2024 Salomon QST 98 - SkiEssentials.com Ski Test

[cams]

You guys/gals have been busy. Love all the new reviews and content. Keep it coming. Can't wait for the category reviews as I think a new Hybrid (resort/backcountry) category will be a fun one....they all are actually. Great stuff!

[suzuki]

I bought these last year, with high hopes, but I haven't decided if I will keep them, I'm struggling with the more centre mounting than my Volkl Blaze, but I will keep trying to love them : )

[AWCOM]

Perfect review. I went out and got them as this radius/width/front shape/weight is my favorite sweet spot for Free Riding. This is the same idea as DPS Wailer 99 and Ross Souls. You don't need anything else as they will work everywhere for Free Riders.

[thursday]

I’m between this and the Bent 100. Im an intermediate skier looking for a west coast ski is capable of going off piste into powder and crud, but can also handle itself well on the groomers. Also wondering size. I’m 5’11” 180 lbs.

[darinsmith]

I do like Salomon but I think I like larger turn radius skis because they seam to have more stability..

[edking]

Looking at these or maybe Line Blade Optic 92 for a fun spring ski. Need something easier to turn with sticky spring afternoon snow as well as the "chunky bumpys" I posted on another review with the Enforcer which I own and love for just letting the skis rip but I would love something a little more playful in the conditions I mentioned or skiing with friends that go a little slower.

[dbaime]

Liking this ski for its appeal on groomers. How well can this ski handle some medium sized jumps and maybe a few box/rail slides

[ljshoreslokal]

I love the QST ski's. I have the 2023 QST98 in the 189cm length and I have the QST92 in 184cm length. They're awesome!!!!

[jeb]

U guys folks are so good at what u do. Keep the girls in the reviews too. I am 5’10” and 210 and skiing 2022 180cm Hustler 10s at Killington. I would consider myself an advanced skier and feel confident except I fear crossing my skis on the ungroomed diamond mogul runs when the moguls get tight and big. Would this ski be more approachable for me to feel I have the right equipment in diamond mogul runs at Killington ? Also what length is best for me ?

[dave]

Love the videos. How does the QST 98 compare to the new Rustler 9 in snow, trees, steeps, and carving on the groomers? Last year demoed some Vokyls along with the Mindbender 99ti. When off piste wasn't soft snow conditions, had some trouble with maneuverability in the trees with the Mindbenders. Advanced skier and in my 50's.

[skithengolf]

Hey Bob. I Love the reviews that you and Jeff put together - thankyou for all the great work. I am a similar weight to you but shorter (6ft) and older (60 ish) but pretty fit. I came to skiing late and would describe myself as a decent on piste skier (errs on the cautious side) and I have started exploring powder and moguls over the last couple of seasons. I have a pair of Kendo 88 which I love on piste but would like something wider and less stiff for soft wear snow. Would you go with these or the Elan 96 for that application? I also have a soft spot for black crows.

[wubangazz]

Thank you guys for all of your amazing reviews, So helpful. But With all of this info im still lost. Im 5’6 185 in good shape. Very aggressive skier. I ride mostly in vermont (Im here for every storm) with 1-2 weeks out west a year. Find my self trying to do everything on the mountain. Love to rip turns of all degrees, hit side hits, But mostly try to powder hunt and find my self is some very tight trees. Im currently skiing a 171 jski all play and just dont love it. Ive been skiing it for 5 years. I just thinks its a little clunky. I want a more nimble ski. In the trees i dont love them. I also dont love The turning on groomers. Is it the skis? do I go to shorter like a 164 ( i used to ski snowblades when i was younger so im not to scared of going small) or do i go narrower underfoot?

skis im interested in are qst 98 or 92 (not sure which one would suit me better), husle10, ripstick…. Also open to recommendations. Aka im kinda lost. Any advice I would greatly appreciate. Thank you guys for all you do for this industry.

[chrisbuchanan]

Enjoy the great details in all your reviews. Hoping you can help sort whether this would be a good fit for what my needs. I'm a 6'2" 205 lbs. intermediate/advance skier who likes to carve and go kinda fast on open runs. 65% midwest hills with harder groomers, and 35% rockies resort skiing, all over the mountain except terrain parks. Are the QST 98s appropriate for the icier conditions of the midwest, or is there a better option? I'm currently on 2017 Head Monster 88s that I ski both locales. Maybe I just need two set-ups? Thanks in advance!

[ivanzelicovich]

Hi! I'm looking to gift my wife a new pair of skis. She’s 5'9" and 130 lbs. After some research, we’ve narrowed it down to these skis, but I'm unsure if they should be 169 cm or 176 cm. She’s been skiing most of her life and will mainly be using them at resorts in the PNW (groomed and powder). What would you recommend?

[R-o-u-X]

Great review as always. My question is the following :

I want to upgrade my older 98s. I love the versatility and shiftyness they provide but would love to have a ski that can hold while carving just a bit better, without getting too stiff with sheets of metal.

Would the qst 92 be an answer ? Or are the 2024 98s are a bit more stiff then my older ones ? (2021)

[RickyMountain]

Hi guys!

Keep up the great work! Your reviews and suggestions are always spot on 👍🏼

How do these QST 98s compare to the QST 92s? I’m in the market for a fun, playful and easy all mountain ski; I’m an intermediate/advanced skier who almost only skied groomers with frontside, carving oriented ski but I want to try some light off piste/powder action in the near future.. what would you guys suggest?

Cheers!

[tigerkiller]

Hey there thx for this amazing review. I'm looking to buy qst 98 as i find it suits my needs and think it will suit me well cuz i a light weight skier. I have a really good deal on the 2023 model at 189 length. I am 6'2, 143 lbs advanced. The 183 will probably be preferred given my weight however do you think I could size up to 189?

[Shermanthemastiff]

Love the videos you guys do and I’m wondering what you guys would recommend for someone who wants a 95-105mm underfoot, twin tip for mainly icy east coast.

[jancker]

Awesome review! What size would you recommend for 6’2” 195lb advanced/expert skier? Thanks!!

[TheOlibo]

Hi! Looking at the QST 98 and was a little in between sizes. I m 173cm, pretty strong skier, and usually ski skis at my height. Should I consider the QST 98 in 176cm given the amount of rocker or size down a little to 169? What do you think? Also for essentially backcountry (groomer performance is not really relevant) how would you compare those with the Hustle 10 in 172? Thanks a ton!