In the world of skiing, the Salomon QST 98 Skis and the Faction Prodigy 2 Skis are two top contenders for the 2024 season. Both skis are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and are marketed as all-mountain, freeride freestyle skis. They both have a waist width of 98mm, making them versatile enough to handle a variety of snow conditions. However, they each have their unique strengths and weaknesses that make them suitable for different types of skiers.

The Salomon QST 98 Skis are praised for their all-around performance, with experts noting their ability to handle groomers, moguls, trees, powder, and backcountry with ease. They are described as a "one ski quiver" that's wide enough to handle some powder but still has the camber underfoot to handle groomers and ski at resorts really well.

On the other hand, the Faction Prodigy 2 Skis are lauded for their freestyle capabilities. They are described as a "shred tool" that can handle any terrain on the mountain. They are particularly praised for their performance in the park, with their twin-tip design and medium flex rating making them suitable for jumps, rails, and butters.

In terms of similarities, both skis are designed to be versatile and playful, with a focus on all-mountain performance. They both have a waist width of 98mm, making them suitable for a variety of snow conditions. They also both have a twin-tip design, allowing for easy switch skiing and maneuvering in the park.

However, they differ in their performance in certain areas. The Salomon QST 98 Skis are noted for their all-around performance and ability to handle a variety of terrains and snow conditions. They are also praised for their stability and dampening, thanks to their carbon fiber stringers and fiberglass laminate. On the other hand, the Faction Prodigy 2 Skis are lauded for their freestyle capabilities and their performance in the park. They are also noted for their lightweight maneuverability and solid stability, thanks to their poplar and beech wood core.

In conclusion, both the Salomon QST 98 Skis and the Faction Prodigy 2 Skis are excellent choices for intermediate to advanced skiers looking for a versatile and playful ride. However, the best choice will depend on the individual skier's preferences and skiing style.

Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2024 summary

The Salomon QST 98 Skis are marketed as an all-mountain, freeride freestyle type of ski. They are designed to be a one ski quiver that’s wide enough to handle some powder but still has the camber underfoot to handle groomers and ski at resorts really well. The skis are midwidth at 98 mm and are a great all-around, intermediate one ski quiver.

The skis have a significant early rise in the nose and the tail which helps with the float. They are not super wide so they won't be a perfect powder ski but they will float pretty well. The skis also have a cork damper in them which reduces the chatter that you get from such a significantly early rise in the tips.

The skis are also good for freestyle skiing. They have a partial twin tip so you could definitely ski switch. However, they are more of a freeride ski and there are more park-oriented options than these.

The Salomon QST 98 Skis are a great all-terrain ski that you can use on the groomers, moguls, trees, powder, or backcountry. They'll work pretty well for everything! They are recommended for intermediates all the way to experts and are a really good all-around one ski quiver.

Faction Prodigy 2 Skis · 2024 summary

The Faction Prodigy 2 Skis are designed as an all-mountain shred tool. They are designed to handle any terrain on the mountain, from groomers to powder to park. The skis have a poplar and beech wood core, providing a balance between lightweight maneuverability and solid stability. This combination allows for quick and responsive turns while maintaining a solid feel at higher speeds.

The Prodigy 2 has a waist width of around 98mm, making it well-suited for all-mountain skiing. This width provides excellent edge-to-edge control on groomed runs, while still offering enough floatation for lighter powder days. The ski's camber underfoot ensures reliable edge grip and precise carving on hardpack, while the slight rocker in the tip and tail enhances maneuverability and float in soft snow.

The ski's twin-tip design allows for easy switch skiing and effortless maneuvering in the park. Medium flex rating provides a good balance of stability and playfulness, making it suitable for jumps, rails, and butters.

Overall, the Faction Prodigy 2 skis are a fantastic choice for skiers who enjoy a mix of freestyle and all-mountain skiing. Whether you're hitting the terrain park or exploring the mountain, these skis offer a versatile and enjoyable ride.

