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Salomon Quest AT Boot

post #1 of 52
12/9/09 at 11:17am
Thread Starter 
I just got a glimpse of a new AT boot from Salomon that will be coming out fairly soon.  It's called the Quest and legendary Jackson Hole skier Rick Armstrong is working on the prototype right now.

It's a three-buckle design plus a very burly power strap.  I didn't ask Rick about the flex, but having seen him ski them on the VERY hard snow conditions we have at JH right now, I'd venture a guess that it's a stout enough downhill boot for just about any skier.  Rick just rips on any kind of equipment, but I couldn't tell that he was on an AT boot until I saw him in the locker room.

The boots will have removable DIN soles, but the coolest thing is that he's nearly certain that the boot is going to be DIN certified for the textured AT soles as well.  The textured soles came within a whisker of passing the DIN test recently and they're tweaking the material right now with an aim toward certification.  That would be a very big development in AT boots.

Also great: the boot is Dynafit compatible.

Keep an eye out for this one.  It could be worth considering.
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post #2 of 52
12/9/09 at 5:25pm
 good to know bob!

I guess Ill be checking these out with the new Dalbello Venom. Most likely the Solly will fit my foot with out with out being punched out.
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post #3 of 52
12/10/09 at 3:28pm
Just ran across this thread and figured I'd throw some numbers into the game.  

Wieghts & Flexes
Quest 12: 120 flex, size 26.5 = 2.1 kgs (single boot)
Quest 10: 110 flex, size 26.5 =1.95 kgs
Quest 8: 90 24.5 =1.75 kgs.

Quest Pebax: 110 flex, 26.5 = 1.75 kgs
Quest Pro: 110 flex, 26.5 = 1.9 kgs
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post #4 of 52
12/18/09 at 9:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Peters View Post

... I didn't ask Rick about the flex, but having seen him ski them on the VERY hard snow conditions we have at JH right now, I'd venture a guess that it's a stout enough downhill boot for just about any skier.  Rick just rips on any kind of equipment, but I couldn't tell that he was on an AT boot until I saw him in the locker room. ...


 

I might take exception to your conclusion here Bob. I think Rick could lay down tracks with just about any wimpy boot, even one that most good skiers might find unmanagably soft.  Of course, if he says they are stiff enough then I definitely agree.
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post #5 of 52
12/18/09 at 11:18am
there are a small number for them being sold in europe, a couple fo dealers got a few in the UK, but we wern't important enough to be offered any

from what i hear it is a similar last to the impact (100mm in 26.5)

I will be interested to see this boot in reality
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post #6 of 52
12/18/09 at 12:18pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Si View Post




I might take exception to your conclusion here Bob. I think Rick could lay down tracks with just about any wimpy boot, even one that most good skiers might find unmanagably soft.  Of course, if he says they are stiff enough then I definitely agree.
Heh.

It is true that Rick could probably ski damn near anything, but he was driving really nice railed turns with a big ski (Salomon Shogun) on a very hard and slick artificial snow suface. 

That says one of two things...

One possibility is that NOBODY truly NEEDS the really stiff boots that so many "good" skiers seem to insist on.  Perhaps technique trumps boot stiffness.

Another possibility is that the Quest really is stiff enough for most skiers to consider as that elusive crossover boot that can tour well but also ski the resort well.

Once the production models start showing up in shops, I think it would be fun to give them a ride.
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post #7 of 52
12/18/09 at 12:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Peters View Post

That says one of two things...

One possibility is that NOBODY truly NEEDS the really stiff boots that so many "good" skiers seem to insist on.  Perhaps technique trumps boot stiffness.

Another possibility is that the Quest really is stiff enough for most skiers to consider as that elusive crossover boot that can tour well but also ski the resort well.
 
 I've got a third option:

Rick is a great skier, sure, he's a hell of a guy also... but he's what? 5'4" 145lbs? let's face it, he's not the biggest dude on the hill, that does make a difference. I'm sure it is a hell of a boot, and I'm sure he can drive anything, just sayin'...

