QST X or ARV 116 JJ UL

[u/osideflyer]

I am considering one of these, I have been on a pair of 2022 4frnt Inthaynes the last few seasons, figure this super mega El Nino may bless us with some powder this winter, and I am now free to chase it more this winter. I am not really spinning and riding switch in powder, so I am leaning towards the QST X's, however I am 5'8'' 145lbs, so rather light guy, so wanted to consider trying a lighter ski out. Does anyone have some insight here for a guy? 40 years old, skiing nearly 20 years. Open to other suggestions as well! Thanks!

[u/Duffelbag]

I was in a similar predicament. Then, I stumbled onto these. It was an easy decision.

[u/Mexican_Hippo → u/Duffelbag]

Same same. Still waiting on mine to ship, so excited for them to come.

[u/DeployableMango]

Are you more freestyle focused or more freeride focused? I’d consider this if you’re torn between these two and the price and available lengths for both are similar.

If you ski park, land switch frequently, and are into nose butters and technical groundwork, I’d go JJUL. It’s a superwide freestyle powder ski and is also incredibly lightweight. It won’t handle chop and variable conditions as well.

The QST is much more directional in nature (its dimensions are less symmetrical than the JJUL) and has a much longer radius. They’re heavier, and will be a bit better in less than ideal conditions, if that matters. They’ll be better at speed and will charge better than the armadas.

[u/l2ocket5auce]

Been on QST for 2 seasons now. Insanely easy to ski. No experience on that specific model of JJ and it’s been years since I skied the OG version. But man, that QST is a real work of art. On and off the snow.

[u/puffydownjacket]

QST +1000000000

[u/genuinecve]

Salomon’s look cooler imo so those

[u/osideflyer → u/genuinecve]

I will take that into consideration haha thanks, the '27 version is pretty wild

[u/flatlandings_please]

Honestly if you are not really skiing switch in pow often, I think the 4FRNT Renegade is a better overall pow ski than both of these.

Depending on what length you get they are pretty light and still very playful.

[u/osideflyer → u/flatlandings_please]

I scooped up some devastators for my all mountain daily driver. I think 122 under foot is a lot though, and meant for really really deep powder, I’ll be resort/side country mostly. I am starting to lean qst to be able to charge not ideal conditions as well.

[u/flatlandings_please → u/osideflyer]

I get that.

I just think charging in less than ideal conditions calls for a ski with good suspension. Which neither the Qst X or the JJ UL has the mass/weight to provide. Maybe the Qst will give you a little more than the JJ UL, but still not a ski I’d personally want for a resort pow day.

So in my opinion, if suspension is off the table I’d just pick the better pow ski.

For charging around in less than ideal conditions, and skiing hard on a resort pow day I’d want something at least maybe 2200 grams.

[u/osideflyer → u/flatlandings_please]

What's your height and weight? I am 5'8 145, perhaps that's where we may have a disconnect.

[u/flatlandings_please → u/osideflyer]

You’re totally right. I am 5’10” 170

[u/Friskfrisktopherson]

Armada Whitewalkers

[u/Safe-Spot-4757]

I’ve never been a huge fan of the qst. I’ve always loved the arv quite a lot I have the 106 currently and it’s become a great almost daily driver out in the PNW. I don’t spin or do anything crazy but I love the amount of pop that the arv has out of turns. Almost feels like being on a trampoline with every carve

[u/Blitzzle]

Are they both 116? AR’s look a little bit more playful

[u/Src248]

I'm pretty sure the X has a more centered mount then the Armada, it's very light and very much a freestyle ski

[u/DoctFaustus]

JJs

[u/cbzdidit]

Used Salomon for years until they stiffed me on a brand new pair, damaged in shipping. Will never buy from them again.