In the world of skiing, the Salomon Stance 90 and the Blizzard Rustler 9 are two top contenders for the 2023 season. Both skis are designed for all-mountain performance, but each has its unique strengths and weaknesses. The Salomon Stance 90 is a stable and damp ski, perfect for icy groomers and high-speed runs. It's a solid carver with a strong edge hold, but it's not the best for off-piste and can be a bit heavy. On the other hand, the Blizzard Rustler 9 is a versatile all-mountain ski that excels in a variety of conditions. It's playful and nimble, with a smooth rocker-camber-rocker profile that makes it responsive and stable. However, it might not be the best choice for deep powder days. In the end, the choice between these two skis will depend on your personal skiing style and the conditions you typically ski in.

Salomon Stance 90 Skis · 2023 summary

The Salomon Stance 90 is a ski that's designed to handle hard-pack groomer days with ease. It's a stable and damp ski, with a 90mm waist that makes it easy to get on edge and carve with. The metal core of the ski helps to absorb bumps and crud on the trail, making for a smoother ride. This ski is also designed to handle high speeds well, with a solid edge hold that gives you confidence on the slopes.

However, the Salomon Stance 90 isn't just about stability and speed. It's also a versatile all-mountain ski that can handle a variety of conditions. The poplar core adds durability and lightness, with a poppy nature that adds a bit of fun to your ride. The ski also features Titanal and carbon, which smooth out the ride and give it a forgiving nature. The flex of the ski is middle of the road, adding to its versatility.

Despite its strengths, the Salomon Stance 90 does have its limitations. It's not the best ski for off-piste conditions, and it's a pretty heavy ski that rides hard to the ground. It's also not the most playful ski, so if you're looking for a ski that will float through powder and provide lots of pop, this might not be the best choice for you.

Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis · 2023 summary

The Blizzard Rustler 9 is a versatile all-mountain ski that's designed to perform well in a variety of conditions. It's a narrower freeride ski with an all-mountain character, which means it can carve well while still being an excellent soft-snow performer. The ski is built with a wood core consisting of beech, poplar, balsa, and paulownia, which gives it a well-rounded nature.

The Blizzard Rustler 9 also features two sheets of carbon/fiberglass, which add stiffness and energy to the ski. There's also a single, partial sheet of metal, which brings 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 design 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.

Despite its versatility, the Blizzard Rustler 9 does have its limitations. It's not the best ski for deep powder days, and it might not be as responsive to aggressive carving input as skis with more camber. However, for skiers who want a ski that can handle a variety of conditions and terrain, the Blizzard Rustler 9 is a solid choice.

Similarities

Both the Salomon Stance 90 and the Blizzard Rustler 9 are all-mountain skis designed for versatility and performance in a variety of conditions. They both feature a blend of materials in their construction, including wood cores and metal laminates, to provide a balance of stiffness, energy, and dampness. Both skis are also designed to handle high speeds well, with solid edge hold and stability. They both have a playful nature, with the ability to handle a variety of turn sizes and conditions.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are versatile all-mountain performers, they each have their unique strengths and weaknesses that make them better suited to different types of skiers and conditions. The Salomon Stance 90 is a more stable and damp ski, making it a great choice for skiers who like to carve hard on icy groomers and enjoy high-speed runs. However, it's not the best choice for off-piste conditions and can be a bit heavy and less playful.

On the other hand, the Blizzard Rustler 9 is a more playful and nimble ski, with a smooth rocker-camber-rocker profile that makes it responsive and stable in softer snow and varying terrain. It's a great choice for skiers who like to explore off-piste and enjoy a variety of turn sizes and conditions. However, it might not be the best choice for deep powder days or for skiers who prefer a stiffer, more aggressive carving ski.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to stability and dampness, the Salomon Stance 90 takes the win. Its metal core and solid edge hold make it a reliable choice for icy groomers and high-speed runs.

In terms of playfulness and versatility, the Blizzard Rustler 9 comes out on top. Its smooth rocker-camber-rocker profile and lighter swing weight make it a fun and responsive ski in a variety of conditions.

For off-piste performance, the Blizzard Rustler 9 is the winner. Its design allows it to perform well in softer snow and off-piste terrain, making it a great choice for skiers who like to explore beyond the groomed trails.

Finally, for carving performance, the Salomon Stance 90 is the winner. Its design allows it to carve hard and hold a solid edge, making it a great choice for skiers who love to carve.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Salomon Stance 90 and the Blizzard Rustler 9 are excellent all-mountain skis that offer versatility and performance in a variety of conditions. The Salomon Stance 90 shines in its stability and carving performance, making it a great choice for skiers who love to carve hard on icy groomers and enjoy high-speed runs. The Blizzard Rustler 9, on the other hand, stands out for its playfulness and off-piste performance, making it a great choice for skiers who like to explore beyond the groomed trails and enjoy a variety of turn sizes and conditions. Ultimately, the choice between these two skis will depend on your personal skiing style and the conditions you typically ski in.