2024 Salomon Stance 96 Ski Review with SkiEssentials.com
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- Опубликовано: 9 июл 2024
- Salomon tweaked the construction of the Stance 96 giving it a slightly lighter build and softer flex. We put it through the test and are excited to share our thoughts on how it's changed, how it compares to other metal-clad skis, how it fits in Salomon's lineup, and more!
Written Review: www.skiessentials.com/Chairli...
0:00 - Intro
2:40 - Construction
7:15 - Flex Comparison
8:00 - Shape
11:00 - On-Piste Performance
16:05 - Off-Piste Performance
18:45 - Overall Impression
20:25 - Graphics
22:45 - Upcoming 2023 Stance Deals
Exactly the change I was hoping for... can't wait to see review on Stance 90
Another excellent review. I’m loving these. They might dethrone my mindbender 99s 😮
Definitely a good comparison. Similar for sure. I think this Stance 96 falls in between the MB 99 Ti and the new MB 96 C.
Great review. You guys have been saying all the manufacturers are building lighter versions of their lines. Maybe I'm asking the obvious, but would really like your guys take on the newly released QST Echo 106. Going a step further I would love the comparison of the lightweight freeride products out now (QST Echo 106, Nordica Unlimited 104, Blizzard Hustle 10, Volkl Blaze 106, etc). Keep the great reviews coming. Oh, really appreciate the clothing reviews now as well. Great stuff.
Good idea for content 👌
We'll definitely have a "lighter freeride" comparison now that we're getting all these new skis once we get around to 2024 comparisons in the fall!
@@SkiEssentials I second this - yes please!
The Enforcer 'slightly' lighter is a category that deserves more focus & attention by manufacturers because there are so many skiers that don't know they want/need this ski but they do. A true all-rounder, without the usual compromises, that grips on ice but is still fun is a hard ski to get right. I've chased the super-model FIS SL & GS skis these last 2 yrs, but just spent 3 days on my Enforcer 88 & fell back in love. I would buy this ski for a fun day on the hill.
Agree 100%!
had these in 176cm as part of my skiset (ski rental) diamond skis, my first time trying all mountains and was suprised to see how well they could carve on hard groomed slopes while also being amazing in deep snow. Last year I rented some carbon super light slalom carves but these were not that heavy considering the surface area. Only downside I noticed was that they need some speed to carve properly.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, guys for the fantastic reviews, honestly believe you guys are the best in the business right now! The detail and transparency you provide in the videos have been very much appreciated living in a small BC town where demos are scarce. On a ski-related note, how does the updated Stane 96 compare to the Black Crows Serpo?
Was thinking of replacing my 2022 Stance 96s (182 cm ) length with the 186 cm Serpo or a more energetic and lively all-mountain ski that still has decent stability in firm conditions, mostly to get more enjoyment out of the more mellow terrain during the early season or marginal conditions or purchasing a second pair of all-mountain twins (QST 98, BC 100). However, your comments on the updated Stance 96 have me now thinking I should wait till these because available?
Thanks for the feedback! Love that you're finding them useful out there in BC.
Between those skis, and I think this was true with the previous Stance, but now is even more true, is the Serpo feels a bit more precise on firm snow, particularly out of the tail. The Stance has more smear to it, easier to release the tail edge IMO. I actually think this new Stance build will accomplish a lot of the things those all-mountain twins do, but with a touch more precision with the lesser rocker splay. I'd say if you like the feel of your current Stance, but like the idea of lighter swing weight and a little easier, more user-friendly performance off-piste, wait for these to be available. If you want more energy in the finish of a turn, particularly on those firmer conditions, go Serpo.
@@SkiEssentials Thank you so much for the informative reply, Guys🙏 That helps a lot.
I personally favour an easily to real AE tail for the steep and tree chits we have at Silver Star so I’ll probably want for next’s model. Currently have it paired with QST Blank for fresh snow days and just need to same up for get back to a healthy quiver size again
Great review, I always like to hear about how skis perform on east coast conditions similar to what I actually ski. I was looking at the 2023 Stance 96 as its now on sale and was wondering what you would recommend in terms of length. I'm 6'2" 165lbs and like to ski everything on the mountain pretty aggressively. I'm currently skiing on a 179cm enforcer 88 which I plan to keep for icier days but I want something a bit longer and more stable for off trail and high speed carving on steep trails as I find the shorter ski to give out or lose stability at higher speeds. I'm conflicted between the 182 and 188 because I want the stability but also spend a lot of time in tight trees and bumps. Thanks.
