2025 Salomon QST X Skis Review
By: evo Employees | Last Updated: April 30th, 2024
Review Summary
Avg. Tester Rating: ★★★★★ (4.64/5)
Our reviewers agree that the 2025 Salomon QST X offers a balanced mix of agility and stability, making it a standout model in the Salomon lineup. We tested the QST X in varied condition at Mission Ridge, WA and Loveland, CO, allowing our testers to experience everything the ski has to offer in different terrain and snowpacks.
The QST X skis are lightweight without compromising dampness or handling in sloppy conditions. Some of our reviewers appreciated their performance in typical wet Washington conditions and others praised the ski for its playful nature and light swing weight, making it forgiving even on groomers - a rare feat for a powder ski.
While some of our testers, like David and Dale, didn't get to test the skis in their ideal powder conditions, they still noticed the ski's ample rocker and surfy feel. Cassidy pointed out the ski’s stability and control in variable conditions, though Lizzy noted it as fun but maybe a little too soft for groomers.
Our consistent praise for its stability, versatility, and playful nature makes the 2025 Salomon QST X a great pick for skiers wanting a ski that can transition effortlessly between all-mountain and freeride skiing. Whether carving on hardpack or floating through fresh snow, our testers agree: the QST X stands out as a dynamic tool for diverse skiing adventures.
Technical Details
"Harnessing know-how from years of building the world’s
most versatile skis, the QST X unleashes a new level of
drift, power and finesse in the deepest snow conditions.
Cork damplifier inserts in the tip and the tail combined with
our lightweight karuba and poplar woodcore make this ski a
pow artisan’s delight."
| Available Sizes (cm) | 178, 184, 192 |
| Shape | Directional |
| Rocker/Camber Profile | Freeride Profile |
| Flex Rating | 4 - 7 (Medium - Aggressive) |
| Core | Karuba / Poplar Full Woodcore |
| Laminates | Flax Carbon Superlight Fibers |
| Binding Compatibility | 2x4 |
Expert Testers & Methodology
Why should you trust evo's Field Tested Reviews? Great question! Over this past winter, evo employees from our various locations across Washington, Oregon, Utah, Colorado and Whistler were selected to provide long-term testing of next year's hottest new skis and snowboards. Employees were also invited to attend exclusive multi-day demo events where brands — like Salomon — showcased their upcoming products for the 2024/2025 winter season. By collecting unbiased, in-depth reviews from our most experienced skiers and snowboarders, we hope to help you find the best gear to maximize your fun in the mountains!
Testing the 2025 Salomon QST X Skis:
We recruited fourteen of our evo employees to test the QST X. Our skiers have a diverse range of skiing abilities and styles, from intermediate to expert. Our testings took place at Mission Ridge, WA, Loveland, CO, and Brighton, UT.
Our team has a variety of sking backgrounds and styles, emphasizing the QST X's versatility. This breadth of testing by multiple individuals with diverse experience and ability levels ensures that our review provides a comprehensive and unbiased perspective, making it a reliable resource for those considering theSalomon QST X. Read on for each tester's perspective.
Dash Dryden
Customer Care Rep
Tester Rating: 5-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Expert
Size Tested: 184 cm
Testing Location: Mission Ridge, WA
Light and Playful
"The all new QST X is a great addition to the QST line. With the same construction as the QST Echo but the rocker profile of the Blank and 98 this ski felt like the best of both worlds for a powder ski. Plenty of rocker in the tip and tail and a super light swing weight so the ski felt really forgiving and playful. Even with the 116mm width this ski felt great on groomers. Sadly didn't get a chance to ride them in some deeper snow but I could tell they would be a blast. Definitely my favorite ski for the 2025 season and new favorite in the QST line."
David Hewat
Digital Content Editor
Tester Rating: 5-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Expert
Size Tested: 184 cm
Testing Location: Mission Ridge, WA
Pow perfection (probably)
"Unfortunately I did not get to test the QST X in the light, bottomless pow that it deserves, but I'm confident that it will be the go to pick for those conditions. Ample rocker in the tip and tail gives a loose, slarvey feel that makes it really easy to throw sideways to slash turns, but it'll still carve a clean line when you get it on edge. Salomon has their carbon / flax / cork construction nailed down, so you count on a damp, confident feel in choppy snow, too. At 5'10", the 184cm length felt good, and its easy skiing nature means it'll work for a wide range of ability levels. Get this in the quiver and pray for snow!!"
