Salomon QST 98 Skis Review
The Salomon QST 98 Skis are built for skiers who want one ski that can do it all—without feeling like a compromise. Whether you’re carving morning groomers, dodging trees in the back bowls, or slicing through late-day chop, the QST 98 delivers a smooth, confident ride that feels easy to control but never boring. With its carbon/flax construction, cork dampening, and freeride rocker profile, this ski blends stability, versatility, and playfulness into one sleek package. It’s no surprise that it’s become a go-to daily driver for intermediate to advanced skiers who want a little bit of everything.
Tech Specs at a Glance
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Rocker Profile: Freeride Rocker – 20% Tip Rocker / Camber / 15% Tail Rocker
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Core: Full Poplar Woodcore for stability and rebound
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Laminates: C/FX Carbon and Flax Weave with Cork Damplifier for dampening
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Sidewalls: Double Sidewalls Technology for grip and power transfer
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Tail Type: Partial Twin Tip for easy pivoting and playful turns
First Impressions
Right out of the gate, the Salomon QST 98 makes a strong impression with its sleek design and standout colorways—especially that bold purple or cool blue base graphic. On snow, the ski feels approachable and fun, with an easygoing flex that encourages exploration. It doesn’t feel demanding, which makes it instantly likeable for a wide range of skiers. The wide shovels float over chop and soft snow effortlessly, and the ski feels lighter and shorter than its actual size, which boosts confidence in tighter spots like trees or moguls.
What stood out most was the smoothness of the ride. Thanks to the cork dampening and the carbon/flax weave, the ski absorbs bumps and vibrations better than expected, making crud and mixed snow feel almost buttery. Testers noted how comfortable it was to pivot and smear turns, yet it still delivered enough energy and rebound to stay lively. While not built for high-speed carving on ice, the QST 98 shines as a playful, forgiving, and versatile all-mountain option.
Terrain Performance Overview
The Salomon QST 98 is designed to handle a little bit of everything, and for the most part, it delivers. On groomers, it feels grippy and responsive, especially when the snow is soft or recently groomed. The ski’s camber underfoot offers decent edge hold and energy out of turns, while the freeride rocker makes initiating turns easy and smooth. It’s not a hard-charging carver, but for moderate speeds and playful carving, it’s plenty of fun.
In powder, the QST 98 performs better than you’d expect from a sub-100mm ski. The wide tips and rocker profile help it stay on top of deeper snow, and many skiers found it agile and floaty enough for off-piste adventures. The ski shines in crud and chopped-up snow, where the cork and carbon/flax construction really smooth out the ride. It’s stable, quiet, and forgiving—ideal for charging through variable conditions without getting bounced around.
However, performance on hardpack and icy terrain is where opinions start to split. Some skiers found the ski washed out on firmer snow and lacked the edge hold and precision needed for carving on ice. At higher speeds, it can feel less stable and a bit unpredictable, especially if you’re pushing its limits. Still, for most all-mountain skiers who prefer soft snow, trees, and mixed terrain, the QST 98 offers a balanced blend of control, float, and forgiveness.
Construction and Materials
The Salomon QST 98 is packed with thoughtful materials that balance performance, dampness, and weight. At its core is a Full Poplar Woodcore, which runs from tip to tail and gives the ski a solid, lively feel underfoot. This core enhances snow contact, boosts rebound, and helps absorb chatter—making the ski feel more stable, especially on variable terrain.
One of the standout features is the C/FX laminate, a unique blend of carbon and flax fibers. This layer delivers the lightweight strength and snap of carbon with the natural dampness of flax, resulting in a ski that’s both energetic and smooth. It’s stiff enough for performance but not punishing, which is great for intermediate to advanced skiers.
Another highlight is the Cork Damplifier found in the tips and tails. Cork is significantly more absorptive than materials like Koroyd, helping to soak up vibrations and reduce weight at the same time. Combined with the Double Sidewalls Technology—which includes a high-density ABS insert underfoot—this setup boosts edge grip and stability where it counts most.
Altogether, the QST 98’s construction is engineered for versatility. It’s light enough for quick turns, damp enough for rough conditions, and stable enough for high-speed groomers, all while keeping that playful, all-mountain feel intact.
