Expert Comparison: K2 Mindbender 85 Skis · 2023 vs Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis · 2023
VS
Side by side comparison | Out of stock | Out of stock |
|---|---|---|
Price | $199.98 50% off | $390.00 50% off |
User rating | 5(4) | 5(1) |
The Curated Take | Best for aggressive skiers who love ripping groomers at high speed. | Best for East Coast skiers exploring off-trail and Western skiers on low-tide days due to its maneuverability and carving ease. |
Ski type | Freeride, All Mountain | Freeride |
Skill level | Beginner, Intermediate | Intermediate, Advanced |
Rocker profile | Rocker/Camber/Rocker | Rocker/Camber/Rocker |
In the world of skiing, the K2 Mindbender 85 Skis and the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are two top contenders for the 2023 season. Both skis are designed with the intermediate skier in mind, offering a blend of performance, versatility, and fun. The K2 Mindbender 85 is a great option for those looking to progress beyond groomed terrain, with a forgiving design and all-terrain rocker. On the other hand, the Blizzard Rustler 9 is a narrower freeride ski with an all-mountain character, carving better than expected while remaining an excellent soft-snow performer. Both skis are versatile, but they cater to different styles and preferences. The final verdict? It depends on what you're looking for in a ski. Read on for a detailed comparison.
K2 Mindbender 85 Skis · 2023 summary
The K2 Mindbender 85 Skis are designed for intermediate skiers looking to progress beyond groomed terrain. They have a forgiving design and an all-terrain rocker, which means they perform well in all conditions. The lightweight aspen core adds stability and control, making these skis a great option for exploring trees, moguls, and side hits. Their strong edge hold and carving ability also make them a fun choice for ripping groomers.
These skis are perfect for shredding groomers out east but will also be a great asset to your quiver if you're ever skiing out west. With all-terrain rocker, these skis will truly perform great in all conditions. The short low rise in the tail will also help add extra control when you're in variable snow. The aspen core is lightweight but still resilient enough to dampen the chatter at fast speeds. Once you realize the capabilities of this ski, you'll wonder how you were ever riding those crusty old rentals.
I recently purchased these skis on a screaming deal, knowing that they were considered more “entry-level” skis than a lot of their Mindbender cousins, but thinking ehh for the price can’t beat it. Don’t sleep on these skis!!! I am not a huge fan of skis with metal, so finding groomer skis I love is tough, but these are perfect. Go up a size from your normal length, and you’re going to be just as aggressive out there as anyone! I’ve been so impressed with the stability at speed, ease of turns, and just hard-charging fun on these. Absolutely a ski ready to rip
I recently purchased these skis on a screaming deal, knowing that they were considered more “entry-level” skis than a lot of their Mindbender cousins, but thinking ehh for the price can’t beat it. Don’t sleep on these skis!!! I am not a huge fan of skis with metal, so finding groomer skis I love is tough, but these are perfect. Go up a size from your normal length, and you’re going to be just as aggressive out there as anyone! I’ve been so impressed with the stability at speed, ease of turns, and just hard-charging fun on these. Absolutely a ski ready to rip
K2 Mindbender 85 Skis · 2023
- We price match
- Returnable
Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis · 2023 summary
The Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are a narrower freeride ski with an all-mountain character. They carve better than expected while remaining an excellent soft-snow performer and a true master of off-piste terrain and conditions. Built with a wood core consisting of beech, poplar, balsa, and paulownia, these skis offer a blend of attributes that lead to their well-rounded nature. Two sheets of carbon/fiberglass add stiffness and energy, while a single, partial sheet of metal brings the dampness and edge grip to the equation.
The metal laminate is full-width underfoot and tapers to the tips and tails, ending precisely where the rocker begins. This leads to a playful feel and a lighter swing weight in the tips and tails while keeping the underfoot/middle-zone of the ski a bit more business-like. This is one of those skis, that if you don’t know what you want, the Rustler 9 is as good a choice as any.
I have rarely enjoyed a narrow (for Utah), all-mountain ski as much as the Rustler. It carves easily and gracefully yet allows for exceptional turn size and shape variation. It's comfortable off-piste, especially in trees, with an appropriately flexible turn radius and maximum maneuverability.
I have rarely enjoyed a narrow (for Utah), all-mountain ski as much as the Rustler. It carves easily and gracefully yet allows for exceptional turn size and shape variation. It's comfortable off-piste, especially in trees, with an appropriately flexible turn radius and maximum maneuverability.
Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis · 2023
- We price match
- Returnable
Similarities
Both the K2 Mindbender 85 and the Blizzard Rustler 9 are designed with the intermediate skier in mind. They both offer a blend of performance, versatility, and fun. Both skis are designed to perform well in a variety of conditions, from groomed runs to off-piste terrain. They both have a playful feel and are designed to be lightweight and easy to maneuver. Both skis also have a strong edge hold and carving ability, making them a fun choice for ripping groomers.
Differences and Who They're Good For
While both skis are versatile, they cater to different styles and preferences. The K2 Mindbender 85 is a great option for those looking to progress beyond groomed terrain. It's perfect for intermediate skiers who want to explore more challenging terrain and improve their skills. The Mindbender 85 is also a great choice for skiers who prefer a ski that's quick edge to edge and performs well on groomers.
On the other hand, the Blizzard Rustler 9 is a narrower freeride ski with an all-mountain character. It's ideal for skiers who love to carve and explore off-piste terrain. The Rustler 9 is also a great choice for skiers who want a ski that's playful in softer snow and on varying terrain. It's a great choice for skiers who want a ski that's responsive and stable, yet super playful in softer snow and on varying terrain.
Analysis on Who’s the Winner
When it comes to versatility, both skis perform well, but the Blizzard Rustler 9 might have a slight edge due to its narrower freeride design and all-mountain character.
In terms of performance on groomed runs, the K2 Mindbender 85 shines with its quick edge to edge performance and strong edge hold.
For off-piste terrain, the Blizzard Rustler 9 takes the cake with its excellent soft-snow performance and masterful handling of off-piste terrain and conditions.
Finally, when it comes to playfulness and maneuverability, it's a close call, but the Blizzard Rustler 9 might just edge out the K2 Mindbender 85 with its playful feel and lighter swing weight in the tips and tails.
Conclusions
In conclusion, both the K2 Mindbender 85 Skis and the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are excellent choices for intermediate skiers looking for a versatile, fun, and high-performing ski. The K2 Mindbender 85 is a great option for those looking to progress beyond groomed terrain, while the Blizzard Rustler 9 is a narrower freeride ski with an all-mountain character that excels in a variety of conditions. Ultimately, the best ski for you will depend on your personal preferences, skiing style, and the conditions you typically ski in. So whether you're ripping groomers or exploring off-piste terrain, both of these skis are sure to deliver a thrilling ride.
