Hey Elliott, I demo'd a pair of QST 98's (probably a year or two old) at Steamboat in January. I'm 6'0, 210lbs. I ran the 176cm length based on your suggestion, and loved them; felt nimble, stable, and controlled all around. So, thanks to your guidance, I just ordered a pair on sale for $519. Thank you!!
The thing when you go over 100 under foot is there is generally more rocker so the ski is very “flick-able”, that is when you are neutral weight you can flick the ski around so easily. It’s a great combination. I got the QST 92 and 106 and at first skied the 92 every day then the 106 on powder and soft days. Now I just ski the 106 in everything and converted the 92 to my uphill ski.
Totally agree , this is a fantastic ski , really is such a great all rounder. I work in the ski industry and this is always one of my favourites on ski tests . I currently own the 99 version from a few seasons back . Another ski I love in this width category is the dynastar legend x96 , which I also own. The 106 is also a fantastic ski and would not hesitate to buy .
I bought these planning to run them as a ski to travel with. Traveling out West a good amount, the 22-23 season punished my Maverick 88Ti's like never before; I realized I need a little more float if I'm going to be stuck with only one pair of skis. I know--Typical of an East coast skier to have a quiver with nothing wider than 90 under foot. Glad to hear you like Maverick skis as well, I've only skied the 88 but they're an all-time favorite. It was a tough choice between QST 98 and Maverick 100Ti (and 3rd place, Ripstick)
The Shape of the QST is very cool and versatile, but in terms of construction I think the Elan Ripstick is more like the future, especially the black editions. With no metal, they are more lively in the turns than the QST and lighter, but the QST shovel is very powder friendly, so it depends on what you're doing. Special breaking 1K followers video soon?
It's on the top of my list to try this winter actually! I'm trying to make sure we've got enough snow so that it gets a fair shake, but I'm definitely eager to try them, I see them everywhere!
Nice work. Thank you. I really appreciate your terminology and overall description. I have people ask me how I power up my turns the way I do and now listening to your descriptions, ie preloading your boot etc, I can now explain. I don’t know, maybe I want to keep it my secret 🤷♂️
I love the content! Finally unbiased opinions on ski’s! I recently bought the qst 98’s in 183 cm. I allready own the qst 92(2022) in 184 and love them. But now im starting to worry i bought them too short. Because they have a lot more rocker. I like skiing trees,some powder,bumps and some groomers. Im 6ft2 and 210 pounds. Would very much appreciate the advice. Keep it coming!!
actually im like 6ft2 1/2inch but that shouldn’t make any difference no? Thank you for answering good luck with the channel and looking forward to see more content!
I was a bit overwhelmed searching for a solid all terrain, there are so many out there! I struggle with same thing that you described in a previous video I.e. I want to keep carving on groomer. I come from North East passed the border, therefore I don't want a ski that will work only during my trip in the Canadian Rockies. I have an aggressive Fischer Curv 70 for the hard surface we have here, therefore I am not looking to replace my Curv, but I want to have fun on QST 98 as well, in all conditions. Conclusion, I am ordering a QST 98 176 cm. I am 6'3 but only 190 pounds, this is why I am going shorter a little.
Looks like I'll end up w the Ranger 100 or QST 98. Both look like great skis. Thanks for the info. Can you suggest a good online dealer who mount bindings & ship?
I'm not affiliated with them but I believe ski essentials is the only one that I know that mounts for you. Maybe rei gives you free or discounted in store mounting if you buy through them
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!
If it's your only ski to ski year round is 98, but if you have other skis, the 106 would shred at snowbird if you're a capable skier and want to go off trail.
@@RicketySkiReviews Is there specific advantages/disadvantages to either Carbon or TI that you’re aware of? I have the 86C 176 (still 88 underfoot) and I’m curious how carbon would be different than your 88TI 🙂 Still learning about skis and enjoy your knowledge on the topic!
