In the world of all-mountain skis, the Salomon QST 92 and Atomic Maverick 95 Ti are two top contenders for 2023. Both skis are versatile, powerful, and designed to handle a variety of terrains. The QST 92, the narrowest of the QST line, is a lightweight, nimble ski that excels in carving on trails and hardpack, while also being playful off-trail. On the other hand, the Maverick 95 Ti is a hard-charging ski with a blend of metal dampening and lightweight performance, offering impeccable edge hold and easy turn initiation. Both skis are excellent choices for all-mountain enthusiasts, but the QST 92 might be better for those looking to progress quickly off the trails, while the Maverick 95 Ti is ideal for those who prefer high speeds and long turns.

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 pack a punch. The 92 has less rocker in the tip and tail, giving it more effective edge for carving on trails and hardpack. This makes it a carving and trail specialist. However, the QST 92 is not just about carving. The cork dampeners in the tip and tail, combined with the carbon material woven into the frame, keep the ski nimble and playful when going off-trail or into more varied terrain, like trees.

Salomon constructed the QST without metal, making it surprisingly light for an all-mountain ski. This lightness allows the ski to turn intuitively in tight spots. The QST 92 is a great all-mountain option for a skier looking to quickly progress their prowess off the trails. It's a ski that can handle it all, from hardpack to tight trees, making it a versatile choice for any skier.

Atomic Maverick 95 Ti Skis · 2023 summary

The Atomic Maverick 95 Ti Skis are an all-mountain tool designed for hard charging. The Maverick has a moderate rocker at the tip, which provides better float and easier turn initiation in soft snow than skis with minimal rocker. This means you won't find yourself immobile off-piste.

The backbone of this ski is poplar wood, which gives it superior flex and weight without compromising vibration absorption. This results in more control over the ski and less fatigue. The poplar is spiced up with some titanal (hence the "ti" in the name), which amps up edge-to-edge response and dampening.

The Maverick 95 Ti is a ski that can tackle anything you throw at it, as long as you're buckled in for the ride. It's balanced, light, and crushes everything on the mountain. It's a ski that loves to be on edge, but has a low enough weight to ski in tighter spots.

Similarities

Both the Salomon QST 92 and the Atomic Maverick 95 Ti are all-mountain skis designed to handle a variety of terrains and conditions. They both have a moderate rocker profile, which provides better float and easier turn initiation in soft snow. Both skis are also designed to be nimble and playful, with the ability to turn intuitively in tight spots.

In terms of construction, both skis use poplar wood as the backbone, providing superior flex and weight without compromising vibration absorption. This results in more control over the ski and less fatigue for the skier. Both skis are also designed to be versatile, capable of handling everything from hardpack to soft snow.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are versatile all-mountain options, they cater to slightly different personas. The Salomon QST 92, being the narrowest of the QST line, is a carving and trail specialist. It's a great option for skiers looking to quickly progress their prowess off the trails. Its lightweight construction without metal makes it surprisingly light for an all-mountain ski, making it a good choice for those who value nimbleness and playfulness.

On the other hand, the Atomic Maverick 95 Ti is a hard-charging ski designed for high speeds and long turns. It's built with two layers of metal, providing stiffness and dampening for hard pack. This makes it a good choice for skiers who prefer a more aggressive ride and value stability and edge-to-edge response.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform well, but the Salomon QST 92 might have a slight edge due to its ability to handle both on-trail carving and off-trail playfulness.

In terms of construction, the Atomic Maverick 95 Ti, with its double layer of metal, offers more stability and dampening, making it the winner for those who prefer a stiffer, more aggressive ride.

For weight and nimbleness, the Salomon QST 92, constructed without metal, is the clear winner. It's surprisingly light for an all-mountain ski, allowing for intuitive turns in tight spots.

Finally, for progression, the Salomon QST 92 is the winner. It's a great all-mountain option for a skier looking to quickly progress their prowess off the trails.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Salomon QST 92 and the Atomic Maverick 95 Ti are excellent all-mountain skis that cater to different types of skiers. The QST 92 is a versatile, nimble ski that excels in carving on trails and hardpack, while also being playful off-trail. It's a great choice for skiers looking to quickly progress their prowess off the trails.

On the other hand, the Maverick 95 Ti is a hard-charging ski that offers impeccable edge hold and easy turn initiation. It's ideal for those who prefer high speeds and long turns.

Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal skiing style and preferences. Whether you're a playful carver or a hard-charging speedster, there's a ski for you in the 2023 lineup. Happy skiing!