Video Transcript

My name is Leo, and I'm a curated.com Ski Expert. Today, we're talking about the Elan Ripstick 94 versus the Salomon QST Lux 92.

Elan Ripstick 94 W Skis

Let's dive in with the Elan Ripstick, which is a very unique ski on the market. It's one of the most interesting out there, if you ask me because it has a specific left and right ski along with its line technology and Amphibio tech. What that is, is a little extra rocker on the outside of the ski and a little extra camber on the inside of the ski. It allows for catch-free turn initiation. These big tips allow for additional powder float, but with a 94 underfoot, it's very all-mountain. It's like a performance waist with core materials and it's still got a very square tail. That's pretty skinny and flat in the snow, which makes it a great carving ski.

I've demoed these a lot over the past couple of weeks at the beginning of the ski season, and the performance just stands out time and time again. It's great for skiers in the east and the west. It's great for experts who want a lighter weight ski, and it's great for intermediates who want something that's not super heavy to continue to grow with. So, it has a very wide range of people that it makes a lot of sense for.

In the core, it's got what's called to light. These are carbon rods that Elan lines through the ski to make it a little stiffer and hold a good edge. I will say, at top speeds, I've found this ski to be a little turny to stay under control. Sometimes, the square tail can be a little challenging for people in moguls if they're not super strong there, but it's something you just kind of develop a technique about. Overall, it's just an absolutely great ski that really stands out for people looking for lighter skis that can perform at a very high level.

Salomon QST Lux 92 Skis

Now, jumping over to the Salomon QST Lux 92. This has been one of my top recommended skis forever! It premiered on the scene around 2016. I remember I just moved up to Vail and got to demo this lineup very heavily as it was being produced. Overall, it just continues to get better and better year after year. This year is no exception.

One, it's got the best graphics it's ever had. Two, this 92 underfoot performance with these nice progressive rocker tips just appeals to such a broad range of skiers. I like to put intermediates on it who are getting out of rentals, who are comfortable on blues, pushing into blacks, wanting a ski that can take them to the next level. This ski can absolutely do that.

I love this for my more advanced skiers in the East who want the versatility to come out West and hang on a powder day while still handling icy hard pack at home really well. There's just so many good things to say about it. They have a lot of unique technology. Salomon pioneers this technology called a mix of carbon and flax that help stiffen but also dampen the ski at the same time. They also use cork as part of their core materials to help keep the ski light but very damp and stable.

Similarities and Differences

So no matter which way you go, you've really got a good option. If you're not sure which one is right for you, just click this chat box right here. Give a shout out to your curated expert or come down here and ask a specific question that you have. We'll pop right up here on the other side to give you some answers. So give us a shout. We'll get you taken care of and get you into the perfect ski for your needs.

Comparison Table