In the world of skiing, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and Salomon QST 98 Skis are two top contenders for the 2023 season. Both skis are designed for advanced skiers and offer a plethora of features that make them stand out. The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are known for their supreme grip on edge at speed and their variable turn radius, making them a powerful platform for those willing to push it. On the other hand, the Salomon QST 98 Skis are praised for their versatility and playfulness, making them a great all-mountain ski. While both skis have their strengths, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are more suited for expert level skiers who want a race ski feel in an all-mountain shape, while the Salomon QST 98 Skis are ideal for advanced skiers looking for a well-rounded, fun-loving ski.

Völkl M6 Mantra Skis · 2023 summary

The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are a new school build on a construction that has been a proven package for strength and versatility. They are designed with a variable turn radius that provides a plethora of turn shapes for the expert level skier. This feature allows for supreme grip on edge at speed and progressive grip no matter the turn shape. Despite the long effective edge, these skis are surprisingly easy to turn laterally.

The Mantra M6 is built with Völkl's 3D Radii sidecut, which means the ski is just as at home making short turn radius turns as it is making longer, more high-speed turns. It's surprisingly light for such an all-mountain ski, and it's built for speed. The lighter tip, due to a carbon spectral braid, also gives it plenty of float off-trail.

However, these skis may not be the best for beginners due to their high energy and lack of surface area for powder floatation. They are also on the stiffer side and require the skier to push it to get the most out of it.

Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2023 summary

The Salomon QST 98 Skis are a great all-mountain ski that can handle a variety of skiing types. They are built with a Poplar wood core, double sidewalls, carbon/flax stringers, and cork damplifier. This sophisticated construction allows skiers to bend and flex the ski while having great grip to go along with playfulness and flotation.

These skis are known for their versatility and playfulness. They have a more exaggerated taper in the tip and tails, giving them a more "slarvy" or surf-like feel when in soft snow. Despite a lot of rocker, they can still be carved on fresh corduroy with confidence, making them a versatile option.

However, their carving performance doesn't match skis with more metal, and there are skis that can handle extremely hard charging better. They are also not ideal for primarily icy conditions or for beginners.

Similarities

Both the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and the Salomon QST 98 Skis are designed for advanced skiers and are built to handle a variety of conditions. They both have a sophisticated construction that allows for great grip and playfulness. Both skis are also designed with a focus on versatility, allowing skiers to tackle a range of terrains and snow conditions. They both have a rocker design that aids in flotation in soft snow and maneuverability in various conditions.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for advanced skiers, they cater to slightly different personas. The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are more suited for expert level skiers who want a race ski feel in an all-mountain shape. They are built for speed and require the skier to push it to get the most out of it. This makes them ideal for aggressive skiers who love to carve and push their limits on the slopes.

On the other hand, the Salomon QST 98 Skis are ideal for advanced skiers looking for a well-rounded, fun-loving ski. They are more playful and versatile, making them great for skiers who love to explore different terrains and conditions. They are also a bit more forgiving, making them a good choice for skiers who are still honing their skills.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, the Salomon QST 98 Skis take the lead. They are designed to handle a variety of conditions and terrains, making them a great all-around ski.

In terms of speed and power, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis come out on top. They are built for speed and require the skier to push it to get the most out of it.

For playfulness and maneuverability, the Salomon QST 98 Skis are the winner. They are more playful and easier to maneuver, making them fun to ski in different conditions.

Finally, for expert level skiers, the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are the clear winner. They are designed for expert level skiers and offer a race ski feel in an all-mountain shape.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl M6 Mantra Skis and the Salomon QST 98 Skis are excellent choices for advanced skiers. The Völkl M6 Mantra Skis are more suited for expert level skiers who want a race ski feel in an all-mountain shape, while the Salomon QST 98 Skis are ideal for advanced skiers looking for a well-rounded, fun-loving ski. Both skis offer a plethora of features that make them stand out, and choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and skiing style. So, whether you're a speed demon or a playful explorer, there's a ski out there for you. Happy skiing!