Salomon QST Echo 106 vs. Renoun Citadel 107 Review
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The Salomon S/Lab QST Echo (106 mm waist) arrives as Salomon’s backcountry-oriented spin on the popular QST 106 platform, with a lighter layup, cork damping, basalt reinforcement, and recycled materials.
On the other side, the Renoun Citadel 107 is the latest iteration in Renoun’s “crossover freeride / powder flag” line, featuring VibeStop™ damping channels, a carbon + titanal reinforcement, and a shape tuned for deep snow with enough backbone for mixed conditions.
While “106” vs “107” is a small numerical difference, the skis occupy slightly different niches. In this review we’ll dig into specs, performance tradeoffs, and which ski might better suit different styles of rider or terrain.
Ski Specs Comparison
Below is a spec table comparing key metrics for a representative size (roughly the 181–184 cm class). Because different brands use different weight claims and sizes, consider them approximate for comparing
| Spec | Salomon QST Echo 106 | Renoun Citadel 107 |
|---|---|---|
| Representative length used | 181 cm | 184 cm Renoun |
| Dimensions (Tip – Waist – Tail, mm) | 139/106/126 (181) |
138/107/125mm |
| Turning radius | 19 m (181) | 19 m (184) |
| Weight (g per ski) | 1760 g | 1,732 g |
| Core / Layup | Karuba + Poplar core + basalt reinforcement; cork damplifier in tip/tail; full sidewall construction | Aspen core + carbon + titanal mounting plate / reinforcement; VibeStop™ 8 channels; semi cap construction |
| Rocker / Camber / Tail profile | ~24% tip rocker / camber underfoot / ~21% tail rocker (varies by size) | ~30% tip rocker / ~60% camber / ~10% tail rocker |
| Flex / Character | Soft tip & tail, stiffer underfoot and torsionally stiff | Medium-stiff flex (rated ~7/10) |
Spec Analysis & What to Expect in Performance
Shape, Profile & Rocker Trade-offs
The Echo uses a fairly balanced rocker/camber/rocker pattern (modest tip rocker, camber underfoot, moderate tail rocker).
The Citadel leans more aggressive in tip rocker (30%) with a modest tail rocker (10%) and longer camber zone (60%) in the middle. That suggests a design that prioritizes float and forgiveness up front with a more stable camber zone.
In powder and soft snow, the Citadel’s more aggressive rocker can initiate turns more easily and float with less effort. On the flip side, in firm or variable snow, the Echo’s more moderate rocker may provide a more secure and confident contact zone.
Takeaway: The Citadel will feel more surfy/floater in deep snow; Echo may feel more trustworthy in choppy, variable, or harder snow.
Damping, Torsional Rigidity & Vibration Control
The Echo’s cork damplifier in tip/tail plus basalt reinforcement is designed to reduce chatter and enhance smoothness without adding excessive weight.
The Citadel’s signature VibeStop™ system (8 channels embedded in the core) is explicitly marketed to “silence chatter” across various snow conditions.
In reviews, users mention the Citadel feels remarkably smooth, even in crud or chop, whereas the Echo is praised for punching above its weight in terrain smoothing—but might not fully match the Citadel in extremely high-speed rough terrain.
Takeaway: Both skis invest heavily in damping. In edge cases (high speed choppy snow), the Citadel has a small edge in smoothness thanks to patented VibeStop™ tech.
Stability, Edge Hold & High Speed Behavior
Many reviewers of the Echo note that while it’s stable for its weight class, at very high speeds or when pushed hard on firm snow it can feel less locked-in than heavier alternatives.
The Citadel, with more backbone and carbon/titanal reinforcement, may hold an edge more aggressively in demanding turns. That said, lighter skis in aggressive shapes can be more demanding—small mistakes will be magnified.
For playful skiing (slashing, surfy tips, dynamic transitions), Echo’s softer tips might allow easier pivoting, while Citadel’s tech ensures quicker hold when needed.
Takeaway: For charging hard, Citadel may feel more locked in. For playful moves and letting the ski articulate freely, Echo might feel more forgiving.
Ride Impressions & Comparative Scenarios
Rather than rehashing generic traits, here are concrete use-case comparisons:
| Scenario | Echo 106 | Citadel 107 |
|---|---|---|
| Deep powder / back bowls | Feels larger than its waist suggests, floats well | Very strong, with surfy initiation and hold in steep powder zones |
| Mixed variable / crud / chop | Surprisingly confident for a lighter ski, good damping | Very smooth ride, strong in chop, will outperform when snow is variable |
| Firm / carved groomers | Reasonable, but may feel “light” underfoot at speed | Has an edge in holding through transitions thanks to VibeStop™ |
| Touring / skin ascent | Relatively light for a resort ski | More efficient, less fatigue on long skin tracks thanks to Vibestop™ |
| Play / freestyle / pop | Softer flex in the tip/tail gives looseness for tricks | More backbone might resist extreme flexing, but still energetic for maneuverability in tricky terrain |
| All-mountain / “quiver-of-one” | Versatile, leans forgiving | More aggressive, better for those who push harder lines |
In the real world, a lot depends on rider style, snow conditions, and length of day. The Echo may be more forgiving; Citadel may shine when you’re in charging mode.
