The QST (Quest) range from Salomon has quietly (if you compare to some of Salomon’s previous freeride incarnations), become a classic go-to ski for reliable all mountain and off-piste reliability. The 98 model sits in the middle of the range and offers the greatest versatility – arguably being one of the most versatile all mountain skis on the market.
The performance on groomed slopes for a ski of this width is second to none – okay skis such as Armada’s Declivity and many others can match up to it, but beaten, we don’t think so. Turn initiation is smooth and easy, with a solid edge grip that cuts through even the hardest packed snow and carves a super smooth arc at a turn radius between 16 to 18 metres depending on the skis length.
One thing to mention is the fact they prefer longer to medium radius turns than the faster, snappy shorter ones – although you’d expect that from a ski with these dimensions.
However, take them further afield, off the sides of the piste and they can really open up.
The sort of chopped up terrain and bumpy, lumpy sluff that’s found within that 20 metre corridor away from trail is where they come into their own. Lively, responsive and playful, they feel light and can work well for dynamic skiers that are on the lighter side. They also feel super solid, adding confidence to the turns as they power through pretty much anything in the way.
The Poplar wood core is reinforced with titanium laminate through the centre, adding a torsional power that provides control and stability. This gives the QST 98 a huge range of versatility when it comes to ability levels – expert skiers with high technical ability should be more than satisfied, whilst strong intermediates that want to improve their all mountain skills won’t find them too much of a handful.
For a one ski does it all option, the Salomon QST 98 has to be right up there as a top choice and they are light enough to handle a freeride touring binding too.
