In this comparison, we are looking at two skis from Blizzard's 2024 lineup: the Rustler 9 and the Hustle 9. Both skis are designed for all-mountain use, but they each have unique features that make them stand out. The Rustler 9 is praised for its versatility, with experts noting its excellent performance in carving, freestyle, and freeride categories. It's a ski that can handle a variety of conditions and terrains, making it a great choice for skiers who love to explore the whole mountain. On the other hand, the Hustle 9 is a lighter ski that excels in back-country touring. It's a playful ski that's great for bouncing around in trees and is perfect for skiers who want a one-ski quiver killer for both resort and touring. In conclusion, the Rustler 9 is a versatile all-rounder, while the Hustle 9 is a lighter, more playful ski that's great for touring.

Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis · 2024 summary

The Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are designed for all-mountain use, offering a versatile performance that can handle a variety of conditions and terrains. The ski is 96 millimeters underfoot, providing a good balance between stability and maneuverability. The Rustler 9 features a good amount of early rise in the tip and tail, which enhances its performance in powder and makes it more nimble in soft snow. The ski also has a good amount of camber underfoot, which ensures reliable edge hold and stability on groomed runs.

One of the key features of the Rustler 9 is its titanal layer throughout the ski. This layer significantly enhances the torsional rigidity of the ski, ensuring that it won't fold over no matter what kind of snow you're plowing through. This makes the Rustler 9 a very stable ski that can handle a variety of conditions with confidence.

In terms of performance, the Rustler 9 excels in carving, freestyle, and freeride categories. It can get over edge really nice and super fast, and it has a very stable flex that minimizes chatter. The ski is also great for freestyle skiing, with the ability to hit jumps, natural hits, and jibs. However, it's not quite as forgiving as some of the more park-friendly skies out there. In freeride, the Rustler 9 is a beast in blasting through crud and untracked terrain, but it might struggle in anything over 6 to 8 inches of powder.

The Rustler 9 is recommended for skiers who love to ski all over the mountain and want a performance ski for groomer skiing but also venture off trail. However, it's not the best choice for skiers who are just getting out of rentals or those who want a wide POW specific ski.

Blizzard Hustle 9 Skis · 2024 summary

The Blizzard Hustle 9 Skis are a lighter version of the Rustler 9, designed specifically for back-country touring. They take the popular Rustler ski shape and replace all the metal with carbon fiber, resulting in a lighter-weight ski that still offers a lively and energetic ride. Despite being lighter, the Hustle 9 doesn't sacrifice much for its uphill performance. It can slash powder and rip steep faces, making it a great choice for skiers who want a one-ski quiver killer for both resort and touring.

The Hustle 9 features deep rocker lines in the tip and tail, which allow for quick turns in tight spaces. This makes it an excellent ski for tree skiing and bouncing around. Paired with a lighter touring binding, the Hustle 9 is perfect for skiers who want to do it all.

However, the Hustle 9 is not a stiff enough ski for a daily inbounds ski and it's not good in heavy snow. It's also not the best choice for hitting jumps due to its lack of tail rocker and metal in the core. But for skiers who want a light, playful ski that excels in trees and touring, the Hustle 9 is a great choice.

Similarities

Both the Blizzard Rustler 9 and Hustle 9 Skis are designed for all-mountain use and offer a versatile performance that can handle a variety of conditions and terrains. They both feature a similar shape and profile, with a good amount of early rise in the tip and tail for enhanced performance in powder and soft snow, and a good amount of camber underfoot for reliable edge hold and stability on groomed runs.

Both skis are also designed to be playful and agile, with the ability to make quick turns in tight spaces. They are both great for tree skiing and bouncing around, and they can handle a variety of conditions with confidence. Both skis are also recommended for skiers who love to ski all over the mountain and want a performance ski that can handle both groomer skiing and off-trail adventures.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While the Blizzard Rustler 9 and Hustle 9 Skis share many similarities, they also have some key differences that make them suitable for different types of skiers. The Rustler 9 is a more versatile all-rounder, with a titanal layer that enhances its torsional rigidity and makes it a very stable ski that can handle a variety of conditions. It's great for skiers who love to explore the whole mountain and want a ski that can handle everything from carving to freestyle to freeride.

On the other hand, the Hustle 9 is a lighter ski that's designed specifically for back-country touring. It replaces the metal in the Rustler 9 with carbon fiber, resulting in a lighter-weight ski that's great for uphill ascents. However, it's not as stiff as the Rustler 9 and may not perform as well in heavy snow or for hitting jumps. The Hustle 9 is a great choice for skiers who want a one-ski quiver killer for both resort and touring.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When comparing the Blizzard Rustler 9 and Hustle 9 Skis, the winner will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the skier.

1. Versatility: The Rustler 9 takes the win in this category. It's a versatile all-rounder that can handle a variety of conditions and terrains, making it a great choice for skiers who love to explore the whole mountain.

2. Weight: The Hustle 9 is the clear winner here. It's a lighter ski that's designed for back-country touring, making it a great choice for skiers who want a lighter ski for uphill ascents.

3. Stability: The Rustler 9 wins in this category. Its titanal layer enhances its torsional rigidity, making it a very stable ski that can handle a variety of conditions with confidence.

4. Playfulness: Both skis are designed to be playful and agile, but the Hustle 9 might have a slight edge due to its lighter weight, which makes it more nimble and easier to maneuver.

Comparison Table

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Blizzard Rustler 9 and Hustle 9 Skis are excellent choices for all-mountain use, but they each have unique features that make them stand out. The Rustler 9 is a versatile all-rounder that excels in a variety of conditions and terrains, making it a great choice for skiers who love to explore the whole mountain. On the other hand, the Hustle 9 is a lighter ski that's designed for back-country touring. It's a playful ski that's great for bouncing around in trees and is perfect for skiers who want a one-ski quiver killer for both resort and touring. Ultimately, the best ski will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the skier.