In the world of all-mountain skis, the Salomon QST 92 and Atomic Maverick 86 C are two standout options for the 2023 season. Both skis are designed to handle a variety of conditions and terrain, but they each have their unique strengths and features. The Salomon QST 92 is a versatile all-mountain weapon, with less rocker in the tip and tail for effective edge carving on trails and hardpack. It's surprisingly light for an all-mountain ski, thanks to its metal-free construction, and is perfect for skiers looking to quickly progress their prowess off the trails. On the other hand, the Atomic Maverick 86 C is a lightweight, agile ski that excels in making tight and snappy turns in tighter terrain. It's a great ski for intermediate to advanced skiers who value quickness and maneuverability. While both skis have their merits, the final verdict will depend on your personal skiing style and preferences.

Salomon QST 92 Skis · 2023 summary

The Salomon QST 92 Skis are a powerful and highly versatile all-mountain weapon. Despite being the narrowest of the QST line, they pack a punch when it comes to performance. 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 into thinking it's a one-trick pony. The cork dampeners in the tip and tail, combined with the carbon material woven into the frame, keep 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. Whether you're carving down groomed runs or exploring off-piste, the Salomon QST 92 Skis are designed to handle it all with ease and agility.

Atomic Maverick 86 C Skis · 2023 summary

The Atomic Maverick 86 C Skis are a lightweight and agile ski that's perfect for skiers who value quickness and maneuverability. The Maverick 86 C forgoes metal in the frame for carbon, keeping the ski lightweight and on the agile side. With an 86 mm waist, the Maverick is very quick edge-to-edge and is at its best when making tight and snappy turns in tighter terrain.

This ski is a great choice for advanced to expert skiers who value quickness and maneuverability. However, it's also a solid and dependable ski for intermediate skiers looking to up their game on both groomers and off-piste. Despite its agility, the Maverick 86 C is a highly versatile ski in a more forgiving package. Whether you're carving down groomed runs or exploring off-piste, the Atomic Maverick 86 C Skis are designed to handle it all with ease and agility.

Similarities

Both the Salomon QST 92 and the Atomic Maverick 86 C are all-mountain skis designed to handle a variety of conditions and terrain. They both have a narrower waist width, which makes them quick edge-to-edge and excellent for carving on trails and hardpack. Both skis also forgo metal in their construction, opting for lighter materials like carbon to keep the skis lightweight and agile. This makes both skis great for skiers who value quickness and maneuverability. Additionally, both skis are versatile and can handle off-piste terrain, making them great options for skiers looking to explore beyond groomed runs.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are versatile all-mountain options, they cater to slightly different skier personas. The Salomon QST 92, with its less rocker in the tip and tail, is a powerful all-mountain weapon that's perfect for skiers looking to quickly progress their prowess off the trails. It's nimble and playful when going off-trail or into more varied terrain, like trees, making it a great choice for adventurous skiers who love to explore.

On the other hand, the Atomic Maverick 86 C is at its best when making tight and snappy turns in tighter terrain. It's a great ski for advanced to expert skiers who value quickness and maneuverability. However, it's also a solid and dependable ski for intermediate skiers looking to up their game on both groomers and off-piste. This makes the Maverick 86 C a great choice for skiers who love to carve and want a ski that can handle a variety of conditions.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform well in a variety of conditions and terrain. However, the Salomon QST 92's less rocker in the tip and tail gives it a slight edge for off-trail exploration.

In terms of agility and quickness, the Atomic Maverick 86 C, with its carbon construction and quick edge-to-edge design, takes the win.

For progression, the Salomon QST 92 is the winner. Its design is perfect for skiers looking to quickly progress their prowess off the trails.

Finally, for carving on trails and hardpack, both skis perform well. However, the Atomic Maverick 86 C's design is slightly more optimized for making tight and snappy turns in tighter terrain, giving it the edge in this category.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Salomon QST 92 and the Atomic Maverick 86 C are excellent all-mountain skis that offer versatility, agility, and performance. The Salomon QST 92 is a great choice for skiers looking to explore off-trail and progress their skills quickly, while the Atomic Maverick 86 C is perfect for skiers who value quickness and maneuverability, and love to carve tight turns. Ultimately, the best ski for you will depend on your personal skiing style and preferences. So whether you're a trail-blazing adventurer or a carving enthusiast, there's a ski out there that's perfect for you. Happy skiing!