Expert Review: Salomon QST 99 Skis

About this review This review is my honest opinion of the skis, which I bought with my own money in January 2020.

My take

I love my Salomon QST 99 skis, they have accommodated anything I have thrown at them and have responded with excellent performance. Great for intermediate/advanced skiers, but a bit too much ski for a beginner.

About the gear

• Model: 2019 Salomon QST 99
• Size: 167cm

About me

• Height: 5’11”
• Weight: 175 lbs
• Experience: 15 years

Test conditions

• When I bought these: January 2020
• Days tested: 30
• Mount position: Traditional Alpine (manufacturer default a few cms back from true center)
• Boots: 2018 Salomon QST Access 80
• Boot Size: 28.5
• Bindings: Tyrolia Attack 13
• Where I’ve used it: Big Sky, Snowbird/Alta, Brighton, Solitude, Snowshoe, Steamboat, Winter Park, Whiteface, Mt. Bachelor, Snow Trails (OH)
• Terrain: Groomers, powder, backcountry, and moguls

How it performs

What I was looking for

I was looking for a true all-mountain star. I needed something that would work in the Midwest and East, but be versatile enough to take out West multiple times a year. I was also cost-conscious in my search.

Why I chose this gear

I chose the Salomon QSTs as they matched the performance expectations and the underfoot feel I was looking for. I trusted the Salomon brand and the price matched my budget. I was considering the narrower QST 92s, but thought the 99s would be more beneficial out West, without losing out if I used them in the East.

What I love about it

• Speed: The QST 99s have full-length contact and camber in the middle which provides great power/speed on harder surfaces.
• Groomers: The skis rip on groomers.
• Powder: The skis provide great float in powder with its all-terrain rocker 2.0 profile allowing for any conditions and all terrains. The lighter tip and tail provide extra float.
• Trees: These skis are capable of making advanced tree runs. They absorb chatter/debris and plow through any untouched powder deep in the trees.
• Durability: I’ve pushed these skis beyond their limits with little care, and they come back asking for more. In the roughest of rocky conditions or long travel, these things hang on with little to no blemishes.
• Stability: They have limited underfoot chatter with a vibration-quelling layer of basalt.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Edge hold: The edges have a fiber reinforcement that provides stiffness and grip, but I have had issues in icy/limited snow conditions.
• Turns: There can be issues in limited snow conditions/ice where it is difficult to get an edge and make a sharp turn. Overall, very few incidents, but more than enough to mention.
• Moguls: They are great at absorbing the impact of moguls, but in some conditions, it is hard to get an edge to make a quick cut when committed to a line.
• Weight: These are a bit on the heavy side compared to some other options I have owned.

Favorite moment with this gear

I have had many memorable moments with these skis, but none better than dropping in Mineral Basin at Snowbird for the first time. After a 6-inch dumping of fresh powder, these blades floated over the fresh snow for multiple laps up and down. One of my favorite runs at my favorite resort, in perfect conditions, with my beloved skis.

Value for the money vs. other options

The Salomon QST 99 Skis are amazing value for a do-it-all. Very comparable to the Head Kore 99s, but nearly $200 less in most situations. Not as impressive as some of the Icelantics, but for those who are looking for a bargain ski that can do it all the QSTs can’t be beaten in terms of value.

Final verdict

Overall, the Salomon QST 99s are great, true all-mountain skis, and are at a very reasonable price point. They have never let me down, nor do I ever expect them to.