It is really nice seeing some of the 'Big Boys' in the ski world throwing some new ideas at the 'All Mountain' boot concept. The Dalbello Virus is a pretty cool boot also. A few very well thought out design features, the hinged tongue and the 'posts' of firm shell plastic that interact with the binding AFD to prevent that 'smearing' feel of vibram rubber underfoot when the ski is on edge. Nice idea from Mr. Plake, who I was told holds a patent on it.
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post #8 of 52
12/18/09 at 12:42pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Whiteroom View Post



 I've got a third option:

Rick is a great skier, sure, he's a hell of a guy also... but he's what? 5'4" 145lbs? let's face it, he's not the biggest dude on the hill, that does make a difference. I'm sure it is a hell of a boot, and I'm sure he can drive anything, just sayin'...

It is really nice seeing some of the 'Big Boys' in the ski world throwing some new ideas at the 'All Mountain' boot concept. The Dalbello Virus is a pretty cool boot also. A few very well thought out design features, the hinged tongue and the 'posts' of firm shell plastic that interact with the binding AFD to prevent that 'smearing' feel of vibram rubber underfoot when the ski is on edge. Nice idea from Mr. Plake, who I was told holds a patent on it.
 

That's a good point about Rick's weight, Whiteroom.  I have about 50 pounds on him and it would be curious to see how that boot would react to my skiing. 

I agree completely with the rest of your post.  It's kind of interesting to think about how short a time has actually been involved in the evolution of these all-mountain-boots.  It really wasn't THAT many years ago that the Scarpa Laser came out and kind of revolutionized the concept.  When the Laser was introduced, I could count on two hands the number of pairs of AT boots I might see in-resort at Jackson Hole during an entire winter.  Now, I probably see dozens on any given day.

Just as with all the new ski designs, there's a significant and growing market for the Holy Grail in the form of a true hard-driving, easy-walking, lightweight, DIN-compatible AT boot.  I have no doubt we'll see many of them before the next decade passes.
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post #9 of 52
12/18/09 at 1:33pm
Just to add to ctownsend and CEM's posts, here is a link to one of the UK dealers carrying the boot with photos:

http://www.lockwoods.com/salomon--quest-pro-pebax/prod_3018.html.

The list them for £400 (~$650).

It is definitely an interesting boot
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post #10 of 52
12/21/09 at 11:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Peters View Post



Heh.

It is true that Rick could probably ski damn near anything, but he was driving really nice railed turns with a big ski (Salomon Shogun) on a very hard and slick artificial snow suface. 

That says one of two things...

One possibility is that NOBODY truly NEEDS the really stiff boots that so many "good" skiers seem to insist on.  Perhaps technique trumps boot stiffness.

Another possibility is that the Quest really is stiff enough for most skiers to consider as that elusive crossover boot that can tour well but also ski the resort well.

Once the production models start showing up in shops, I think it would be fun to give them a ride.

 

I think you raise an interesting point here Bob.  I am sure that the first possibility has been well discussed here at Epic.  However, I think it remains an interesting question.  Is lateral stiffness enough to get the performance most "good" skiers are looking for?

I don't feel I have a strong opinion on this.  I will say that there are some good skiers that look to me like they use the fore/aft stiffness of a boot to load the tips in various aspects of a turn more than others.  I actually think that Rick, in particular, is perhaps the most centered skier I've ever skied with and doesn't appear to use that as much as some other great skiers I've seen.  I remember skiing with him a number of years ago on a new pair of public enemies (and if I rememember correctly, partially unbuckled boots).  We came down a very hard packed run at JH with him laying them all the way over as if he were on a pair of racing gs skis with racing stiff boots. 
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post #11 of 52
1/9/10 at 4:26pm
Hey Bob, next time you see Rick ask him if he has a pair to try.  Or I can get you in touch with him.  He just might have an extra pair to give a spin in the next few weeks.

Also regarding the weight issue, I'm a buck 90 and have skied this boot with and I've had zero problems with it being too soft. Lateral stiffness is top notch on these boots, it's a key point in our boot design meetings and we're always pushing the boot guys to make the most laterally stiff boot they can make.  When in comes to fore/aft stiffness, I think that's a subject that starts to come down to personal preference, where as lateral stiffness is a one-way road. Sure it doesn't perform on the absolute highest notch race-boot style status of my Ghost boots, but I've been gaining a strong allegiance to these boots because they perform like true downhill boots but are comfortable enough where my feet aren't numb and in pain after the first hour of hiking.  
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post #12 of 52
1/10/10 at 12:28pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ctownsend View Post

Hey Bob, next time you see Rick ask him if he has a pair to try.  Or I can get you in touch with him.  He just might have an extra pair to give a spin in the next few weeks.

