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Expert Comparison: Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2024 vs Elan Ripstick 96 Skis · 2024

Published on 02/12/2024 · 5 min readCompare Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2024 and Elan Ripstick 96 Skis · 2024. Get expert insight below!
Ian Hamilton, Ski Expert
Leo C, Ski Expert
Luke H., Ski Expert
Contributed By Ski Expert Ian Hamilton, Leo C, Luke H., Jacob G, Leo Cocchiara and others

VS

 

Side by side comparison

Out of stock
Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2024
Out of stock
Elan Ripstick 96 Skis · 2024
Price
$389.97
40% off
$449.99
40% off
User rating
4.57(7)
5(4)
The Curated Take

Best for intermediate to advanced skiers seeking versatile, all-terrain performance.

Best for skiers who enjoy carving on groomers and occasionally venture off-trail.

Ski type
Freeride, All Mountain
All Mountain, Freeride
Skill level
Intermediate, Advanced
Intermediate, Advanced
Rocker profile
Rocker/Camber/Rocker
Rocker/Camber/Rocker

In the world of skiing, the Salomon QST 98 Skis and the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis are two top contenders for the title of best all-mountain ski. Both skis are designed to handle a variety of terrains and conditions, making them ideal for skiers who love to explore every corner of the mountain. The Salomon QST 98 Skis are known for their versatility, offering a balance of freeride and freestyle capabilities. They are praised for their ability to handle groomers and powder with equal ease, making them a great choice for skiers who want a one-ski quiver. On the other hand, the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis are celebrated for their unique asymmetrical design and lightweight construction, which provide a fun and energetic ride. They are particularly loved for their carving abilities and their performance in soft snow. While both skis have their strengths, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and skiing style.

The Salomon QST 98 Skis are marketed as an all-mountain, freeride freestyle type of ski. They are designed to be a one ski quiver, wide enough to handle powder but still equipped with the camber underfoot to handle groomers and ski at resorts really well. The QST 98 is the softer, more playful, freeride oriented ski in Salomon's all-mountain lineup.

The QST 98 lives up to its marketing. It’s midwidth at 98 mm and is a great all-around, intermediate one ski quiver. The ski has a significant early rise in the nose and the tail which helps with float in powder. It's not super wide so it won't be a perfect powder ski but it will float pretty well.

The ski is pretty forgiving and not super stiff, making it easy to maneuver. It has enough camber underfoot where skiing groomers is really fun. It also has a cork damper in it which reduces the chatter that you get from such a significantly early rise in the tips.

The QST 98 is a great all terrain ski you can use on the groomers, moguls, trees, powder, or backcountry. It'll work pretty well for everything! Intermediates all the way to experts will have a good time on this ski, and it’s a really good all around one ski quiver.

I think it lives up to what they market it as. It’s midwidth at 98 mm and is a great all around, intermediate one ski quiver. I was lucky enough to ski this with some fresh snow, and I had a really good time on it.

Ian Hamilton
Ski Expert

The Elan Ripstick 96 Skis are a unique blend of lightweight performance that can handle any snow conditions. They are designed with Elan's patented "Amphibio" technology, which is an asymmetrical setup that provides additional edge hold while also allowing for smoother turns.

The Ripstick 96 is a very common ski that you'll see a hybrid binding on for a little bit of tour mix uphill. The Black Edition is noticeably a little bit heavier than the regular Ripstick, but they both have the little Notch here at the tail that's designed for skins.

The Ripstick 96 is an incredibly capable ski that excels at providing powerful edge-to-edge turns on-piste but is no stranger to big mountain terrain. There aren't many skis that are equally as fun to carve as ride in powder, but the 96 might be that.

The Ripstick 96 is an excellent ski for a wide variety of skiers. It's lightweight construction paired with Elan's patented "Amphibio" technology makes this ski an awesome choice for new and old skiers alike.

The Elan Ripstick 96 Skis are the ultimate freeride ski that doubles as an all-mountain ski for those who want ultimate versatility on the mountain. Praised by magazine testers and professional skiers alike, this ski is a unique blend of lightweight performance that can handle any snow conditions.

Leo C
Ski Expert

Similarities

Both the Salomon QST 98 Skis and the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis are designed to be versatile all-mountain skis. They are both praised for their ability to handle a variety of terrains and conditions, from groomers to powder. Both skis are also designed to be lightweight, making them easy to maneuver and ideal for a range of skiers from intermediate to expert. They both have a similar waist width, with the QST 98 at 98mm and the Ripstick 96 at 96mm, which allows for quick edge-to-edge transitions and good float in powder. Both skis are also designed with a significant amount of rocker in the tip and tail, which enhances their performance in soft snow and makes them easy to turn.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for all-mountain use, they each have their unique strengths and characteristics that make them better suited for certain types of skiers and conditions. The Salomon QST 98 Skis are marketed as a more freeride freestyle type of ski. They are praised for their versatility and are a great choice for skiers who want a one ski quiver that can handle both groomers and powder. They are also a good choice for skiers who prefer a ski that is forgiving and not super stiff.

On the other hand, the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis are known for their unique asymmetrical design and lightweight construction. They are particularly loved for their carving abilities and their performance in soft snow. The Ripstick 96 is a great choice for skiers who enjoy both on-piste and off-trail skiing and who want a ski that is light, nimble, and energetic.

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 may have a slight edge due to their balance of freeride and freestyle capabilities.

In terms of carving, the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis are the clear winner. Their unique asymmetrical design and lightweight construction make them a joy to carve with on groomers.

For powder performance, both skis perform well due to their significant amount of rocker in the tip and tail. However, the Salomon QST 98 Skis may have a slight advantage due to their wider waist width.

In terms of weight, the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis are the winner. Their lightweight construction makes them easy to maneuver and ideal for a range of skiers from intermediate to expert.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Salomon QST 98 Skis and the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis are excellent choices for skiers looking for a versatile all-mountain ski. The Salomon QST 98 Skis are a great choice for skiers who want a one ski quiver that can handle both groomers and powder, while the Elan Ripstick 96 Skis are ideal for skiers who enjoy both on-piste and off-trail skiing and who want a ski that is light, nimble, and energetic. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and skiing style. So, whether you're a freeride enthusiast or a carving connoisseur, you can't go wrong with either of these fantastic skis. Happy skiing!

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