Expert Comparison: Salomon Stance 96 Skis · 2023 vs Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2024

Published on 02/14/2024 · 5 min readCompare Salomon Stance 96 Skis · 2023 and Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2024. Get expert insight below!
Evan K., Ski Expert
Ian Hamilton, Ski Expert
Eugene C, Ski Expert
Contributed By Ski Expert Evan K., Ian Hamilton, Eugene C, Luke H., Phil Chandler and others

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Side by side comparison

Out of stock
Salomon Stance 96 Skis · 2023
Out of stock
Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2024
Price
$419.97
40% off
$389.97
40% off
User rating
5(3)
4.57(7)
The Curated Take

Best for advanced-expert skiers seeking high speed stability and versatility in variable snow conditions.

Best for intermediate to advanced skiers seeking versatile, all-terrain performance.

Ski type
All Mountain
Freeride, All Mountain
Skill level
Advanced, Expert
Intermediate, Advanced
Rocker profile
Rocker/Camber/Rocker
Rocker/Camber/Rocker

In the world of all-mountain skis, the Salomon Stance 96 Skis · 2023 and the Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2024 are two top contenders. Both skis are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and offer a blend of performance, versatility, and fun. The Stance 96 is a well-balanced, metal-reinforced ski that is smooth and quiet while remaining energetic and playful. It's a great ski for skiers who love to charge but want something with just enough forgiveness to be fun in less-than-ideal conditions. On the other hand, the QST 98 is a playful yet powerful ski that offers quick edge-to-edge rollover and enough width for powder flotation. It's a great all-around ski for those who want to explore all types of terrain. While both skis have their strengths, the choice between the two will ultimately depend on your personal skiing style and preferences.

The Salomon Stance 96 Skis · 2023 is a well-balanced, metal-reinforced, all-mountain ski that is smooth and quiet while remaining energetic and playful. This ski is designed for skiers who love to charge but want something with just enough forgiveness to be fun in less-than-ideal conditions. The Stance 96 is a directional all-mountain charger that stands out from its competition thanks to its reasonable price point and nuanced construction.

The Stance 96 is a great "one-ski-quiver" for directional all-mountain skiers who want a stable, damp, reliable carver that they can grab regardless of conditions. Expert skiers will be pleased with the energy and versatility the Stance provides when compared with other heavy, metal ski options like the Voelkl Mantra or K2 Mindbender. Athletic intermediate skiers will enjoy the Stance's stable, confidence-inspiring platform but could find the ski cumbersome in tighter spots like bumps and trees.

The Stance 96 is a high-performance all-mountain ski designed for advanced skiers. With a poplar wood core, carbon and flax materials, and double titanal layers, this ski is stiff, responsive, and stable at high speeds. Its full sandwich sidewalls provide excellent edge grip and a smooth carving experience. This ski is perfect for those who want to confidently tackle a variety of terrain and conditions.

The Salomon Stance 96 is a directional all-mountain charger that stands out from its competition thanks to its reasonable price point and nuanced construction. In a category where most skis do the main thing well—carve really fast on all snow—the Stance does the other things really well. It is happy to ski the additional bump and it loves to make all lengths of turns.

Evan K.
Ski Expert

The Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2024 is a playful yet powerful ski that offers quick edge-to-edge rollover and enough width for powder flotation. It's a great all-around ski for those who want to explore all types of terrain. The QST 98 is a great tool for powder and softer snow conditions. It's a great ski for an intermediate to advanced skier who wants to start building their skills off piste or wants a ski that’s easier in powder. It’s also a great powder ski for an East Coast skier.

The QST 98 is a high-performance all-mountain ski designed for advanced skiers. With a poplar wood core, carbon and flax materials, and double titanal layers, this ski is stiff, responsive, and stable at high speeds. Its full sandwich sidewalls provide excellent edge grip and a smooth carving experience. This ski is perfect for those who want to confidently tackle a variety of terrain and conditions.

The QST 98 would be great for an intermediate to advanced skier who wants to start building their skills off piste or wants a ski that’s easier in powder. It’s also a great powder ski for an East Coast skier.

Ian Hamilton
Ski Expert

Similarities

Both the Salomon Stance 96 Skis · 2023 and the Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2024 are high-performance all-mountain skis designed for intermediate to advanced skiers. They both feature a poplar wood core, carbon and flax materials, and double titanal layers, making them stiff, responsive, and stable at high speeds. Both skis also have full sandwich sidewalls for excellent edge grip and a smooth carving experience. They are both versatile skis that can handle a variety of terrain and conditions, making them great options for skiers who want a one-ski quiver.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are versatile and high-performing, they cater to slightly different skiing styles and preferences. The Salomon Stance 96 is a well-balanced, metal-reinforced ski that is smooth and quiet while remaining energetic and playful. It's a great ski for skiers who love to charge but want something with just enough forgiveness to be fun in less-than-ideal conditions. This ski is perfect for those who love carving fast on all types of snow and enjoy skiing bumps and making all lengths of turns.

On the other hand, the Salomon QST 98 is a playful yet powerful ski that offers quick edge-to-edge rollover and enough width for powder flotation. It's a great all-around ski for those who want to explore all types of terrain, especially off-piste and powder conditions. This ski is perfect for intermediate to advanced skiers who want to start building their skills off piste or want a ski that’s easier in powder.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

  1. Versatility: Both skis are highly versatile, but the Salomon QST 98 has a slight edge due to its better performance in powder and off-piste conditions.
  2. Carving: The Salomon Stance 96 excels in carving, making it the winner in this category.
  3. Playfulness: The Salomon QST 98 is described as more playful, giving it the edge in this category.
  4. Stability: Both skis offer excellent stability, but the Salomon Stance 96's metal-reinforced construction gives it a slight advantage.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Salomon Stance 96 Skis · 2023 and the Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2024 are excellent choices for intermediate to advanced skiers looking for a versatile, high-performing all-mountain ski. The Stance 96 excels in carving and stability, making it a great choice for skiers who love to charge and carve fast on all types of snow. The QST 98, on the other hand, shines in its playfulness and versatility, especially in off-piste and powder conditions. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal skiing style and preferences. So whether you're a speed demon who loves to carve or an adventurous skier who loves to explore off-piste, there's a Salomon ski out there for you.

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