SkiEssentials.com - What's In Your Quiver - Episode 7: Matt Stromecki 2025 Edition

[@stephen-he4iw]

Nice to see a more reasonable 8 pairs of skis and 4 boots lol.

[@SkiEssentials]

Matt loves skis just as much as I do! Give him more time in this world, his collection will grow 😉

[@positive56]

6 pairs of boots…

[@phrides]

That Declivity, gold Pivot combination might make for the nicest looking pair of skis I've seen.

[@SkiEssentials]

Have to keep it subtle but also just flashy enough! -Matt

[@jdthood]

I like the format of these videos, including the pairing of boots to skis, and which skis you would consider adding and subtracting; this helps to put the earlier remarks in perspective.

[@R-o-u-X]

Finally some love for Salomon ! Great content as always guys ✌️

[@alexkuiper1096]

Really interesting - thanks for doing this.

[@muddyhumber]

Refreshing to hear reviews without the manufacturer's trademarked jargon for various materials and construction methodologies. It's clear that Matt is a powerful skier so we can extrapolate how performance for him may or may not translate for others.

[@cams3425]

Thank you for sharing your ski gear. Happy to see so many Salomon QST products as I'm a huge fan. I have the same QST 106 version (pre this latest version) and agree with you completely on the versatility as well as the comments on the 1st gen shift bindings. Once I got the toe piece height adjusted correctly I quit self ejecting from the ski (sucks not knowing that in the beginning and popping out at the most inoppurtune times). Have thought about the Enforcer Unlimited 104 since they are such bargains at the moment, but so close to my 106s in application and I already have a backcountry setup. Really good info and appreciate your thoughts on all the gear. Great stuff!

[@SkiEssentials]

Certainly have to keep an eye on the toe height every once and a while but other than that, they are great! I got the Unlimited 104 because they have stopped selling them in the US so I had to get a pair before they sold out and due to my fondness for the 104 Free. They should be an excellent tree ski for the East at a lower weight than the QST 106. -Matt

[@bearclaw5115]

Is my quiver more like Jeff's or Bob's? Turns out it's more like Matt's! Matt is an awesome skier to watch too, he gives me lot's of ideas about how to approach the hill.

[@Lo-cj6ski]

Excellent vid Matt! Thanks. Surprised you don’t have a Black Ops 118 in the mix with your penchant for wider skis? It would be superb resort pow ski for you.. you’ve obviously tried it? 186 is on shorter side for me too, but that gives me more maneuverability with the mass.. that ski charges and is more versatile than expected.. love it!

[@SkiEssentials]

Bob had actually recommended the Black Ops 118 to me as my powder ski! I think it is still in the running for a resort powder ski that is a little more chargy than the QST X. But then again, you see guys like Josh Diak and Alexi Godbout doing some wicked things on the X, so I am not convinced that I need something more chargy. Thanks for the insight! -Matt

[@cameronmasters6187]

I have the exact same declivity 102 set up - 2024 with the gold Pivot 15s. Absolutely love them. Are you tempted to get the 102 X this year? I’m a sucker for new skis and the way your team has described the new 102 X makes me want it bad. But I love the 102 ti as well. I live out west and ski Alta and wouldn’t mind a Declivity that floats in pow a little better.

[@SkiEssentials]

Very tempted but also very happy on the current 102!

[@gregorlicz4114]

Matt, one more question for you. What are your thoughts on the QST X vs the Nocta. You seemed to really like the Nocta during your test so just wondering what the difference maker was going for the QST?

[@Jp6M]

Matt, what brake width attacks are on your oblivion 102s? I got the same ski but trying to decide between the 95 and 110 brake. Thank you!

[@SkiEssentials]

95!

[@darinsmith2458]

I would say that we have very similar taste in skis.. I love my Enforcer 104 Free and I loved the QST 106.. I would try anything that you have.. You spent $$$ on bindings..

[@SkiEssentials]

Check out that Declivity X 102 or Declivity 102 Ti, you will not be disappointed. -Matt

[@darinsmith2458]

@@SkiEssentials Thank you... I will try to keep that in mind.. I do notice that you size up but you are taller and more athletic..

[@oktxvijus]

hey man, completely unrelated to the vid, but should i get the marker jesters or the look pivots 14s? i am 5'10, 70kg and i am definetely a 3+ skiier. not too sure what to put on my new armada arv 94s. please help!

