In the world of skiing, the Salomon QST 98 Skis and the Nordica Unleashed 98 Ice Skis are two top contenders for the 2024 season. Both skis are designed for all-mountain use, with a focus on freeride and freestyle skiing. The Salomon QST 98 is marketed as a versatile, all-mountain ski that can handle a variety of conditions, from groomers to powder. The Nordica Unleashed 98, on the other hand, is a playful, agile ski that's perfect for off-piste adventures and park laps. Both skis are recommended for intermediate to advanced skiers, with the Salomon QST 98 being a bit more forgiving and the Nordica Unleashed 98 offering a bit more pop and energy. In the end, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and skiing style.

Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2024 summary

The Salomon QST 98 Skis are a versatile all-mountain ski that can handle a variety of conditions. They are marketed as a freeride freestyle type of ski, with a potential for backcountry touring. The QST 98 is a mid-width ski at 98mm, making it wide enough to handle some powder but still has the camber underfoot to handle groomers and ski at resorts really well.

The ski's shape allows it to pivot quickly, with the effective edge not being super long due to its early rise. This means the tip and the tail don't catch as much as a fully camber ski, making it more playful and easy to maneuver. The ski also has a cork damper in it, reducing the chatter that you get from such a significantly early rise in the tips.

The Salomon QST 98 is a great all-terrain ski that can handle groomers, moguls, trees, powder, or backcountry. It's recommended for intermediates all the way to experts, making it a good all-around one ski quiver. However, it might not be the best option for really fast skiers and heavier skiers who might flex it out a little bit.

Nordica Unleashed 98 Ice Skis · 2024 summary

The Nordica Unleashed 98 Ice Skis are a playful, agile ski that's perfect for off-piste adventures and park laps. They are marketed as a freestyle ski best for people who are skipping the groomers so that they can go off piste, go find powder stashes, go through the trees, and even go hit the park.

The Unleashed 98 has a more forgiving flex and more play between the edges than the Enforcer, another popular ski from Nordica. It has an early rise tip and a twin tip design, making it ideal for imaginative and creative skiers who see the whole mountain as their playground. Despite being softer, the Terrain Specific Metal still allows the Unleashed to carve confidently.

The Nordica Unleashed 98 is a great ski for intermediate to advanced skiers who want to explore more terrain off trail, want more versatility when it snows, and want something a little bit softer and playful for when they're going into more advanced terrain and skiing powder. However, it might not be the best option for those looking for a dedicated carving ski or spending time mainly on piste.

Similarities

Both the Salomon QST 98 Skis and the Nordica Unleashed 98 Ice Skis are designed for all-mountain use, with a focus on freeride and freestyle skiing. They both have a mid-width of 98mm, making them versatile enough to handle a variety of conditions, from groomers to powder. Both skis are also designed with an early rise tip and tail, making them more playful and easy to maneuver. They are both recommended for intermediate to advanced skiers, offering a balance of performance and playfulness.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for all-mountain use, they each have their unique strengths. The Salomon QST 98 Skis are a bit more forgiving, making them a good choice for intermediate skiers looking to improve their skills. They are also a good option for skiers who want a versatile ski that can handle a variety of conditions, from groomers to powder.

On the other hand, the Nordica Unleashed 98 Ice Skis offer a bit more pop and energy, making them a good choice for advanced skiers who want a playful, agile ski for off-piste adventures and park laps. They are also a good option for skiers who want a ski that can carve confidently, but is still highly maneuverable off piste.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform well in a variety of conditions, but the Salomon QST 98 Skis might have a slight edge due to their more forgiving nature. For playfulness, the Nordica Unleashed 98 Ice Skis take the cake with their pop and energy. In terms of carving, the Nordica Unleashed 98 Ice Skis also come out on top with their strong edge grip and ability to carve confidently. However, for maneuverability, both skis perform well due to their early rise tip and tail, making it a tie in this dimension.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Salomon QST 98 Skis and the Nordica Unleashed 98 Ice Skis are excellent choices for intermediate to advanced skiers looking for a versatile, all-mountain ski. The Salomon QST 98 Skis are a bit more forgiving, making them a good choice for intermediate skiers looking to improve their skills. The Nordica Unleashed 98 Ice Skis, on the other hand, offer a bit more pop and energy, making them a good choice for advanced skiers who want a playful, agile ski for off-piste adventures and park laps. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and skiing style. So, whether you're a playful skier looking to explore the whole mountain or a more advanced skier looking for a ski that can handle a variety of conditions, both the Salomon QST 98 Skis and the Nordica Unleashed 98 Ice Skis have got you covered.