Expert Comparison: Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2023 vs Salomon QST 92 Skis · 2023
VS
Side by side comparison | Out of stock | Out of stock |
|---|---|---|
Price | from:$359.95 50% off | $329.97 40% off |
User rating | 5(2) | 5(4) |
The Curated Take | Salomon QST 98 is best for advancing intermediates to experts wanting a versatile, one ski quiver with impressive flotation. | Best for modern freeride skiers seeking a versatile, responsive all-mountain ski. |
Ski type | All Mountain | All Mountain |
Skill level | Intermediate, Advanced | Intermediate, Advanced |
Rocker profile | Rocker/Camber/Rocker | Rocker/Camber/Rocker |
In the world of skiing, the Salomon QST 98 and QST 92 Skis, both 2023 models, are two top contenders for all-mountain performance. Both skis are praised for their versatility, agility, and ability to handle a variety of conditions. The QST 98 is lauded for its playful nature, excellent flotation, and ability to handle fresh snow and groomers with equal aplomb. The QST 92, on the other hand, is celebrated for its nimbleness, great bite on hardpack, and freeride-inspired sidecut profile. Both skis are constructed with a Poplar wood core, double sidewalls, carbon/flax stringers, and cork damplifier, making them light, responsive, and fun to ride. However, the QST 98 is not recommended for beginners or icy conditions, while the QST 92 is considered a carving and trail specialist. In the end, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and the specific conditions you plan to ski in.
Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2023 summary
The Salomon QST 98 Skis are a versatile all-mountain ski that can handle a variety of conditions. They are designed with enough early rise in the tip and tail to handle fresh snow, but also have good camber underfoot for shredding groomers. The twin tip design makes them playful and great for slashing.
These skis are constructed with a Poplar wood core, double sidewalls, carbon/flax stringers, and a cork damplifier. This sophisticated construction allows skiers to bend and flex the ski while maintaining great grip, playfulness, and flotation. The QST 98 is also light enough to be a decent choice for mounting a hybrid touring binding.
The QST 98 is an ideal one-ski quiver for intermediates up to experts, especially in the west. It offers impressive flotation and stands at the top of the pack for the 100 underfoot category. This ski gives a really nice balance of playfulness, carving ability, and stability at speed. However, it is not designed for the terrain park outside of a few basic jumps or for primarily icy conditions.
This ski is great for the advanced and almost reckless skiers. People who like to go fast, stop on a dime, turn hard, tackle moguls and catch a little air off them too. The skis were super responsive and stable in every condition.
This ski is great for the advanced and almost reckless skiers. People who like to go fast, stop on a dime, turn hard, tackle moguls and catch a little air off them too. The skis were super responsive and stable in every condition.
Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2023
- We price match
- Returnable
Salomon QST 92 Skis · 2023 summary
The Salomon QST 92 Skis are a powerful and highly versatile all-mountain weapon. Despite being the narrowest of the QST line, they offer a responsive and supple ride. The 92 has less rocker in the tip and tail, giving it more effective edge for carving on trails and hardpack.
Like the QST 98, the QST 92 is constructed with a Poplar wood core, double sidewalls, carbon/flax stringers, and a cork damplifier. This construction keeps the ski nimble and playful when going off trail or into more varied terrain, like trees.
The QST 92 is surprisingly light for an all-mountain ski and can turn intuitively in tight spots. It's a great all-mountain option for a skier looking to quickly progress their prowess off the trails. The sidecut profile is a little more freeride inspired, so you get slightly inset contact points that help the ski feel more forgiving in variable snow, as well as letting you exit turns quicker regardless of where you are relative to the fall line.
The QST 92 is a powerful and highly versatile all-mountain weapon, despite it being the narrowest of the QST line. The 92 has less rocker in the tip and tail, giving it more effective edge for carving on trails and hardpack. And though the 92 is narrow enough to be considered a carving and trail specialist, the cork damplifiers in the tip and tail combined with the carbon material woven into the frame keep the ski very nimble and playful when going off trail or into more varied terrain, like trees.
The QST 92 is a powerful and highly versatile all-mountain weapon, despite it being the narrowest of the QST line. The 92 has less rocker in the tip and tail, giving it more effective edge for carving on trails and hardpack. And though the 92 is narrow enough to be considered a carving and trail specialist, the cork damplifiers in the tip and tail combined with the carbon material woven into the frame keep the ski very nimble and playful when going off trail or into more varied terrain, like trees.
Salomon QST 92 Skis · 2023
- We price match
- Returnable
Similarities
Both the Salomon QST 98 and QST 92 Skis are designed for all-mountain performance and are praised for their versatility and agility. They are both constructed with a Poplar wood core, double sidewalls, carbon/flax stringers, and a cork damplifier, which makes them light, responsive, and fun to ride. Both skis are also designed to be nimble and playful, with the ability to handle a variety of conditions. They both offer great grip and flotation, and are considered to be great options for intermediate to advanced skiers.
Differences and Who They're Good For
While both skis are versatile, the Salomon QST 98 is more suited for fresh snow and groomers, making it a great choice for skiers who enjoy a playful and slashing style. It's also a great choice for those looking for a one-ski quiver, especially in the west. However, it's not ideal for beginners, icy conditions, or terrain park enthusiasts.
On the other hand, the Salomon QST 92, being the narrowest of the QST line, is more of a carving and trail specialist. It's perfect for skiers who want a responsive and supple ride on trails and hardpack, but also want the ability to venture off-trail into more varied terrain. It's a great all-mountain option for skiers looking to quickly progress their prowess off the trails.
Analysis on Who’s the Winner
When it comes to versatility, both skis perform exceptionally well. However, the QST 98's ability to handle fresh snow and groomers with equal aplomb gives it a slight edge.
In terms of construction, both skis are built with the same materials, making them light, responsive, and fun to ride. This results in a tie.
For playfulness, the QST 98's twin tip design and excellent flotation make it the winner. It's a ski that encourages a playful and slashing style.
Finally, for carving and trail performance, the QST 92, with its less rocker and more effective edge, takes the win. It's a ski that offers great bite on hardpack and a responsive, supple ride.
Conclusions
In conclusion, both the Salomon QST 98 and QST 92 Skis are excellent choices for all-mountain performance. They are versatile, agile, and fun to ride, thanks to their sophisticated construction. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific conditions you plan to ski in. If you're looking for a playful ski that can handle fresh snow and groomers with equal aplomb, the QST 98 is the way to go. If you're more of a carving and trail specialist who wants a responsive and supple ride, the QST 92 is your ski. Either way, you're in for a great time on the slopes.
