In the world of all-mountain skis, two models stand out for their versatility and performance: the Salomon QST 92 Skis and the Head Kore 93 Skis, both 2023 models. Both skis are designed to handle a variety of conditions and terrains, making them ideal for skiers who love to explore the whole mountain. The Salomon QST 92 is a powerful and highly versatile all-mountain weapon, with less rocker in the tip and tail for more effective edge on hardpack. The Head Kore 93, on the other hand, is a lightweight and agile platform that's easy to engage a turn on while still having a ton of forgiveness in choppy snow. Both skis are praised for their performance on groomers and their ability to handle off-piste conditions. However, the Salomon QST 92 is noted for its nimbleness and playfulness, while the Head Kore 93 is lauded for its stability and power. The final verdict? It depends on your skiing style and preferences. If you're looking for a ski that's light, nimble, and playful, the Salomon QST 92 might be the one for you. If you prefer a ski that's stable, powerful, and forgiving, the Head Kore 93 could be your perfect match.

Salomon QST 92 Skis · 2023 summary

The Salomon QST 92 Skis are a powerful and highly versatile all-mountain weapon. Despite being the narrowest of the QST line, these skis pack a punch. They have less rocker in the tip and tail, giving them more effective edge for carving on trails and hardpack. This makes them a carving and trail specialist, but don't be fooled into thinking that's all they can do. The QST 92 skis are nimble and playful when going off trail or into more varied terrain, like trees. This is thanks to the cork damplifiers in the tip and tail, combined with the carbon material woven into the frame. Salomon constructed the QST without metal, making it surprisingly light for an all-mountain ski. This lightness allows the ski to turn intuitively in tight spots, making it a great all-mountain option for a skier looking to quickly progress their prowess off the trails.

Head Kore 93 Skis · 2023 summary

The Head Kore 93 Skis are a lightweight and agile platform that's easy to engage a turn on while still having a ton of forgiveness in choppy snow. They have the backbone to transfer power when charging hard, making them a great choice for skiers who like to push their limits. The Kore 93 skis have slightly inset contact points, which help with versatility in mixed conditions and wind-effected snow. They still have the bite to let it rip on corduroy, making them a great choice for skiers who love to carve. The construction starts with a Karuba Wood core, which gives the skis their lively and responsive feel. The core then gets topped with a layer of Carbon Fiber, Graphene, and Head's damping layer, resulting in a smoother ski overall. These skis offer up a mixed bag of abilities, from carving on the groomers to floating on top of some freshies. They have the quickness and agility for skiing in tight steep terrain too!

Similarities

Both the Salomon QST 92 and the Head Kore 93 are all-mountain skis designed to handle a variety of conditions and terrains. They both excel on groomers, with effective edge control for carving on trails and hardpack. Both skis are also versatile enough to handle off-piste conditions, with design features that make them nimble and playful in varied terrain. Both skis are constructed with lightweight materials, making them easy to maneuver and turn in tight spots. They both have a responsive and lively feel, thanks to their respective core constructions. Finally, both skis are designed for skiers looking to progress their skills and take on more challenging terrains.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are versatile all-mountain options, they do have some key differences. The Salomon QST 92 is narrower and has less rocker in the tip and tail, making it a carving and trail specialist. It's also constructed without metal, making it surprisingly light for an all-mountain ski. This ski is perfect for skiers who want a nimble and playful ski that can handle both groomed trails and off-piste conditions.

On the other hand, the Head Kore 93 is a bit wider and uses carbon and graphene in place of titanal for a flex profile that's more forgiving at lower speeds while still being damp and stable at the high end. This ski is great for skiers who want a stable and powerful ski that can handle a variety of conditions, from groomers to choppy snow.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform well in a variety of conditions, but the Salomon QST 92's nimbleness and playfulness give it a slight edge. For carving on groomers, the Salomon QST 92's less rocker and effective edge control make it the winner. In terms of weight, the Salomon QST 92, constructed without metal, is the lighter option, making it the winner for skiers who prioritize lightness and maneuverability. However, for stability and power, the Head Kore 93, with its carbon and graphene construction, takes the crown.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Salomon QST 92 and the Head Kore 93 are excellent all-mountain skis that offer versatility, performance, and fun. The Salomon QST 92 shines in its nimbleness and playfulness, making it a great choice for skiers who want a light and agile ski that can handle both groomed trails and off-piste conditions. The Head Kore 93, on the other hand, stands out for its stability and power, making it a great choice for skiers who want a ski that can handle a variety of conditions and terrains with confidence. Ultimately, the best ski for you will depend on your personal skiing style and preferences. So whether you're a playful carver or a power-hungry charger, there's a ski out there for you. Happy skiing!