In the world of skiing, the Salomon QST 98 Skis and the Head Kore 99 Skis are two top contenders for the 2024 season. Both skis are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and offer a versatile, all-mountain experience. The Salomon QST 98 is a playful yet powerful ski that excels in a variety of conditions, from groomers to powder. The Head Kore 99, on the other hand, is a lightweight yet stiff ski that offers high performance across the mountain. While both skis are excellent choices, the Salomon QST 98 is more forgiving and suitable for a wider range of skiers, while the Head Kore 99 requires more technique and is better suited for aggressive skiers.

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, offering a great all-around, intermediate one ski quiver. It has a midwidth of 98 mm and is known for its quick pivoting. The effective edge isn't super long because it has so much early rise, which means the tip and the tail don't catch as much as a fully camber ski. This makes the ski more playful, surfy, and smeary, and easier to pivot than many stiffer, directional skis.

The QST 98 is also pretty forgiving and not super stiff, with enough camber underfoot where skiing groomers is really fun. It has a cork damper in it to reduce the chatter that you get from such a significantly early rise in the tips.

In terms of freestyle skiing, the QST 98 is more of a freeride ski. You can definitely take them to the park but there are more park oriented options than these. These are more built for going off piste and skiing all over the mountain.

The ski performs well in powder, with significant early rise in the nose and the tail which helps with the float. It's not super wide so won't be a perfect powder ski but it will float pretty well. It also handles the beat up crud pretty well and the kind of variable snow you get after the runs get skied out a little bit.

The QST 98 is a great all terrain ski you can use on the groomers, moguls, trees, powder, or backcountry. It'll work pretty well for everything!

Head Kore 99 Skis · 2024 summary

The Head Kore 99 Skis are known for their lightness and torsional rigidity. They are designed for advanced to expert skiers and can even double as a backcountry ski. The Kore 99 is exceptionally quick edge-to-edge, but still is able to maintain high-speed stability.

The Kore 99 returns again this year unchanged (except for graphics) with its signature use of graphene and a karuba and poplar core to keep the ski exceptionally light yet stiff for skiers looking for high performance across the mountain. Combined with a solid camber and moderate rocker on the tips and tails, you get a ski that provides a good amount of float in powder while being solid when the snow gets hard, choppy, or variable.

The Kore 99 is a great advanced to expert ski that can do a bit of everything. It's aggressive, carves like a dream, and can take top speeds and high powered turns. However, it's not a great option for lighter or lower level intermediate or beginner skiers. They do require some decent technique, they want to carve, not slide turns, and they might feel unforgiving for a skier who isn't confident.

Similarities

Both the Salomon QST 98 and the Head Kore 99 are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and are marketed as all-mountain skis. They both offer a versatile skiing experience, capable of handling a variety of conditions from groomers to powder. Both skis are known for their quick edge-to-edge transitions and their ability to maintain stability at high speeds. They both have a playful yet powerful design, with a good amount of float in powder and solid performance on hard, choppy, or variable snow.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers, the Salomon QST 98 is more forgiving and suitable for a wider range of skiers, including those who are still developing their technique. The QST 98 is also more playful and freeride oriented, making it a great choice for skiers who like to explore off-piste and ski all over the mountain.

On the other hand, the Head Kore 99 is better suited for aggressive skiers who have a decent technique. It's a stiffer ski that requires more from the skier, but in return, it offers high performance across the mountain. The Kore 99 is also lighter than the QST 98, making it a good option for skiers who are looking for a ski that can double as a backcountry ski.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, both skis perform well in a variety of conditions, but the Salomon QST 98 takes the lead due to its more forgiving nature and suitability for a wider range of skiers.

In terms of performance, the Head Kore 99 stands out with its high performance across the mountain and its ability to maintain stability at high speeds, even though it's a lighter ski.

For playfulness, the Salomon QST 98 wins with its more playful, freeride oriented design that makes it fun to ski all over the mountain.

Finally, for weight, the Head Kore 99 takes the crown with its exceptionally light yet stiff construction, making it a great option for skiers looking for a ski that can double as a backcountry ski.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Salomon QST 98 and the Head Kore 99 are excellent choices for intermediate to advanced skiers looking for a versatile, all-mountain ski. The Salomon QST 98 is more forgiving and suitable for a wider range of skiers, making it a great choice for those who are still honing their technique or who prefer a more playful, freeride oriented ski. The Head Kore 99, on the other hand, is better suited for aggressive skiers with decent technique who are looking for a high-performance ski that can handle a variety of conditions. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal skiing style and preferences. Happy skiing!