In the world of skiing, the Salomon QST 98 Skis and Rossignol Sender 94 Ti Open Skis are two top contenders for the title of best all-mountain ski. Both skis are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and are praised for their versatility and performance in a variety of conditions. The Salomon QST 98 is lauded for its playful yet powerful performance, with a mid-width design that handles powder and groomers with equal aplomb. The Rossignol Sender 94 Ti, on the other hand, is known for its stability and confidence-inspiring performance, with a titanal reinforcement that extends almost up to the tip. Both skis are light and nimble, offering a great amount of flexibility and the ability to hold an edge on hard pack. However, the Salomon QST 98 is often described as more playful and freeride-oriented, while the Rossignol Sender 94 Ti is seen as more stable and hard-charging. In the end, the choice between these two skis will come down to personal preference 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, with potential for backcountry touring. They are designed to be a one ski quiver, wide enough to handle powder but still having the camber underfoot to handle groomers and ski at resorts really well. The QST 98 is the softer, more playful, freeride oriented ski in Salomon's all-mountain lineup.

The ski lives up to its marketing, with a midwidth of 98 mm making it a great all-around, intermediate one ski quiver. It has significant early rise in the nose and tail which helps with float in powder. The ski is pretty forgiving and not super stiff, with enough camber underfoot to make skiing groomers fun. It also has a cork damper to reduce chatter from the early rise in the tips.

The QST 98 is not a freestyle ski per se, but it is more of a freeride ski. It has a partial twin tip so you could definitely ski switch. It's a great all terrain ski you can use on the groomers, moguls, trees, powder, or backcountry. It'll work pretty well for everything!

Rossignol Sender 94 Ti Open Skis · 2024 summary

The Rossignol Sender 94 Ti Open Skis are designed as a playful, all-mountain ski. At 94 millimeters underfoot, they are designed for a skier who spends about half their time on groomers and about half their time off piste. The skis are very easy to control and have a more traditional tail, which means they like to carve more than they like to pivot.

The skis are very stable, with a titanal reinforcement underfoot that gives them great grip on groomers and hard pack. They are light and nimble when you want them to be, but if you get on them, you can really drive these and hold an edge on the hard pack. They are 94mm underfoot so they offer a great amount of flexibility and will float very well with their generous amount of tip rocker.

The Sender 94 Ti is not a beginner ski, and it's definitely not a park ski. It's a fantastic ski for anyone in the west who's looking for one ski that can do a little bit of everything, no matter what the conditions are.

Similarities

Both the Salomon QST 98 Skis and the Rossignol Sender 94 Ti Open Skis are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and are praised for their versatility and performance in a variety of conditions. They are both all-mountain skis, designed to handle everything from groomers to powder to backcountry. Both skis are light and nimble, offering a great amount of flexibility and the ability to hold an edge on hard pack. They both have a generous amount of tip rocker, which helps with float in powder. Both skis are also designed to be one-ski quivers, capable of handling a wide range of conditions and terrains.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are versatile all-mountain performers, they each have their own unique strengths and characteristics that make them better suited to different types of skiers and conditions. The Salomon QST 98 is often described as more playful and freeride-oriented. It's a great choice for skiers who like to mix it up and explore different parts of the mountain, from groomers to powder to backcountry. It's also a good option for skiers who like a ski that's forgiving and not super stiff.

On the other hand, the Rossignol Sender 94 Ti is seen as more stable and hard-charging. It's a great choice for skiers who like to go fast and carve hard, and who want a ski that's confidence-inspiring on groomers and hard pack. It's also a good option for skiers who spend a lot of time in the west and want a ski that can handle a wide range of conditions.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

1. Versatility: Both skis are highly versatile, but the Salomon QST 98 might have a slight edge due to its more playful and freeride-oriented nature.
2. Stability: The Rossignol Sender 94 Ti wins in this category, thanks to its titanal reinforcement and more hard-charging nature.
3. Playfulness: The Salomon QST 98 takes the cake here, with its more forgiving flex and freeride-oriented design.
4. Carving: The Rossignol Sender 94 Ti shines in this category, with its traditional tail and strong edge hold.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Salomon QST 98 Skis and the Rossignol Sender 94 Ti Open Skis are excellent choices for intermediate to advanced skiers looking for a versatile all-mountain ski. The Salomon QST 98 is a great choice for those who prefer a more playful and freeride-oriented ski, while the Rossignol Sender 94 Ti is perfect for those who prefer a more stable and hard-charging ski. Both skis offer great performance in a variety of conditions, making them excellent one-ski quivers. Ultimately, the choice between these two skis will come down to personal preference and skiing style. So, whether you're carving up groomers, exploring the backcountry, or anything in between, both of these skis are sure to deliver a great ride.