In the world of skiing, the Salomon QST 98 Skis and the Nordica Enforcer 100 Skis are two titans that have been making waves in the 2024 season. Both skis are designed for all-mountain performance, but each has its unique strengths and characteristics that make them stand out.

The Salomon QST 98 is a versatile, all-mountain ski that is marketed as a freeride freestyle type of ski. It's a one ski quiver that’s wide enough to handle some powder but still has the camber underfoot to handle groomers and ski at resorts really well. It's a great all-around, intermediate one ski quiver that is playful, surfy, and smeary.

On the other hand, the Nordica Enforcer 100 is a hard-charging, all-mountain ski that is perfect for advanced and expert level skiers who like to ski fast and aggressively. It's a ski that can handle all types of terrain and conditions, from groomers to powder, and it's built for a powerful skier who never hesitates to send it anywhere on the mountain.

Both skis are excellent choices for different types of skiers. The Salomon QST 98 is perfect for intermediate to advanced skiers who want a versatile, playful ski that can handle a variety of conditions. The Nordica Enforcer 100, on the other hand, is ideal for advanced and expert skiers who want a powerful, aggressive ski that can handle high speeds and challenging terrain.

Salomon QST 98 Skis · 2024 summary

The Salomon QST 98 Skis are marketed as Salomon's all-mountain, freeride freestyle type of ski. They are also marketed as a potential hybrid backcountry touring option. The QST 98 is a one ski quiver that’s 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 midwidth at 98 mm and is a great all-around, intermediate one ski quiver. It has 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's a great all terrain ski you can use on the groomers, moguls, trees, powder, or backcountry. It'll work pretty well for everything!

The QST 98 has a cork damper in it so it reduces the chatter that you get from such a significantly early rise in the tips. It is pretty forgiving and not super stiff. It has enough camber underfoot where skiing groomers is really fun. It also has a partial twin tip so you could definitely ski switch.

Nordica Enforcer 100 Skis · 2024 summary

The Nordica Enforcer 100 Skis are a wider, more advanced expert all mountain ski. The Enforcer 100 is the flagship of Nordica's all mountain skis. It has been getting a lot of press and attention the last couple of years. A lot of people like the ski as it's intuitive and easy to ski.

The Enforcer 100 has a lot of camber, a pretty flat tail, and then it has a fair amount of rocker in the tip that makes for a little bit easier turn initiation. The ski has a wood core and then two layers of metal sandwiched over it. That being said, the metal is fairly thin, so the ski isn't crazy stiff or overly demanding.

The Enforcer 100 is fairly easy to carve, and they’re intuitive. You just set them on edge, apply a little pressure, and you can just crank out turns on these and they feel really stable. They're responsive, and they do what you want to do. They hold a strong edge on piste, groomers, and ice.

The Enforcer 100 can definitely hold its own in powder, but this is more for someone who's 50 - 50 on piste versus off piste. It’s definitely not the most playful ski, but it's a great option for a solid intermediate to advanced or even expert skier looking for a stiffer, more on piste focused all-mountain ski.

Similarities

Both the Salomon QST 98 and the Nordica Enforcer 100 are all-mountain skis designed for a wide range of conditions and terrains. They both have a versatile waist width that allows them to handle groomers and powder with ease. Both skis are also designed with a rocker-camber-rocker profile, which provides a balance of stability and maneuverability.

Both skis are also designed to be approachable and intuitive, making them a great choice for intermediate to advanced skiers. They both offer a good amount of stability and dampness, reducing chatter and providing a smooth ride even at high speeds.

In terms of construction, both skis feature a wood core for a responsive and lively feel. They also both incorporate some form of metal in their construction to increase stability and dampness.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for all-mountain performance, they cater to slightly different types of skiers. The Salomon QST 98 is more playful and versatile, making it a great choice for intermediate skiers who want a ski that can handle a variety of conditions and terrains. It's also a good option for skiers who like to mix up their skiing style, as it can handle everything from groomers to powder to backcountry.

On the other hand, the Nordica Enforcer 100 is a more aggressive ski that is designed for advanced and expert skiers who like to ski fast and hard. It's a great choice for skiers who spend a lot of time on piste but still want a ski that can handle off-piste conditions. It's also a good option for skiers who prefer a stiffer, more stable ski that can handle high speeds and challenging terrain.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to versatility, the Salomon QST 98 takes the win. Its playful and versatile design makes it a great all-around ski that can handle a variety of conditions and terrains.

In terms of stability and performance at high speeds, the Nordica Enforcer 100 comes out on top. Its stiff construction and two layers of metal provide a stable and smooth ride even at high speeds.

For maneuverability and ease of use, the Salomon QST 98 is the winner. Its softer flex and early rise in the tips make it easy to pivot and turn, making it a great choice for intermediate skiers.

Finally, for off-piste performance, the Nordica Enforcer 100 takes the win. While it's not the most playful ski, it's wide enough to handle off-piste conditions and has enough rocker in the tip to provide good float in powder.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Salomon QST 98 and the Nordica Enforcer 100 are excellent all-mountain skis that cater to different types of skiers. The Salomon QST 98 is a versatile and playful ski that is perfect for intermediate to advanced skiers who want a ski that can handle a variety of conditions. The Nordica Enforcer 100, on the other hand, is a powerful and aggressive ski that is ideal for advanced and expert skiers who want a ski that can handle high speeds and challenging terrain.

Choosing between these two skis ultimately comes down to your personal skiing style and preferences. If you're an intermediate skier looking for a versatile and playful ski, the Salomon QST 98 is a great choice. If you're an advanced or expert skier who likes to ski fast and hard, the Nordica Enforcer 100 is the ski for you. Either way, you can't go wrong with either of these skis. They both offer excellent performance and versatility, making them a great choice for any all-mountain skier.