Would love to! I have been avoiding zipfit a bit, just because I used to have the lace-up liners back in my racing days and absolutely hated them, they were responsive but made it hard to wear the boots for long sessions. The Booster Straps absolutely rule, I think it's the biggest bang for your buck as far as money spent and improved feel and performance. I Love them. I will definitely try to get on some thinner skis, out in Idaho they tend to be a bit thin with how light and soft the snow is here 80+ widths tend to do well out here, but I do love carving so I will try. Here's the most recent video where I talk about Booster straps, but I definitely have talked about them several other times but I start at around 4 mins: ruclips.net/video/v98vWZDAymA/видео.htmlsi=M2dUu4hJm914hkm2&t=246
@@RicketySkiReviews I use both booster straps and Zip fits. I find the zip fits to be very comfortable. Skied them without the laces too and used used them as regular liners when skiing with family. In any case just love discussions about skis and ski gear.
I demoed the QST 98. I found it to be very playful and loose in the tail on hardish snow on piste. Was hard to find the effective edge to arc a carve at moderate speeds (40-45 mph). I could see how this ski would be a blast on a deeper powder day with 6" plus fresh snow. I felt the QST 98 was similar to Armada ARV 100. Great skis for people who want to be a little more "lazy" with their on piste skiing. I want to ski agressively with power (using a lot of leg energy) on piste and ski more lazy on powder days with a playful smeary ski. The QST 106 or Blank would be a great option for powder days just as the Armada ARV 106 or 116 would be as well.
New skier, been boarding for 20+ years. Live in Mammoth looking to learn skiing been out a few days and able to ski parallel. Trying to decide between Qst 92 or 98 hoping to ski 3-4 days a week
Elliot, do you have an opinion on whether the QST 98 or the Maverick 100Ti would make a better hybrid touring/on piste ski with the Shift bindings? It seems like you really like both skis.
Would be a qst 92 a good first pair for onpiste with no aggressive skiing, I just learning for everything and slow carving as well? I have an option of 176 while being 180/84kg. Skiessent recommended shorter 169 but it is not available. Only in 98 width. Cracking my mind all week with that.. appreciate any thoughts!
That would be a great ski, could also check out the Fischer Ranger. I don't always get to these comments that quick, that's why I have membership set up if you ever need info quickly.
Hi Elliot. I have just recently enjoyed several of your Rickety Ski Reviews. Based on your comments, I'm thinking the Solomon QST 106 or Blank could be a good powder ski for me too and am wondering if you could provide some guidance on possibly the best length for me. I have skied on and off most of life starting in MI then as a teen through now in mostly CO, UT & NM and consider myself advanced. I am 66 years old, 5'9" and weigh 140 lbs. After retiring last year, I finally upgraded my skis from vintage Atomic ARC GS and picked-up an all mountain ski -- the 2022 Volkl Mantra M6 in 170cm. This ski blew me away with it's carving power, stability and ability to blast through crude and chop as well a float above modest depths of powder, etc. Honestly, at my age, the Mantra is probably more powerful a ski than I can get the most out of. Anyway, last Winter I logged nearly 30 ski days and plan the same this Winter in NM, CO & UT. The extra width of the Mantra was awesome off piste but feel it is really like a wide body race ski. I'd like something a little more surfy and smeary for tight lines, trees, glades and chutes on days with deep fresh snow. What length would you recommend given the additional tip and tall rocker of the QST?
Hey Andrew, I actually have a whole video on this that you might find helpful: ruclips.net/video/7qVzuD3BHiw/видео.htmlsi=-fJWsmIDTuU01ls0 For powder skis in a QST 106? Idk like a 176?, it looks like they sell a 173 which would be nice for the glades like you described, you could probably go up to a 180 if you were cat skiing or doing big lines, but 173 for your height and the glades would work really well I think. Here's an affiliate link that helps support the channel if you do end up buying, (if not, no worries): www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=132&pw=372417&mi=10270&pt=3&pri=793397 Hope that helped, cheers!