Dale Shafer
Boot Fitter - Denver Store
Tester Rating: 5-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Expert
Size Tested: 184 cm
Testing Location: Loveland, CO
A powder ski for every day!
"I was blown away by this ski, usually these dedicated powder ski's are no fun on hardpack days but this ski blew away my expectations! Felt super stable and capable while skiing all over the mountain. Can't wait to get out on a powder day on it!"
Lizzy Robertson
Service Lead
Tester Rating: 3-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Expert
Size Tested: 177 cm
Testing Location: Loveland, CO
Great for intermediate-expert
"This ski was fun but it is definitely pretty soft and not the best shape unless you are truly only doing all mountain and definitely less groomers!"
Greg Louie
Sales Associate, Boot Fitter - Seattle Store
Tester Rating: 5-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Professional
Size Tested: 184 cm
Testing Location: Mission Ridge, WA
The Awesome Salomon Blank, Supersized
"I'm a fast fall line skier with a race background who now prefers back and sidecountry pow. The new QST X is just the thing for those of us who love the QST Blank but want just a bit more float for anything over 8" or so, and it delivers a similar overall personality with a touch more float and surfiness. Don't be afraid to go a little longer than usual with the "X" - it skis on the short side. The lighter Paulownia/Poplar core (same blend as the Echo) means the X has a bit less stability at top speed, but in the snow you should be skiing with it there won't be an issue."
Asa Redfield
Product Content Editor
Tester Rating: 5-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Expert
Size Tested: 192 cm
Testing Location: Mission Ridge, WA
Pow Ski for Freeride & Freestyle Skiers Alike
"If you've been a fan of the QST line (as I have) and are looking for a specialized deep snow weapon to add to your arsenal, these new QST X skis bring a familiar QST Blank-esque personality but with a looser, surfier feel. Considering that they have quite a bit of rocker, I opted for the 192cm length and it felt just right -- for reference, I'm 6ft tall, 180lbs and typically ride skis in the ~185cm range -- so don't be afraid to size up if you're on the fence. If you're looking for more of a versatile, multi-condition ski, I'd recommend looking at the QST Blank, but if you're in need of a dedicated pow ski for effortless float and easy control in deep snow, the QST X delivers in droves and will be appreciated by both the freeride crowd as well as the more freestyle crowd."
Jarett Grimm
Store Supervisor - Seattle Store
Tester Rating: 5-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Expert
Size Tested: 192 cm
Testing Location: Mission Ridge, WA
Can Salomon do any wrong?
"Salomon QST skis have become quite the industry standard. Whether that is for the 106 for being about as versatile/well-rounded of ski as there is on the market, or the 98 for being a super fun pow ski in a sub-100 mm waist width, those are just a few examples of how the QST line just keeps crushing. While the new QST X might not seem much different from the Blank in waist width, the core construction, sidecut, and mount point all differ. The X uses the Echo construction (lighter weight), a much longer sidecut radius, and a more foreword mount point. All that to say, this is a more deep day specific tool in my mind. They expect people to throw a shift on this ski and use it as a backcountry/deepest days tool. I would still take the blank in anything more variable, and definitely when skiing tighter terrain. I skied the 192 cm length (6' 185 lbs) and that felt ideal for this ski. This ski is perfect for somebody looking for a sidecountry/resort pow ski in the PNW. Also those bases are as good in person as they look online."
Nic Apodaca
Customer Care Warranty Representative
Tester Rating: 4-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Expert
Size Tested: 184 cm
Testing Location: Brighton, UT
Another freeride charger that's light enough for touring
"Another entry into the freeride comp ski category that seems to be a popular emergent category for 2025. These feel like a more serious version of the QST Blank, coming in just a bit wider at 116mm and with a much wider turn radius. These skis want to bomb open faces with features and drops scattered throughout. A strong skier who wanted a Blank with more stability at speed will love this ski."
Bennett Kielbon
Customer Care Lead
Tester Rating: 5-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Advanced
Size Tested: 184 cm
Testing Location: Mission Ridge, WA
Not just for powder
"The day I got a chance to ride these was unfortunately not the pow day that I had hoped for. It was a rainy, most day in the mid 30s, but that didn't stop me from having a great time on them. Comparing them to the QST Blank they feel noticeably lighter and easier to maneuver. They were at home chopping through the heavy slush and popping of banks and side hits. Despite having quite a bit of rocker they didn't chatter and felt stable on piste. I unfortunately can't review powder performance but I can attest that they area fun ski on mixed conditions."
