2023 Salomon Stance 102

The 2023 Salomon Stance 102 gets a graphics recharge for this year, but remains the same amazingly hard-charging ski that it’s been since inception. There are a few things that stick out about this ski that sets it apart, and it mainly starts with the turn radius. With a stated 23-meter arc in the 183, this is a straight shooter that loves to be pointed down the fall line. Built with a wood core, two sheets of metal, and carbon/flax stringers in the forebody and tail of the ski, advanced and expert skiers are getting a high-end build that’s supremely stable and strong in any and all conditions. The longer turn radius doesn’t allow it to carve quite as well as some competitors (Mantra 102, for example), but it certainly is capable of letting it run through the powder and chop, as well as being easier to smear and slarve due to that straighter cut. Sideways skidded turns are a lot easier on this than other skis in the category, and the abrupt tail rocker makes it a great floater as well, counter-balancing the stiff flex and heavier weight. The burly build, combined with the more aggressive rocker profile results in a unique ski that’s well-suited to most advanced and expert hard-charging skiers. All of our testers were on the 183 cm length.

Dana Allen picks right up on the long radius, stating that as a “183 cm ski with a 23-m radius, this ski definitely feels like it skis long.” He gave it top scores of 4 out of 5 for torsional stiffness, edge hold, and forgiveness with 3’s for overall impression, versatility, quickness, maneuverability, flotation, and stability. He didn’t like the playfulness so much, with that category earning a lowly 2. Dana notes that “The ski was super-chattery on hard packed snow. A noticeable amount of tip flap. I think that this ski is more of a soft snow specialist than something that you would use on hard pack or front side. Super long turn radius. Not quick edge to edge, and definitely not playful. Decidedly directional. I have really liked skis from this company in the past, but I would not purchase this one for myself for a resort ski.” Valuable feedback, I think, noting that for a lot of skiers looking for a good mix of attributes, that something like the QST 98 or 106 would be a better choice, especially if you ski in a lower-snow zone. Noah Labow liked the 183, scoring it 5’s out of 5 for torsional stiffness, edge hold, and stability. He gave 4’s for overall impression, versatility, and flotation. Noah states that the Stance 102 “was a hard charging ski that wanted to go fast. Great edge hold, at home railing fast GS arcs.” This is certainly a ski that likes to get up to speed prior to tipping in. Zach Mooney picks up on that as well, bringing his extensive race background to the forefront: “This is a bomber of a ski. 2 sheets of metal make it stiff but the rocker makes it playful through softer snow. Be ready to go fast, these things are a little tough to bend but once they’re up to speed they turn on a dime. I had an absolute blast ripping a few runs on these.”

Bob St.Pierre notes that the 183 “felt fine, but I prefer the 190 in wider spaces and at higher speeds.” Bob got to ski the 183 in both Stowe and Alta this year, and in going back and forth between the QST 106 and the Stance 102, Bob “would generally choose the Stance if there wasn’t fresh snow, but even then, I really like the 102’s overall character and composure. He scored it a 5 out of 5 for stability, and 4’s for overall impression, versatility, torsional stiffness, edge hold, and flotation. “This thing totally rips. You have to remember that it has a longer turn radius than most skis of this range, so it's a bit of an adjustment, you can't just tip it over and expect it to hook up. When you get it moving, though, it's a totally predictable, strong, and stable ski in a variety of conditions and terrain. When we had them out in Alta, it was a fantastic choice for day-old snow, groomers, and off-piste skiing. Very strong and damp with a high speed limit.” Jeff Neagle says that the Stance 102 "is an awesome ski! I love how the Stance 102 blends stability and vibration damping with a lot of rocker in its shape and a surfy, fun feel. It's a relatively unique ski in my opinion as not many other skis with metal have this much rocker. Kind of feels like the Black Crows Justis in that sense, but the metal is longer in the Stance 102, so it's kind of in its own league. You can really let it run regardless of the snow conditions. It's not super quick or agile, but you also never feel locked into a turn. It's always relatively easy to release your tail edge and dump some speed if you get going a little too fast in tricky terrain. You don't get a lot of energy or pop out of a turn whether carving or skidding, but that's okay. It's not really built for energy or intended to have that feel. Fantastic daily driver for a western skier who likes to ski fast and generally spends most of their time off-piste. Less appropriate daily application here in Vermont, although I could see certain skiers choosing it.”

Not for everyone or every day, at least compared to some other skis out there, the Stance 102 has its own home, character, and personality out there on the hill. Some people like it better than others, and that’s okay. Those that do really enjoy the longer radius, longer rocker, and unique feel. Those that don’t quite line up with the ski find it to be not turny enough for their liking, mostly.