2023 Salomon QST Lumen 98

The 2023 Salomon QST Lumen 98 is an amazingly versatile ladies ski that gets some fantastic upgrades for this upcoming season. While previously, the 99 featured a lot of the things that the 98 has, we do see changes to shape and profile, first and foremost, with emphasis on longer rocker in the tips and tails. Built with a full poplar wood core, carbon/flax stringers, and a double sidewall that increases grip and torsional stiffness underfoot, the Lumen 98 is as sophisticated and smart as it is strong and powerful. As the middle ski in the lineup, sandwiched between the 92 and the 106, the 98 is likely the most versatile in terms of both soft off-piste snow as well as firmer groomer performance, so if ladies are looking for a supremely well-rounded ski that’s smooth and stable, the QST Lumen 98 is a prime choice. Versus the outgoing 99, the 98 drops the turn radius down to 15-meters in the 168 cm length, so this thing turns on a dime. At 1740 grams per ski in that length, it’s neither the lightest nor the heaviest, again lending to the versatile personality of the Lumen.

Abby Maurice skied the 168 and noted that “Its light weight made the length easily maneuverable, but I would choose something truer to my size - anywhere between 158-164.” The sense here is that they ski a bit shorter. Abby scored the ski 5’s out of 5 for flotation, playfulness, and forgiveness, with 4’s rounding out her card. This is a high, yet not unexpected, baseline of scores for what’s supposed to be an overall performer. Abby calls the Lumen 98 “Light and airy, the mountain vibe with this ski is relaxed and springy. Although it could manage various terrain and conditions, a skier's stability does lessen in hard packed and choppy snow. Although it grips and glides smoothly while leaning into an edge, this ski prefers a smeary and buttery approach. I would recommend it to an advanced skier who knows their basics but is looking for a soft and buoyant ride.” That accessibility and range is a huge draw for a fun-loving ski like this for sure.

Louise Lintilhac skied both the 168 and the 176, and it sounds like she’d take the 176 over the shorter one. Both lengths earned 5’s out of 5 for overall impression, versatility, forgiveness, playfulness, quickness, and maneuverability. That’s an impressive amount of 5’s for multiple lengths of ski, and something that I’m certainly taking note of. For the 168, Louise states that “Salomon has done it again with this ski. So poppy and playful. Arcs fast through transitions but floats well at speed through the chop. Because of the good amount of tip rocker, I’d recommend sizing up. One of my absolute faves from the test.” And for the 176: “I’d buy this ski. It’s super nimble and loves to get on edge but can release out of a turn if you want or need it to. The 98 underfoot is a versatile width and the wider shovel keeps things afloat. Hey, overall a great ski for intermediate and advanced skiers looking for one ski to rule them all.” It’s always nice getting great feedback on multiple lengths, and from Louise’s experience, they’re both vastly positive.

Salomon has always made great skis in this QST range, and the Lumen 98 is no exception. If you’re looking for something that can literally do everything, this is a better choice than most. For a ski without metal, it’s incredibly damp and stable, while remaining maneuverable, quick, and floaty for all of your off-piste skiing needs.