Great videos. Can you make one talking about how to find the proper flex for your boot. I am 180cm and weigh 70kg. I don’t know that’s to stiff or not stiff enough for me.
The QST 98's look great, but don't work for me ( 184lbs, 6ft, expert), I felt they were soft, may be my style of skiing, I feel like they are easy to overdrive and unstable in the crude. Coming from skiing the Mantra M5 there is no comparison. Mantra has much better grip when driving the tips and maneuvers better in the soft and hard crude. For me hard bumps are even more manageable on the Mantra's. My style may just require a stiff flex and nice edge to pop in and out of turns, may have something to do with mount point, mine was set at factory suggested----I don't think hard driving skiers would like this ski. Have not had the QST in deep powder yet so no comment. I felt controlling the skis squirrelyness was more fatiguing then skiing the heavy Mantras----sorry about being so negative. I do appreciate your reviews.
for what its worth - and just my opinion - but these width skis absolutely suck for an Intermediate skier - which I am, so thats why Im giving my opinion. These guys are expert skier and beyond. I like a mid 80 to 88 as he mentioned early on. An 88 Maverick is great for an Intermediate. I fcking hated. and I mean hated the QST 98. it was worthless - for my Intermediate ski level.
@@stevendick1562 Well you must be a good skier, better than me for sure. I live and ski in Colorado - which contrary to what most people think (thanks to marketers) - is not one big powder day lol. I can count on one hand how many actual pow days we get. For most resort skiing - a versatile 88mm underfoot is more than fine 99% of the time. But dont tell that to the marketers! or worse yet, to all the skiers in the lift line with 100+ mm skis for packed powder groomers 😂😂😂in fact most days would be fine with a good old skinny race ski. but thats not cool - so just ignore me.
I really enjoy your commentary on Ski Essentials reviews (which I think are the best on the internet). Have you skied the Blizzard Rustler line? I love them for soft oriented skiing and feel they are also capable of carving. Would be interested in your take and how they compare to the Salomon's.
I have one question: Solomon qst 106 or fisher ranger 108 is more playful and floating and nimble .Which is more quality product of them , because fiaher is most expensive products (i has a sky7hd and the top sheet was very vulnerable). Thank you!
Both high quality, the only reason Salomon is cheaper is because they're clearing out 2023 inventory. Very similar caliber skis, just like the flotation on the Salomon a bit more and the turn style suits my style more, but I love the Fischer Rangers and think they're a nice fit for people who like hair trigger turn initiation. I just put a video out about the Ranger that's worth checking out.
Do you help recommend skis to individuals? Like here in the comments? For the most part, I’m enjoying your channel. It’s a good digest if the good and bad of the ski industry.
Never tried the QSTs. But when it comes to SkiEssentials ski reviews, the comparison videos definitely are the videos where the different characteristics of a ski generally get much more space and are discussed more distinctely. I guess that the normal ski review videos are scripted enough that they have a general idea what they want to say while the comparisons are a more free discussions between them. Still following same path with construction - weight - who is it marketed for - how does it actually ski.
Will have to try the qst. I have heard people having mixed results. As for the size underfoot... Being someone who is constantly off-piste, and just got a pair of Mpro 90 underfoot skis to try "carving", I can say that the 100mm segment becomes the worst of all worlds and being perfectly balanced is not a good thing. They are too wide to carve well and too narrow to really float well either. For all Mt skiing it seems that skis that are 90, 108, and 118 really shine. And Any ski I've tried in 100, 110, and 115 have been stinkers. For your consideration.
