In the world of skiing, the Salomon QST 98 Skis and Atomic Maverick 100 Ti Skis are two top contenders for the 2023 season. Both skis are designed for all-mountain performance, offering a blend of stability, agility, and versatility. The Salomon QST 98 Skis are praised for their playful nature, excellent maneuverability, and ability to handle a variety of conditions. On the other hand, the Atomic Maverick 100 Ti Skis are lauded for their responsiveness, stability at high speeds, and ability to carve through chop and crud. While both skis are excellent choices for intermediate to advanced skiers, the Salomon QST 98 Skis are more suited for those seeking a playful, all-around ski, while the Atomic Maverick 100 Ti Skis are ideal for those who prefer a more aggressive, high-speed ride.

Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2023 summary

The Salomon QST 98 Skis are a versatile all-mountain ski that can handle a variety of conditions. They are designed with enough early rise in the tip and tail to handle fresh snow, while the good camber underfoot allows for shredding groomers. The twin tip design adds a playful element, making these skis fun to ride.

These skis are built with a Poplar wood core, double sidewalls, carbon/flax stringers, and a cork damplifier. This sophisticated construction allows skiers to bend and flex the ski while maintaining excellent grip, playfulness, and flotation. Despite the presence of rocker, these skis can still carve on fresh corduroy with confidence, making them a versatile option.

The Salomon QST 98 Skis are ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers who want a one-ski quiver. They offer impressive flotation and stand at the top of the pack for the 100 underfoot category. However, they are not designed for the terrain park outside of a few basic jumps, and they are not ideal for primarily icy conditions.

Atomic Maverick 100 Ti Skis · 2023 summary

The Atomic Maverick 100 Ti Skis are designed to tackle the entire mountain. They are built with a Light Woodcore and relatively thin metal laminates, which strike a nice blend of feeling both lightweight and quick, and strong and stable at speed. The skis feature HRZN Tech in the tip, paired with a good amount of tip rocker, which allows them to carve through chop and crud as well as float in fresh powder.

The Maverick 100 Ti Skis are the widest in the Maverick range, making them ideal for steep gullies, powder-filled back bowls, and tight trees. The all-mountain OMatic Construction uses a Titanal layer to create the ideal balance of stiffness and flex, delivering rock-solid stability from tip to tail. Despite using metal in its construction, the 180 cm length achieves just an 1800 g weight per ski, blurring the line between all-mountain and freeride.

These skis are ideal for advanced skiers looking for a well-rounded, highly-rockered, fun-loving ski that can quite literally do it all. However, they are not ideal for beginners or for the deepest of days.

Similarities

Both the Salomon QST 98 Skis and the Atomic Maverick 100 Ti Skis are designed for all-mountain performance, catering to intermediate to advanced skiers. They both feature a sophisticated construction that allows for a balance of stiffness and flex, providing stability and agility on the slopes. Both skis are designed to handle a variety of conditions, from fresh snow to groomers, and are praised for their ability to carve and their flotation in powder. They both have a playful nature and are designed to be fun to ride.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for all-mountain performance, they cater to slightly different personas. The Salomon QST 98 Skis are more suited for skiers seeking a playful, all-around ski. They are praised for their maneuverability and versatility, making them a great choice for those who enjoy a variety of skiing styles and conditions. They are also a good choice for those who want a one-ski quiver, as they can handle most conditions well.

On the other hand, the Atomic Maverick 100 Ti Skis are ideal for those who prefer a more aggressive, high-speed ride. They are designed to be responsive and agile, with a focus on stability at high speeds. These skis are a great choice for advanced skiers who want a ski that can handle a variety of conditions but shines when carving and tackling chop and crud.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, the Salomon QST 98 Skis take the lead. They are praised for their ability to handle a variety of conditions and their playful nature, making them a great all-around ski.

In terms of stability at high speeds, the Atomic Maverick 100 Ti Skis come out on top. Their Titanal reinforcement and OMatic Construction provide rock-solid stability, making them ideal for aggressive, high-speed skiing.

For maneuverability, the Salomon QST 98 Skis are the winner. Their twin tip design and good camber underfoot make them easy to turn and fun to ride.

Finally, for flotation in powder, both skis perform well. However, the Atomic Maverick 100 Ti Skis, with their wider waist and HRZN Tech in the tip, may have a slight edge in deeper powder conditions.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Salomon QST 98 Skis and the Atomic Maverick 100 Ti Skis are excellent choices for the 2023 season. They both offer a blend of stability, agility, and versatility, making them ideal for all-mountain performance. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and skiing style. If you're looking for a playful, all-around ski that can handle a variety of conditions, the Salomon QST 98 Skis are a great choice. If you prefer a more aggressive, high-speed ride and value stability at high speeds, the Atomic Maverick 100 Ti Skis are the way to go. Either way, you're sure to have a blast on the slopes!