Salomon MTN 86 Pro — Review

Overview

The Salomon MTN 86 Pro is a lightweight, 86‑mm touring ski designed to make big climbs feel easy while keeping the descent fun and dependable. It uses an All‑Terrain Rocker (early‑rise tip, camber underfoot, flat/near‑early‑rise tail), a full wood core with sandwich sidewalls, and Salomon’s Cork Damplifier in the tip for extra calm in variable snow. Sustainability gets a nod with recycled materials in the topsheet and base, plus a tail clip that pairs cleanly with MTN skins.

• Available lengths: 148, 156, 164, 172, 180 cm
• Reference spec (172 cm): 120‑86‑106 mm, 18 m radius, about 1230 g per ski

Uphill performance

• Weight: very light for a full‑woodcore ski (e.g., ~1230 g at 172). Expect efficient skinning, easier kick turns, and less fatigue on long days.
• Skin interface: integrated tail clip plays nicely with Salomon MTN skins; the flatter tail helps lock skins securely.
• Traverses/firm skin tracks: the moderate sidecut and full sidewalls deliver confidence when it’s slick or side‑hilly.

Downhill performance

• Groomers and firm snow: for an 86‑mm tourer, edge hold is impressive. Camber underfoot and the full sidewall construction transmit power predictably, and the cork‑damped tip reduces chatter. There’s still a speed ceiling in rough, icy conditions due to the low mass.
• Chop and variable: light swingweight makes it easy to pivot in tight trees and couloirs. In windboard or refrozen crud, it rewards a centered, balanced stance—drive it too hard and you’ll feel some deflection.
• Soft snow and pow: 86 mm won’t float like a 95–100, but the early‑rise tip helps you plane in a few inches and spring corn. Stay centered and use the supportive tail for speed control.

Turn feel and rhythm

• Turn radius: 18 m (172) favors calm, medium‑length arcs. It still snaps shorter turns readily thanks to the low swingweight but feels best when you let it flow.
• Torsional support: basalt/glass reinforcement and camber give solid bite without feeling punishing—more forgiving than ultra‑stiff skimo boards.

Bindings and setup

• Tour‑first build: pair with lightweight tech pins (<300 g) to keep the system ultralight for big vert days.
• Descent‑biased build: a hybrid pin binding (roughly 450–600 g) adds damping and confidence for resort laps with a modest weight penalty.
• Brakes/skins: a 90 mm brake works well; Salomon MTN skins fit seamlessly with the tail clip.

Sizing advice

• Touring focus: choose around your height or slightly shorter (‑3 to ‑5 cm) for maneuverability.
• Stability/descents: go at or slightly above your height (+0 to +5 cm) if you prioritize speed and mixed snow support.

Who is it for?

• Ski tourers who want a balanced, dependable daily driver for human‑powered missions across the season—from mid‑winter tours to spring corn laps.
• Riders who value low weight without sacrificing real downhill capability.
• Occasional resort crossovers who still spend most days out of bounds or on the skin track.

Comparisons

• Blizzard Zero G 85: stiffer with stronger ice hold; more technical and less forgiving. MTN 86 Pro is friendlier in mixed snow and less fatiguing.
• Dynafit Blacklight 88: lighter and stiffer—faster on the skin track, harsher in chop. Salomon is more damp and versatile.
• Atomic Backland 85: very nimble and pivoty, but less stable at speed. MTN 86 Pro offers better edge hold and composure.
• Kästle TX87: heavier/damper and pricier; steadier at high speed. Salomon stays lighter and livelier.

Potential drawbacks

• Limited flotation in deep powder at 86 mm underfoot.
• Less damping and top‑end stability than heavier, freeride‑leaning touring skis.
• Requires attentive technique in refrozen crud to avoid getting knocked around.

Specs explained

• Lengths: 148 / 156 / 164 / 172 / 180 cm — longer = more stability/surface; shorter = quicker, lighter.
• Sidecut (172 cm): 120‑86‑106 mm — narrow waist boosts edge hold and skinning efficiency; wider tip smooths turn initiation and adds float; tail supports finish and control.
• Turn radius: 18 m (172 cm) — favors medium arcs, predictable at speed.
• Weight per ski: ~1060 g (156), 1140 g (164), 1230 g (172), 1330 g (180); 148 not listed — lighter climbs easier, heavier feels calmer downhill.
• Rocker profile: All‑Terrain Rocker (tip rocker, camber, flat/near‑early‑rise tail) — blends float, grip, and versatility for touring.
• Construction: full wood core, full sandwich sidewalls, Cork Damplifier in tip, basalt reinforcement, binding insert underfoot on some MTN models/years; recycled topsheet/base — a mix of grip, damping, durability, and sustainability.

Key takeaways

• Lightweight tourer with real downhill chops: efficient on the way up, composed on the way down.
• Forgiving but capable: strong edge hold and useful damping for an 86‑mm touring platform.
• Best for touring, spring missions, and mixed conditions; less ideal as a primary resort carver.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is the Salomon MTN 86 Pro good for resort use?
A: It can be, but it’s first and foremost a touring ski. With a hybrid pin binding and a slightly longer length, it handles occasional resort laps well. If you want maximum on‑piste damping and speed, look at heavier all‑mountain skis.

Q: What size should I get?
A: For a touring focus, go around your height or a bit shorter. If you want more stability and speed on descents, choose at or slightly above your height. Factor in skill level, terrain, and binding/boot choices.

Q: MTN 86 Pro vs MTN 86 Carbon?
A: In general, Carbon variants trend lighter and stiffer; the Pro aims for a touch more damping and all‑round downhill performance. Check model‑year specs for exact differences.

Q: What skins fit best?
A: Salomon MTN skins interface directly via the tail clip. Universal skins cut to ~86–90 mm underfoot and the correct length also work well.