Skis are all about discounts… most skiers will pick their skis based on who they can get a deal from. Salomon has improved their ski line up in the past years. Personaly not a big fan. I’ll be more oriented to racing background brands like Rossignol, Atomic, Blizzard, Fischer, Head, or Nordica for manoeuvrability from crud to fresh. Skis with steel reinforced hardwood core, turning radius between 19 and 21m, with progressive “rocker-camber-rocker” shape combined with sandwich construction are much more suitable. Stay away from any foam/carbon core: high speed vibration is highly noticable, and weight is no longer a selection criteria is it affect drastically the ski performance in variable conditions. Another factor is boot fit. Most skiers have been recommended “n + 1” for comfort. Thats a different topic, but it will make your ski judgement performance blury. Proper boot fit comes first over ski selection, but the jo-blo weekend warriors don’t know, and that’s why they keep selling skis every year.
I am pretty sure I commented on this ski in that video even though I never rode it.. I know that I commented on a couple of the skis in the mid 100s comparison video.. I am sure that I would love this ski.. As far as the 100s width, I start going from carving to surfing or smearing or slarving in this width.. The ski I will be on tomorrow is 99 under foot but only 170 long.. I am planning on doing more sliding than actual carving.. The high is supposed to be upper 40s so I should get some good slush to slide in.. Since I am more of a carver this should be good practice for me to surf..
I have been looking into the 95 waist width.. I know they have this ski in the 100 waist width category.. Would you say this is closer to the 95 or is the 92 closer to the 95?
Amer sports is making the best skis. It's not close. Between QST, Maverick, and Declivity you would never need another "all mountain" option. Those skis are all Grade A daily drivers. The only non-amer sports ski that comes close for me right now is the Fischer Ranger. I have skied stuff that is supposed to be like a QST 98 (I own a Liberty Origin 101 right now) and they are terrible in comparison. Not to mention the brand new Stance, which I haven't had the pleasure to ride. I have the old 96 and it eats.
I think Elan is right up there. They're doing their own thing with amphibio build and ripstick skis and they're just so accessible and versatile it's amazing.
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
Hey Elliott, I demo'd a pair of QST 98's (probably a year or two old) at Steamboat in January. I'm 6'0, 210lbs. I ran the 176cm length based on your suggestion, and loved them; felt nimble, stable, and controlled all around. So, thanks to your guidance, I just ordered a pair on sale for $519. Thank you!!
Love the extra context and information you added! Thanks for giving your thoughts.
Thanks for watching!
The thing when you go over 100 under foot is there is generally more rocker so the ski is very “flick-able”, that is when you are neutral weight you can flick the ski around so easily. It’s a great combination. I got the QST 92 and 106 and at first skied the 92 every day then the 106 on powder and soft days. Now I just ski the 106 in everything and converted the 92 to my uphill ski.
Awesome! I'm excited to have enough snow to put more mileage on my 106's
Totally agree , this is a fantastic ski , really is such a great all rounder. I work in the ski industry and this is always one of my favourites on ski tests . I currently own the 99 version from a few seasons back . Another ski I love in this width category is the dynastar legend x96 , which I also own.
The 106 is also a fantastic ski and would not hesitate to buy .
Will have to check them out, thanks for the recommendation.
Saw Jeff from ski essentials at killington yesterday. Keep up the stoke & the content!!
Oh awesome! He's a super nice dude.
I bought these planning to run them as a ski to travel with. Traveling out West a good amount, the 22-23 season punished my Maverick 88Ti's like never before; I realized I need a little more float if I'm going to be stuck with only one pair of skis.
I know--Typical of an East coast skier to have a quiver with nothing wider than 90 under foot.
Glad to hear you like Maverick skis as well, I've only skied the 88 but they're an all-time favorite. It was a tough choice between QST 98 and Maverick 100Ti (and 3rd place, Ripstick)
Great choice, I did the same thing, got Qst106's to compliment my Mav 88's
The Shape of the QST is very cool and versatile, but in terms of construction I think the Elan Ripstick is more like the future, especially the black editions. With no metal, they are more lively in the turns than the QST and lighter, but the QST shovel is very powder friendly, so it depends on what you're doing. Special breaking 1K followers video soon?
