They actually aren't. Many of the squire's internal components are made of low-grade plastic, while the griffons are made with much more sturdy and less breakable metals and plastics. I believe that the jesters have the same level of durability that the griffons do, but they have a higher din. If you weigh less than 140 pounds and you are doing mostly low-level, all mountain skiing then the squires may be for you, but if you are a park skier of any kind they simply will not do the job.