Andrew Pringle
Sales Associate - Seattle Store
Tester Rating: 5-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Expert
Size Tested: 192 cm
Testing Location: Mission Ridge, WA
Super modern skis that powder dreams are made for!
"Spending some time demoing the QST X confirmed what I'd hoped about this new model - that it's a surfy version of the recently designed QST Echo 106. Solomon has really won me over with their QST offerings and this is one of the most refined models yet, especially when it comes to its balanced stance between a deep powder rocker profile that still provides stability. At 116mm underfoot, but with a lightweight wood construction, the QST X makes for an interesting cousin to the QST Blank at 112mm. But where that now widely popular model blends versatile freeride suspension with an exaggerated shape, the X feels more tailor made for soft snow and a hybrid binding. It gives a smooth quiet ride, so feel free to make all the noise you want."
Ryan van den Meerendonk
Store Lead - Seattle Store
Tester Rating: 4-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Professional
Size Tested: 192 cm
Testing Location: Mission Ridge, WA
Great crossover pow ski for inbounds or touring, rewards skiers who like a bigger feeling ski but don't want to work in tight spaces.
"If the Blank is the powder version of the QST 98, then the X is the surfy, pow version of the QST 106. Despite having a biggish turn radius, the light weight, big rocker and medium/soft flex allow the ski to hook up and bend into tighter turns as well as pivot easily. The able rocker makes it easy to slash and slarve. This ski felt very balanced despite the directional mount point, and was fun to get some air with and wiggle in tighter bumps and trees. There is a speed limit in crud, but a worthy trade off for the lightness that makes this ski fun and manuverable. Could work well for inbounds or touring pow ski."
Marcel Radominski
Store Supervisor - Portland Store
Tester Rating: 5-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Expert
Size Tested: 184 cm
Testing Location: Mission Ridge, WA
Great for intermediate to advanced skiers
"This ski wants to smear and wants to play on the mountain. Fatter ski so loves powder but even on a spring day, couldn't ask for more."
Cassidy Lavender
Product Content Writer
Tester Rating: 4-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Advanced
Size Tested: 178 cm
Testing Location: Loveland, CO
A great freeride ripper to get creative on
"I am an advanced, all-mountain skier. I'm 5'9 and love going anywhere and everywhere on the mountain, so I really like a ski that I can feel confident on no matter the conditions. I am keen on hitting high speeds on the groomers, but also spend my fair share of time seeking out all kinds of terrain so I need a mid-stiff ski that I can still play around on. I can count the number of pow days I get a year on two hands, so I don't spend much time on anything wider than 108, but the 116 width at 178 length was great for me and totally easy to maneuver. I felt very stable and in control through variable terrain and saw these skis come alive in some untouched stashes. These still have the cork damplifier in the tip and tail to eliminate any unwanted chatter and give you that weighted feel to increase stability. They have a similar construction to the more narrow Echo 106, but with more rocker to give you more freedom to play in pow."
Pros
Versatility: The QST X skis excel in a variety of conditions, from groomers to unexpected powder days. Testers highlighted their capability to handle both packed and soft snow with ease.
Lightweight Yet Stable: Despite being lighter than many comparable models, these skis provide remarkable stability and dampness in wet and choppy conditions.
Playfulness and Ease of Maneuvering: The QST X has a playful and forgiving nature, making them particularly enjoyable for dynamic skiing.
Cons
Length and Effort: Some testers found the length a bit challenging and thought they required more effort to maneuver, particularly in tight or technical conditions.
Speed Limitations in Crud: While the skis are light and maneuverable, they have a speed limit in crud.
Who Is It For?
This ski is perfect for intermediate to expert skiers who value a lightweight yet stable setup. The QST X provides an effortless ride that does not sacrifice dampness or stability, making it a strong choice for days filled with diverse snow conditions. Its playful nature and ease of turning creates a forgiving, enjoyable experience on the slopes, whether they're carving groomers or floating through fresh powder.
However, skiers who predominantly stick to very deep powder or extremely aggressive, high-speed downhill runs might find the QST X a bit limiting. The ski’s softer flex and lighter build might not meet the demands of very aggressive skiers or those who frequent extremely choppy conditions.
Given these characteristics, the QST X is an excellent option for those who want a dynamic ski that can adapt to a variety of snow conditions, but it may not be the first choice for skiers focused solely on speed and power in rough terrain.