It's on the top of my list to try this winter actually! I'm trying to make sure we've got enough snow so that it gets a fair shake, but I'm definitely eager to try them, I see them everywhere!
Nice work. Thank you. I really appreciate your terminology and overall description. I have people ask me how I power up my turns the way I do and now listening to your descriptions, ie preloading your boot etc, I can now explain. I don’t know, maybe I want to keep it my secret 🤷♂️
That's awesome, yeah and it's like naturally efficient for making quick turns! Cheers.
ATTENTION… Jeff actually has a head even though it’s cut off in the video 🤣😂🤣😂
I love the content! Finally unbiased opinions on ski’s! I recently bought the qst 98’s in 183 cm. I allready own the qst 92(2022) in 184 and love them. But now im starting to worry i bought them too short. Because they have a lot more rocker. I like skiing trees,some powder,bumps and some groomers. Im 6ft2 and 210 pounds. Would very much appreciate the advice. Keep it coming!!
That should be plenty, but maybe demo some longer ones next time to test out, I'm 6'1 230 and I like my 182s.
actually im like 6ft2 1/2inch but that shouldn’t make any difference no? Thank you for answering good luck with the channel and looking forward to see more content!
I'm going to have to try this ski out. Universal praise. Hopefully I'll find it in a shop that demos.
Yes, definitely worth trying out, it's very unassuming to look at, but really surprised me.
I was a bit overwhelmed searching for a solid all terrain, there are so many out there! I struggle with same thing that you described in a previous video I.e. I want to keep carving on groomer. I come from North East passed the border, therefore I don't want a ski that will work only during my trip in the Canadian Rockies. I have an aggressive Fischer Curv 70 for the hard surface we have here, therefore I am not looking to replace my Curv, but I want to have fun on QST 98 as well, in all conditions. Conclusion, I am ordering a QST 98 176 cm. I am 6'3 but only 190 pounds, this is why I am going shorter a little.
Nice find!
I actually went for a Blizzard Rustler 10.
Looks like I'll end up w the Ranger 100 or QST 98. Both look like great skis. Thanks for the info. Can you suggest a good online dealer who mount bindings & ship?
I'm not affiliated with them but I believe ski essentials is the only one that I know that mounts for you. Maybe rei gives you free or discounted in store mounting if you buy through them
you vids are fantastic! Man one subscriber away from 1000, congrats man!
Thanks so much! yes I was watching it tip over from 999 to 1k! thanks for being part of it.
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!
Looking for an everyday ski for Snowbird, where I ski 80% ungroomed. QST 98 or 106? I have a pair of S7s for super-deep days.
If it's your only ski to ski year round is 98, but if you have other skis, the 106 would shred at snowbird if you're a capable skier and want to go off trail.
Maverick Carbon vs Maverick TI, would love your thoughts. Great video!
Great Idea, I will try and see if I can find a pair, the 86c is literally the only maverick I haven't tried yet, lol.
@@RicketySkiReviews Is there specific advantages/disadvantages to either Carbon or TI that you’re aware of? I have the 86C 176 (still 88 underfoot) and I’m curious how carbon would be different than your 88TI 🙂 Still learning about skis and enjoy your knowledge on the topic!
Hey bro, love your content. Can you talk about 70-80 carving skis. Custom liners, foot beds and booster straps?
he did talk about boosterstraps and i think he said he doesnt really use footbeds?
@@EggsTeaSea Would be interesting with a more in depth discussion.
Would love to! I have been avoiding zipfit a bit, just because I used to have the lace-up liners back in my racing days and absolutely hated them, they were responsive but made it hard to wear the boots for long sessions. The Booster Straps absolutely rule, I think it's the biggest bang for your buck as far as money spent and improved feel and performance. I Love them. I will definitely try to get on some thinner skis, out in Idaho they tend to be a bit thin with how light and soft the snow is here 80+ widths tend to do well out here, but I do love carving so I will try.
