The Gist
The 2018 Salomon QST Pro 120 appealed to our test team for its unique design approach and the combination of reduced weight, touring capability and downhill game. Its specific fit characteristics and one-of-a-kind flex feel meant it was tailor-made for some and not for others.
The Fit
Testers said it's a bit resistant on entry due to the tacky feel of the tongue fabric and the fact that the "Endofit" tongue sits down inside the cabrio edges of the lower shell, close to the foot. This low-ceiling fit across the top of the foot is the hallmark of the QST design and it either makes it or breaks it, fit-wise, for our test team. Those with lower-than-average insteps and generally low-volume feet loved the containment, while average and higher insteps felt the blood flow to the toes slowing down. The cuff is more average mediumish in the way it holds the leg, though some testers mentioned a flat feeling tongue that didn't want to contour with the shin.
Performance
The cuff is upright and the flex is long in travel. This was pure pleasure for some testers who loved the free flexing movement, but a search for fore-aft balance and connection to the ski's shovel for others. Laterally, testers agreed that the QST Pro is a snaky, agile groveler that accurately wormed its way through all manner of soft, off-piste junk. On smooth, firm surfaces testers said it felt slightly under-edged and required a bit more roll to a steeper edge angle to uncork its lateral juice. In hike mode, testers found huge amounts of aft travel but said it was somewhat hindered in its forward range of movement.
Cool Features
The Surelock cuff release mechanism is an easy sideways flip of a switch. The Custom Shell 360 feature is a useful tool for opening up a bit more room in tight spots and a way to fine tune stance alignment specifically to the skier.
Kudos
Caveats