In the world of skiing, the Rossignol Blackops 92 Open Skis and the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are two top contenders. Both are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers, offering a blend of performance, versatility, and fun. The Rossignol Blackops 92 is perfect for those looking to push their boundaries in off-piste freeride terrains, while the Blizzard Rustler 9 is a narrower freeride ski with an all-mountain character. Both skis are praised for their easy turn initiation, well-balanced combination of surfiness and steady tracking, and versatility in various snow conditions. However, the Rossignol Blackops 92 may not be suitable for top speeds or deep powder, while the Blizzard Rustler 9 may not be the best choice for deep powder skiing. In the end, the choice between these two skis comes down to personal preference and the specific conditions you plan to ski in.

Rossignol Blackops 92 Open Skis · 2024 summary

The Rossignol Blackops 92 Open Skis are designed for intermediate skiers who are progressing to advanced levels. These skis are ideal for off-piste freeride terrains like moguls, trees, and even the terrain park. They offer easy turn initiation, a well-balanced combination of surfiness and steady tracking, and a versatile width for maneuvering in various snow conditions.

The skis feature a simple Paulownia wood core and vertical sidewalls that add torsional rigidity. However, they do hit their speed limit pretty quickly when going full tilt, straight line down the face of the hill. This means they may not be suitable for skiers who prefer high speeds.

The 92 underfoot isn't going to give the most float on days deeper than 5 inches. Despite these limitations, the Rossignol Blackops 92 Open Skis are versatile and perfect for all-mountain skiing in most conditions. They are forgiving and perform well in most conditions, except for chunky ice.

Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis · 2023 summary

The Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are a narrower freeride ski with an all-mountain character. They are built with a wood core consisting of beech, poplar, balsa, and paulownia, which gives a blend of attributes that lead to the well-rounded nature of the ski. 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 Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis carve better than expected while remaining an excellent soft-snow performer and a true master of off-piste terrain and conditions. However, they may not be the best choice for deep powder skiing.

Similarities

Both the Rossignol Blackops 92 Open Skis and the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers. They both offer easy turn initiation and a well-balanced combination of surfiness and steady tracking. Both skis are versatile and perfect for all-mountain skiing in most conditions. They are forgiving and perform well in most conditions, except for chunky ice.

Both skis have a playful feel and are ideal for off-piste freeride terrains like moguls, trees, and even the terrain park. They both have a versatile width for maneuvering in various snow conditions and are not the best choice for deep powder skiing.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers, they cater to slightly different personas. The Rossignol Blackops 92 Open Skis are perfect for skiers who are looking to push their boundaries in off-piste freeride terrains. They are not ideal for skiers who prefer high speeds or deep powder conditions.

On the other hand, the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are a narrower freeride ski with an all-mountain character. They are ideal for skiers who want 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. They are not the best choice for deep powder skiing.

In terms of construction, the Rossignol Blackops 92 Open Skis feature a simple Paulownia wood core and vertical sidewalls that add torsional rigidity. The Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis, on the other hand, are built with a wood core consisting of beech, poplar, balsa, and paulownia, and feature two sheets of carbon/fiberglass and a single, partial sheet of metal.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

1. Versatility: Both skis are versatile and perfect for all-mountain skiing in most conditions. However, the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis have a slight edge due to their narrower freeride design and all-mountain character.

2. Performance in Off-Piste Freeride Terrains: Both skis perform well in off-piste freeride terrains like moguls, trees, and even the terrain park. However, the Rossignol Blackops 92 Open Skis are specifically designed for these terrains, giving them the edge in this category.

3. Speed and Powder Conditions: Neither ski is ideal for high speeds or deep powder conditions. However, the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis have a slight advantage due to their metal laminate, which provides dampness and edge grip.

4. Construction and Durability: Both skis are well-constructed and durable. However, the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis, with their blend of wood, carbon/fiberglass, and metal, offer a more well-rounded construction, giving them the edge in this category.

Overall, while both skis are excellent choices for intermediate to advanced skiers, the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis come out slightly ahead due to their versatility, performance in off-piste freeride terrains, and construction.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Rossignol Blackops 92 Open Skis and the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are excellent choices for intermediate to advanced skiers. They both offer easy turn initiation, a well-balanced combination of surfiness and steady tracking, and versatility in various snow conditions. However, the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis come out slightly ahead due to their versatility, performance in off-piste freeride terrains, and construction.

While the Rossignol Blackops 92 Open Skis are perfect for skiers looking to push their boundaries in off-piste freeride terrains, they may not be suitable for skiers who prefer high speeds or deep powder conditions. On the other hand, the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are a narrower freeride ski with an all-mountain character, making them a more versatile choice.

In the end, the choice between these two skis comes down to personal preference and the specific conditions you plan to ski in. Both skis are well-constructed, durable, and designed to provide a fun and exciting skiing experience. So, whether you're carving on groomers, exploring off-piste, or dabbling in the terrain park, both the Rossignol Blackops 92 Open Skis and the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are sure to deliver.