Also regarding the weight issue, I'm a buck 90 and have skied this boot with and I've had zero problems with it being too soft. Lateral stiffness is top notch on these boots, it's a key point in our boot design meetings and we're always pushing the boot guys to make the most laterally stiff boot they can make.  When in comes to fore/aft stiffness, I think that's a subject that starts to come down to personal preference, where as lateral stiffness is a one-way road. Sure it doesn't perform on the absolute highest notch race-boot style status of my Ghost boots, but I've been gaining a strong allegiance to these boots because they perform like true downhill boots but are comfortable enough where my feet aren't numb and in pain after the first hour of hiking.  

Good point on lateral stiffness versus fore/aft. 

I like that term "one-way street" as far as lateral is concerned.  I'm sure that has a fair amount to do with why and how Rick could rail those skis on an AT boot.

Next time I see him, I'll ask if he has a pair I could try out.  I'm really intrigued.  There's nothing wrong - at all - with my current AT boots (Scarpa Spirit 4), but this Quest really looks like an interesting boot.

Thanks, ctownsend. 
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post #13 of 52
1/27/10 at 12:59am
Is the heel cup similar than Impact? I have quite bad heel spurs and I´ve had big problems with Solly alpine boots.Need lot of grinding and then it´s ok. Quest seems to be nice option to my needs if it fits ok. How about the cuff height?
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post #14 of 52
4/22/10 at 3:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Peters View Post

The boots will have removable DIN soles, but the coolest thing is that he's nearly certain that the boot is going to be DIN certified for the textured AT soles as well.  The textured soles came within a whisker of passing the DIN test recently and they're tweaking the material right now with an aim toward certification.  That would be a very big development in AT boots.

Also great: the boot is Dynafit compatible.

Keep an eye out for this one.  It could be worth considering.
Yes, keep an eye out indeed:
http://www.wildsnow.com/2888/salomon-quest-tech-fittings-failure/
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post #15 of 52
4/22/10 at 7:15pm
In case the link by JS is not working, using the Quest with tech bindings could kill or maim you. Subtle has never been my style.
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post #16 of 52
4/23/10 at 10:47am
http://www.wildsnow.com/2899/salomon-quest-boots-announcement/ 

PSA — Salomon’s Announcement re Weak Tech Fittings in Quest Boots

Bookmark and Share            By Lou

Wildsnowers, below is the official take from Salomon. I just got off the phone with them, and as I suspected they’ve been scrambling on this for several days but of course had to get their ducks in order before making an official announcement or recall. While this is a sad situation and appears to have already resulted in one injury, a plus is that according to Salomon there are only 13 pair of the Quest boots with tech inserts out in the wild (North America), and 14 sets of pads. They are making an effort to get every last one of those items returned, whether they still be at a retailer or in public hands. So if you know anyone with the Quest boot with tech inserts sole, encourage them to contact Salomon via the number below.

Salomon has been informed of a potential incompatibility when using Salomon Quest Pro Boots and low tech touring bindings (ex: Dynafit, G3 Onyx model, Plume, ATK Race). The same applies to the touring pads which were designed to allow other Quest boots to be compatible with low tech touring bindings.

Salomon Quest Pro Boots are compatible with the other touring bindings compliant with ISO9523 standard. Salomon started an investigation concerning the compatibility of its Quest Pro Boots with low tech touring bindings, immediately after being alerted to this potential problem and these investigations are still ongoing.

As a precautionary safety measure, Salomon announces that Salomon Quest Boots having a metal tech-fit for low tech touring bindings (Quest Pro boots) should not be used until further notice, and should be immediately returned to Salomon. For returns, contact Salomon at (801) 624-7581. The same return request applies to the touring pads which were designed to allow other Quest boots to be compatible with low tech touring bindings.

There are very limited quantities of these boots and pads in the market. While most of these products were distributed without charge for trial purposes, a very small number may have been sold. In either case, the Quest Pro boots and touring pads should be returned to Salomon by retailers and skiers. Appropriate replacements or credits will be arranged.

