In the world of women's all-mountain skis, two names stand out: the Salomon QST Lumen 98 and the Nordica Santa Ana 98. Both skis are designed for the 2023 season and are geared towards advanced and expert skiers. The Salomon QST Lumen 98 is renowned for its playful nature, nimbleness, and agility, especially in off-piste conditions. It's a ski that's fun, approachable, and perfect for softer snow and powder. On the other hand, the Nordica Santa Ana 98 is a hard-charging ski that's stable, damp, and has no speed limit. It's a ski that's perfect for carving up groomers, ripping through trees, and floating through powder. Both skis are fantastic in their own right, but depending on your skiing style and preferences, one might be a better fit for you than the other.

Salomon QST Lumen 98 Skis · Women's · 2023 summary

The Salomon QST Lumen 98 is a ski that's synonymous with "all-mountain skis". It's a ski that's been voted by Ski Magazine as the most playful ski in the women's category of all-mountain skis. The Lumen 98 is designed with a wood core reinforced by a carbon weave and Salomon's patented cork damplifiers in the tip and tail. These features absorb vibrations without adding weight to the ski, making the Lumen a nimble and agile platform in the trees and off-piste. Its 98 mm waist gives it plenty of float on deeper days. While it doesn't carve quite as well as Salomon's more hardpack focused cousin, the Stance, it can hold its own. If you find yourself regularly skiing off piste and want a fun and approachable ski for softer snow and powder, the Lumen is a fantastic choice.

Nordica Santa Ana 98 Skis · Women's · 2023 summary

The Nordica Santa Ana 98 is a ski that's designed for the advanced to expert female skier who isn't afraid to go fast and conquer any terrain. The Santa Ana 98 is a ski that's especially smooth and stable, thanks to a fresh construction that pairs a wood core with carbon and a sheet of terrain-specific metal. This design also reduces weight and enhances edge hold and response to inspire confidence and keep you in control. Whether you're skiing groomers with friends or ducking in the trees on a powder day, the Santa Ana 98 allows you to ski everywhere with confidence. However, it's worth noting that the Santa Ana 98 is quite heavy and will tire out a weaker skier.

Similarities

Both the Salomon QST Lumen 98 and the Nordica Santa Ana 98 are designed for advanced to expert female skiers who are looking for a versatile all-mountain ski. They both have a similar waist width (98mm), which provides plenty of float on deeper days. Both skis are also designed with a wood core and carbon, which helps to absorb vibrations and provide stability. They are both praised for their ability to handle a variety of conditions, from groomers to powder to trees.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for advanced to expert skiers, they cater to slightly different personas. The Salomon QST Lumen 98 is perfect for skiers who love to play off-piste and want a ski that's fun, nimble, and agile. It's a ski that's approachable and perfect for softer snow and powder. On the other hand, the Nordica Santa Ana 98 is designed for skiers who love to go fast and conquer any terrain. It's a ski that's stable, damp, and has no speed limit. However, it's worth noting that the Santa Ana 98 is quite heavy and will tire out a weaker skier.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to playfulness, the Salomon QST Lumen 98 takes the crown. It's been voted as the most playful ski in the women's category of all-mountain skis by Ski Magazine. For stability, the Nordica Santa Ana 98 comes out on top with its smooth and stable ride, thanks to its construction that pairs a wood core with carbon and a sheet of terrain-specific metal. In terms of versatility, it's a tie. Both skis are designed to handle a variety of conditions, from groomers to powder to trees. Lastly, for weight, the Salomon QST Lumen 98 is the winner. It's designed to absorb vibrations without adding weight to the ski, making it a more comfortable choice for longer ski days.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Salomon QST Lumen 98 and the Nordica Santa Ana 98 are fantastic skis in their own right. They both offer advanced to expert female skiers a versatile all-mountain ski that can handle a variety of conditions. However, depending on your skiing style and preferences, one might be a better fit for you than the other. If you love to play off-piste and want a ski that's fun, nimble, and agile, the Salomon QST Lumen 98 is a fantastic choice. If you love to go fast and conquer any terrain, and don't mind a heavier ski, the Nordica Santa Ana 98 is the ski for you. Either way, you can't go wrong with either of these skis. Happy skiing!