I'd go 182. I'm 6'2 and 225 and can ski the 182 comfortably both at speed and in the bumps and trees. At your weight, and given your experience on the 179 Enforcer, I'd think the 182 lines up better with your stats and application. Great skis!
Love your reviews! I have the '22 Stance 90s in 176, which I love, and am wondering if you think upgrading to the 24s would be a good idea. I am a solidly intermediate skier (I saw you are using the Carv system in one of your comments. My average carv score hovers around 115, my high is 126). I have spent more and more time on moguls and a bit in the trees as the season has gone on, and think that will be more of what I do going forward next season as I gain confidence back after a long ski hiatus. I am a big dude though. 5'11, 275ish. Will my weight mean that I get more out of the older model, or will I still get an upgrade from the lighter, new version since I plan on spending a decent amount of time off of groomers?
I really like the off-trail capabilities of the new 96. For skiers who are in the mid-to-upper range of the ability spectrum, this ski makes a lot of sense. I like the older version, as I'm a larger and more aggressive skier, but I didn't find the new ski to lack anything, really, just a lighter feel.
Oh boy is this great ❄️⛷loving all the in-depth reviews
Hey guys, great content as always! What Ski would you guys recommend for someone who’s 176cm and 80kg intermediate , who mostly rides groomers but wants to get into trees and park a bit more .
I think the mid 80's is a great place to be for your stats and application. Volkl Kanjo 84 or Blaze 86, Dynastar M-Pro 85, and Rossignol Experience 86Basalt make a lot of sense in this realm. I'd look to the low 170's for length is a good place to be in any of these models.
Great video as always guys, my 2015 Dynastar Powertrack 84 are now ready to retire, I loved these skis, would you think the Stance 90 or 96 would be a good ski for myself to move on to ?
I'd go 90 as you'd probably find a big difference in edge to edge quickness going to the 96 and I would venture a guess that part of what you like about the Powertrack is that quickness. Stance 90 should be a nice replacement.
Thanks for the great content guys- interesting the changes and compromises made on the new stance.
Im an improving intermediate 5’9 170lbs who likes to carve wider turns in open bowls- would the 176 or 182 be better do you think?
I'd go 176 in the Stance 96 based on your stats and application. Have fun!
Thanks!
Good review. I am considering the salmon shift or the Duke PT binding for a one-ski-quiver setup. I like to hard-charge and ski drops while on the resort and plan to ski the same way in the backcountry. Do you think the shift will hold up on larger drops 10-20 feet? Or should I go with the Duke? I weigh 140 and am 5'11".
I'm around your size and haven't had any issues with the Shift. I know others have, but my opinion is at your weight, and doing drops of that size, it's a trustworthy binding for sure.
I'd be super curious for feedback on how this new line compares to the current Fischer Ranger 102 and (older) Ranger 102 FR.
I still feel that the Stance 102 is more of a composed ski than the Ranger 102--more in line with the FR version in terms of responsiveness and turning capabilities. The new Stance 102 isn't a huge departure, as I feel that the lighter build works better in the wider widths--more so than in the Stance 90. That said, the Stance 102 is still very smooth and stable, especially in the wonderful 190cm length.
When the latest iteration of the OST 98 came out, you mentioned that it was one of the best powder skis in it's width class. Do you have any feel for how this ski would be in 6"-8". I'm thinning the herd down to a two ski quiver and this would be my wider ski
Hey Scott! We've always liked the Stance skis in some soft snow like that. The shape works really well, and lightening it up a bit improves it even further. The QST 98 is still far superior in soft snow, but this Stance does quite well, while providing more precision on firmer stuff.
I just got the old model Stance 90 and love the stability and quietness but they require certain speed to be able to be skied and I would like some more energy and bounce out of the turn. Do you think the newer 90 works better in slower speeds and has that "pop" out of the turn but still has that stability and hard pack performance as the old one?
You're always going to sacrifice some top end stability going lighter, but I do think the new Stance skis have noticeably more pop out of a turn at slower or more moderate speeds, yes! More energy and more bounce for sure, without giving up too much stability.