Any further questions should be directed to Salomon customer service at the number above, or Mike Aicher, Senior Product Category Manager at 801-624-7568

Salomon USA
2030 Lincoln Ave
Ogden, UT 84401

 

Posted by Lou on April 23, 2010 | Filed Under Boot Reviews 

 
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post #17 of 52
4/23/10 at 4:25pm
Yo Bob next time you run into your boy Rick tell him thanks for taking the time to join the TGR community and spam us with this peice of shit product.
SHAME ON SALOMON 
Nice permit though brah
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post #18 of 52
4/24/10 at 8:19am
 Yea...  I'll make sure and tell him that you think his boot sucks and he deliberately spammed you.  I will be talking with him later today, how much do you think he cares about your opinion?
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post #19 of 52
4/25/10 at 5:31am
Perhaps just a smidge more than I care about what you wanker instructors set you edge bevels at on your pow skis.
I doubt he cares that someone is laying in a hospital facing years of recovery and rehab, because Salomon released "his" boot with a major design flaw and not enough testing to see it
.
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post #20 of 52
4/25/10 at 5:50am
Wow, that's an interesting post.  "Wanker instructor" with edge bevel issues - I'll keep an eye out for that!

But the concern here is serious and valid.
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post #21 of 52
5/2/10 at 9:54am
Actually I know Rick pretty well and I'm sure that he does care about that.  I had just got back from about 2 weeks in the wilderness and didn't really know about how badly hurt that individual was.  Either way it's not Ricks fault and he was promoting what he thought was a sound product.  It seems like it's still a ripping boot if you aren't using the Dynafit binding.  

BTW...  This wanker instructor has all of his skis tuned to 1 & 2.

Quote:
Originally Posted by skifishbum View Post

Perhaps just a smidge more than I care about what you wanker instructors set you edge bevels at on your pow skis.
I doubt he cares that someone is laying in a hospital facing years of recovery and rehab, because Salomon released "his" boot with a major design flaw and not enough testing to see it
.
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post #22 of 52
5/2/10 at 1:41pm
FWIW and irrespective of the faulty sample boots................I have had the Quest Pro on my foot and compared it against other boots from Salomon and other brands. My take on the fit shape and hence the performance potential is that it would make a suitable carrying case for watermelons.

Now that's not exactly the fit description I'd use for a rippin' boot but then again that's JMO and in fairness, my foot is not shaped like a watermelon so I might be biased against that type of fit.

SJ
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post #23 of 52
5/2/10 at 6:28pm
I haven't tried this boot on.  I talked with Rick and a few others about it.  I heard good things.  I don't generally like Salomon.  Your reviews have always been well thought out and seemingly accurate.  Maybe the boot is a POS.

Quote:
Originally Posted by SierraJim View Post

FWIW and irrespective of the faulty sample boots................I have had the Quest Pro on my foot and compared it against other boots from Salomon and other brands. My take on the fit shape and hence the performance potential is that it would make a suitable carrying case for watermelons.

Now that's not exactly the fit description I'd use for a rippin' boot but then again that's JMO and in fairness, my foot is not shaped like a watermelon so I might be biased against that type of fit.

SJ
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post #24 of 52
5/2/10 at 9:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by tetonpwdrjunkie View Post

I haven't tried this boot on.  I talked with Rick and a few others about it.  I heard good things.  I don't generally like Salomon.  Your reviews have always been well thought out and seemingly accurate.  Maybe the boot is a POS.
 


 

Didn't say it was a POS....just enormous.



SJ
Start Haus Insider

Bringing World Cup caliber ski equipment and service to all skiers - from pro ski racers to everyday all mountain skiers and into the...

» Get the latest news and updates at the Start Haus sponsor page.
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post #25 of 52
5/3/10 at 4:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by tetonpwdrjunkie View Post

I haven't tried this boot on.  I talked with Rick and a few others about it.  I heard good things.  I don't generally like Salomon.  Your reviews have always been well thought out and seemingly accurate.  Maybe the boot is a POS.
 


 




Quote:
Originally Posted by tetonpwdrjunkie View Post

Actually I know Rick pretty well and I'm sure that he does care about that.  I had just got back from about 2 weeks in the wilderness and didn't really know about how badly hurt that individual was.  Either way it's not Ricks fault and he was promoting what he thought was a sound product.  It seems like it's still a ripping boot if you aren't using the Dynafit binding.  