Here's the most recent video where I talk about Booster straps, but I definitely have talked about them several other times but I start at around 4 mins: ruclips.net/video/v98vWZDAymA/видео.htmlsi=M2dUu4hJm914hkm2&t=246
@@RicketySkiReviews I use both booster straps and Zip fits. I find the zip fits to be very comfortable. Skied them without the laces too and used used them as regular liners when skiing with family. In any case just love discussions about skis and ski gear.
I demoed the QST 98. I found it to be very playful and loose in the tail on hardish snow on piste. Was hard to find the effective edge to arc a carve at moderate speeds (40-45 mph). I could see how this ski would be a blast on a deeper powder day with 6" plus fresh snow. I felt the QST 98 was similar to Armada ARV 100. Great skis for people who want to be a little more "lazy" with their on piste skiing. I want to ski agressively with power (using a lot of leg energy) on piste and ski more lazy on powder days with a playful smeary ski. The QST 106 or Blank would be a great option for powder days just as the Armada ARV 106 or 116 would be as well.
New skier, been boarding for 20+ years. Live in Mammoth looking to learn skiing been out a few days and able to ski parallel. Trying to decide between Qst 92 or 98 hoping to ski 3-4 days a week
If it were me I'd start 92 and then get powder skis when you're ready. That's what I do personally with my skis now
Thanks for the quick reply. enjoying your content 👍
Just picked up some 2022 QST 98s. Thanks for all the great ski content. Where do you ski?
Right on, great find, I ski out in Idaho.
Elliot, do you have an opinion on whether the QST 98 or the Maverick 100Ti would make a better hybrid touring/on piste ski with the Shift bindings? It seems like you really like both skis.
I'm not well versed enough in touring to give you an educated reply, sorry that's not helpful, but appreciate you watching!
Would be a qst 92 a good first pair for onpiste with no aggressive skiing, I just learning for everything and slow carving as well? I have an option of 176 while being 180/84kg. Skiessent recommended shorter 169 but it is not available. Only in 98 width. Cracking my mind all week with that.. appreciate any thoughts!
That would be a great ski, could also check out the Fischer Ranger. I don't always get to these comments that quick, that's why I have membership set up if you ever need info quickly.
@@RicketySkiReviews thanks for response, I will check the membership as well.
Have your comment “would be a great ski” concerns qst 92 176 or 169 98?
@@sergey5618 would go with the 92mm width at 176 should be perfect!
@@RicketySkiReviews as I understood, the bindings for onpiste mostly should be without platform, like for freeride?
I got the QST 106s and can say they rip thru the PNW crude and are stable carvers at speed.
Awesome glad to hear!
Crude, 😂😂 oil on the runs. Gotta hate spell check!
Hi Elliot. I have just recently enjoyed several of your Rickety Ski Reviews. Based on your comments, I'm thinking the Solomon QST 106 or Blank could be a good powder ski for me too and am wondering if you could provide some guidance on possibly the best length for me. I have skied on and off most of life starting in MI then as a teen through now in mostly CO, UT & NM and consider myself advanced. I am 66 years old, 5'9" and weigh 140 lbs. After retiring last year, I finally upgraded my skis from vintage Atomic ARC GS and picked-up an all mountain ski -- the 2022 Volkl Mantra M6 in 170cm. This ski blew me away with it's carving power, stability and ability to blast through crude and chop as well a float above modest depths of powder, etc. Honestly, at my age, the Mantra is probably more powerful a ski than I can get the most out of. Anyway, last Winter I logged nearly 30 ski days and plan the same this Winter in NM, CO & UT. The extra width of the Mantra was awesome off piste but feel it is really like a wide body race ski. I'd like something a little more surfy and smeary for tight lines, trees, glades and chutes on days with deep fresh snow. What length would you recommend given the additional tip and tall rocker of the QST?
