Expert Comparison: Salomon QST Blank Skis · 2023 vs K2 Mindbender 116C Skis · 2022
VS
Side by side comparison | Out of stock | Out of stock |
|---|---|---|
Price | $448.93 54% off | $398.93 53% off |
User rating | 4.84(32) | 2(1) |
The Curated Take | Best for skiers who enjoy deep snow and dense powder days due to its great flotation and stability. | Best for skiers seeking excellent flotation in deep powder and versatility on variable conditions. |
Ski type | All Mountain, Big Mountain, Powder | Big Mountain, Powder |
Skill level | Advanced, Expert | Advanced, Expert |
Rocker profile | Rocker/Camber/Rocker | Rocker/Camber/Rocker |
In the world of powder skis, two models stand out: the Salomon QST Blank Skis 2023 and the K2 Mindbender 116C Skis 2022. Both are designed for deep snow and offer a top-level experience, but they each have their unique strengths and weaknesses. The Salomon QST Blank Skis are praised for their great flexibility, stability, and easy turns, making them a powerhouse in deep or soft snow. However, they are a bit heavier and can chatter at high speed. On the other hand, the K2 Mindbender 116C Skis are known for their lightness, playfulness, and surfy feel. They hold their own in variable conditions but are best suited for deep, wide, and fast skiing. Both skis are versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of terrains by a variety of skiers. However, the Salomon QST Blank Skis are more suited for those who prefer powder skiing, while the K2 Mindbender 116C Skis are ideal for the playful skier who loves deep, wide, and fast skiing.
Salomon QST Blank Skis · 2023 summary
The Salomon QST Blank Skis 2023 are a dream come true for powder enthusiasts. They offer a top-level experience in deep snow, with a great flex pattern that lends to an easy groomer experience. The skis are stable and responsive, even in heavy snow, and they don't fight back or fold over too much when you try to make sharp turns on packed snow. The easy feel in the tail and the wide maneuverable tip make surfing through deep snow a breeze.
These skis are ideal for deep or soft snow powerhouses. They offer great flexibility without sacrificing stability, and they make easy turns for a big ski. However, they are a little heavier than they look, can chatter a bit at high speed, and take some effort to get up on edge at slower speeds.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Salomon QST Blank Skis are a great ski for average powder days. They perform well on groomers and are a bit heavier than a typical powder ski, which translates to ripping through choppy powder at the end of those powder days when most things have been skied out already.
This ski offered a top level experience through deep snow. It felt great underfoot, and it was stable and responsive in the deep, heavy snow. It has a great flex pattern to it that lends to an easy groomer experience, and doesn't fight back or fold over too much when you try to make some sharp turns on packed snow. Easy feel in the tail and a wide maneuverable tip makes surfing this ski through the deep snow a breeze.
This ski offered a top level experience through deep snow. It felt great underfoot, and it was stable and responsive in the deep, heavy snow. It has a great flex pattern to it that lends to an easy groomer experience, and doesn't fight back or fold over too much when you try to make some sharp turns on packed snow. Easy feel in the tail and a wide maneuverable tip makes surfing this ski through the deep snow a breeze.
Salomon QST Blank Skis · 2023
- We price match
- Returnable
K2 Mindbender 116C Skis · 2022 summary
The K2 Mindbender 116C Skis 2022 are perfect for those who love to play in powder but also want a ski that can handle variable conditions. With a wood core and braided construction, these skis are both light and stable. The Spectral Braid technology provides different flex and torsional properties for stability at high speeds and playfulness in powder. The Carbon Boost Braid adds pop and rebound, making the ski feel lively and energetic. And with Powder Rocker in the tips and tails, these skis offer excellent float in deep snow and great edge hold while carving turns.
These skis are super wide for float, but still stout and stable for firm days, or just bombing the cat tracks back to the lift. While a bit wide for true all mountain skiing, the 116 is a fantastic freeride choice for the playful skier. Best suited for deep, wide, and fast skiing, the 116 loves to be pointed down the fall line and ripped around the biggest lines and pillows on the hill.
The K2 Mindbender 116C Skis are perfect for those who love to play in powder but also want a ski that can handle variable conditions. With a wood core and braided construction, these skis are both light and stable. The Spectral Braid technology provides different flex and torsional properties for stability at high speeds and playfulness in powder.
The K2 Mindbender 116C Skis are perfect for those who love to play in powder but also want a ski that can handle variable conditions. With a wood core and braided construction, these skis are both light and stable. The Spectral Braid technology provides different flex and torsional properties for stability at high speeds and playfulness in powder.
K2 Mindbender 116C Skis · 2022
- We price match
- Returnable
Similarities
Both the Salomon QST Blank Skis and the K2 Mindbender 116C Skis are designed for deep snow and offer a top-level experience. They are both praised for their stability and responsiveness, making them ideal for powder days. Both skis are versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of terrains by a variety of skiers. They both have a great flex pattern that lends to an easy groomer experience and doesn't fight back or fold over too much when you try to make sharp turns on packed snow. Both skis are also a bit heavier than a typical powder ski, which translates to ripping through choppy powder at the end of those powder days when most things have been skied out already.
Differences and Who They're Good For
While both skis are designed for deep snow, they cater to different types of skiers. The Salomon QST Blank Skis are more suited for those who prefer powder skiing. They offer great flexibility without sacrificing stability, and they make easy turns for a big ski. However, they are a little heavier than they look, can chatter a bit at high speed, and take some effort to get up on edge at slower speeds.
On the other hand, the K2 Mindbender 116C Skis are ideal for the playful skier who loves deep, wide, and fast skiing. They are super wide for float, but still stout and stable for firm days, or just bombing the cat tracks back to the lift. While a bit wide for true all mountain skiing, the 116 is a fantastic freeride choice for the playful skier.
Analysis on Who’s the Winner
When it comes to flexibility and stability, the Salomon QST Blank Skis take the lead. They offer great flexibility without sacrificing stability, making them a powerhouse in deep or soft snow.
In terms of weight, both skis are a bit heavier than a typical powder ski, which translates to ripping through choppy powder at the end of those powder days when most things have been skied out already. However, the K2 Mindbender 116C Skis are praised for their lightness, giving them a slight edge in this category.
For playfulness and speed, the K2 Mindbender 116C Skis are the winners. They are super wide for float, but still stout and stable for firm days, or just bombing the cat tracks back to the lift. They are best suited for deep, wide, and fast skiing, and love to be pointed down the fall line and ripped around the biggest lines and pillows on the hill.
Finally, in terms of versatility, both skis are versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of terrains by a variety of skiers. However, the Salomon QST Blank Skis are more suited for those who prefer powder skiing, while the K2 Mindbender 116C Skis are ideal for the playful skier who loves deep, wide, and fast skiing.
Conclusions
In conclusion, both the Salomon QST Blank Skis and the K2 Mindbender 116C Skis are excellent choices for deep snow skiing. They both offer a top-level experience, with great stability and responsiveness. However, they cater to different types of skiers. The Salomon QST Blank Skis are more suited for those who prefer powder skiing, offering great flexibility without sacrificing stability. On the other hand, the K2 Mindbender 116C Skis are ideal for the playful skier who loves deep, wide, and fast skiing. They are super wide for float, but still stout and stable for firm days, or just bombing the cat tracks back to the lift. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal skiing style and preferences.
