In the world of all-mountain skis, the Salomon QST 92 and Atomic Bent 100 are two top contenders. Both skis are designed for versatility and performance, but each has its own unique strengths. The Salomon QST 92 is a powerful and highly versatile all-mountain weapon, with less rocker in the tip and tail for more effective edge carving on trails and hardpack. It's surprisingly light for an all-mountain ski and can turn intuitively in tight spots. On the other hand, the Atomic Bent 100 is a playful and maneuverable ski that excels in a variety of conditions. It's lightweight, responsive, and offers great edge hold on steep slopes. Both skis are great options for skiers looking to quickly progress their prowess off the trails. However, the Salomon QST 92 might be better suited for those who prefer carving and trail skiing, while the Atomic Bent 100 might be a better fit for those who enjoy freeriding and freestyling.

Salomon QST 92 Skis · 2023 summary

The Salomon QST 92 is a powerful and highly versatile all-mountain ski. Despite being the narrowest of the QST line, it doesn't compromise on 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, it's not a one-trick pony. The cork dampeners in the tip and tail combined with the carbon material woven into the frame keep the ski very 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 option for skiers looking to quickly progress their prowess off the trails. The QST 92 is a true all-mountain weapon, ready to take on any terrain with ease and agility.

Atomic Bent 100 Skis · 2023 summary

The Atomic Bent 100 is a ski that's designed to handle it all. It's nimble from edge to edge and offers great bite on hardpack. The sidecut profile is a little more freeride inspired, so you get slightly inset contact points that help the ski feel more forgiving in variable snow, as well as letting you exit turns quicker regardless of where you are relative to the fall line.

This ski is lightweight and responsive, making it a joy to ski in a variety of conditions. It holds an edge quite well on steep slopes, and is good wherever you take it up until high speeds. The Atomic Bent 100 is a ski that's ready to rip, whether you're on groomers, in the park, or exploring the backcountry.

Similarities

Both the Salomon QST 92 and the Atomic Bent 100 are designed to be versatile all-mountain skis. They are both built to handle a variety of conditions, from groomed trails to off-piste terrain. Both skis are praised for their nimbleness and playfulness, making them fun to ski in a variety of conditions.

Both skis also have a similar waist width, with the QST 92 at 92mm and the Bent 100 at 100mm. This width allows both skis to provide a good balance of float in powder and edge control on hardpack. Both skis are also constructed to be lightweight, which contributes to their maneuverability and responsiveness.

Finally, both skis are designed with a freeride-inspired sidecut profile, which provides slightly inset contact points for more forgiving performance in variable snow conditions. This design also allows for quicker turn exits, regardless of where you are relative to the fall line.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for all-mountain performance, they each have their own unique strengths that make them better suited for certain types of skiers. The Salomon QST 92, with its less rocker in the tip and tail, is a great option for skiers who love carving on trails and hardpack. Its construction without metal makes it surprisingly light, allowing for intuitive turns in tight spots. This ski is perfect for skiers looking to quickly progress their prowess off the trails and those who prefer a more traditional, carving-focused ski.

On the other hand, the Atomic Bent 100 is a more freeride-focused ski. It's nimble from edge to edge and offers great bite on hardpack, but it really shines in variable snow conditions and in the park. Its lightweight and responsive construction makes it a joy to ski in a variety of conditions. This ski is ideal for skiers who love to play around on the mountain, whether that's in the park, in the trees, or off-piste.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform admirably. However, the Atomic Bent 100 might have a slight edge due to its more freeride-focused design, making it a bit more adaptable to a wider range of conditions.

In terms of carving performance, the Salomon QST 92 takes the cake. Its less rocker in the tip and tail gives it more effective edge for carving on trails and hardpack, making it a carving and trail specialist.

For playfulness and maneuverability, both skis are highly praised. However, the Atomic Bent 100's freeride-inspired sidecut profile and lightweight construction might give it a slight advantage in this category.

Finally, in terms of weight, both skis are designed to be lightweight. However, the Salomon QST 92, constructed without metal, is noted to be surprisingly light for an all-mountain ski, giving it the edge in this category.

Overall, both skis are excellent choices for all-mountain performance. The best ski for you will depend on your personal skiing style and preferences.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Salomon QST 92 and the Atomic Bent 100 are top-notch all-mountain skis that offer versatility, performance, and fun. The Salomon QST 92 shines in its carving performance and lightweight construction, making it a great choice for skiers who love to carve on trails and hardpack. On the other hand, the Atomic Bent 100 stands out with its freeride-focused design and playful maneuverability, making it a fantastic option for skiers who love to play around on the mountain.

Ultimately, the best ski for you will depend on your personal skiing style and preferences. Whether you're a carving enthusiast or a freeride fanatic, both the Salomon QST 92 and the Atomic Bent 100 have something to offer. So get out there, hit the slopes, and have some fun!