Great review guys! Looking at those close-ups, it kinda looks like it has the same weak top sheet as the last versions, subject to significant chipping.
These seem more durable to me. I see what you're noticing, and it's still going to experience some chipping as any vertical sidewall ski would, but the topsheet actually feels more durable for 2024 to me. I think it will be an improvement in that area.
How wide is the carbon insert or window as you described it in the fore and aft of the top titanium sheet
It's about 3-4 cm wide both tips and tails.
do you ever keep track of your speed.. i went today and my speed was 48 and there was a layer of more dense snow on top.. over a week ago i went and it was a really fast hardpack and my speed was 58.. using the same skis.. i would probably compare anything with 2 sheets of metal to my stocklis and that is what i was using the past 2 times.. and the QSTs i would compare to my dps Foundation.. actually both skis do wear me out.. the stocklis go under the snow and the dps go over it.. i did try something today when i was in imperial.. i noticed how effortless and smooth some people were skiing the crud so i tried that and it worked really well.. i was worn out and i made it my last run but it was pretty cool..
Neither Bob nor myself typically carry any speed tracker system, no. We do have the new Carv system and will be doing more testing on those, which will be interesting to share.
@@SkiEssentials i am interested in checking out all that Carv stuff..
on a side note.. i had some gouges in my Stormrider 88s and i took them in to get some work on them and i traded my Kastle HP for Nordica Enforcer 104 Free.. I just want to thank you guys because you did help in that decision...
Did you guys ski the 2024 Stance 90 ? I assume same performance, maybe quicker edge to edge ,as agile of trail, not quite as floaty in deeper snow
Yes, the changes are the same as in the 96 and 102. It's more agile than the older 90 but doesn't change the soft snow performance as much as the on-trail and carving acumen. I like it better for bumps and trees, but not quite as much when ripping carved turns at higher speeds. Still an amazing ski, just a bit different.
Are you guys doing a 2024 Stance 84 review at some point?
We'll have it in our 2024 ski test with video, photos, and feedback. We don't have it on our long-form review list specifically.
On the Stance/Mantra comparison, haven't skied the narrower versions but I have been on both of the new 102s. I really liked the Stance but overall preferred the Mantra, even for bumps and trees. The only area that I felt the Stance did better in was short turns on groomers
I feel that the Stance 102 rolls longer turns really well and is a better floater and soft snow ski, but the Mantra 102 is a total ripper when it comes to carving turns!
@@SkiEssentials I'd believe that, tried both in decent conditions but not powder. Gotta give the Stance points for the pink/purple topsheet as well!
How would you compare to a K2 Mindbender 89 or 99, and the Nordica Enforcer 100, especially flex in more ungroomed stuff and trees?
I'd say the Stance 96 is more like the K2 99 than anything else on your list. It's lighter and more reactive than the other skis, and while it doesn't carve as well as the 89 or float as good as the Enforcer, it's got a great mid-range of capabilities that make it an extremely versatile ski that can handle everything from groomers and trees to steeps and bumps. The 99 and the 100 aren't quite there in terms of friendly versatility.
How would you compare the feel of the new Stance 96 compared to the 2022 Fischer 94 FR? Thanks!
Pretty close, actually in terms of performance, but the new Stance still feels considerably more metallic than the Ranger 94. The Ranger is a bit easier to turn and swivel, while the lighter Stance is definitely catching up in this department.
Just wondering what the main differences are between the Stance and QST?
Stance has metal and is more directional in nature--better on-trail and in firmer snow. QST is sturdy, but does so without metal. Also, QST has more rocker and taper, and are fantastic floaters.
What are good skis for growing Swedish skier
Lots of options! Hard to make a recommendation without knowing more about you, what you like to ski, your background, etc.
It's snowed here jn the northeast? I'm too far south, Massachusetts has been terrible.
Seems to have snowed every day for the past two weeks! Not big storms, but just an inch or two most days.
Are these more comparable to a 2024 rustler 9 than say the previous model closer to a mantra ? I’m 185cm 265 pds, would you recommend these or rustler 9 for an all mountain ski and what length? Currently on a deacon 84 in 182cm
I'd say the previous Stance and the Mantra are closer than the 2024 Stance and 2024 Rustler 9 are to each other. Did I read that correctly? If you are planning on keeping the Deacon, I'd go with the more freeride-oriented Rustler in the 186. If you're replacing the Deacon with one ski, I'd say go with the Stance in the 182.
