In the world of all-mountain skis, the Salomon QST 92 and Line Blade Optic 96 are two standout performers. Both skis are designed for versatility and performance, but they each have their unique strengths. The Salomon QST 92 is a powerful and highly versatile all-mountain weapon, with less rocker in the tip and tail for more effective edge carving on trails and hardpack. On the other hand, the Line Blade Optic 96 is a playful and agile ski that doesn't sacrifice versatility. It's perfect for those who want to dabble in off-trail terrain while still enjoying fantastic turns on piste. Both skis are excellent choices, but the best one for you will depend on your skiing style and preferences.

Salomon QST 92 Skis · 2023 summary

The Salomon QST 92 is a powerful and highly versatile all-mountain ski. Despite being the narrowest of the QST line, it packs 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, don't let its narrowness 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 both powerful and playful, perfect for those who want to explore all that the mountain has to offer.

Line Blade Optic 96 Skis · 2023 summary

The Line Blade Optic 96 is a new addition to the ski world, replacing the previous Sick Day line. This ski is lighter and more agile, without sacrificing the versatility that the previous generation was known for. It's a perfect all-mountain ski for those starting to dabble in some off-trail terrain, while still providing fantastic turns on piste.

The Blade Optic 96 features an aspen wood core, fiberglass laminate, and Line's "Gas Pedal Medal Overdrive." This is a partial layer of titanal that's split into segmented sections, and that tapers to a point near the ends of the skis. The goal is to get some of the benefits of a titanal layer (added damping, torsional rigidity) while still creating skis that aren't super stiff and produce energy when bent. The Blade Optic 96 experiences strong edge grip on hard snow with a powerful smooth ride but can also handle cut-up snow and chop with relative ease.

Similarities

Both the Salomon QST 92 and the Line Blade Optic 96 are all-mountain skis designed for versatility and performance. They both have a narrower waist width, making them nimble from edge to edge and offering great bite on hardpack. Both skis are designed to be playful and energetic, with a focus on providing a smooth and powerful ride. They both have unique technologies that enhance their performance, such as the cork dampeners and carbon material in the QST 92 and the "Gas Pedal Medal Overdrive" in the Blade Optic 96. Both skis are also designed to handle a variety of conditions, from hardpack to choppy snow, making them excellent choices for skiers who want to explore all that the mountain has to offer.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are versatile and high-performing, they cater to slightly different personas. The Salomon QST 92 is ideal for skiers who want a powerful and versatile all-mountain weapon. It's perfect for those who love carving on trails and hardpack but also want the ability to venture off-trail into more varied terrain. The QST 92 is also surprisingly light for an all-mountain ski, making it a great choice for skiers looking to quickly progress their prowess off the trails.

On the other hand, the Line Blade Optic 96 is perfect for skiers who want a playful and agile ski that doesn't sacrifice versatility. It's ideal for those starting to dabble in some off-trail terrain while still enjoying fantastic turns on piste. The Blade Optic 96 is also a bit lighter and more agile than the previous generation, making it a great choice for skiers who value agility and lightness in their skis.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform exceptionally well. However, the Salomon QST 92's less rocker in the tip and tail gives it a slight edge for carving on trails and hardpack.

In terms of playfulness, the Line Blade Optic 96 stands out with its energetic and poppy nature. Its unique "Gas Pedal Medal Overdrive" technology also adds to its playful character.

For weight, the Salomon QST 92 takes the win. Despite its powerful performance, it's surprisingly light for an all-mountain ski, making it easy to turn in tight spots.

Finally, for off-trail performance, both skis are capable, but the Salomon QST 92's cork dampeners and carbon material make it very nimble and playful when going off-trail or into more varied terrain.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Salomon QST 92 and the Line Blade Optic 96 are excellent all-mountain skis that offer versatility and performance. The Salomon QST 92 is a powerful and versatile all-mountain weapon that's surprisingly light, making it perfect for skiers looking to quickly progress their prowess off the trails. On the other hand, the Line Blade Optic 96 is a playful and agile ski that doesn't sacrifice versatility, making it ideal for those starting to dabble in some off-trail terrain while still enjoying fantastic turns on piste.

Choosing between these two skis ultimately comes down to your personal skiing style and preferences. If you're a skier who loves carving on trails and hardpack but also wants the ability to venture off-trail, the Salomon QST 92 would be a great choice. If you're a skier who values agility and lightness in your skis and wants a playful and energetic ride, the Line Blade Optic 96 would be a fantastic option. Either way, you can't go wrong with either of these skis. Happy skiing!