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PTO Review
We skied them. Here's how they stack up.
These skis span 2 categories (All-Mountain, Carving). Scores reflect each ski's intended use — direct comparison across all dimensions may be misleading.
QST Blank Team — intermediate to advanced junior skiers (roughly ages 8-14) who ski the whole mountain. Octo — intermediate-to-advanced skiers who love carving groomers and want something lighter and more playful than traditional metal carving skis. Check the radar chart below to see where each one wins.
Each row compares all skis on one dimension. 🏆 marks the highest score.
| Dimension | QST Blank Team | Octo |
|---|---|---|
| Carving | 4 | 8🏆 |
| Park | 6🏆 | 2 |
| Playfulness | 8🏆 | 7 |
| Forgiveness | 9🏆 | 6 |
| Stability | 4 | 6🏆 |
| Powder | 6🏆 | 2 |
Intermediate to advanced junior skiers (roughly ages 8-14) who ski the whole mountain. The kid who's outgrown rental gear, follows parents off-piste, and needs a ski that can handle powder, crud, and groomers. Especially well-suited for Pacific Northwest skiing where conditions change by the hour.
Pure beginners who haven't learned to parallel turn yet — start with something simpler and cheaper. Also not for bigger teens (140+ lbs) who need a stiffer platform. At that point, size into an adult ski like the QST 92 or QST Spark.
Intermediate-to-advanced skiers who love carving groomers and want something lighter and more playful than traditional metal carving skis.
Ice coast carvers who need maximum edge hold. High-speed chargers. Anyone who ventures off-piste.
The QST Blank Team is best for intermediate to advanced junior skiers (roughly ages 8-14) who ski the whole mountain. The Octo is best for intermediate-to-advanced skiers who love carving groomers and want something lighter and more playful than traditional. The right choice depends on your primary terrain, ability level, and riding style.
The Black Crows Octo scores highest in Stability at 6/10, making it the strongest all-mountain option. It handles groomers, chop, and variable conditions without losing composure, so it's the best single-ski choice for skiers who want one pair for the whole mountain.
The Black Crows Octo leads in Carving with a PTO score of 8/10. Its edge grip on hard snow and groomed runs is the strongest in this comparison.
The Salomon QST Blank Team is the most forgiving option with a Forgiveness score of 9/10. It doesn't punish imperfect technique, making it the easiest ski to progress on among these.
Not sure? Ask us.