In the world of women's skis, the Salomon QST Lumen 98 and the Nordica Santa Ana 98 are two top contenders for the 2024 season. Both skis are designed for advanced to expert skiers and are built to handle a variety of conditions. The Salomon QST Lumen 98 is a playful all-mountain ski with a modern twin rocker and double-edged sidewalls, making it a great choice for those looking to explore the whole mountain. On the other hand, the Nordica Santa Ana 98 is a hard-charging ski designed to blast through crud and hold a great edge on groomers. While both skis are excellent choices, the Salomon QST Lumen 98 is more lightweight and playful, while the Nordica Santa Ana 98 is heavier and more powerful. The final verdict will depend on your personal skiing style and preferences.

Salomon QST Lumen 98 Skis · Women's · 2024 summary

The Salomon QST Lumen 98 Skis are a playful all-mountain ski designed for advanced to expert skiers. These skis are built with a modern twin rocker and double-edged sidewalls, which Salomon claims helps the ski stay on edge in ice and crud. The freestyle rocker also helps it float in powder.

The QST Lumen 98 is a lightweight, freestyle ski that is super responsive. The double-edged sidewall provides excellent edge hold on groomers, and the skis handle crud well, reducing chatter and providing a soft ride, even on icy conditions. The skis are twin-shaped, allowing for switch skiing and buttering, and the early rise in the tips helps with float in powder.

These skis are ideal for skiers looking to explore the whole mountain or compete in all-mountain competitions. They are recommended for high intermediate to expert skiers looking to progress in the sport and get into all-mountain skiing and playful freeriding. However, they are not recommended for casual intermediate cruisers.

Nordica Santa Ana 98 Skis · Women's · 2024 summary

The Nordica Santa Ana 98 Skis are designed for advanced to expert skiers who want a ski that can handle any condition. These skis are stiff enough for rougher conditions yet playful enough for bumps, quick turns, and open pow fields. They have a smooth and stable ride, thanks to a wood core, carbon, and terrain-specific metal construction.

The Santa Ana 98 has an all-mountain style rocker, with a smooth tip and tail and enough camber underfoot to provide balanced performance anywhere you point them. These skis are easy to manipulate and react quickly to your movements. They are perfect for carving groomers and giving you confidence in fresh snow.

These skis are ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers. They'll rock your world as an intermediate skier, allowing you to cut through crud, keep stability on groomers, and even surf a little bit of powder. As you grow in your ability, an advanced skier will be able to maximize the ski's capabilities.

Similarities

Both the Salomon QST Lumen 98 and the Nordica Santa Ana 98 are designed for advanced to expert skiers and are built to handle a variety of conditions. They both have a modern twin rocker design, which helps with float in powder and turn initiation. Both skis are also designed to be playful and responsive, allowing for quick turns and switch skiing. They both provide excellent edge hold on groomers and handle crud well.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for advanced to expert skiers, they cater to slightly different personas. The Salomon QST Lumen 98 is more lightweight and playful, making it a great choice for skiers who love to explore the whole mountain and enjoy freestyle skiing. It's also a great choice for skiers looking to progress in the sport and get into all-mountain skiing and playful freeriding.

On the other hand, the Nordica Santa Ana 98 is a hard-charging ski that is designed to blast through crud and hold a great edge on groomers. It's a bit heavier than the Salomon QST Lumen 98, making it a better choice for skiers who prefer power and stability over playfulness. It's also a great choice for skiers who want a ski that can handle any condition, from soft snow to hard stone.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to playfulness and freestyle skiing, the Salomon QST Lumen 98 is the clear winner. Its lightweight design and twin shape make it a joy to ski on, whether you're exploring the whole mountain or competing in all-mountain competitions.

In terms of power and stability, the Nordica Santa Ana 98 takes the cake. Its heavier weight and stiff construction make it a powerhouse on the slopes, capable of blasting through crud and holding a great edge on groomers.

For versatility and all-mountain performance, it's a tie. Both skis are designed to handle a variety of conditions and terrains, making them excellent choices for skiers who love to explore the whole mountain.

Finally, for progression and skill improvement, the Salomon QST Lumen 98 is the winner. Its responsive design and excellent edge hold make it a great ski for intermediate skiers looking to improve their skills and get into all-mountain skiing and playful freeriding.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Salomon QST Lumen 98 and the Nordica Santa Ana 98 are excellent choices for advanced to expert skiers. The Salomon QST Lumen 98 is a playful, lightweight ski that is perfect for skiers who love to explore the whole mountain and enjoy freestyle skiing. The Nordica Santa Ana 98, on the other hand, is a powerful, stable ski that is great for skiers who prefer power and stability over playfulness. Both skis are versatile and can handle a variety of conditions, making them great choices for all-mountain performance. Ultimately, the best ski for you will depend on your personal skiing style and preferences.