2026 Salomon S/Lab QST Blank Skis Review
By: David Hewat, Digital Content Editor | Published: January 23, 2025
The Lowdown
The 2026 S/Lab Qst Blank is the next generation of Salomon’s flagship freeride charger. Co-developed with younger athletes from the Mountain Collective, it represents an ambitious attempt to create a high-performance tool capable of dominating Freeride World Tour podiums and resort powder days alike. A refined shape and construction with improved vibration damping technology make this a serious contender for skiers pushing the limit, while a renewed commitment to unisex sizing means smaller and lighter weight riders can get in on the action, too.
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Technical Details
The Salomon S/Lab QST Blank continues with a full poplar wood core, but the familiar Carbon and Flax weave is replaced with a full-length Basalt Fiber laminate interwoven with Fiberglass. This combination of materials delivers exceptional flex and feel while improving edge grip along the length of the ski. Stability is further aided by an all new Cork Damplifier insert at tip and tail. Rather than using independent layers of cork and rubber, Cork Damplifier 2.0 consists of a single co-injected piece of cork and TPU, developed by Salomon engineers to provide best-in-class vibration damping.
The shape of the S/Lab QST Blank is tweaked rather than completely overhauled, pairing a 112mm waist width with mildly tapered tips and long, supportive tails. The relatively tight turn radius of the previous version is lengthened to 20m in the longest size, which contributes to a greater sense of stability and composure at speed. Elsewhere, the tails are stiffened up for improved support on big landings, and smaller riders can look forward to a new 170cm length added at the lower end of the size range.
| Sizes (cm) | 170, 178, [186], 192 |
| Dimensions (Tip, Waist, Tail - mm) | 139 - 112 - 128 (@ 186cm) |
| Turning Radius (m) | 19 (@ 186cm) |
| Rocker/Camber Profile | Freeride Profile – 23% Rocker / Camber / 20% Rocker |
| Construction | Full Poplar Woodcore, Basalt & Fiberglass Fibers, Cork Damplifier |
| Weight (g) | 2070 (@ 186cm) |
Ride Impressions
I tested the S/Lab QST Blank in the 186cm length, mounted on the factory recommended line. At 5’10” and 155lb, this length feels spot-on – super stable at speed while remaining manageable in technical terrain.
Salomon focused on boosting stability in the new Blank, and soon as you click in it's clear that this ski is comfortable opening up the throttle. A progressive flex pattern ramps up to genuinely burly underfoot, with stiff tails providing a supportive, locked-in feeling when you're pushing the speed limit on groomers or in choppy snow. I did not have the opportunity to test the Blank in true powder conditions, but a few untracked lines with 3-4 inches of fresh(er) snow were enough to leave me wanting more. Ample rocker up front helps the ski plane easily, while the 112mm waist feels like the right compromise between float and maneuverability. The overall feel is one of confidence and control. Each element comes together to create a powerful, assertive ride that isn’t easily deflected by variable snow.
Although the Blank is designed with competition freeriding in mind, prefering higher speeds and purposeful riding over casual slarving, there’s plenty of fun to be had for riders taking a creative approach to the mountain. The poplar core brings a lively, energetic feel to the party, and despite its big-mountain capability, you can still pop off features and play with the terrain when the mood strikes. This is a ski with tons of personality, and you don't have to be an aggro hard-charger to enjoy it.
If you're looking for something that can handle big, high stakes lines while remaining approachable enough for everyday resort riding, the Salomon S/Lab QST Blank delivers the goods.
Pros
High Speed Stability: Salomon athletes wanted more stability, and they got it. This ski delivers a powerful, confident ride that excels in challenging conditions and high-speed scenarios.
Versatility: While it's built for aggressive skiing, this ski remains manageable enough to serve as a daily driver and can be playful in the hands of the right skier.
Balanced Width: The 112mm waist strikes a good balance between float and maneuverability, making it a viable daily driver in snowier locations.
Cons
Stiffer Flex: With a stiffer tail, this ski rewards good technique and may be less fun for intermediate skiers.
Requires Speed to Come Alive: The ski can feel a little lackluster at slower speeds, and requires a bit of speed to come alive. It may not be suitable for those with a more casual, relaxed skiing style.
Who Are They For?
The S/Lab QST Blank will appeal to those who like to ski fast and aggressively – the kind of skiers who see a choppy, tracked-out run as an opportunity to open up the throttle rather than a reason to slow down. Its sweet spot is the strong, technically proficient rider who spends most of their time hunting for fresh snow and challenging terrain, but still wants a ski that can rip groomers on the way back to the lift. While it can accommodate a more playful style, it really comes alive when pushed hard and skied with purpose. The 112mm waist makes it a legitimate option as a daily driver for areas that see regular snowfall, and skiers who place a premium on stability and power will find a lot to love here.
The Bottom Line
The S/Lab QST Blank has what it takes to satisfy aggressive big-mountain ambitions and everyday resort duties alike. It's capable of handling serious lines and high-stakes situations, but it doesn't demand pro-level skills to be enjoyable. If you're an advanced to expert skier looking for a confident daily driver that won't back down from any challenge, the S/Lab QST Blank deserves a spot in your quiver.
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About the Author
Name: David Hewat
Age: 38
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 155 lbs
Size Reviewed: 186 cm
Location(s) & Conditions: Arolla, Switzerland
Mount Point: Factory Recommended
Bindings: Salomon Strive 14 GW
Boots: Lange XT3 Free 130 LV
Riding Style & Ability Level: All-Mountain / Freeride. Always looking for those perfectly spaced trees.