Ski: 2019-2020 Salomon MTN Explore 95, 184 cm
Available Lengths (cm): 169, 177, 184
Actual Tip-to-Tail Length (straight tape pull): 183.1 cm
Stated Dimensions (mm): 130-95-116
Blister’s Measured Weight per Ski: 1618 & 1633 grams
Stated Sidecut Radius (184 cm): 18.8 meters
Core Construction: Poplar + Carbon & Flax Fiber Laminate
Tip / Tail Splay (ski decambered): 65 mm / 5 mm
Traditional Camber Underfoot: ~3 mm
Factory Recommended Line: -10 cm from center; 81.5 cm from tail
Mount Location: Recommended Line
Boots / Bindings: Salomon MTN Lab 27.5, Atomic Backland Carbon 27.5 / G3 Ion
Days Tested: 12
Test Locations: Chugach / Kenai mountains, Alaska; Porters Ski Area, Craigieburn Valley, and Mt. Cheeseman backcountry, NZ
[Note: Our review was conducted on the 16/17 & 18/19 MTN Explore 95. While Salomon states that no changes have been made to that ski from 16/17–21/22, apart from graphics, our two pairs of the 18/19 ski came in about 50-70 grams heaveir per ski. After spending dozens of days on both the lighter and heavier pairs, we were not able to notice any considerable performance difference. Our measured weight is the average of the two pairs of 18/19 skis.]
Introduction & Sneak Peek: Our Lightweight Touring Binding Test
We first skied the MTN Explore 95 a few seasons back, and a few seasons later this ski continues to stand out to us in the category of ~95mm-wide touring skis.
And that’s why we’ve chosen it as the benchmark ski that we’re going to use for our ultralight touring binding comparison test we’re conducting this spring. We’ll be releasing more details soon, but what we can say now is that it will be similar to what we did in our AT Binding Shootout, but with some of the lighter touring bindings that will be on the market for the 18/19 season.
Salomon describes the MTN Explore 95 as having, “the best ratio between climbing efficiency and downhill performance,” and they list a variety of features including a lightweight “Carbon and Flax core,” and a rocker and sidecut profile that they claim “increases edge grip while skinning and traversing.”
I’ve put time on the MTN Explore 95 both in New Zealand and in Alaska, and other Blister reviewers have spent time on the Explore 95 in Colorado, New Mexico, Idaho, etc, and we have all come away impressed by how fun they are to ski in a wide variety of conditions.
Flex
The MTN Explore 95 is no noodle. The tails are stiff (call them medium stiff), and that stiffness carries through under the bindings and just in front of the ski. The front 30 cm of the ski then goes a bit softer through the shovels and tips.
Handflexing the ski, here’s how we’d characterize the flex pattern:
Tips: 6
Shovels: 6.5-7
In front of the Toe Piece: 8-9
Underfoot: 9.75
Behind the Heel Piece: 9-8.5
Tail: 8.5
The MTN Explore 95 is notably stiffer than the 185 cm Blizzard Zero G 108. I have not been able to compare the the MTN Explore 95 to the Zero G 95, but to my recollection, the Zero G 95 is a little stiffer than the Zero G 108.
I am typically wary of stiff skis that are also quite light, and have learned that the combination of light and stiff can be a liability—especially in firm, bumpy conditions. As I’ll elaborate below, the MTN Explore 95 does well in these conditions despite its light & fairly stiff makeup.
Weight
It is interesting that Salomon built a ~1630 gram dedicated touring ski in a world where 95mm skis are routinely coming in around 300 g lighter per ski (e.g., the 185 cm Blizzard Zero G 95 has a stated weight of ~1340 g per ski). There are skiers and applications for which 300 g per ski could be a significant difference but, as you’ll read below, it seems obvious that Salomon intentionally went a bit heavier to gain certain characteristics on the descent.
Mount Position
We mounted these with G3 Ion’s right on the recommended BSL mark, and were quite happy with the result. In the past I have found Salomon’s recommended mounting points to be a bit too far forward for me (I moved back 2 cm from recommended on both the Rocker 2 122 and the Quest 115) but I wouldn’t change a thing about my mount position on the MTN Explore 95. The Explore 95’s recommended line comes in at 10 cm behind true center, which is a very common / traditional location for a directional ski like this.
Ski Performance
I’ll break down the MTN Explore 95 based on different types of snow conditions, but overall, I’ve mostly kept thinking how intuitive and predictable the ski feels. All things considered, it is one of the easiest skis to jump on and start skiing without any need for adjustment. It’s easy, predictable, reasonably stable, and always does what I want it to.