Have you guys skied the new 24 Dynastar M Cross 88 ? I am looking for the all mountain ski I have the MPro 90 and Stance 96 like both but the Stance is too much for me anymore in that it needs speed and at moderate speeds it doesn’t perform, the Mpro 90 on the other hand performs better a moderate speeds but too light in the fore body and too much splay . Maybe the new stance is a combination of the two. Your thoughts Thxs
We've had one rainy day on that ski so far. It's great--more like a Rossignol Experience 86Ti than MPro or Stance. The new Stance is really fun, with great energy and a ton of versatility. While I don't like it quite as much as the older version when it comes to power and stability, it's considerably more fun in the bumps and trees and off-piste zones.
Thxs but I am more confused. You said M Cross is more like Rossi Ti than Mpro or stance . Are you referring to the 2023 models ? How does the MCross then compare to new 2024 Stance ? Thxs for your response with so many choices and nuances getting the right model is difficult.
There is to much different models of skis and it gets confusing for the buyer. You can have qst and Stance in almost the same sizes? I would just make narrower Qst more hard pack frendly thats it or a light version and more stiff version. My 2 cents here. You guys are always right on target.
It's tough, and I think manufactures kind of get stuck in this mindset that each style of ski needs to be offered in a variety of widths. It's definitely more common now than even 5-6 years ago or so. Will be interesting to see how things progress from here.
1/2 here for the ski review 1/2 here to see you guys rip
Hopefully both halves are up to your standards!
any reason why you guys have never reviewed ON3Ps?
They probably don't sell them in the store
Mostly just availability. We don't really have any connections with ON3P, and it's sort of a time constraint too. So many other skis to test, it's hard to fit everything in. We do try to get to things we don't necessarily sell, however. Two pairs of 4FRNTs sitting right behind my desk right now!
ON3P don't send out ANY review skis. They've said that they sell every ski they can produce, so review skis would be a waste.
I am so sad that they changed the character of the skis. Found the 22’ to be my favorite ski.
Like a more fun (and cheaper) version of the Stormrider 95. They carved great on steep groomers, were easy to maneuver and still wouldn’t feel heavy or tiring. Don’t know which ski has similar characteristics. M6 is more demanding and less playful.
Maybe Enforcers/Sender 94s or Serpos.
I'd say Enforcer is worth a look if you liked the 22 Stance. I'd advise to size down if you're in the middle as they're quite sturdy by nature.
It is amazing to see that you guys don't like the changes, but you are somehow trying to defend them. I don't like the changes either.
Oh we never try to defend a manufacturer! I certainly hope it doesn't come across like that. Bob hands-down prefers the previous ski on groomers, I think we were pretty clear about that, but he prefers this one off-piste. I (Jeff) was hesitant about the new construction and flex, but I've come around to actually liking it more. I'm pretty lightweight, so a softer flex for me is often beneficial. We're always as honest as we possibly can be. If there's something we don't like about a ski or feel needs to be communicated, we're not going to hold back just because it makes the ski look better.
@SkiEssentials I have 2022 Stance 90 in 176. I am also lightweight. But they are perfect for me. Not too demanding and not too soft. I guess next time I will have to look at other options.
They might be total rippers, but the ugliest darn ski I’ve seen in a long time.
Looks like a late 90s PowerPoint theme
Yeah I prefer the previous graphic. But it doesn't stand out at all on a ski shop wall. I work at a shop. You have to actively direct people over to that ski. It's almost like the stance is invisible.
Carter's comment really hits the nail on the head. If it were up to me (Jeff) every ski in the world would just be a solid color ;)
With so many options in the ski world these days, and really good options, something needs to be eye catching, and I do think these new Stance graphics will be more attention grabbing than before. The 102 is really cool. I can completely understand not loving the others.
I would sack the designer for sure 😁... I mean, yeah, they look like from 1985.🤣
At least they're more interesting than the outgoing graphic, I suppose!
these are not for average recreational skiers... simply too wide to maneuver... 20mm wider. btw hope these two guys have a boxing match so we all can enjoy!!! i like these guys (since they got no tattoos)
Most recreational skiers would be better off on the Stance 80 or 84, but the changes to this 96 do make it more approachable for more skiers.