[@gregorlicz4114]

@SkiEssentials / Matt, what length is your Declivity 102? I really wish they had something in between 180 and 188.

[@SkiEssentials]

It's a 188 and fits great! Doesn't ski too long for the length.

[@ran981248]

I'm really curious on the boot fit of the Nordica Unlimited vs Tecnica Cochise, could you comment on that? I'm thinking which boot I can use to bootpack and tour occasionally that can still drive a ~1900g with Shift bindings. I'm deciding between the Unlimited 130 LT vs Cochise 130.

[@SkiEssentials]

Both would be great for what you are looking to do! The Cochise has a little more of a snug fit around the ankle area which helps with more lateral control of the ski at faster speeds. However the Nordica has more range of motion when walking and touring. The Cochise liner also feels thicker than the Unlimited, so I have found that the Unlimited has quicker power transfer, although maybe not as much power transfer as the Cochise. Hope this helps! -Matt

[@pablovagnor]

Do yal do GOGGLE reviews ??? ...Lolong for a under the lights night time / low light goggles.... Mid west skiiing . 🤘🏼. Indiana

[@SkiEssentials]

It's not part of our normal review procedure. I will say that anything that fits with your helmet and has a clear lens is going to be awesome for nights and low lights.

[@JabroniJimmy]

Had this vid in the background audio only and thought it was bob chatting for the first few minutes. You guys speak so similarly

[@SkiEssentials]

I can only hope to one day be as articulate, deliberate, and knowledgable as Bob. Either way, much appreciated! -Matt

[@jonklass]

Is that QST footage from Chamonix 🔥 ??

[@SkiEssentials]

Yup! Most of it is from Brevent or Flegre. -Matt

[@nzheliking1278]

Declivity 102ti vs x102? Cheers nick.

[@SkiEssentials]

X 102 is a little smoother and more damp overall while the 102 Ti has more spring and pep out of the turn. X 102 also has a slightly flatter rocker profile making it more dritfy, smeary, and surfy in deeper snow. The 102 Ti essentially wants to carve through powder instead of surf it. Hope this helps! -Matt

[@nzheliking1278]

@ awesome thanks.

[@zacprior174]

Only 50 min vid must be much more reasonable than ep.6 😂

[@res_ipsa-REX]

I think Matt may be disappointed with how the Unleashed 108 handles deeper powder (10"+). I know I was. That long effective edge and minimal tip rocker just don't allow for enough flotation. A QST 106, ARV 106, or the Bent 110 are much better powder skis but are not competent on groomers, in my opinion. However, my Unleashed 108 (174 cm) is the most versatile ski I have ever owned. It excels in all terrain except deeper powder. And I agree it does ski long, so I went with the 174 cm even though I am 6' and 190 lbs. The shorter length (therefore less weight) allows for a lot of nimbleness in bumps, tight trees, and jump turns on steep chutes. Yet the 108 width adds enough stability to carve turns at 45 mph on groomers. I just love the ski, and when paired with a dedicated powder ski (I have the ARV 116 JJ (not UL) in the 185 cm length), it is a great 2 ski quiver for Utah.

[@PebusGalacticus]

I’ve always found my arv106’s to be very meh deep power skis. But I have the 2018 versions.

[@res_ipsa-REX]

@@PebusGalacticus I agree. I was just emphasizing how the ARV 106 is a better deep pow ski than the Unleashed 108 which says a lot about the 108

[@SkiEssentials]

I knew going into it that they weren't going to be the best in deeper snow but since I have so many other similar options that are better soft snow performers, I thought that they would be better for the crud busting application once trails are tracked out and for carving (I know it's weird that I got a 108 carving ski, but they're just so darn good). Thanks for your insight! -Matt

[@thegoodlightllc4093]

For the life of me i cannot understand how you are a 13 size foot and fit in a 28.5. i am a size 11 and can barely use a 28.5 and am in a bunch of pain getting in the 27.5

[@SkiEssentials]

It's amazing, when you actually shell fit your foot to a boot, there's just a lot more room in there than may let on. But totally get it, and if you're uncomfortable, then don't push it!

[@christophermagnuson1270]

Oh boy is this great ⛷❄️ You need to increase your work hours to be able to buy more skis.