Salomon S/Lab QST Blank Review: Specs, Sizing and Verdict
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The quick verdict: The big-mountain pick: a damp, balanced 112 that was developed with Salomon’s freeride team for drops, chutes and real consequence terrain. ~$900
Overview
The QST Blank started life as the ski Salomon’s athletes rode in freeride films and Freeride World Tour qualifiers, and it now carries the S/Lab badge that marks Salomon’s team-level builds. Salomon positions it above the rest of the QST line as the dedicated freeride tool: 112 mm underfoot, a poplar core with basalt fibers, and a cork insert in the tip and tail, the C/FX damplifier, that kills vibration where wide skis usually flap. Unlike most team skis it is not a stiff plank; the brand pitches it as playful first, built, in Salomon’s words, to crush jumps, tackle cliffs and squeeze through tight trees.
Where It Shines
- Float near the top of its class: SkiEssentials testers scored it 8-10 out of 10, with two calling it a favorite of the entire test
- Damp, quiet ride through crud and refrozen debris, which testers credit to the cork inserts
- A supportive tail that rewards airs and stomped landings without bucking the skier
- Balanced enough for trees and playful lines, stable enough for straight-line sections
Tradeoffs to Know
- Not a groomer ski: edge grip drew the lowest tester scores, and one reviewer called it flat-out dull on smooth corduroy
- Advanced-to-expert territory; less powerful skiers reported difficulty bending it into shorter turns
- Only four lengths, and testers who charge recommended sizing up to the 192 for big terrain
Who It’s For
Expert freeriders and strong advanced skiers who ski steep, open terrain, leave the ground on purpose, and want one wide ski for every soft-snow day from storm laps to spring corn.
Key Specs by Length
Dimensions are Salomon’s figures for the 186 cm ski, cross-checked against retailer listings; the 2026/27 model carries over the construction with the white, red and blue team graphic.
| Length | Approx. radius | Weight (per ski) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 170 cm | ~16 m | ~1,900 g | Lighter freeriders |
| 178 cm | ~17.5 m | ~1,980 g | Medium builds |
| 186 cm | 19 m | ~2,070 g | The reference length |
| 192 cm | ~20.5 m | ~2,150 g | Fast skiers, big terrain |
Sizing and Setup
Ski it long. The twinned rocker shortens the effective edge, and multiple testers who normally ride 186 said they would take the 192 for anything consequential. Salomon sells it flat; a freeride binding with a 115 mm brake fits, and the shape takes well to a slightly forward mount for skiers with a centered style. If you also tour, Salomon offers a skins-ready version, though at this weight most owners keep it as a resort ski. The warranty is Salomon’s standard two years.
Who Should Skip It
Skiers whose powder days are measured in inches rather than feet, who will find the Atomic Bent 110 easier to live with, and anyone who values groomer performance on the way home, where the Blizzard Rustler 11 is clearly stronger. If most of your skiing is all-mountain with occasional soft days, look at the narrower QST Spark or our all-mountain skis guide instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the S/Lab QST Blank the same ski as the old QST Blank?
Same concept, updated build. The Blank joined Salomon’s S/Lab program as the team freeride ski, and the current version runs 112 mm underfoot with the cork-damped construction. Earlier Blanks from several seasons ago were sold without the S/Lab badge.
Can the QST Blank handle hardpack?
It gets down a groomer without drama, but that is survival, not fun. Reviewers consistently rank edge grip as its weakest trait, so plan on it being your storm-rotation ski, not a daily driver.
What bindings suit the QST Blank?
A freeride alpine binding with a 115 mm brake is the standard choice. Skiers splitting time with the backcountry mount hybrid bindings, accepting the overall weight that results.
How It Compares
See how it stacks up in our full guide: The Best Powder Skis of 2026/27. Other picks from that list: Atomic Bent 110 · Blizzard Rustler 11 · Völkl Blaze 114.