving: Carving is quick and easy to move into each turn.
- Versatility: This ski handles well on groomers, ice, slush, and on-trail riding conditions.
- Ease of turn initiation: Very easy to turn the ski with its lightweight poplar/caruba wood core.
- Speed: No problem at high speeds with lots of control and no ski chatter. This ski can handle speed and charge the mountain with the TI-C frame.
- Edge hold: Edge hold is top-notch, and I can really lay down a turn. I get a great edge hold from the Titanal laminate. It also transfers the energy of my turns smoothly.
- Turns: I can grip the snow and hold onto the turn with the full sandwich side walls. It’s easy to turn, and my legs last all day.
- Groomers: I chase fast groomers with these skis. Smooth transition into each turn and have lots of control.
- Trees: I can pop into the trees from the trail, have some fun making turns, and pop out of the back on the trail easily. These skis are quick to turn and maneuver in tight spaces.
- Durability: After one year and lots of spring skiing, these skis look great. There are no dings or core shots, and the top sheet is durable.
- Stability: There is no chatter at high speeds.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Flotation: These skis will get one through snow, but it is not an ideal ski for powder. It will do good in a few inches but not for 6 inches or more.
- Powder: The waist is 84mm, so it’s not the best for deep powder.
- Park: These skis do not have a twin-tip symmetrical tip/tailor, which makes it harder to hit rails and jumps.
- Backcountry: These skis do not ride well in backcountry terrain. They are built for on-trail skiing.
- Switch riding: These are not twin tips, so switch riding is hard. They are not meant to ride switch or backward. The shape of the ski is not symmetrical, which is best for switch riding.
Favorite moment with this gear
These were my first pair of skis in 10 years. I wanted something that would be stable and that I could push my riding with. These skis allow me to progress in my riding and speed. I have lots of control and confidence on the mountain. I moved to the West Coast in Oregon a few years ago, and I’m not used to spring skiing. I was not sure how these skis would handle the slush. My first time out on a bluebird day was hardpacked in the morning and then super slushy in the afternoon. I did not know what to expect. As it warmed up through the day, these skis drove right through the slush, easy to turn and move. They were not hard to move and work in the slush, which I was worried about.
Value for the money vs. other options
I looked at a similar pair of skis from K2 (the Disruption 81TI women’s ski), but I felt the Salomons were a better fit with a wider waist and at a better price.
Final verdict
I am pumped that I can stay out all day on the skis. Morning groomer runs are my favorite because it unlocks my need for speed. These skis can get me moving on the snow without any chatter for a smooth, fun, and fast ride.
