Ski touring is an increasingly popular activity among ski enthusiasts, especially for those seeking adventure off the beaten track. Salomon has been one of the leading manufacturers of ski equipment for many years, and their touring skis for men are no exception.
Popular Salomon Touring skis for men
Salomon offers a wide range of touring skis to suit the needs of different skiers. Whether you're looking for lightweight skis for long runs or wide skis for freeride, Salomon has a model to suit. Let's dive into some of the best models on the market right now.
1. MTN 96 Carbon
The Salomon MTN 96 Carbon is one of the most popular touring skis in the Salomon range. This ski is designed with a clear focus on combining lightness with strong downhill performance. Weighing around 1,300 grams per ski, it is among the lightest wide touring skis on the market. This makes it ideal for longer ascents where weight can make a big difference.
- Core: Karuba wood core with carbon reinforcements.
- Rocker profile: Tip rocker (17%) and tail rocker (12%) for increased maneuverability.
- Use: Suitable for freeride touring and adventure on varying terrain.
- Recommended level: Intermediate to advanced skiers looking for a stable ski for both ascents and descents.
The MTN 96 Carbon is also known for its Cork Damplifier technology, which reduces vibrations and provides a smoother ride on uneven terrain. The wider waist (96 mm) also ensures good buoyancy in deep snow, making it a great choice for those who want a versatile ski.
2. MTN 91 Carbon
Slightly narrower than the MTN 96, this model is an excellent touring ski for skiers looking for a more versatile ski with a weight saving. With a waist of 91 mm, the MTN 91 Carbon provides a fine balance between buoyancy in loose snow and control on hardpack.
- Core: Like MTN 96 Carbon, it uses a Karuba wood core with carbon and basalt fiber reinforcement.
- Shape: Mid-camber for solid edge grip on icy surfaces and uneven terrain.
- Recommended level: Intermediate to advanced touring enthusiasts
This ski is a great choice for skiers who want a little more speed and maneuverability without compromising on stability.
3. MTN 86 Carbon
The narrowest model in the MTN series, the MTN 86 Carbon is ideal for long, technical ascents. Its lightweight construction, weighing less than 1,150 grams per ski, makes it a great choice for speed touring.
- Core: Karuba wood core with carbon reinforcements for a light but strong ski.
- Rocker profile: Tip rocker (17%) for easy buoyancy in light powder.
- Use: Perfect for skiers who prioritize lightness for long days with high altitude.
This ski is a favorite among those who want to combine a fast ascent with a smooth and precise descent.
4. S/LAB MTN
The S/LAB MTN is Salomon's flagship touring ski and is designed for the most demanding skiers. This model combines high performance with an extremely light weight, making it an excellent choice for the most adventurous skiers.
Features:
- Core: Full carbon frame with wood core, making it both lightweight and strong.
- Technologies: Improved edge grip with titanal reinforcements for precision on icy slopes.
- Recommended level: Advanced and professional skiers.
How to choose the right Salomon touring ski
When choosing the right touring ski, there are several factors to consider:
- Weight: If you're primarily going on long ascents, a lighter ski like the MTN 86 or MTN 91 Carbon is ideal.
- Width: For skiers who prefer deep snow and freeride, wider skis like the MTN 96 will be the best choice.
- Terrain: Think about whether you'll be skiing primarily on icy surfaces or loose powder and choose skis with appropriate rocker and waist width.
FAQ
How do I know which width to choose?
Wider skis (90mm and above) are better for powder and deep snow, while narrower skis (under 90mm) offer more control on icy and hard-packed surfaces.
Are Salomon touring skis good for beginners?
Salomon offers several models suitable for beginners, but most touring skis in their range, such as the MTN Carbon series, are designed for intermediate and advanced skiers.
Should I choose a touring ski with carbon reinforcement?
Yes, if you want a lighter ski that also has high stability and precision, carbon reinforcement is an advantage found in most of Salomon's touring skis.
