Expert Comparison: Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2023 vs Line Blade Optic 96 Skis · 2023
VS
Side by side comparison | Out of stock | Out of stock |
|---|---|---|
Price | from:$359.95 50% off | $408.93 52% off |
User rating | 5(19) | 4.71(17) |
The Curated Take | Salomon QST 98 is best for advancing intermediates to experts wanting a versatile, one ski quiver with impressive flotation. | Best for skiers seeking a playful, versatile, and stable ski. |
Ski type | All Mountain | All Mountain, Freeride |
Skill level | Intermediate, Advanced | Advanced, Expert |
Rocker profile | Rocker/Camber/Rocker | Rocker/Camber/Rocker |
In the world of skiing, the Salomon QST 98 Skis and the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis are two top contenders for the 2023 season. Both skis are designed for all-mountain versatility, with a focus on playfulness and stability. The Salomon QST 98 Skis are praised for their ability to handle a variety of conditions and terrains, making them a great choice for intermediate to advanced skiers. On the other hand, the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis stand out for their unique construction and playful nature, making them a favorite among advanced and expert skiers. While both skis have their strengths, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and skiing style.
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 designed with a twin tip, which makes them playful and good for slashing. The skis have enough early rise in the tip and tail to handle fresh snow, but also have good camber underfoot for shredding groomers.
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 great grip, playfulness, and flotation. The ski is also equipped with Salomon's patented double camber underfoot, which adds an extra layer of high-density ABS material, providing a surprising amount of edge hold despite having a lot of rocker compared to other equivalent all-mountain skis.
The Salomon QST 98 is ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers who want a one-ski quiver. It's a great investment for those progressing from intermediate to advanced levels. However, it's not recommended for beginners or for those who primarily ski on icy conditions or in the terrain park.
The Salomon Qst 98 is a great pick for the high intermediate, advanced, or expert skier looking for a one ski quiver to give you a jack of all trades performance on the resort and is even light enough that it's a decent choice for putting mounting a hybrid touring binding.
The Salomon Qst 98 is a great pick for the high intermediate, advanced, or expert skier looking for a one ski quiver to give you a jack of all trades performance on the resort and is even light enough that it's a decent choice for putting mounting a hybrid touring binding.
Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2023
- We price match
- Returnable
Line Blade Optic 96 Skis · 2023 summary
The Line Blade Optic 96 Skis are a playful and energetic all-mountain ski. They are designed with Line's unique 'Gas Pedal Medal Overdrive', which is a partial layer of titanal that's split into segmented sections and tapers to a point near the ends of the skis. This construction results in a ski that is stiff underfoot, but much softer and more playful in the fore and aft of the ski.
The Blade Optic 96 features an aspen wood core and a fiberglass laminate, providing a balanced and responsive feel. Despite being playful, the ski maintains a ton of rigidity and stiffness underfoot, thanks to the gas pedal metal, allowing for sharp carves and high-speed rides.
The Line Blade Optic 96 is ideal for advanced to expert skiers who want a freeride ski with a softer and more playful side. However, it's not the top choice for deeper snow days due to its narrower waist width.
The Blade Optic 96 with its multi radius sidecut and gas pedal rips through any conditions you throw at it. The torsional rigidity of the ski is controlled by the titanal across the ski that increases edge grip and liveliness throughout the length of the ski. This is the one quiver ski that all others are chasing!
The Blade Optic 96 with its multi radius sidecut and gas pedal rips through any conditions you throw at it. The torsional rigidity of the ski is controlled by the titanal across the ski that increases edge grip and liveliness throughout the length of the ski. This is the one quiver ski that all others are chasing!
Line Blade Optic 96 Skis · 2023
- We price match
- Returnable
Similarities
Both the Salomon QST 98 Skis and the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis are designed for all-mountain versatility, making them suitable for a variety of conditions and terrains. They both feature advanced construction techniques that provide a balance of flexibility and rigidity, allowing for playful yet stable rides. Both skis are also praised for their ability to handle fresh snow and groomers, making them great choices for a one-ski quiver.
Differences and Who They're Good For
While both skis are versatile, they cater to slightly different personas. The Salomon QST 98 Skis are ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers who want a ski that can handle a variety of conditions and terrains. They are particularly praised for their ability to handle fresh snow and groomers, making them a great all-around choice.
On the other hand, the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis are designed for advanced to expert skiers who want a playful and energetic ride. They are particularly praised for their unique construction and ability to handle high-speed rides and sharp carves. However, they may not be the best choice for deeper snow days due to their narrower waist width.
Analysis on Who’s the Winner
Versatility: Both skis are highly versatile, but the Salomon QST 98 Skis have a slight edge due to their ability to handle a wider range of conditions and terrains.
Playfulness: The Line Blade Optic 96 Skis win in this category due to their unique construction that allows for a playful yet stable ride.
Stability: Both skis offer great stability, but the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis have a slight advantage due to their gas pedal metal that provides exceptional rigidity and stiffness underfoot.
Accessibility: The Salomon QST 98 Skis are more accessible to a wider range of skiers, from intermediate to advanced, making them the winner in this category.
Conclusions
In conclusion, both the Salomon QST 98 Skis and the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis are excellent choices for all-mountain skis. They both offer versatility, playfulness, and stability, making them great options for a variety of conditions and terrains. However, the Salomon QST 98 Skis are more accessible to a wider range of skiers, while the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis offer a more playful and energetic ride. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preference and skiing style. So, whether you're an intermediate skier looking to advance your skills or an expert skier seeking a playful ride, both these skis have something to offer. Happy skiing!