Similarities

The Salomon QST 98 Skis and the Faction Prodigy 2 Skis share several similarities. Both skis are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and are marketed as all-mountain, freeride freestyle skis. They both have a waist width of 98mm, making them versatile enough to handle a variety of snow conditions.

Both skis are designed to be versatile and playful, with a focus on all-mountain performance. They both have a twin-tip design, allowing for easy switch skiing and maneuvering in the park. They also both have a good amount of camber underfoot, ensuring reliable edge grip and precise carving on hardpack.

In terms of construction, both skis feature a wood core, providing a balance between lightweight maneuverability and solid stability. This combination allows for quick and responsive turns while maintaining a solid feel at higher speeds.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While the Salomon QST 98 Skis and the Faction Prodigy 2 Skis share several similarities, they also have their unique strengths and weaknesses that make them suitable for different types of skiers.

The Salomon QST 98 Skis are praised for their all-around performance, with experts noting their ability to handle groomers, moguls, trees, powder, and backcountry with ease. They are described as a "one ski quiver" that's wide enough to handle some powder but still has the camber underfoot to handle groomers and ski at resorts really well. This makes them a great choice for skiers who enjoy exploring different terrains and conditions.

On the other hand, the Faction Prodigy 2 Skis are lauded for their freestyle capabilities. They are described as a "shred tool" that can handle any terrain on the mountain. They are particularly praised for their performance in the park, with their twin-tip design and medium flex rating making them suitable for jumps, rails, and butters. This makes them a great choice for skiers who enjoy freestyle skiing and want a ski that can handle both the park and the mountain.

In conclusion, the Salomon QST 98 Skis are a great choice for skiers who enjoy exploring different terrains and conditions, while the Faction Prodigy 2 Skis are a great choice for skiers who enjoy freestyle skiing and want a ski that can handle both the park and the mountain.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When comparing the Salomon QST 98 Skis and the Faction Prodigy 2 Skis, the winner will depend on the individual skier's preferences and skiing style.

1. Versatility: Both skis are designed to be versatile and handle a variety of snow conditions. However, the Salomon QST 98 Skis are praised for their all-around performance and ability to handle groomers, moguls, trees, powder, and backcountry with ease. Therefore, the Salomon QST 98 Skis are the winner in terms of versatility.

2. Freestyle Capabilities: The Faction Prodigy 2 Skis are lauded for their freestyle capabilities. They are described as a "shred tool" that can handle any terrain on the mountain, including the park. Therefore, the Faction Prodigy 2 Skis are the winner in terms of freestyle capabilities.

3. Stability: Both skis are noted for their stability, thanks to their wood core construction. However, the Salomon QST 98 Skis are praised for their stability and dampening, thanks to their carbon fiber stringers and fiberglass laminate. Therefore, the Salomon QST 98 Skis are the winner in terms of stability.

4. Playfulness: Both skis are designed to be playful, with a twin-tip design that allows for easy switch skiing and maneuvering in the park. However, the Faction Prodigy 2 Skis are noted for their playful and fun ride, making them the winner in terms of playfulness.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Salomon QST 98 Skis and the Faction Prodigy 2 Skis are excellent choices for intermediate to advanced skiers looking for a versatile and playful ride. The Salomon QST 98 Skis are a great choice for skiers who enjoy exploring different terrains and conditions, while the Faction Prodigy 2 Skis are a great choice for skiers who enjoy freestyle skiing and want a ski that can handle both the park and the mountain.

The best choice will depend on the individual skier's preferences and skiing style. If you're a skier who enjoys exploring different terrains and conditions, the Salomon QST 98 Skis would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you're a skier who enjoys freestyle skiing and wants a ski that can handle both the park and the mountain, the Faction Prodigy 2 Skis would be a great choice.

In the end, both skis offer a versatile and enjoyable ride that will surely enhance your skiing experience. So, whether you choose the Salomon QST 98 Skis or the Faction Prodigy 2 Skis, you're in for a fun and exciting ride on the slopes!