Expert Comparison: Salomon QST 92 Skis · 2023 vs K2 Mindbender 85 Skis · 2023

Published on 02/11/2024 · 5 min readCompare Salomon QST 92 Skis · 2023 and K2 Mindbender 85 Skis · 2023. Get expert insight below!
Greg McCandless, Ski Expert
Baylee Thompson, Ski Expert
Elias Lawson, Ski Expert
Contributed By Ski Expert Greg McCandless, Baylee Thompson, Elias Lawson, Ian Hamilton, Phil Chandler and others

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Side by side comparison

Out of stock
Salomon QST 92 Skis · 2023
Out of stock
K2 Mindbender 85 Skis · 2023
Price
$329.97
40% off
$199.98
50% off
User rating
4.71(7)
4.9(10)
The Curated Take

Best for modern freeride skiers seeking a versatile, responsive all-mountain ski.

Best for aggressive skiers who love ripping groomers at high speed.

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

In the world of all-mountain skis, the Salomon QST 92 and K2 Mindbender 85 are two standout options for 2023. Both skis are designed to handle a variety of conditions and terrain, but they each have their unique strengths and features that set them apart. The Salomon QST 92 is a powerful and versatile all-mountain weapon, perfect for skiers looking to progress their prowess off the trails. On the other hand, the K2 Mindbender 85 is a forgiving and intuitive ski, ideal for beginner to intermediate skiers looking to step up from rentals and explore new parts of the mountain. While both skis are excellent choices, the Salomon QST 92 takes the crown for its superior versatility and nimbleness, especially in off-trail or varied terrain. However, the K2 Mindbender 85 is a strong contender for those seeking a more forgiving and playful ride.

The Salomon QST 92 Skis are a force to be reckoned with on the mountain. Despite being the narrowest of the QST line, these skis pack a punch with their powerful and highly versatile all-mountain capabilities. The 92 has less rocker in the tip and tail, giving it more effective edge for carving on trails and hardpack. This makes it a carving and trail specialist, but don't be fooled - it's not limited to just that.

The QST 92 is equipped with cork damplifiers in the tip and tail, combined with carbon material woven into the frame. This keeps the ski nimble and playful when going off trail or into more varied terrain, like trees. Salomon constructed the QST without metal, making it surprisingly light for an all-mountain ski. This lightness allows it 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.

Versatile, strong, and spirited. Sound like you? We’ve redesigned the QST 92 to compliment you, the modern freerider. A new profile boasts a responsive, yet supple ride, while the lightweight 92mm waist and freeride shape are perfect for cruising the bumps or exploring the side country. Where will you take the new QST 92?

Greg McCandless
Ski Expert

The K2 Mindbender 85 Skis are a fantastic step up from rentals for beginner to intermediate skiers. These skis are lightweight, forgiving, and intuitive, designed to help skiers inch out of their comfort zone and tackle new parts of the mountain. The agility of these skis will help spark confidence in your skills while you take on more challenging terrain, getting you pumped for what's to come.

The Mindbender 85's combine a forgiving design but still offer the edge hold and carvability that most entry-level skis don't. This ski is perfect for shredding groomers but will also be a great asset to your quiver if you're ever skiing out west. With all-terrain rocker, these skis will truly perform great in all conditions. The short low rise in the tail will also help add extra control when you're in variable snow. The aspen core is lightweight but still resilient enough to dampen the chatter at fast speeds.

Don’t sleep on these skis!!! I am not a huge fan of skis with metal, so finding groomer skis I love is tough, but these are perfect. Go up a size from your normal length, and you’re going to be just as aggressive out there as anyone! I’ve been so impressed with the stability at speed, ease of turns, and just hard-charging fun on these. Absolutely a ski ready to rip.

Baylee Thompson
Ski Expert

Similarities

Both the Salomon QST 92 and the K2 Mindbender 85 are all-mountain skis designed to handle a variety of conditions and terrain. They both offer great edge hold and carving ability, making them excellent choices for ripping groomers. Both skis also feature a lightweight design, making them easy to maneuver and control. They are both designed with a focus on versatility, with features that allow them to perform well in both on-trail and off-trail conditions.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are versatile, the Salomon QST 92 is more of a powerhouse, designed for skiers looking to progress their prowess off the trails. It's a great choice for those who want a ski that can handle everything from carving on trails to navigating through trees. The QST 92 is also a bit more nimble and playful, thanks to its cork damplifiers and carbon material woven into the frame.

On the other hand, the K2 Mindbender 85 is more forgiving and intuitive, making it an excellent choice for beginner to intermediate skiers looking to step up from rentals. It's a great option for those who want a ski that's easy to control and can help them gain confidence as they explore new parts of the mountain.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, the Salomon QST 92 takes the lead. Its design allows it to handle a wider range of conditions and terrain, making it a true all-mountain weapon.

In terms of forgiveness and ease of use, the K2 Mindbender 85 comes out on top. Its forgiving design and intuitive setup make it a great choice for beginner to intermediate skiers looking to progress their skills.

For agility and playfulness, the Salomon QST 92 wins again. Its cork damplifiers and carbon material woven into the frame make it nimble and playful, especially in off-trail or varied terrain.

Finally, for edge hold and carving ability, it's a tie. Both skis offer excellent edge hold and carving ability, making them great choices for ripping groomers.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Salomon QST 92 and the K2 Mindbender 85 are excellent all-mountain skis that offer versatility, edge hold, and carving ability. However, they cater to different types of skiers. The Salomon QST 92 is a powerful and versatile all-mountain weapon, perfect for skiers looking to progress their prowess off the trails. On the other hand, the K2 Mindbender 85 is a forgiving and intuitive ski, ideal for beginner to intermediate skiers looking to step up from rentals and explore new parts of the mountain. So, the final verdict depends on your skill level and what you're looking for in a ski. Happy shredding!

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