BTW...  This wanker instructor has all of his skis tuned to 1 & 2.
 


 

well here are a couple links in case your friend Rick wanted to share condolances or sympathy with the individual or community or something aside from spamming this piece of shit product
FYI not sure how it works here but when you join a community and your 1st contribution is promoting product.
We call it spam
www.tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php
www.tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php
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post #26 of 52
11/28/10 at 5:54pm

I have short, but relatively wide feet that are a cast iron b***h to fit.  I tried these on, and to my great surprise, they do not have the old Salomon feel at all. In fact, they are very comfortable for me.   So now I have a pair on order, and I will get back to you all real soon! 

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post #27 of 52
11/28/10 at 6:36pm

Thanks for bumping the post. People should know. Strange that a boot would be designed for a weird foot. Wonder if Salomon had the substandard sub contractor that made the tec inserts make their buckles and rivets too? How did they look to you?

 

 You have no idea of the life changing pain and suffering, not to mention financial hardship, that Salomon has brought down on a young family as a result of their negligence in releasing a defective pre-production product so that some of their major customers could be "first on the block".

 

I notice that you are a ski patroler and the majority of your posts are in the Patrol Shack.  As this is a a back country part of Epic, seems like you have ducked the ropes and you certainly are out of bounds here with any further comments you would make.

 

 Perhaps you should clip your own ticket and post any future comments on the boot in the Ski Gear Discussion.


Edited by wooley12 - 11/29/10 at 1:07pm
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post #28 of 52
11/29/10 at 3:16pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by skifishbum View Post

well here are a couple links in case your friend Rick wanted to share condolances or sympathy with the individual or community or something aside from spamming this piece of shit product
FYI not sure how it works here but when you join a community and your 1st contribution is promoting product.
We call it spam
www.tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php
www.tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php

 


I'm not sure who you're calling a spammer, skifishbum.  I'm the one who started this thread and it was far from my first contribution.I started the post because I had seen what seemed to me to be a very intriguing boot that offered a lot of things that people in this community were/are looking for.  So, I was the spammer, not somebody else.

 

It's VERY unfortunate that the product turned out to be defective as far as the Dynafit inserts were concerned.  I certainly didn't know that at the time of the original post and I'm fairly sure that Rick didn't either. 

 

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post #29 of 52
11/29/10 at 3:35pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by wooley12 View Post

Thanks for bumping the post. People should know. Strange that a boot would be designed for a weird foot. Wonder if Salomon had the substandard sub contractor that made the tec inserts make their buckles and rivets too? How did they look to you?

 

 You have no idea of the life changing pain and suffering, not to mention financial hardship, that Salomon has brought down on a young family as a result of their negligence in releasing a defective pre-production product so that some of their major customers could be "first on the block".

 

I notice that you are a ski patroler and the majority of your posts are in the Patrol Shack.  As this is a a back country part of Epic, seems like you have ducked the ropes and you certainly are out of bounds here with any further comments you would make.

 

 Perhaps you should clip your own ticket and post any future comments on the boot in the Ski Gear Discussion.


I don't understand this one either.  What did Dean post that was so objectionable as far as you're concerned? 

 

It's fairly obvious that Dean wouldn't be buying the boot to use with Dynafits.  He's looking for a boot that would give him a good fit for a difficult foot in a boot that would offer him a solid combination of comfort and performance.  Maybe you don't know it, but a lot of patrollers have a very hard time finding a boot that treats their feet well all day in the huge variety of situations and conditions they find themselves working in.

 

If your beef is with Salomon, that's just fine.  Feel free to encourage people not to buy the boot based on your judgement that the company cut corners, resulting in a devastating injury to a fellow skier.  As far as I'm concerned, you can feel free to urge people to boycott Salomon's entire line of skis, boots, bindings, accessories, shoes, coats, etc, but ragging on Dean for reporting his own experience with the boot and suggesting that his comments aren't welcome in this forum is far more "out of bounds".

 

Just my opinion, of course.

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post #30 of 52
11/29/10 at 3:44pm

Bob, I think SFB is refering to Rick's original post about the Quest at TGR, not your post.

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