In the world of skiing, the Dynastar M-Menace 90 Open Skis and the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are two top contenders for the 2023 season. Both skis are designed to be versatile, all-mountain performers, but they each have their unique strengths and weaknesses. The Dynastar M-Menace 90 is a playful, all-mountain ski that excels in less than a foot of powder and tree runs. It's a bit on the heavier side but offers a poplar wood core for stability and control. On the other hand, the Blizzard Rustler 9 is a narrower freeride ski that carves well and performs excellently in soft snow and off-piste terrain. It's a bit more business-like underfoot but offers a playful feel and lighter swing weight in the tips and tails. Both skis are great choices for intermediate to advanced skiers, but the Dynastar M-Menace 90 might be better suited for those who prefer a more playful, versatile ski, while the Blizzard Rustler 9 might be a better fit for those who prefer a more business-like, all-mountain ski.

Dynastar M-Menace 90 Open Skis · 2023 summary

The Dynastar M-Menace 90 Open Skis are a versatile all-mountain ski that can handle a variety of conditions. They are ideal for powder days of a foot or less and are particularly adept at tree runs and powder stashes. The skis are somewhat on the floatier side, but they can still charge and hold an edge when necessary.

The M-Menace 90 is constructed with a poplar wood core, which gives the ski a sense of resilience and elasticity. This means that the ski can absorb any sort of crud on the trail, and it won't be too heavy in general. The cap construction on this ski makes it feel lighter while not giving up any of that stability and control you will find in a heavier ski. It will initiate turns well and go from edge to edge with ease.

These skis are also very budget-friendly, making them a great choice for skiers who want high performance without breaking the bank. They are made for high energy exploration across the front and the backside of the mountain, with the 90 underfoot being a bit of a sweet spot to be able to carve the ski and float on top.

However, the M-Menace 90 is not ideal for those who prefer a lighter ski, as it leans more on the heavier side. It's also a little damp, which might not be to everyone's liking.

Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis · 2023 summary

The Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are a narrower freeride ski with an all-mountain character. They are designed to carve well while remaining an excellent soft-snow performer and a true master of off-piste terrain and conditions.

The Rustler 9 is built with a wood core consisting of beech, poplar, balsa, and paulownia, which gives the ski a blend of attributes that lead to its 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.

The Rustler 9 is a versatile ski that can perform in a variety of conditions. It's got a fair amount of tip and tail rocker, which makes it very playful and nimble in tight territory, while still being stable and confident on groomers and hard pack.

However, the Rustler 9 is not the best choice for deep powder days or for skiers who prefer a stiff carver. It's also not the best choice for high-speed skiers who might want something stiffer.

Similarities

The Dynastar M-Menace 90 Open Skis and the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis share several similarities. Both are all-mountain skis designed to handle a variety of conditions, from groomers to off-piste terrain. They both have a playful feel and are capable of carving well, making them versatile options for skiers who like to explore different parts of the mountain.

Both skis are constructed with a poplar wood core, which provides stability and elasticity, allowing them to absorb any sort of crud on the trail. They also both feature a cap construction, which makes them feel lighter while not giving up any of the stability and control found in a heavier ski.

In terms of performance, both skis initiate turns well and can go from edge to edge with ease. They are also both capable of handling softer snow conditions, although they each have their own limitations when it comes to deep powder.

Finally, both skis are considered to be budget-friendly options, making them accessible choices for skiers who want high performance without a high price tag.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While the Dynastar M-Menace 90 Open Skis and the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis share several similarities, they also have some key differences that make them better suited for different types of skiers.

The Dynastar M-Menace 90 is a bit on the heavier side and is ideal for skiers who prefer a more playful, versatile ski. It excels in less than a foot of powder and is particularly adept at tree runs and powder stashes. However, it's not the best choice for skiers who prefer a lighter ski or those who often ski in deep powder.

On the other hand, the Blizzard Rustler 9 is a narrower freeride ski that is more business-like underfoot but offers a playful feel and lighter swing weight in the tips and tails. It carves well and performs excellently in soft snow and off-piste terrain. However, it's not the best choice for deep powder days or for skiers who prefer a stiff carver.

In terms of persona, the Dynastar M-Menace 90 might be better suited for the adventurous skier who likes to explore different parts of the mountain and enjoys a playful, versatile ski. The Blizzard Rustler 9, on the other hand, might be a better fit for the all-mountain skier who prefers a more business-like ski but still wants a bit of playfulness in the tips and tails.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When comparing the Dynastar M-Menace 90 Open Skis and the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis, the winner will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the skier.

1. Versatility: Both skis are versatile all-mountain performers, but the Dynastar M-Menace 90 might have a slight edge due to its playful nature and ability to handle a variety of conditions, including tree runs and powder stashes.

2. Performance in Soft Snow: While both skis can handle softer snow conditions, the Blizzard Rustler 9 might be the better choice due to its narrower freeride design and excellent performance in off-piste terrain and conditions.

3. Carving Ability: Both skis carve well, but the Blizzard Rustler 9 might have a slight advantage due to its business-like underfoot and playful feel in the tips and tails, which allows for better control and stability when carving.

4. Price: Both skis are considered to be budget-friendly options, making them accessible choices for skiers who want high performance without a high price tag. However, the specific price will depend on the retailer and any potential sales or discounts.

In conclusion, the winner between the Dynastar M-Menace 90 Open Skis and the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the skier. Both are excellent choices for all-mountain skiing, but they each have their unique strengths and weaknesses.

Conclusions

In the end, the choice between the Dynastar M-Menace 90 Open Skis and the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis comes down to personal preference and skiing style. Both skis offer versatility, performance in soft snow, and excellent carving ability. However, the Dynastar M-Menace 90 might be better suited for skiers who prefer a more playful, versatile ski, while the Blizzard Rustler 9 might be a better fit for those who prefer a more business-like, all-mountain ski.

Regardless of which ski you choose, both the Dynastar M-Menace 90 and the Blizzard Rustler 9 are excellent choices that offer high performance without breaking the bank. So whether you're an adventurous skier who likes to explore different parts of the mountain or an all-mountain skier who prefers a more business-like ski, either of these skis could be a great fit for you.

Remember, the best ski is the one that makes you feel the most comfortable and confident on the mountain. So choose the ski that best fits your skiing style and enjoy the ride!