In the world of all-mountain skis, the Salomon QST 92 Skis and Faction Prodigy 1 Skis, both 2023 models, are two top contenders. The Salomon QST 92 is a versatile all-mountain weapon, perfect for carving on trails and hardpack, while also being nimble and playful off-trail. On the other hand, the Faction Prodigy 1 is a freestyle enthusiast's dream, offering a fun-loving sidecut/camber profile and a poppy, stout flex profile that can power through any terrain. Both skis are versatile, offering great performance on a variety of terrains. However, the Salomon QST 92 is more suited for those looking to progress their prowess off the trails, while the Faction Prodigy 1 is ideal for those who love adding freestyle flair to their skiing.

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 when it comes to performance. 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, but don't let that fool you. The cork dampeners 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 constructed the QST without metal, making it surprisingly light for an all-mountain ski. This lightness allows it to turn intuitively in tight spots, making it a great all-mountain option for a skier looking to quickly progress their prowess off the trails. The QST 92 is a testament to Salomon's commitment to innovation and performance, offering a ski that is as versatile as it is powerful.

Faction Prodigy 1 Skis · 2023 summary

The Faction Prodigy 1 Skis are a freestyle enthusiast's dream. They offer a fun-loving sidecut/camber profile with a poppy, stout flex profile that gives you the ability to power through any terrain while still having fun slarving through spring corn and buttering in the park. The Prodigy 1.0 is no outlier with 2.5mm XL edges, full-strength microcap sidewalls, and a rocker-camber-rocker profile with full-twin tips that ensure you're able to stomp that new spin you've been trying to master and ride switch as you please.

The Faction Prodigy 1 Skis are versatile and can handle any terrain, from big lines to high-speed groomer carves to the park. The directional twin-tip design allows for equal performance in both downhill and freestyle skiing, while the poplar and ash wood core provides strength for heavy landings. These skis are a favorite among freeride and freestyle skiers, making them a great choice for those looking for a fun-loving, versatile ski.

Similarities

Both the Salomon QST 92 Skis and the Faction Prodigy 1 Skis are designed for all-mountain use, offering versatility across a range of terrains. They both have a focus on providing a nimble and playful ride, with features that allow for quick turn initiation and maneuverability. Both skis are also designed to be lightweight, making them easy to handle and control. They both have a rocker-camber-rocker profile, which provides a balance of stability and responsiveness. Additionally, both skis are designed to be durable, with features such as full-strength microcap sidewalls in the Faction Prodigy 1 and carbon material woven into the frame of the Salomon QST 92.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are versatile, they cater to slightly different personas. The Salomon QST 92 Skis are ideal for skiers looking to progress their prowess off the trails. They have less rocker in the tip and tail, which gives them more effective edge for carving on trails and hardpack. This makes them a great choice for those who enjoy carving and trail skiing but also want the ability to venture off-trail.

On the other hand, the Faction Prodigy 1 Skis are perfect for those who love adding freestyle flair to their skiing. They have a full-twin tip design and a poppy, stout flex profile, making them ideal for park skiing and freestyle tricks. They also have slightly inset contact points, which makes the ski feel more forgiving in variable snow and allows for quicker turn exits.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform well, but the Salomon QST 92 Skis have a slight edge due to their effective carving ability on trails and hardpack. For freestyle flair, the Faction Prodigy 1 Skis are the clear winner with their full-twin tip design and poppy flex profile. In terms of durability, both skis are robust, but the Salomon QST 92 Skis, with their carbon material woven into the frame, might offer a bit more longevity. Lastly, for maneuverability, both skis are nimble and easy to control, but the Faction Prodigy 1 Skis, with their slightly inset contact points, offer a bit more forgiveness in variable snow.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Salomon QST 92 Skis and the Faction Prodigy 1 Skis are excellent choices for all-mountain skis, each catering to slightly different preferences. The Salomon QST 92 Skis are a versatile all-mountain weapon, perfect for those looking to progress their prowess off the trails. The Faction Prodigy 1 Skis, on the other hand, are a freestyle enthusiast's dream, offering a fun-loving sidecut/camber profile and a poppy, stout flex profile that can power through any terrain. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to your personal skiing style and preferences. Happy skiing!