Expert Comparison: Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2023 vs Dynastar M-Free 99 Skis · 2024

Published on 02/10/2024 · 5 min readCompare Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2023 and Dynastar M-Free 99 Skis · 2024. Get expert insight below!
Ian Hamilton, Ski Expert
Theo G, Ski Expert
Zach Sarantakes, Apparel Expert
Contributed By Ski Expert Ian Hamilton, Theo G, Zach Sarantakes, Thomas Harari, Leo Cocchiara and others

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Side by side comparison

Out of stock
Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2023
Out of stock
Dynastar M-Free 99 Skis · 2024
Price
from:$359.95
50% off
from:$349.98
50% off
User rating
5(19)
4.67(12)
The Curated Take

Salomon QST 98 is best for advancing intermediates to experts wanting a versatile, one ski quiver with impressive flotation.

Best for advanced skiers who enjoy a variety of styles, terrain, and snow conditions due to its versatility and playful nature.

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

In the world of skiing, the Salomon QST 98 Skis and the Dynastar M-Free 99 Skis are two top contenders that offer a blend of power, versatility, and playfulness. The Salomon QST 98 is a jack-of-all-trades, perfect for intermediate to advanced skiers who want a one-ski quiver. It's a great all-mountain ski that can handle fresh snow, groomers, and even some park action. On the other hand, the Dynastar M-Free 99 is a freeride ski that can comfortably reside in two distinct columns in the ski world: that of a hard-charging directional ski that can carve on groomers, or as a playful and fun freestyle ski that can boost off natural hits and rally through moguls and steeps. Both skis are versatile, agile, and stable, but each has its own unique strengths and weaknesses.

The Salomon QST 98 Skis are a versatile all-mountain ski that can handle a variety of conditions and terrain. They are designed 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's rocker is almost enough to put it in the twin-tip department, just with less splay and abruptness than a more freestyle-oriented twin.

The QST 98 is a great pick for the high intermediate, advanced, or expert skier looking for a one ski quiver. It's light enough for mounting a hybrid touring binding and offers impressive floatation for a ski in the 100 underfoot category. It's also known for its durability, with the core materials and the top sheet being the most durable they've ever been.

However, the QST 98 isn't a fan of hitting rails in the park or spending the majority of its time on ice-covered slopes. It's also not a ski for beginners. But for that progressing intermediate pushing into advanced, it's a great investment.

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.

Ian Hamilton
Ski Expert

The Dynastar M-Free 99 Skis are a versatile all-mountain freeride ski that can handle a variety of conditions and terrain. They are designed with a hybrid core of foam and wood set with fiberglass, which makes for a very stiff platform underfoot that provides great stability on trails and off-piste. The M-Free 99 sports a much softer tail and elongated tip that makes the ski super surfy and smeary.

The M-Free 99 is a great fit for high intermediate, advanced, and expert skiers who want a versatile ski that can handle a variety of styles, terrain, and snow conditions. It's perfect for tackling steep slopes, technical trees, moguls, and even the park for freestyle skiing. It offers great float in powder with its 99mm underfoot width and is known for its durability.

However, the M-Free 99 may not be the best choice for those looking for a ski exclusively for groomers or carving. It's also not a good first ski and may not be ideal for skiers who are not looking to ski relatively hard.

The Dynastar M-Free 99 is an all-mountain freeride ski with a rocker tip and tail. It’s going to be a reasonably powerful ski, but definitely, something that is playful and fun on the whole mountain.

Theo G
Ski Expert

Similarities

Both the Salomon QST 98 Skis and the Dynastar M-Free 99 Skis are versatile all-mountain skis designed for high intermediate, advanced, and expert skiers. They both offer a blend of power, versatility, and playfulness, making them suitable for a variety of conditions and terrain. Both skis are designed with a hybrid core and have a rocker tip and tail, which makes them playful and fun on the whole mountain. They both offer great float in powder and are known for their durability.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are versatile, they each have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Salomon QST 98 Skis are a great all-mountain ski that can handle fresh snow, groomers, and even some park action. They are ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers who want a one-ski quiver. However, they are not designed for hitting rails in the park or spending the majority of their time on ice-covered slopes.

On the other hand, the Dynastar M-Free 99 Skis are a freeride ski that can comfortably reside in two distinct columns in the ski world: that of a hard-charging directional ski that can carve on groomers, or as a playful and fun freestyle ski that can boost off natural hits and rally through moguls and steeps. They are ideal for skiers who want a versatile ski that can handle a variety of styles, terrain, and snow conditions. However, they may not be the best choice for those looking for a ski exclusively for groomers or carving.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform well, but the Salomon QST 98 Skis might have a slight edge due to their ability to handle fresh snow, groomers, and even some park action.

In terms of playfulness, the Dynastar M-Free 99 Skis take the cake with their softer tail and elongated tip that makes the ski super surfy and smeary.

For durability, both skis are known for their robustness, but the Salomon QST 98 Skis have been praised for having the most durable core materials and top sheet they've ever been.

Lastly, for flotation in powder, both skis offer great float, but the Dynastar M-Free 99 Skis, with their 99mm underfoot width, might provide a bit more float in powder.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Salomon QST 98 Skis and the Dynastar M-Free 99 Skis are top contenders in the world of skiing. They both offer a blend of power, versatility, and playfulness, making them suitable for a variety of conditions and terrain. However, each ski has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Salomon QST 98 Skis are a great all-mountain ski that can handle fresh snow, groomers, and even some park action, making them ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers who want a one-ski quiver. On the other hand, the Dynastar M-Free 99 Skis are a freeride ski that can comfortably reside in two distinct columns in the ski world: that of a hard-charging directional ski that can carve on groomers, or as a playful and fun freestyle ski that can boost off natural hits and rally through moguls and steeps. They are ideal for skiers who want a versatile ski that can handle a variety of styles, terrain, and snow conditions. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the individual skier's preferences and needs.

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