The Verdict
Both the Salomon QST Echo 106 and the Renoun Citadel 107 are designed for skiers who want one ski that can do almost everything—but they go about it in very different ways. The QST Echo is a capable all-rounder, light enough for touring and balanced enough for everyday resort laps. It’s a solid choice for skiers who prioritize approachability, uphill efficiency, and a do-it-all feel over sheer power.
The Citadel 107, however, takes things further. Thanks to VibeStop™ Technology, it delivers the rare combo of lightweight touring efficiency and big-mountain composure. It stays calm when conditions turn chaotic and charges with confidence where the Echo starts to feel nervous.
If you’re a skier who likes to push harder, ski faster, or blur the line between touring and freeride, the Citadel 107 is the clear winner—a ski that truly adapts to you and the mountain beneath it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ski is lighter / better for uphill efficiency?
These skis are functionally the same weight. The Citadel's slight advantage of 1732 g per ski at 184cm length vs the QST's 1760 g per ski at 181cm is effectively the difference of two or three sticks of gum. But the Citadel does weight two pieces of juicy fruit less than Salomon's ski.
Does the Echo 106 feel “too light” / “too soft” at high speed?
Some testers from Outdoor Gear Lab and Powder Magazine note that while Echo is very stable for its weight, it doesn’t quite match heavier high-performance skis in extreme high-speed chop or icy terrain.
How does Citadel’s VibeStop™ actually feel?
The experience of skiing a ski with VibeStop™ is hard to explain at first, but once skied makes complete sense. When skiing in the soft powder or at a slower, less aggressive speed, but instantly provides backbone when you provide more speed or force to the ski. VibeStop™ allows the ski to instantly adapt to how you ski, the terrain you're skiing, and snow conditions.
Which ski is better for a “quiver of one” approach?
If your ideal ski is the one you take everywhere, the QST Echo may be slightly more forgiving, but the Citadel offers more aggressive capacity and better damping at high speeds. Your choice will depend on your style and how much you push your limits.
What length should I ride for each?
Both skis come in a wide variety of sizes. The Citadel 107 comes in 163cm, 170cm, 177cm, 184cm, and 191cm lengths. The QST comes in 157cm, 165cm, 173cm, 181cm, and 189cm lengths. Both skis come in five lengths, with the Citadel 107 having a 191cm ski for the tallest skiers, and DPS offering a 157cm ski for the shortest skiers. Ski sizing is about more than simply your height, it takes into account your size, skiing ability, suited terrain and characteristics of the skis themselves. Check out our expert guide on ski length to get dialed in.
Aren’t both the QST Echo’s Cork Damplifier and Renoun’s VibeStop™ meant to reduce vibration? How are they different?
Both aim for a smoother ride, but they work in fundamentally different ways.
Salomon’s Cork Damplifier is a passive system—a fixed piece of cork in the tip and tail designed to absorb some vibration and dampen chatter. It helps reduce tip flutter and adds a touch of smoothness, but it’s always “on” and doesn’t change its behavior as conditions vary.
Renoun’s VibeStop™, by contrast, is active and adaptive. It’s a patented, fluid-based polymer integrated into channels running through the core. When vibrations increase—like when you hit crust, chop, or ice—the material instantly stiffens, absorbing the excess energy. When the snow softens, VibeStop relaxes, letting the ski flex naturally again.
The result is a ski that feels rock-solid when you need stability, and playful when you don’t. It’s like having two skis in one—without touching a switch.
And because VibeStop replaces heavy metal laminates or carbon stacks used for damping in traditional builds, the Citadel stays significantly lighter—yet more stable—than most skis in its class.
Put simply:
Cork Damplifier: absorbs vibration passively.
VibeStop™: reacts to vibration in real time, adapting flex and feel to conditions—all while cutting weight.
Credit - Renoun
The Author: Will Chaltas
Will has over a decade of ski industry experience. With PSIA ski instructor certifications, thousands of hours logged ski instructing, and a lifetime spent on-snow, Will is an expert in the sport. Will also spent time working in brand management, media, product journalism, marketing and customer service before joining the Renoun team full-time in 2023. His favorite chairlift snack is a PB, banana and honey sandwich.
Why Trust the Renoun Reviews Team?
Renoun Skis Reviews team has over a decade of ski design and manufacturing experience, and decades of combined ski-industry experience ranging from certified PSIA ski instructors to shop technicians, racers, and coaches. We also have a deep passion for and love of all things skiing. The team utilizes this experience to provide unparalleled reviews that dive deep to help guide your purchase for just about any ski-related item and help inform you of any ski-focused tips and tricks about maintenance, on-hill performance, and even the best places to enjoy your Après-Ski. Through written and video content, the Renoun Skis Reviews team is here to help inform you on all things ski-related.
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