In the world of women's skis, the Salomon QST Lux 92 and the Black Crows Captis Birdie are two standout options for 2024. Both are designed for all-mountain use, but they each have their unique strengths and weaknesses. The Salomon QST Lux 92 is a powerful, stiff ski that excels in carving and freeriding, while the Black Crows Captis Birdie is a versatile, playful ski that offers a balanced performance across various terrains. The Salomon QST Lux 92 is best suited for experienced skiers who can handle its power and demand, while the Black Crows Captis Birdie is a great option for beginner to intermediate skiers looking for a versatile, easy-to-turn ski. In the end, the choice between these two skis comes down to your skiing style, skill level, and personal preference.

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

The Salomon QST Lux 92 Skis are a revamped version of Salomon's old Lux model, designed to be a directional all-mountain charger. They are packed with power and stability, especially in their tips, making them a force to be reckoned with on the slopes. These skis have a bit of extra rocker through their tips, which makes turn initiation easier. They also have a lot of camber underfoot, allowing you to really lay into a turn without the skis sliding out on you.

These skis are stiff, which means they pack a lot of power. They require a bit of energy to get turning, but once they are turning, they are really fun throughout the turn. They 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 offer lots of acceleration coming out of your turn if you can put some power into the tips.

While they are not the most playful skis due to their weight, someone who knows how to power through them can have a lot of fun. They are not ideal for skiing switch or for the park, but they are stable upon landing jumps. They are not the best in powder due to their width and weight, but they excel in uneven terrain and chunder. They are moderately maneuverable in the trees, but they require a forward riding style.

The Salomon QST Lux 92 Skis are ideal for ripping wide open groomers and for days when you need a lot of edge hold. They are not the best for powder days as they are heavy and require a lot of energy. They are recommended for East Coasters and all-mountain skiers, but not for beginners as they can feel daunting and heavy.

Black Crows Captis Birdie Skis · Women's · 2024 summary

The Black Crows Captis Birdie Skis are a versatile option for skiers looking for a one-ski quiver. They perform well in a variety of conditions, from powder to groomers, and can handle both short turns and longer, faster arcs. The playful rocker profile is balanced by stiffness and camber underfoot, providing stability and edge hold. With a progressive flex and a long effective edge, these skis offer maneuverability and grip at high speeds.

These skis are easy to ski and are a good beginner-intermediate ski. They have a twin shape, which makes them versatile and easy to turn. They hold up well on groomers and are soft enough to hold an edge. They are very maneuverable in trees due to the twin shape and the rocker in the tail and the tips.

The Black Crows Captis Birdie Skis are not ideal for powder as they are only about 90mm underfoot. They can be a little chattery in uneven terrain, but they hold up pretty well for a beginner-intermediate ski in chop and chunder and variable conditions. They are recommended for beginner-intermediate women who like Black Crows or are looking for a twin tip ski. They are not recommended for someone looking for a stiffer carving ski or for powder.

Similarities

Both the Salomon QST Lux 92 and the Black Crows Captis Birdie are all-mountain skis designed for women. They are both designed to perform well in a variety of conditions, from groomers to uneven terrain. Both skis have a rocker profile, which helps with turn initiation, and camber underfoot, which provides stability and edge hold. They both have a width of around 90mm underfoot, which offers a balance between flotation in powder and edge control on groomers. Both skis are also praised for their edge hold and stability at high speeds.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for all-mountain use, they cater to different types of skiers. The Salomon QST Lux 92 is a powerful, stiff ski that requires a bit of energy to get turning. It's best suited for experienced skiers who can handle its power and demand. It's also ideal for East Coasters and all-mountain skiers who love ripping wide open groomers.

On the other hand, the Black Crows Captis Birdie is a versatile, playful ski that offers a balanced performance across various terrains. It's a great option for beginner to intermediate skiers looking for a versatile, easy-to-turn ski. It's also a good choice for skiers who like Black Crows or are looking for a twin tip ski.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to power and stability, the Salomon QST Lux 92 takes the lead. Its stiff construction and powerful performance make it a force to be reckoned with on the slopes.

In terms of versatility and ease of use, the Black Crows Captis Birdie comes out on top. Its balanced performance across various terrains and easy-to-turn design make it a great choice for beginner to intermediate skiers.

For carving and edge hold, both skis perform well. However, the Salomon QST Lux 92's stiff construction and powerful performance give it a slight edge in this category.

In terms of playfulness and freestyle capabilities, the Black Crows Captis Birdie shines with its twin shape and easy-to-turn design.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Salomon QST Lux 92 and the Black Crows Captis Birdie are excellent choices for all-mountain skis, but they cater to different types of skiers. The Salomon QST Lux 92 is a powerful, stiff ski that's best suited for experienced skiers who can handle its power and demand. On the other hand, the Black Crows Captis Birdie is a versatile, playful ski that's a great option for beginner to intermediate skiers looking for a versatile, easy-to-turn ski.

Choosing between these two skis ultimately comes down to your skiing style, skill level, and personal preference. If you're an experienced skier looking for a powerful, stiff ski, the Salomon QST Lux 92 is the way to go. If you're a beginner to intermediate skier looking for a versatile, easy-to-turn ski, the Black Crows Captis Birdie is a great choice. Either way, you're sure to have a blast on the slopes with either of these skis!