Hey Andrew, I actually have a whole video on this that you might find helpful:
ruclips.net/video/7qVzuD3BHiw/видео.htmlsi=-fJWsmIDTuU01ls0
For powder skis in a QST 106? Idk like a 176?, it looks like they sell a 173 which would be nice for the glades like you described, you could probably go up to a 180 if you were cat skiing or doing big lines, but 173 for your height and the glades would work really well I think.
Here's an affiliate link that helps support the channel if you do end up buying, (if not, no worries): www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=pl&ti=132&pw=372417&mi=10270&pt=3&pri=793397
Hope that helped, cheers!
Great videos. Can you make one talking about how to find the proper flex for your boot. I am 180cm and weigh 70kg. I don’t know that’s to stiff or not stiff enough for me.
Made one this summer:
ruclips.net/video/0kqMA4dlR1M/видео.htmlsi=VOdcexvDe3W-JxjU
At about 4mins and 30 seconds
Awesome, thanks. That's what I was looking for 👍
The QST 98's look great, but don't work for me ( 184lbs, 6ft, expert), I felt they were soft, may be my style of skiing, I feel like they are easy to overdrive and unstable in the crude. Coming from skiing the Mantra M5 there is no comparison. Mantra has much better grip when driving the tips and maneuvers better in the soft and hard crude. For me hard bumps are even more manageable on the Mantra's. My style may just require a stiff flex and nice edge to pop in and out of turns, may have something to do with mount point, mine was set at factory suggested----I don't think hard driving skiers would like this ski. Have not had the QST in deep powder yet so no comment. I felt controlling the skis squirrelyness was more fatiguing then skiing the heavy Mantras----sorry about being so negative. I do appreciate your reviews.
Had to laugh when you mentioned age, I am 70 and still pushing my limits down the mountain.
Right on! I mostly just meant chasing turns rather than letting them come to you, but yes it is a laughable comment haha.
For an intermediate skier, do you feel like the small percentage of change year to year makes a difference?
for what its worth - and just my opinion - but these width skis absolutely suck for an Intermediate skier - which I am, so thats why Im giving my opinion. These guys are expert skier and beyond. I like a mid 80 to 88 as he mentioned early on. An 88 Maverick is great for an Intermediate. I fcking hated. and I mean hated the QST 98. it was worthless - for my Intermediate ski level.
No, I don't think you would notice much difference year to year if it's a subtle change at an intermediate level.
I'm an upper intermediate and had an excellent time on the 183 QST 98 on and off piste in Verbier this year
@@stevendick1562 Well you must be a good skier, better than me for sure. I live and ski in Colorado - which contrary to what most people think (thanks to marketers) - is not one big powder day lol. I can count on one hand how many actual pow days we get. For most resort skiing - a versatile 88mm underfoot is more than fine 99% of the time. But dont tell that to the marketers! or worse yet, to all the skiers in the lift line with 100+ mm skis for packed powder groomers 😂😂😂in fact most days would be fine with a good old skinny race ski. but thats not cool - so just ignore me.
I really enjoy your commentary on Ski Essentials reviews (which I think are the best on the internet). Have you skied the Blizzard Rustler line? I love them for soft oriented skiing and feel they are also capable of carving. Would be interested in your take and how they compare to the Salomon's.
Not yet, but they're on the top of my list!
Picked these up last year and they are great for everything except top speed carving.
I have one question:
Solomon qst 106 or fisher ranger 108 is more playful and floating and nimble .Which is more quality product of them , because fiaher is most expensive products (i has a sky7hd and the top sheet was very
vulnerable).
Thank you!
Both high quality, the only reason Salomon is cheaper is because they're clearing out 2023 inventory. Very similar caliber skis, just like the flotation on the Salomon a bit more and the turn style suits my style more, but I love the Fischer Rangers and think they're a nice fit for people who like hair trigger turn initiation. I just put a video out about the Ranger that's worth checking out.
@@RicketySkiReviews Thank you!
I love my Salomon NFX's - can anyone tell me what replaced them? Thanks!!
