In the world of women's all-mountain skis, two models stand out: the Salomon QST Lux 92 and the Nordica Santa Ana 93. Both skis are designed for advanced and expert skiers, offering a blend of power, stability, and versatility. The Salomon QST Lux 92 is a revamped version of their old Lux, packing extra power and stability into their tips, making them a directional all-mountain charger. The Nordica Santa Ana 93, on the other hand, is a well-rounded all-mountain ski that offers a smooth and confident ride on groomers while retaining playfulness off-piste. Both skis are great for carving, freestyle, and freeride categories, but they each have their unique strengths and weaknesses. The Salomon QST Lux 92 is more demanding and requires a driver to be forward on their skis, while the Nordica Santa Ana 93 is more playful and versatile. The final verdict? It depends on your skiing style and preferences.

Salomon QST Lux 92 Skis · Women's · 2024 summary

The Salomon QST Lux 92 Skis are a revamped version of their old Lux, designed to be a directional all-mountain charger. They've added extra power and stability into their tips, making them a force to be reckoned with on the slopes. These skis are stiff and packed with power, requiring a bit of time to get used to their strength.

The shape of the skis, with a bit of extra rocker through their tips, makes them easier to initiate turns with. They have a lot of camber underfoot, allowing you to really lay into a turn without sliding out. The QST Luxes are a more demanding ski, requiring quite a bit of energy to get turning. However, once they are turning, they are really fun throughout the turn.

These skis have excellent edge hold and can plow through anything you send them through, including variable, choppy, uneven terrain. They perform well at high speeds and provide lots of acceleration coming out of your turn if you can put some power into the tips.

In terms of freestyle, these skis are heavier and not the most playful. However, someone who knows how to power through them can have a lot of fun. They are not recommended for skiing switch or for the park, but they can handle jumps and are stable upon landing.

In the freeride category, the QST Luxes are not your ideal powder ski, but they are great in uneven terrain and chunder. They are moderately maneuverable through the trees but require a forward riding style.

Nordica Santa Ana 93 Skis · Women's · 2024 summary

The Nordica Santa Ana 93 Skis are an all-mountain ski designed for advanced and expert skiers. They offer a smooth and confident ride on groomers while still maintaining playfulness off-piste. The skis are more intermediate than what Nordica claims, making them a good choice for those who want to take it slow and enjoy softer snow.

The shape of the skis, with a midfat 93 mm waist and a healthy amount of rocker in the tip and tail, allows for easy maneuverability and float in powder. The skis are not super playful or poppy, but they absorb energy well, making them great for softer bumps and groomers.

In terms of carving, the skis turn very easily and have decent edge hold. However, they are not the most damp skis, especially at higher speeds. The skis are more playful than skis that have titanal and have a little bit of pop, but they don't power out of turns as much.

In the freestyle category, the skis are not recommended for skiing switch or for the park. However, they handle side hits decently and are stable on landings.

In the freeride category, the skis are not recommended for deep powder or chunder. However, they shine in the trees and are very nimble.

Similarities

Both the Salomon QST Lux 92 and the Nordica Santa Ana 93 are designed for advanced and expert skiers, offering a blend of power, stability, and versatility. They are both all-mountain skis, meaning they can handle a variety of terrains and conditions. Both skis have a rocker in their tips, making them easier to initiate turns with. They also both have a lot of camber underfoot, allowing you to really lay into a turn without sliding out. Both skis are not recommended for skiing switch or for the park, but they can handle jumps and are stable upon landing.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for advanced and expert skiers, they cater to different types of skiers. The Salomon QST Lux 92 is more demanding and requires a driver to be forward on their skis. This makes them a great choice for aggressive skiers who love to charge down the mountain. They are also a heavier ski, making them less playful but more stable.

On the other hand, the Nordica Santa Ana 93 is more playful and versatile, making them a good choice for skiers who want a more relaxed and enjoyable ride. They are also more intermediate than what Nordica claims, making them a good choice for those who want to take it slow and enjoy softer snow.

In terms of freeride, the Salomon QST Lux 92 is not your ideal powder ski, but they are great in uneven terrain and chunder. The Nordica Santa Ana 93, however, is not recommended for deep powder or chunder, but they shine in the trees and are very nimble.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to power and stability, the Salomon QST Lux 92 takes the lead. They are a more demanding ski, packing extra power and stability into their tips. This makes them a great choice for aggressive skiers who love to charge down the mountain.

In terms of playfulness and versatility, the Nordica Santa Ana 93 comes out on top. They are more playful and versatile, making them a good choice for skiers who want a more relaxed and enjoyable ride.

For freeride, the Salomon QST Lux 92 is the winner. They are not your ideal powder ski, but they are great in uneven terrain and chunder. The Nordica Santa Ana 93, however, is not recommended for deep powder or chunder.

In terms of carving, both skis perform well. However, the Salomon QST Lux 92 requires a driver to be forward on their skis, while the Nordica Santa Ana 93 turns very easily and has decent edge hold.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Salomon QST Lux 92 and the Nordica Santa Ana 93 are excellent choices for advanced and expert skiers looking for a versatile all-mountain ski. The Salomon QST Lux 92 is more demanding and powerful, making them a great choice for aggressive skiers who love to charge down the mountain. The Nordica Santa Ana 93, on the other hand, is more playful and versatile, making them a good choice for skiers who want a more relaxed and enjoyable ride.

While both skis perform well in a variety of conditions, they each have their unique strengths and weaknesses. The Salomon QST Lux 92 shines in uneven terrain and chunder, while the Nordica Santa Ana 93 excels in the trees and is very nimble.

Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to your skiing style and preferences. If you're an aggressive skier who loves to charge down the mountain, the Salomon QST Lux 92 is the ski for you. If you prefer a more relaxed and enjoyable ride, the Nordica Santa Ana 93 is a great choice. Either way, you can't go wrong with either of these skis. Happy skiing!