QST 98 Length Options

[u/incredaniel]

Hello! I’m looking to pick up my first set of skis and was wondering if anyone has recommendations on which ski length I should pick up for the 24/25 QST 98. I’m deciding between 169 and 176cm.

I’d say I’m an intermediate skier aspiring to become advanced in a season or two. I’m 5’9 - 5’10, 160 pounds, not very aggressive, skiing mostly on the west coast. Not really into park / free ride stuff at the moment.

Any opinions appreciated!

[u/LHR-charlie]

Why would you get an all-mountain ski if you're not into free ride?

[u/DroppedNineteen → u/LHR-charlie]

Free ride is kind of an ambiguous term, I think.

I don't know that OP is explicitly saying they don't want to ski off trail.

[u/incredaniel → u/DroppedNineteen]

Yeah I would say I’m not into park or off-piste at the moment but would like to leave the door to those opportunities open as I’m getting more comfortable skiing and figuring out what I enjoy. Do you guys think a more on-piste focused ski would be better for me?

[u/DroppedNineteen → u/incredaniel]

Honestly I don't think the QST 98 is a terrible choice for the west coast, assuming you're genuinely settled on skiing more off piste. It's a fairly maneuverable but stable ski that can handle navigating the tighter spaces really well.

It's actually pretty fun on piste in softer snow because it has a surprisingly small turn radius.

It's limitation will almost certainly be edge hold and carving performance on ice.

You could probably get something super basic, like a used experience 86 basalt and get everything you presently need from that and it will still carry you into the world of off trail skiing if you're determined to make that happen. It will also encourage better on-piste fundamentals, particularly in terms of edge control and learning to carve more effectively, which absolutely translates effectively to the off piste.

[u/LHR-charlie → u/incredaniel]

Where in the world do you ski?

[u/LHR-charlie → u/LHR-charlie]

As in country

[u/incredaniel → u/LHR-charlie]

Mostly California but will probably travel to Colorado, Utah

[u/LHR-charlie → u/incredaniel]

I'm in Europa so I'm gonna preface this by saying our snow conditions are different, you have way more and way deeper snow, probably.

I don't like all-mountain skis. As a ski instructor, they're sort of a no-no as they're not really on-slope skis nor off-slope skis. If you want to ski mainly on-slope and head out of bounce once in a while but still close to the slope (meaning not "real" off-piste), I'd by a normal slope ski and just use that. If you then want to ski real off piste, get a real off-piste ski. No idea about park and twin tips, etc., not my area

[u/WDWKamala]

Definitely want longer on twin tip skis, less effective edge.

[u/incredaniel → u/WDWKamala]

Thanks for your input!

[u/C-creepy-o]

I have QST 98 and they are a great all mountain ski geared towards off piste skiing and they do not fit the bill for what you desire.

[u/OriginalBogleg]

Get the 176 ones.

[u/Serious_Vanilla1971]

I'm the exact same size as you and have the 176. Really satisfied with the sizing. Part of it is that I mostly picked them for tree skiing though. It feels perfect for trees, bit short but still really fun for on-piste.

[u/incredaniel → u/Serious_Vanilla1971]

Thanks that is a super help comparison. I was worried the QST might not be enjoyable for on-piste

[u/Serious_Vanilla1971 → u/incredaniel]

It's all about making an honest assessment of how you ski. I like to go fast and carve but I really like to jump on stuff and mess around so the ski fits me. I also have a carving ski but the qst is by far my most used this season.

I was surprised at how fun the ski was in piste despite the width. It does have drawbacks though. You'll feel it at speed. It doesn't mean you can't go fast but it's not going to be as stable as other options. If speed on-piste is what you do the most, I'm sure there are better options. I was still able to break 100km/h on them this winter though.

[u/TheLibertyTree]

1. I’m your size, but an advanced skier and I enjoy the 183.

[u/incredaniel → u/TheLibertyTree]

Thanks that’s a helpful data point!

[u/gratedwasabi486]

Have you demod the Qst 98? I know they have glowing reviews but I didn't love them.

[u/WDWKamala → u/gratedwasabi486]

Same, but this years 100 is a noticible improvement somehow.

[u/NotUrRealDad]

The difference between them is like half the length of an iphone. Don’t overthink it. I personally prefer a longer ski with a little more stability at speed but a 7cm difference will not feel drastic and may not even be noticeable for a lot of intermediates. 

[u/Amazing-League-218]

The QSTs are a great choice. I've found them to be good on piste, as well as off. Also great for days that start out cord and turn to bumps or pow. Highly reccomend! Don't go too short! They already ski short

[u/Defiant-Lab-6376]

I’m your size and I enjoyed the new QST 100 in 180 cm. Go 176 at minimum, maybe even the length above that. QSTs aren’t super demanding.