Rocker Profile and Flex
The Salomon QST 98 features a Freeride Rocker Profile—with 20% tip rocker, traditional camber underfoot, and 15% tail rocker. This blend gives the ski a surfy, playful feel in soft snow while still maintaining decent edge hold and rebound on groomers. The rockered tip helps the ski plane over powder and bust through chop, while the slightly rockered tail makes pivoting and smearing turns feel effortless.
Flex-wise, the QST 98 sits right in the sweet spot for all-mountain versatility. It’s soft enough to feel forgiving and easy to control, especially in tighter terrain like trees or bumps, but has enough backbone underfoot to stay composed at speed. That balance makes it ideal for intermediate skiers looking to progress and for advanced skiers who want a more relaxed ride without sacrificing performance. It’s not a stiff charger, but its mellow, predictable flex encourages playful, confident skiing across a range of conditions.
Turn Radius and Maneuverability
The Salomon QST 98 is designed with a short turning radius, which gives it a nimble and responsive feel on the snow. This makes it quick edge-to-edge and easy to steer through tight spaces like trees, moguls, or narrow chutes. The ski feels lighter and shorter than its actual length, which boosts confidence when navigating variable terrain or making quick adjustments on the fly.
Maneuverability is one of this ski’s strongest qualities. The combination of rocker in the tip and tail with a stable platform underfoot allows you to both carve clean arcs on groomers and pivot or smear when the terrain gets more technical. It doesn’t take much effort to get the ski to engage or release from a turn, making it fun and accessible for a wide range of skier styles. Whether you’re linking short turns down a steep face or cruising at a relaxed pace, the QST 98 responds predictably and easily.
Fit for Skiers
The Salomon QST 98 is a great match for intermediate to advanced skiers who want one ski that can handle most conditions without demanding too much. It’s especially well-suited for riders who enjoy a playful, forgiving feel and want to explore everything from groomed runs to off-piste powder. The ski’s smooth flex, damp construction, and easy turn initiation make it approachable for progressing skiers, while still offering enough performance to keep experienced riders entertained.
That said, it’s not the best fit for expert-level skiers who demand maximum precision, speed, and edge hold—especially on icy or hard-packed slopes. If you prefer aggressive carving or spend most of your time racing down bulletproof pistes, this ski may feel a bit too soft or loose. But for anyone looking for a versatile, all-mountain daily driver that’s fun, surfy, and confidence-inspiring across a wide range of terrain, the QST 98 hits a sweet spot.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
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Smooth and damp ride – Cork and flax construction absorbs vibrations beautifully
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Playful and forgiving – Easy to smear, pivot, and handle in tight spots
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Excellent float in soft snow – Wide tips and rocker profile help in powder and crud
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Versatile all-mountain performance – Handles groomers, trees, and light powder with ease
Cons:
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Struggles on icy hardpack – Can wash out and lacks grip in firm conditions
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Not ideal for high-speed carving – Feels less stable when really pushing the pace
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Limited edge hold – Doesn’t inspire confidence on steep, icy terrain
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Not for aggressive experts – Best for relaxed or playful skiing styles
Where to Buy?
You can find the Salomon QST 98 available now at evo.com, one of the leading online ski and snowboard retailers. They typically stock the full range of lengths and colorways—like the bold purple and cool blue base designs—and offer shipping options to the U.S. and international destinations. evo also provides customer reviews, expert gear guides, and binding recommendations tailored to the QST 98 (just be sure to choose a binding with a brake width within 15 mm of the ski’s 98 mm waist for optimal performance).
Final Verdict
The Salomon QST 98 is a well-balanced, versatile ski that delivers smooth, playful performance across a wide range of terrain. Its carbon/flax construction and cork dampening make it incredibly comfortable in mixed conditions, while the freeride rocker profile gives it a surfy, fun-loving personality. It’s ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers who want one ski that can do just about everything—carve groomers, float in soft snow, and pivot through trees—with minimal effort.
While it’s not built for icy slopes or hard-charging experts, it shines as a daily driver for skiers who prioritize control, forgiveness, and a buttery ride. If you’re looking for a ski that’s light on its feet but capable in most conditions, the QST 98 is a reliable choice that blends performance with a relaxed, confidence-boosting feel.
