Our Final Sale — Get up to 75% off while you can!

We're saying goodbye, but you get to save big! Check out our clearance page for massive discounts on all products.

Expert Comparison: Line Blade Optic 96 Skis · 2023 vs Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis · 2023

Published on 02/13/2024 · 6 min readCompare Line Blade Optic 96 Skis · 2023 and Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis · 2023. Get expert insight below!
Tomasz Macieik, Ski Expert
Theo G, Ski Expert
Daryl Morrison, Ski Expert
Contributed By Ski Expert Tomasz Macieik, Theo G, Daryl Morrison, Sam Baevsky, Phil Chandler and others

VS

 

Side by side comparison

Out of stock
Line Blade Optic 96 Skis · 2023
Out of stock
Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis · 2023
Price
$408.93
52% off
$390.00
50% off
User rating
4.71(17)
5(2)
The Curated Take

Best for skiers seeking a playful, versatile, and stable ski.

Best for East Coast skiers exploring off-trail and Western skiers on low-tide days due to its maneuverability and carving ease.

Ski type
All Mountain, Freeride
Freeride
Skill level
Advanced, Expert
Intermediate, Advanced
Rocker profile
Rocker/Camber/Rocker
Rocker/Camber/Rocker

In the world of skiing, the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis and the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are two top contenders for the 2023 season. Both skis are designed to deliver an exceptional experience on the slopes, but they each have their unique strengths and features. The Line Blade Optic 96 Skis are known for their playful and energetic performance, making them a blast to ride on any terrain. On the other hand, the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are praised for their versatility and precision, making them a reliable choice for a wide range of conditions. While both skis are excellent choices, the final verdict will depend on your personal preferences and skiing style.

The Line Blade Optic 96 Skis are a standout product for the 2023 season. These skis are designed to be intuitive and versatile, making them a great choice for skiers of all skill levels. The Blade Optic 96 is particularly known for its playful and energetic performance. It's light, poppy, and fun to ride, making it a favorite among skiers who love to seek out side hits, pop out of turns, and jump moguls.

Despite its playful nature, the Blade Optic 96 doesn't compromise on stability. It features metal in its construction, which translates to a smooth and damp ride when riding fast through cruddy snow. This ski is also versatile enough to be a one-ski quiver for almost anywhere in the country. With a 96mm waist, it's wide enough to handle a variety of conditions, yet narrow enough to maintain agility and responsiveness.

However, it's worth noting that the Blade Optic 96 doesn't carve as well as some other skis, and it has less float than its wider 104mm sibling. But overall, the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis are a fantastic choice for skiers who value playfulness, versatility, and stability in their ride.

The blade optics playfulness is what first stood out. It was very energetic and poppy. I found myself seeking out the side hits, popping out of turns, and jumping moguls. Usually when a ski is this playful it means it is fairly light and soft but the Blade Optic 96 does come with metal in its construction that translates to a very smooth and damp ride when riding fast through cruddy snow.

Tomasz Macieik
Ski Expert

The Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are another top contender for the 2023 season. These skis are designed to be versatile and precise, making them a reliable choice for a wide range of conditions. The Rustler 9 is particularly known for its ability to carve gracefully and adapt to any turn shape. It's responsive, stable, and super playful in softer snow and on varying terrain.

The Rustler 9 features a wood core consisting of beech, poplar, balsa, and paulownia, which gives it a well-rounded nature. It also has two sheets of carbon/fiberglass for added stiffness and energy, and a single, partial sheet of metal for dampness and edge grip. The metal laminate is full-width underfoot and tapers to the tips and tails, resulting in a playful feel and a lighter swing weight.

However, it's worth noting that the Rustler 9 may not be the best choice for deep powder days or for skiers who prefer a stiffer, more aggressive ride. But overall, the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are a fantastic choice for skiers who value versatility, precision, and a playful ride.

I really enjoyed skiing the Rustler 9. I've rarely been on a ski this precise, as easily malleable into any turn shape I wanted. It almost turned before I initiated the movement. It was anticipating where I was going. I know that is verging on magical realism in the ski technical category, but I felt like that. That's how much I enjoyed the ride on these.

Theo G
Ski Expert

Similarities

Both the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis and the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are designed to be versatile and well-rounded, making them suitable for a wide range of conditions and terrains. They both feature a playful and energetic performance, with a focus on stability and responsiveness. Both skis also incorporate metal in their construction, which contributes to their smooth and damp ride. They are both designed to be intuitive and easy to control, making them accessible to skiers of various skill levels.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are versatile and playful, they each have their unique strengths and features. The Line Blade Optic 96 Skis are particularly known for their energetic and poppy performance, making them a great choice for skiers who love to seek out side hits and jump moguls. They are also a bit wider, making them a good choice for skiers who often find themselves in a variety of snow conditions.

On the other hand, the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are praised for their precision and adaptability. They excel in carving and can adapt to any turn shape, making them a reliable choice for skiers who value precision and control. They are also a bit narrower, making them quicker edge-to-edge and a good choice for skiers who spend a lot of time on groomed runs.

In terms of persona, the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis would be a great fit for adventurous skiers who love to explore different terrains and enjoy a playful and energetic ride. The Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis, on the other hand, would be ideal for skiers who value precision and control, and who enjoy carving graceful turns on groomed runs.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to playfulness and energy, the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis take the lead. Their poppy performance and intuitive design make them a blast to ride on any terrain.

In terms of precision and adaptability, the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis come out on top. Their ability to carve gracefully and adapt to any turn shape makes them a reliable choice for a wide range of conditions.

For versatility and well-rounded performance, it's a tie. Both skis are designed to be versatile and well-rounded, making them suitable for a wide range of conditions and terrains.

In terms of construction and design, both skis incorporate metal in their construction, contributing to their smooth and damp ride. However, the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis have a bit more metal in their construction, which translates to a smoother and more stable ride.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Line Blade Optic 96 Skis and the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are top contenders for the 2023 season. They both offer a versatile and well-rounded performance, making them suitable for a wide range of conditions and terrains. However, they each have their unique strengths and features, making them a great fit for different types of skiers.

The Line Blade Optic 96 Skis are a great choice for skiers who love to explore different terrains and enjoy a playful and energetic ride. On the other hand, the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are ideal for skiers who value precision and control, and who enjoy carving graceful turns on groomed runs.

In the end, the final verdict will depend on your personal preferences and skiing style. So whether you're an adventurous skier who loves to seek out side hits and jump moguls, or a precision-focused skier who enjoys carving graceful turns on groomed runs, there's a ski out there that's perfect for you. Happy skiing!

Curated experts can help

Have a question about the article you just read or want personal recommendations? Connect with a Curated expert and get personalized recommendations for whatever you’re looking for!

Shop Skis on Curated

Line Blade Optic 96 Skis · 2023
$408.93$850.00
Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis · 2023
$390.00$780.00
Faction Prodigy 1 Skis · 2025
$274.48$548.95

Browse more Skis

Faction Prodigy 2 Skis · 2025
$324.48$648.95
Faction Dancer 1 Skis · 2025
$486.82$748.95
Marker Squire 11 Ski Bindings · 2025
$229.95
K2 Reckoner 92 Skis · 2025
$259.97$399.95
Leki SWTCH Ski Poles · 2025
$38.47$69.95
K2 Mindbender 85 W Skis + Quikclik Bindings · Women's · 2025
$329.97$599.95
K2 Reckoner 92 W Skis · Women's · 2025
$259.97$399.95

Browse more Skis

Read next

New and Noteworthy