In the world of skiing, the Salomon QST 98 Skis and the Blizzard Bonafide 97 Skis are two top contenders for the 2024 season. Both skis are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and are marketed as all-mountain skis, capable of handling a variety of terrains and conditions. The Salomon QST 98 is a versatile, playful, and forgiving ski that can handle everything from groomers to powder. On the other hand, the Blizzard Bonafide 97 is a powerful, fast, and demanding ski that excels at carving and high-speed runs. While both skis have their strengths, the choice between the two ultimately depends on your skiing style and preferences. If you're looking for a ski that's easy to maneuver and fun to ride, the Salomon QST 98 is the way to go. But if you're a speed demon who loves to carve, the Blizzard Bonafide 97 won't disappoint.

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 be a one ski quiver, 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 lives up to its marketing. It’s midwidth at 98 mm and is a great all-around, intermediate one ski quiver. The ski has significant early rise in the nose and the tail which helps with the float. It's not super wide so it won't be a perfect powder ski but it will float pretty well. The ski is pretty forgiving and not super stiff. It has enough camber underfoot where skiing groomers is really fun. It also has a cork damper in it so it reduces the chatter that you get from such a significantly early rise in the tips.

The QST 98 is a great tool for powder and softer snow conditions. It's a great all terrain ski you can use on the groomers, moguls, trees, powder, or backcountry. It'll work pretty well for everything! Intermediates all the way to experts will have a good time on this ski, and it’s a really good all around one ski quiver.

Blizzard Bonafide 97 Skis · 2024 summary

The Blizzard Bonafide 97 Skis are designed for advanced and expert skiers who want a tool that is stiff, demanding, and uncompromising of mistakes. The Bonafide provides a platform for the best skiers to be able to bend the mountain to their will rather than the other way around. Without much rocker in the tip or tail, 97mm underfoot, and metal, this ski feels a bit like a relic in the ski industry, but not in a bad way!

The Bonafide 97 is a ski that doesn't make any excuses about what it is - a strong weapon for attacking the mountain. It is amazing how solid this ski feels at higher speeds, yet will still turn willingly at slower speeds. With the width of the ski it will love the fresh stuff but continue to perform in any ice or crud too!

The Bonafide is for the advanced to expert skiers who see the rest of the mountain as nothing more than an obstacle in their way. Built with two sheets of metal combined over a wood core and very little rocker in the tip and tail, the Bonafide is designed to dice up groomers and firm snow at any speed you want to go, as well as blast through crud, chunder and variable snow as if it wasn't even there.

Similarities

Both the Salomon QST 98 and the Blizzard Bonafide 97 are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and are marketed as all-mountain skis. They are both designed to handle a variety of terrains and conditions, from groomers to powder. Both skis have a similar waist width, with the QST 98 at 98mm and the Bonafide 97 at 97mm. This width allows both skis to perform well in a variety of snow conditions, providing a good balance between carving performance on groomers and flotation in powder. Both skis also feature some form of rocker in the tip and tail, which helps with turn initiation and float in soft snow.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for all-mountain performance, they cater to different types of skiers. The Salomon QST 98 is a more versatile and forgiving ski, making it a great choice for intermediate skiers looking to improve their skills or advanced skiers who enjoy a playful and fun ride. It's also a good option for skiers who like to explore different parts of the mountain, from groomers to powder to backcountry.

On the other hand, the Blizzard Bonafide 97 is a more powerful and demanding ski, making it a better fit for advanced to expert skiers who love to carve and go fast. It's a great choice for skiers who like to push their limits and want a ski that can keep up with their aggressive style. It's also a good option for skiers who primarily stick to groomed runs but want a ski that can handle occasional off-piste adventures.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, the Salomon QST 98 takes the win. Its forgiving nature and playful ride make it a great all-around ski that can handle a variety of conditions and terrains.

In terms of power and speed, the Blizzard Bonafide 97 is the clear winner. Its stiff construction and aggressive nature make it a powerhouse on the slopes, perfect for advanced to expert skiers who love to carve and go fast.

For playfulness and fun, the Salomon QST 98 comes out on top. Its softer flex and more playful nature make it a joy to ride, whether you're cruising groomers or exploring off-piste.

Finally, for carving performance, the Blizzard Bonafide 97 takes the crown. Its stiff construction and minimal rocker profile make it a carving machine, providing excellent edge hold and stability at high speeds.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Salomon QST 98 and the Blizzard Bonafide 97 are excellent skis that cater to different types of skiers. The Salomon QST 98 is a versatile, playful, and forgiving ski that's great for intermediate to advanced skiers who want a ski that can handle a variety of conditions and terrains. On the other hand, the Blizzard Bonafide 97 is a powerful, fast, and demanding ski that's perfect for advanced to expert skiers who love to carve and go fast. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your skiing style and preferences. So whether you're a playful explorer or a speed-loving carver, there's a ski out there for you!