Firm, Smooth, Chalky Snow
New Zealand offered up a lot of fun, chalky, firm snow this year, particularly in some of the steeper and more featured terrain. In these conditions, the MTN Explore 95 excelled.
The sidecut radius and moderate tip rocker allowed the ski to hold an edge well both at speed and on slower, more deliberate turns. The camber underfoot adds a little extra pop that is also helpful when hop-turning in tight terrain, but also loans the ski a little extra rebound when arcing long turns in bigger terrain, or even on groomers.
Firm, Bumpy Conditions, Powder, Etc.
Do you have any thoughts on the narrower version of this ski, the 88? How does it compare?
Sounds very similar to the design and performance of the Kastle TX97 which I own and love. Suspect from the comments the Kastle is a bit more of a charger than the Salomon which would fit most peoples expectation. I find the 95-100mm range in a more traditional style the most versatile in mixed conditions and they ski pow just fine, are good in firm considtions and still tour very well. By European std’s more than 100mm in a touring ski is rare and while I love your guys reviews it’s great to see more sub 100mm skis which are the meat of the overall market making it to your review list.
Thanks for the review, Paul. Cool site. I’m pretty sold on this ski as an all-arounder that I can use at the resort, but still light and versatile in the backcountry. I’m looking to use this as my middle ski in a quiver of 3 with an ultralight ski, for faster/longer efforts and a bigger powder board. I’m a little torn between the 177 and 184 length. I’m 6’2, 175, and I’d say I’m solidly intermediate, so having something a little shorter appeals for tighter couloirs/trees etc. Do you think 177 would be enough? I’m really into lightweight gear, and I’m still sort of intimidated by turning a longer ski in tight terrain, but I also know sizing is a little different with shapes of some of these modern rockered skis. Thanks!
Similar question. Looking to use them mainly for touring, but occasional piste use. I’m 6ft1, 168lbs, intermediate skier. Have enjoyed skiing the synapse 92, but got very chattery on chopped up snow. I’ll probably look to get them mounted G3 ion 10s and have the tlt7 boots. Wondering between the 177cm or 184cm.
Matt
What’s up with variation in camber between skis of the same model?
You reviewed some nearly flat Blizzard Zero G 108s, and mine clearly have a decent amount of camber.
I just picked up some MTN Explore 95s and mine have 17 mm of camber between skis when unweighted. 8.5 mm per ski. Way more than the 3 mm you list here. More than any backcountry ski I’ve seen in a long time.
I enjoy the Zero G 108s. I don’t mind cambered skis, but this seems excessive. I’m worried they’ll be a more of a chore than necessary in crusty snow . Am I crazy?
Did you guys get a chance to compare these to the Zero G 95 any further? Thanks!
I have a pair of 177s. Do you think it is safe to drill rescue holes in the tips with the honeycomb construction?
I’m skiing the volkl carbon Katanas. Love them on descents, but I find them challenging skinning steep corn, firm or not.
Probably because of the width.
How much would I be giving up with the Salomon in challenging snow conditions on the descent?
Wind affected, crust, slush.
The Katanas excel in these conditions.
Than you
Hi Folks
I am looking at this ski for an east coast (US) backcountry and resort ski and am debating between the 177 and 184. I am 6’1 175 lbs intermediate/advanced (but not expert). Would like good manoeuvrability in moguls, trees, etc and be able to learn jump turns, but at the same time don’t want something that is too short/twitchy for me. Would you have any advice?
Thanks!
Had about 20 days on these skis(almost touring&pow riding) last season and everything in the review was confirmed. The only downside, I mentioned is the flat tails design-if you have to go back in some steep and tight terrain it’s an inconvenience..thanks for the another precise review, folks!
Could you comment on the size and your height and weight? I am 1.81 m / 80 kg (5’11 / 176 lbs) and cannot decide between getting them in 177 or 184.
Thanks for the review, super useful as always. Any idea how these compare to the Black Diamond Helio 95s? I know there’s a review of the Helio 106s on here but couldn’t find anything on the 95s. I imagine they ski pretty similarly, with the MTNs perhaps being a bit better on the down at the cost of slightly more weight?
Could anybody do a comparison to the Black Crows Camox Freebird – seem to be very similar skis. Don’t know which one to buy.
I haven’t skied these but just looking at them it seems the Camox is a little more soft snow oriented and the MTN will be a little better in firm and mixed conditions.
Hi there, any idea how these compare to the MTN Explore 88? I’ve struggled to find information about this thinner sibling.
Cheers!
Vs black crows camox freebird?
Any thoughts on the new MTN Carbon 96? Anyone been on it yet?