In the world of all-mountain skis, two models stand out for their versatility and performance: the Salomon QST 98 Skis and the Black Crows Camox Skis, both 2024 editions. Both skis are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and offer a playful yet powerful ride. The Salomon QST 98 is marketed as an all-mountain, freeride freestyle type of ski, with a mid-width of 98mm, making it a great all-around, intermediate one ski quiver. The Black Crows Camox, on the other hand, is a freestyle-oriented ski that is still stiff enough to excel on groomed snow. Both skis are praised for their versatility, agility, and ability to handle a variety of snow conditions. However, they each have their unique strengths and weaknesses, which we will delve into in the following sections.

Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2024 summary

The Salomon QST 98 Skis are marketed as an all-mountain, freeride freestyle type of ski. They are designed to handle a variety of snow conditions, from groomers to powder. The ski's mid-width of 98mm makes it wide enough to handle some powder but still has 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 ski's shape allows it to pivot quickly, with the effective edge not being super long due to its significant early rise. This means the tip and the tail don't catch as much as a fully camber ski, making it more playful and easy to maneuver. The ski also has a cork damper in it, reducing the chatter that you get from such a significantly early rise in the tips.

The QST 98 is also good for freeride skiing, with significant early rise in the nose and the tail which helps with the float. It's not super wide so won't be a perfect powder ski but it will float pretty well. It also handles uneven terrain and chunder well, making it a great all-terrain ski that you can use on the groomers, moguls, trees, powder, or backcountry.

Black Crows Camox Skis · 2024 summary

The Black Crows Camox Skis are a freestyle-oriented ski that is still stiff enough to excel on groomed snow. With a 97mm waist underfoot, they perform well in all snow conditions, but aren't ideal for those deep storm days. They do really well, however, in the chopped up crud you find the day after a storm. Generous camber underfoot also makes these a poppy ski that transitions well between turns and gives it a playful feeling.

The Camox is a versatile and playful all mountain ski. It is constructed of a wood and fiberglass wrap, so it's far from a demanding ski and won't punish you for less than perfect form. It's an excellent option for skiers looking for a more carefree or more playful ride around the mountain, while still holding up in more advanced terrain.

The Camox is also good for freeride skiing, with its double rocker and medium to short radius turning abilities and classic camber underfoot that will give you intermediate ski and snow contact for perfect balance in all types of conditions.

Similarities

Both the Salomon QST 98 and the Black Crows Camox are all-mountain skis designed for intermediate to advanced skiers. They both offer a playful yet powerful ride, with a focus on versatility and the ability to handle a variety of snow conditions. Both skis have a mid-width underfoot, with the QST 98 at 98mm and the Camox at 97mm, making them wide enough to handle some powder but still have the camber underfoot to handle groomers and ski at resorts really well. Both skis are also praised for their agility and ability to pivot quickly, making them easy to maneuver and fun to ride.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are versatile and playful, they each have their unique strengths and weaknesses. The Salomon QST 98 is marketed as a more freeride freestyle type of ski, with a softer, more playful feel. It's a great all-around, intermediate one ski quiver that can handle everything from groomers to powder. It's ideal for skiers who want a ski that's easy to maneuver and forgiving, but still capable of handling more advanced terrain.

On the other hand, the Black Crows Camox is a freestyle-oriented ski that is still stiff enough to excel on groomed snow. It's an excellent option for skiers looking for a more carefree or more playful ride around the mountain, while still holding up in more advanced terrain. It's ideal for skiers who want a ski that's poppy and transitions well between turns, but may not be ideal for those deep storm days.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform exceptionally well. However, the Salomon QST 98 might have a slight edge due to its ability to handle a wider range of snow conditions, making it a great one ski quiver.

In terms of playfulness, the Black Crows Camox takes the cake. Its freestyle-oriented design and poppy feel make it a fun and dynamic ski to ride.

For stability and grip at high speeds, the Salomon QST 98 comes out on top. Its long effective edge and cork damper provide superior grip and stability, making it a reliable choice for more advanced terrain.

Finally, for ease of maneuverability, both skis are praised for their agility and ability to pivot quickly. However, the Black Crows Camox might have a slight advantage due to its double rocker and medium to short radius turning abilities.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Salomon QST 98 and the Black Crows Camox are excellent all-mountain skis that offer a playful yet powerful ride. They are versatile, agile, and capable of handling a variety of snow conditions. However, they each have their unique strengths and are suited to different types of skiers. The Salomon QST 98 is a great all-around, intermediate one ski quiver that excels in stability and grip, making it ideal for skiers who want a reliable and forgiving ski. On the other hand, the Black Crows Camox is a freestyle-oriented ski that shines in playfulness and maneuverability, making it perfect for skiers who want a more carefree and dynamic ride. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal skiing style and preferences.