In the world of skiing, the Salomon QST 98 Skis and Faction Prodigy 2 Skis, both 2023 models, are two top contenders that offer a thrilling ride for enthusiasts. The Salomon QST 98 Skis are a versatile all-mountain ski, perfect for intermediate to advanced skiers. They are praised for their playful nature, excellent carving ability, and stability at speed. On the other hand, the Faction Prodigy 2 Skis are a freestyle-focused ski that can handle all terrains with ease. They are known for their poppy and playful nature, stability, and versatility. Both skis have their strengths and are designed to provide a fun and exciting skiing experience. However, the choice between the two ultimately depends on the skier's preference and skiing style.

Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2023 summary

The Salomon QST 98 Skis are a fantastic all-mountain ski that can handle a variety of conditions. They are designed with enough early rise in the tip and tail to handle fresh snow, but also have good camber underfoot for shredding groomers. The twin tip design adds to the ski's playful nature, making it great for slashing and popping around the mountain.

The QST 98 is 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 excellent grip, playfulness, and flotation. The ski's rocker is almost enough to put it in the twin-tip department, just with less splay and abruptness than a more freestyle-oriented twin.

The ski is ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers looking for a one-ski quiver. It offers impressive floatation and stands at the top of the pack for the 100 underfoot category. It provides a nice balance of playfulness, carving ability, and stability at speed. However, it's not designed for beginners, terrain park outside of a few basic jumps, or primarily icy conditions.

Faction Prodigy 2 Skis · 2023 summary

The Faction Prodigy 2 Skis are a versatile freestyle ski that can handle all terrains. They are designed with a poppy and playful Poplar wood core and a stable 98mm platform underfoot. This combination results in a lively ski that can stomp landings in the park, surf over powder and packed snow, and boost side hits all day long.

The Prodigy 2 Skis are built with a Microcap sidewall, a premium sandwich construction that allows the ski to hold an edge and increase torsional stability. The new XL 2.5mm edges around the ski drastically beef up the edges from falling out over time with wear and tear.

The ski is ideal for intermediate to advanced park skiers. It offers a good balance between a stiff and supportive ski and a fun, playful ski with not too much swing weight. However, it's not ideal for deeper powder days or stiff, hard pack conditions.

Similarities

Both the Salomon QST 98 Skis and the Faction Prodigy 2 Skis are designed to be versatile and playful, making them great options for intermediate to advanced skiers. They both feature a Poplar wood core construction, which provides a balance of flexibility and stability. Both skis also have a similar underfoot width, with the Salomon QST 98 Skis at 98mm and the Faction Prodigy 2 Skis at 98mm, making them suitable for a variety of snow conditions. They both have a rocker-camber-rocker profile, which allows for easy turn initiation and stability at speed.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are versatile and playful, they cater to slightly different skiing styles. The Salomon QST 98 Skis are more of an all-mountain ski, ideal for skiers who enjoy a mix of groomed runs and off-piste skiing. They are also a great choice for skiers looking for a one-ski quiver, as they can handle a variety of conditions well.

On the other hand, the Faction Prodigy 2 Skis lean more towards freestyle skiing. They are perfect for park skiers who also want to explore the rest of the mountain. The Prodigy 2 Skis are also a bit more flexible than the Salomon QST 98 Skis, making them a bit more playful and fun, especially in the park.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform well, but the Salomon QST 98 Skis might have a slight edge due to their ability to handle a wider range of conditions.

In terms of playfulness, the Faction Prodigy 2 Skis take the cake with their freestyle focus and more flexible nature.

For stability, both skis offer good stability at speed, but the Salomon QST 98 Skis might be a bit more stable due to their slightly stiffer construction.

Finally, for carving ability, the Salomon QST 98 Skis are the clear winner with their excellent carving performance.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Salomon QST 98 Skis and the Faction Prodigy 2 Skis are excellent choices for intermediate to advanced skiers looking for a versatile and playful ski. The Salomon QST 98 Skis are a great all-mountain ski that can handle a variety of conditions, while the Faction Prodigy 2 Skis are a freestyle-focused ski that can handle all terrains with ease. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the skier's preference and skiing style. So whether you're a park enthusiast or an all-mountain adventurer, both these skis are sure to provide a thrilling ride.