Salomon QST 98 Skis 2023

Salomon have taken all the good bits from the old QST 99 and added extra playfulness with the all new QST 98. This new model has more tip and tail taper and more rocker, 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 same excellent construction of poplar full wood core with 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 set to be the most fun 98mm waisted ski on the mountain.Terrain Type & Ability LevelTerrain Type This is a proper all terrain option, 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 TypeAll 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.OverviewShapeLots of tip and tail taper, more so than the QST 99, this makes the ski manoeuvrable in tight spots and silky smooth through softer snow. The radius is significantly shorter too, 17m in a 183cm versus 19 in the old 181cm. The 98mm waist and the width in the tip and tail ensure plenty of float.RockerTwin 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.CorePoplar optimises weight withought scarificing any shock absorption or stability. A centre strip of flax and carbon (C/FX) assits with the resposiveness and energy whilst keeping it smoother than if just carbon was used.ConstructionFull 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 FeaturesC/FXThe patented and exclusive C/FX (Carbon/Flax) technology is elevated to the next level of performance by being supercharged with two times more carbon and balanced with basalt to keep its superior dampening and vibration absorption properties. C/FX carbon in the tip and tail allow for quick pivots, while adding strength and power.Cork DamplifierCork 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 TechnologyHigh 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!Technical SpecificationsSize (cm)Tip Width (mm)Waist Width (mm)Tail Width (mm)Radius (m)Weight (g)16913198119151761329812016186018313398121171891339812118General InformationSkier Ability: Advanced/expertTerrain Type: Freeride Rocker: Tip/Tail RockerRadius: MediumBase: SinteredBindings: Ski sold flatDIN: n/aConstruction: Full SidewallCore: Wood, Carbon, FlaxDemo: YesSizing 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.