I believe it's the QST Spark now?
Do you help recommend skis to individuals? Like here in the comments? For the most part, I’m enjoying your channel. It’s a good digest if the good and bad of the ski industry.
Yes, I have a subscriber perk to help prioritize people because I get a lot of requests, but I try my best to reply to all the comments/emails
Never tried the QSTs. But when it comes to SkiEssentials ski reviews, the comparison videos definitely are the videos where the different characteristics of a ski generally get much more space and are discussed more distinctely. I guess that the normal ski review videos are scripted enough that they have a general idea what they want to say while the comparisons are a more free discussions between them. Still following same path with construction - weight - who is it marketed for - how does it actually ski.
Totally it's alot, but I'm enjoying working through it so far!
Will have to try the qst. I have heard people having mixed results.
As for the size underfoot... Being someone who is constantly off-piste, and just got a pair of Mpro 90 underfoot skis to try "carving", I can say that the 100mm segment becomes the worst of all worlds and being perfectly balanced is not a good thing. They are too wide to carve well and too narrow to really float well either. For all Mt skiing it seems that skis that are 90, 108, and 118 really shine. And Any ski I've tried in 100, 110, and 115 have been stinkers. For your consideration.
at 9:01… massive “A-Frame” lol
Definitely agree in that one frame, but overall I still like the skiing alot
Skis are all about discounts… most skiers will pick their skis based on who they can get a deal from. Salomon has improved their ski line up in the past years. Personaly not a big fan. I’ll be more oriented to racing background brands like Rossignol, Atomic, Blizzard, Fischer, Head, or Nordica for manoeuvrability from crud to fresh. Skis with steel reinforced hardwood core, turning radius between 19 and 21m, with progressive “rocker-camber-rocker” shape combined with sandwich construction are much more suitable. Stay away from any foam/carbon core: high speed vibration is highly noticable, and weight is no longer a selection criteria is it affect drastically the ski performance in variable conditions. Another factor is boot fit. Most skiers have been recommended “n + 1” for comfort. Thats a different topic, but it will make your ski judgement performance blury. Proper boot fit comes first over ski selection, but the jo-blo weekend warriors don’t know, and that’s why they keep selling skis every year.
I am pretty sure I commented on this ski in that video even though I never rode it.. I know that I commented on a couple of the skis in the mid 100s comparison video.. I am sure that I would love this ski.. As far as the 100s width, I start going from carving to surfing or smearing or slarving in this width.. The ski I will be on tomorrow is 99 under foot but only 170 long.. I am planning on doing more sliding than actual carving.. The high is supposed to be upper 40s so I should get some good slush to slide in.. Since I am more of a carver this should be good practice for me to surf..
I have been looking into the 95 waist width.. I know they have this ski in the 100 waist width category.. Would you say this is closer to the 95 or is the 92 closer to the 95?
This felt closer to 95 I think, when I think about it compared to the mav 95 and mav 100
@@RicketySkiReviews maybe that will be on my list to try
Amer sports is making the best skis. It's not close. Between QST, Maverick, and Declivity you would never need another "all mountain" option. Those skis are all Grade A daily drivers. The only non-amer sports ski that comes close for me right now is the Fischer Ranger. I have skied stuff that is supposed to be like a QST 98 (I own a Liberty Origin 101 right now) and they are terrible in comparison.
Not to mention the brand new Stance, which I haven't had the pleasure to ride. I have the old 96 and it eats.
I think Elan is right up there. They're doing their own thing with amphibio build and ripstick skis and they're just so accessible and versatile it's amazing.
@@RaulTT1812 I can agree Elan is great too
Curious how you would set up your quiver using 1ski from each line - QST Maverick Declivity. I currently have a declivity 92
@@ColoradoGooner oh man, for one from each... Mav 88 Ti, Declivity 102, Blank. Or Mav 88 TI, QST 98, Declivity 108 ti.