QST 118 or Bent Chetler 120 or Faction Candide 4.0/5.0

I would say the Bentchetlers. Light for uphill travel and playful. QSTs are pretty directional.

I grew up in Switzerland and I’ve skied the Bents and the CT 4.0 and 5.0 and found the Factions to hold up better to the conditions found out there. The CT 4.0 is really stable and light enough to throw a shift on and be a 50/50 ski. The 5.0 is obviously a little heavier but even more stable (seriously, I grew up skiing La Clusaz where Candide is from, and trying his ski at his home mountain was unbelievable). The 5.0 has absolutely no speed limit but it’s still stupid fun. The 4.0 is a little more versatile so I would say throw a Shift on one and call it a day! The Bent is a great ski but I found it too light, it got bullied unless conditions were perfect (which they rarely are). Cheers!

animatorI grew up in Switzerland and I’ve skied the Bents and the CT 4.0 and 5.0 and found the Factions to hold up better to the conditions found out there. The CT 4.0 is really stable and light enough to throw a shift on and be a 50/50 ski. The 5.0 is obviously a little heavier but even more stable (seriously, I grew up skiing La Clusaz where Candide is from, and trying his ski at his home mountain was unbelievable). The 5.0 has absolutely no speed limit but it’s still stupid fun. The 4.0 is a little more versatile so I would say throw a Shift on one and call it a day! The Bent is a great ski but I found it too light, it got bullied unless conditions were perfect (which they rarely are). Cheers!

Thanx for that great response. Now I'm more into Candide 4.0 or QST 118) need to check them in person.

The only problem is 5.0 is really big ski, that I don't really need - I'm 178cm and 60 kilo and I think both 4.0 and QST 118 would be more than enough for me. But 4.0 is out of production for next season, and I could have a really good discount on next years release. Hope those guys could provide me a discount on current season Candide 4.0.

CatdickBojanglesI would say the Bentchetlers. Light for uphill travel and playful. QSTs are pretty directional.

Today I skied with my friend that has BC 120 (our BSLs is to short to use in his bindings) and I noticed that he was bucked around more than I on my armadas. Could be technique, could be lightness of the ski. But I removed BC from my purchase list.

Anyway thanx for reply.

The biggest difference I've noticed between the QST 118 and CT 4.0 is how easy they are to ski at slower speeds and in tighter terrain. The CT 4.0 is not nearly as surfy and easy to pivot, while the QST 118 excels in tighter terrain due to how easy it is to slash around. But the CT 4.0 also tracks better / gets knocked around less when making bigger, faster turns (especially in soft snow). Neither ski is amazing on firm snow, with the QST 118 feeling more damp / less harsh while the CT 4.0 is not as damp but offers slightly better edge hold and a longer effective edge that makes it feel a bit more confidence inspiring when trying to carve turns through crud and firm snow. The CT 4.0 skis switch more naturally / intuitively and feels a bit lighter in the air. So I think it'd come down to whether you want to prioritize high-speed stability or lower-speed maneuerability.

patagonialukeThe biggest difference I've noticed between the QST 118 and CT 4.0 is how easy they are to ski at slower speeds and in tighter terrain. The CT 4.0 is not nearly as surfy and easy to pivot, while the QST 118 excels in tighter terrain due to how easy it is to slash around. But the CT 4.0 also tracks better / gets knocked around less when making bigger, faster turns (especially in soft snow). Neither ski is amazing on firm snow, with the QST 118 feeling more damp / less harsh while the CT 4.0 is not as damp but offers slightly better edge hold and a longer effective edge that makes it feel a bit more confidence inspiring when trying to carve turns through crud and firm snow. The CT 4.0 skis switch more naturally / intuitively and feels a bit lighter in the air. So I think it'd come down to whether you want to prioritize high-speed stability or lower-speed maneuerability.

WOW. Thanx for so detailed answer. Thats some stuff to think now. Personally I don't like harsh ride and prefer skis that smoothes a shitty snow. Probably QST 118 is my answer.

I got a chance to test the Chetlers and fully agree with Animator, especially if you're a heavier skier, they are a bit too light and so not as great in variable snow. Can't speak for the other two but based on your description it seems like you're not going to need skis that light.

Maybe you have already, but you should consider Black Crows Animas as well. Pretty heavy, but otherwise they perfectly match your description

DistancedaveI got a chance to test the Chetlers and fully agree with Animator, especially if you're a heavier skier, they are a bit too light and so not as great in variable snow. Can't speak for the other two but based on your description it seems like you're not going to need skis that light.

Maybe you have already, but you should consider Black Crows Animas as well. Pretty heavy, but otherwise they perfectly match your description

thanx for suggestion. I didn't list Black Crows because they are almost identical to my current armadas and are harder to get in my country. Plus heavier than my picks

What do you think about volkl revolt 121 compared to other skis listed?

If anyone is interested, I ordered Salomon QST 118. Hope next season would bring more powder days in Europe.

**This post was edited on Mar 20th 2020 at 5:15:06pm