In the world of all-mountain skis, the Völkl Blaze 94 and Salomon QST 98 are two top contenders for the 2023 season. Both skis are designed to be versatile, playful, and capable of handling a variety of conditions. The Blaze 94, with its softer flex and hybrid capabilities, is a great option for skiers looking to get into touring but don't want to buy two pairs of skis. On the other hand, the QST 98 is a well-rounded, highly-rockered ski that can quite literally do it all. It's a great choice for advanced skiers looking for a fun-loving ski that offers great grip and playfulness. While both skis have their strengths, the final verdict will depend on your personal skiing style and preferences.

Völkl Blaze 94 Skis · 2023 summary

The Völkl Blaze 94 Skis are designed to be more playful and approachable than Völkl's popular all-mountain skis, the Mantra and Kendo. Unlike its siblings, which sport a Tailored Titanal Frame for firm snow performance, the Blaze 94 has a simple wood core and only a Titanal binding reinforcement plate underfoot. This gives the Blaze a softer, more forgiving flex and a more playful attitude.

The Blaze 94 is marketed as a hybrid capable ski, meaning it's light enough to double as a touring option. On groomed runs, it may not have the magnetic edge grip of the Mantra, but it holds firm at most speeds. Off-piste, the Blaze's softer flex offers a more dynamic ride, making it poppier and more lively than its all-mountain siblings. It's also friendlier on the knees in moguls and variable snow.

The Blaze 94 is a great option for skiers looking to get into touring but don't want to buy two pairs of skis. It's sturdy enough for resort skiing, but still light enough to go uphill. However, it's not as confident on firm snow as other stiffer, heavier all-mountain skis, and at higher speeds, the tip is prone to chatter.

Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2023 summary

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

The QST 98 has a lot of rocker, almost enough to put it in the twin-tip department, but with less splay and abruptness than a more freestyle-oriented twin. This makes it a great choice for advanced skiers looking for a well-rounded, fun-loving ski that can do it all.

Despite its rocker, the QST 98 can still carve on fresh corduroy with confidence, making it a versatile option. It's also one of the most maneuverable skis off the groomers, making fresh snow a blast to ski. However, its carving performance doesn't match skis with more metal, and there are skis that can handle extremely hard charging better.

Similarities

Both the Völkl Blaze 94 and the Salomon QST 98 are designed to be versatile all-mountain skis that can handle a variety of conditions. They both have a playful attitude and are built to be forgiving and flexible, allowing skiers to bend and flex the ski while maintaining great grip. Both skis are also designed to be light enough for touring, making them a great option for skiers who want a ski that can do it all. They both have a sophisticated construction that allows for playfulness and flotation, and they both perform well in fresh snow.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are versatile and playful, they each have their unique strengths and weaknesses. The Völkl Blaze 94, with its softer flex, is more forgiving and friendly on the knees, making it a great option for skiers looking to get into touring. It's also more lively and poppy off-piste, but it's not as confident on firm snow as other stiffer, heavier all-mountain skis.

On the other hand, the Salomon QST 98 is a well-rounded, highly-rockered ski that can quite literally do it all. It's a great choice for advanced skiers looking for a fun-loving ski that offers great grip and playfulness. However, its carving performance doesn't match skis with more metal, and there are skis that can handle extremely hard charging better.

In terms of persona, the Blaze 94 is ideal for skiers who are looking to get into touring and want a ski that's sturdy enough for resort skiing but light enough to go uphill. The QST 98, on the other hand, is perfect for advanced skiers who want a well-rounded, fun-loving ski that can handle a variety of conditions.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform well, but the Salomon QST 98 takes the edge with its well-rounded, highly-rockered design that can handle a variety of conditions.

In terms of playfulness, the Völkl Blaze 94 shines with its softer flex and more lively attitude, especially off-piste.

For touring capabilities, both skis are light enough for uphill travel, but the Blaze 94, with its hybrid capabilities, is a more approachable option for skiers looking to get into touring.

Finally, for carving performance, the QST 98, despite its rocker, can still carve on fresh corduroy with confidence, making it a more versatile option. However, the Blaze 94 holds firm at most speeds on groomed runs, making it a reliable choice as well.

Overall, the winner will depend on your personal skiing style and preferences. If you're looking for a softer, more forgiving ski that's great for touring, the Blaze 94 is the way to go. But if you want a well-rounded, fun-loving ski that can handle a variety of conditions, the QST 98 is a fantastic choice.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Völkl Blaze 94 and the Salomon QST 98 are top contenders in the all-mountain ski category for the 2023 season. They both offer versatility, playfulness, and touring capabilities, making them great options for skiers who want a ski that can do it all. However, they each have their unique strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice will depend on your personal skiing style and preferences. Whether you're looking to get into touring with the Blaze 94 or want a well-rounded, fun-loving ski with the QST 98, you're sure to have a blast on the slopes with either of these skis. Happy skiing!