Salomon QST 98 Skis 2024

Salomon's QST 98 has more tip and tail taper and increased rocker than the earlier iterations of QST skis, plus a shorter radius, giving the ski increased manoeuvrability in tight spots like trees and an even smoother feel in soft snow. To ensure there’s no loss in the grip the core is a full poplar wood and Salomon’s clever Carbon/Flax reinforcement is used with Double Sidewall Technology that places an extra ABS layer over the sidewall in the centre of the ski. Equally at home carving turns on groomers and skiing through packed snow as it is slashing and turning in deep powder, the QST 98 is the most fun 98mm waisted ski on the mountain.

Terrain Type & Ability Level

Terrain Type
This is a proper all terrain option and it will ski anywhere on the mountain, though it really shines when things get tighter like trees or softer if you’re lucky and score some fresh snow. The generous taper and rocker at the tips and tails provide the manoevrability; a powerful construction, without ever feeling stiff, ensures good grip on firm snow and clean turns with good edge hold.

Skier Type
All condition skiers who favour softer snow and want a ski that will turn on a dime. It’s playful and silky smooth, yet it still has impressive amounts of grip for firmer conditions. Skiers who want the feel of freestyle ski but also the directional ability and performance of a freeride model.

Overview

Shape
Lots of tip and tail taper makes the ski manoeuvrable in tight spots and silky smooth through softer snow. The radius is 17m in a 183cm, an ideal size for a mix terrain, turny if it needs to be and stable when required. The 98mm waist and the width in the tip and tail ensure plenty of float.

Rocker
Twin Rocker uses plenty of rocker at the nose and tail, more than you might expect for a 98mm directional ski. This is more than the QST 99 that it replaces and helps give the ski the playful part of its personality.

Core
Poplar optimises weight withought scarificing any shock absorption or stability. A central strip of flax and carbon (C/FX) assits with the resposiveness and energy whilst keeping it smoother than if just carbon was used.

Construction
Full Sandwich Sidewalls provide excellent control along the skis full length. An extra layer of injected ABS above this, through the centre section of the ski, improves edge grip. Smoothness is emphasised with the use of Carbon Powered C/FX and Cork Damplifier; an edge-to-edge Titanal plate is used underfoot for maximal power and increased precision on hard snow.

Key Features

C/FX
Carbon and Flax woven together. It combines the strength, stability, minimal weight of carbon with the increased level of dampening of the flax.

Cork Damplifier
Cork is three times more absorbing than Koroyd. Using it in the tip of the ski enables a high level of vibration absorption and dampening with even less weight.

Double Sidewall Technology
High density injected piece of ABS underfoot combined with full length sidewalls which allows a strong platform underfoot to maximize the grip on hard snow.

EB tester’s comments: Jon (Tamworth) A great choice if you are looking for an exciting off piste ski with genuine on-piste capability. Whilst there's no doubt that the 98mm width underfoot and the wider tip and tail with double rocker will come into their own in the powder, the reduced contact length from the double rocker and 16m turning radius makes this ski perform unbelievably well on piste too. Agile, super 'turny' with great edge grip and stability but above all loads of fun! The QST 98 brought a smile to my face and left me wanting more. One for the wish list!

General Information

• Skier Ability: Advanced|Expert
• Terrain Type: All Mountain
• Rocker: Tip/Tail Rocker
• Radius: Medium
• Bindings: Ski sold flat
• DIN: n/a
• Construction: Full Sidewall
• Core: Wood, Carbon
• Demo: Yes
• Sizing Description: Forehead to over head height. The increased length ensures better grip, stability and floatation and is essential to making the ski work to its full potential. Large rockers at the tip mean it is important not to size down.