In the world of all-mountain skis, two products stand out for their exceptional performance and versatility: the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis and the Blizzard Bonafide 97 Skis, both from the 2023 lineup. The Rustler 9 is a playful, nimble ski that excels in carving and freestyle, offering a smooth ride on various terrains. It's a great choice for skiers who love to explore off-piste and enjoy a mix of short and long radius turns. On the other hand, the Bonafide 97 is a hard-charging, stable ski that thrives at high speeds and offers excellent edge hold. It's perfect for advanced to expert skiers who want a ski that can handle technical terrain and variable conditions. Both skis are well-loved for their versatility and performance, but they cater to different skiing styles and preferences. The Rustler 9 is more playful and forgiving, while the Bonafide 97 is more aggressive and demanding. So, which one is the winner? It all depends on what you're looking for in a ski.

Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis · 2023 summary

The Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are a versatile all-mountain ski that can handle a bit of everything. They have a fair amount of tip and tail rocker, making them nimble and easy to maneuver. The skis are stiff underfoot, providing excellent stability and edge hold, especially during carving. The Rustler 9 Skis are also highly energetic, storing a lot of energy in the core that smoothly transitions into the next turn.

These skis are not just about performance; they're also about fun. They're described as "very fun" and "super fun" by experts, with one expert even saying that they're "extremely nimble" and "happy to oblige" whatever you ask of them. They're also praised for their ability to handle high speeds and their responsiveness to changes in terrain, turn radius, and speed.

In terms of freestyle performance, the Rustler 9 Skis are playful and poppy, offering a good balance between stability and maneuverability. They can be ridden switch comfortably and are great for popping off side hits and rollers. However, they're not the best choice for deep powder days due to their narrow width.

Overall, the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are a fantastic choice for skiers who want a ski that can do it all. They're versatile, fun, and high-performing, making them a great option for anyone from East Coast all-mountain skiers to Western skiers looking to transition out of rentals.

Blizzard Bonafide 97 Skis · 2023 summary

The Blizzard Bonafide 97 Skis are a powerhouse on the mountain. They're designed for advanced to expert skiers who love to charge hard and fast. With two full sheets of metal and a dense wood core, these skis are incredibly stable and damp, offering excellent edge hold and precise turns. They're also surprisingly agile, with a smooth rocker-camber-rocker profile that makes them responsive and playful in softer snow and on varying terrain.

The Bonafide 97 Skis are not for the faint of heart. They demand a competent pilot who can handle their power and speed. But for those who can, these skis offer an eternal reward. They're great for carving on groomers, plowing through crud, and floating in powder. They're also stable at high speeds, absorbing chatter and vibrations with ease.

Despite their aggressive nature, the Bonafide 97 Skis are also versatile. They perform well on a variety of terrains, from groomed runs to off-piste areas. They're not the best choice for tight trees or moguls, but they excel in open spaces where you can let them run.

In conclusion, the Blizzard Bonafide 97 Skis are a fantastic choice for advanced to expert skiers who want a ski that can handle anything the mountain throws at them. They're powerful, stable, and versatile, offering a high-performance ride that's sure to thrill.

Similarities

Both the Blizzard Rustler 9 and the Blizzard Bonafide 97 Skis are designed for all-mountain performance, offering versatility and adaptability across a range of conditions and terrains. They both feature a rocker-camber-rocker profile, which provides a balance of stability, edge hold, and playfulness.

Both skis are praised for their carving abilities, with experts noting their excellent edge hold and ability to make precise turns. They're also both capable of handling high speeds without chatter, providing a smooth and stable ride.

In terms of construction, both skis feature a wood core for a blend of stiffness and flexibility. They also both incorporate metal in their construction for added stability and dampness.

Finally, both skis are designed for advanced to expert skiers and require a certain level of skill and technique to fully exploit their capabilities. They're not the best choice for beginners or less experienced skiers, but they offer a rewarding ride for those who can handle them.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While the Blizzard Rustler 9 and the Blizzard Bonafide 97 Skis share some similarities, they also have key differences that make them suitable for different types of skiers.

The Rustler 9 Skis are more playful and forgiving, making them a great choice for skiers who like to explore off-piste and enjoy a mix of short and long radius turns. They're also more versatile in terms of turn radius, able to handle both short and long turns with ease. These skis are ideal for skiers who value versatility and fun, and who enjoy a ski that's nimble and responsive.

On the other hand, the Bonafide 97 Skis are more aggressive and demanding. They're designed for advanced to expert skiers who love to charge hard and fast. These skis are stiffer and more stable, offering excellent edge hold and precision. They're also more suited to open spaces where you can let them run. These skis are perfect for skiers who want a ski that can handle technical terrain and variable conditions, and who aren't afraid to push their limits.

In terms of construction, the Bonafide 97 Skis feature two full sheets of metal, making them burlier and stiffer than the Rustler 9 Skis. This makes them more suitable for skiers who prefer a stiffer, more stable ride.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

1. Versatility: The Rustler 9 Skis take the win in this category. They're more versatile in terms of turn radius and are able to handle a wider range of conditions and terrains. They're also more forgiving, making them a great choice for skiers who like to explore and try different styles of skiing.
2. Performance: The Bonafide 97 Skis win in terms of performance. They're stiffer and more stable, offering excellent edge hold and precision. They're also more capable of handling high speeds without chatter, providing a smooth and stable ride.
3. Construction: The Bonafide 97 Skis also win in terms of construction. They feature two full sheets of metal, making them burlier and stiffer than the Rustler 9 Skis. This makes them more suitable for skiers who prefer a stiffer, more stable ride.
4. Fun Factor: The Rustler 9 Skis win in terms of fun factor. They're more playful and nimble, offering a fun and exciting ride. They're also more forgiving, making them a great choice for skiers who like to explore and try different styles of skiing.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Blizzard Rustler 9 and the Blizzard Bonafide 97 Skis are excellent choices for advanced to expert skiers looking for a versatile all-mountain ski. The Rustler 9 Skis are more playful and forgiving, making them a great choice for skiers who like to explore off-piste and enjoy a mix of short and long radius turns. On the other hand, the Bonafide 97 Skis are more aggressive and demanding, offering excellent edge hold and precision for skiers who love to charge hard and fast.

Ultimately, the choice between these two skis comes down to your personal skiing style and preferences. If you value versatility and fun, the Rustler 9 Skis are a great choice. If you prefer a stiffer, more stable ride and aren't afraid to push your limits, the Bonafide 97 Skis are the way to go. Either way, you're sure to have a blast on the mountain with these high-performing skis.