Expert Comparison: Head Kore 99 Skis · 2023 vs Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis · 2023

Published on 02/14/2024 · 8 min readCompare Head Kore 99 Skis · 2023 and Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis · 2023. Get expert insight below!
Jesse Gantt, Ski Expert
Rob G., Ski Expert
Daryl Morrison, Ski Expert
Contributed By Ski Expert Jesse Gantt, Rob G., Daryl Morrison, Theo G, Luke H. and others

VS

 

Side by side comparison

Out of stock
Head Kore 99 Skis · 2023
Out of stock
Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis · 2023
Price
$449.99
51% off
$390.00
50% off
User rating
4.5(2)
5(2)
The Curated Take

Best for aggressive advanced or expert skiers seeking a versatile, lightweight, and nimble all-mountain 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
Backcountry, All Mountain
Freeride
Skill level
Intermediate, Advanced
Intermediate, Advanced
Rocker profile
Rocker/Camber/Rocker
Rocker/Camber/Rocker

In the world of skiing, the Head Kore 99 Skis and the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are two top contenders for the 2023 season. Both skis are designed for advanced intermediate to expert skiers and are praised for their versatility and performance across a variety of terrains and conditions.

The Head Kore 99 Skis are lauded for their lightweight construction, exceptional torsional stiffness, and excellent grip in hardpack conditions. They are also praised for their ability to handle off-piste adventures, from cliff jumping to hiking. The Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis, on the other hand, are known for their playful nature, excellent carving abilities, and impressive performance in soft snow.

While both skis have their strengths, they also have their limitations. The Head Kore 99 Skis may not be the best choice for mogul enthusiasts, while the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis may not be the best for deep powder days.

In terms of similarities, both skis are praised for their versatility, performance in a variety of conditions, and their ability to handle off-piste adventures. However, the Head Kore 99 Skis are more lightweight and have a more durable construction, while the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are more playful and have better carving abilities.

In conclusion, both skis are excellent choices for advanced intermediate to expert skiers looking for a versatile, all-mountain ski. The final decision will depend on the skier's personal preferences and the specific conditions they plan to ski in.

The Head Kore 99 Skis are a versatile, all-mountain ski designed for advanced intermediate to expert skiers. They are praised for their lightweight construction, which is achieved through the use of multiple layers of lightweight carbon fiber. Despite their light weight, these skis are incredibly torsionally stiff, providing excellent stability at high speeds and impressive grip in hardpack conditions.

The Head Kore 99 Skis are also designed to handle off-piste adventures with ease. Whether you're freeskiing, coaching a ski racing team, going off-piste in the powder and trees, cliff jumping, or hiking, these skis are up to the task. They are also durable, with a redesigned topsheet in the 2023 model that is more scratch-resistant.

In terms of performance, the Head Kore 99 Skis excel in a variety of conditions. They are stable at high speeds, have excellent edge hold, and are capable of making both short and long turns. They perform well on groomed terrain, in powder, in the trees, in the park, and in the backcountry. However, they may not be the best choice for mogul enthusiasts, as they can be unforgiving and rough in packed down and stiff bumps.

Overall, the Head Kore 99 Skis are a great option for skiers looking for a versatile, all-mountain ski that can handle a variety of conditions and terrains.

There's absolutely nowhere this ski can't go and perform exceptionally well. Hardpack snow / ice, waist deep powder, slush, groomers, variable / skied out snow conditions, this ski can handle it all.

Jesse Gantt
Ski Expert

The Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are a playful, all-mountain ski that are perfect for intermediate to expert skiers. They are designed to be versatile and capable, with a light, nimble construction that makes all kinds of turn shapes. Despite their lightness, they are stable and responsive to aggressive skier input over a wide variety of conditions.

When it comes to carving, the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis perform exceptionally well. They are not a carving ski, but for a 99-millimeter-waisted ski, they deliver impressive carves and performance. They are also happy making both short turns and arching big turns, making them a great choice for skiers who spend a fair amount of time riding in soft snow.

The Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are also stable at high speeds, with a light ski that's also very stiff. A lot of light skis are usually soft and kind of “noodley,” but the Rustler 9 Skis hold up to aggressive skiing techniques.

However, these skis may not be the best choice for beginners or even lower intermediates. They are agile and respond well to aggressive input, but if your goal is just to cruise groomers, there are other choices that are probably better for you.

I had a hard time believing that a ski that's this light, could be so stable, and so responsive to aggressive skier input over a wide variety of conditions. If you're out west and you want a one-ski quiver, this would be a great candidate for that. It is very light, nimble, and makes all kinds of turn shapes.

Rob G.
Ski Expert

Similarities

The Head Kore 99 Skis and the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis share several similarities. Both are designed for advanced intermediate to expert skiers and are praised for their versatility and performance across a variety of terrains and conditions.

Both skis are also praised for their ability to handle off-piste adventures. Whether it's skiing in the trees, in the park, or in the backcountry, both skis are up to the task. They are also both capable of making both short and long turns, and perform well on groomed terrain and in powder.

In terms of construction, both skis utilize innovative materials and technologies to achieve a balance of lightness, stiffness, and durability. The Head Kore 99 Skis use multiple layers of lightweight carbon fiber, while the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis use a combination of carbon, fiberglass, and a single, partial sheet of metal.

Finally, both skis are praised for their stability at high speeds, despite their light weight. They are both stiff and responsive, holding up well to aggressive skiing techniques.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While the Head Kore 99 Skis and the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis share several similarities, they also have their differences. The Head Kore 99 Skis are more lightweight and have a more durable construction. They are also praised for their exceptional torsional stiffness and excellent grip in hardpack conditions. These skis are ideal for advanced intermediate to expert skiers who value lightness and durability, and who enjoy off-piste adventures.

On the other hand, the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are more playful and have better carving abilities. They are also more responsive to aggressive skier input and are more stable at high speeds. These skis are ideal for intermediate to expert skiers who value playfulness and carving abilities, and who enjoy a variety of conditions and terrains.

In terms of limitations, the Head Kore 99 Skis may not be the best choice for mogul enthusiasts, while the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis may not be the best for deep powder days.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When comparing the Head Kore 99 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 highly versatile, capable of handling a variety of terrains and conditions. However, the Head Kore 99 Skis may have a slight edge due to their exceptional torsional stiffness and excellent grip in hardpack conditions.

  2. Performance: Both skis perform well at high speeds and are responsive to aggressive skiing techniques. However, the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis may have a slight advantage due to their better carving abilities and responsiveness to aggressive skier input.

  3. Construction: Both skis utilize innovative materials and technologies to achieve a balance of lightness, stiffness, and durability. However, the Head Kore 99 Skis may have a slight advantage due to their more durable construction.

  4. Playfulness: While both skis are praised for their playfulness, the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis may have a slight edge due to their more playful nature and better carving abilities.

In conclusion, the winner will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the skier. The Head Kore 99 Skis may be a better choice for skiers who value lightness and durability, while the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis may be a better choice for skiers who value playfulness and carving abilities.

Conclusions

In the world of skiing, the Head Kore 99 Skis and the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are two top contenders for the 2023 season. Both skis are designed for advanced intermediate to expert skiers and are praised for their versatility and performance across a variety of terrains and conditions.

The Head Kore 99 Skis are lauded for their lightweight construction, exceptional torsional stiffness, and excellent grip in hardpack conditions. They are also praised for their ability to handle off-piste adventures, from cliff jumping to hiking.

The Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis, on the other hand, are known for their playful nature, excellent carving abilities, and impressive performance in soft snow. They are also stable and responsive to aggressive skier input over a wide variety of conditions.

While both skis have their strengths, they also have their limitations. The Head Kore 99 Skis may not be the best choice for mogul enthusiasts, while the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis may not be the best for deep powder days.

In terms of similarities, both skis are praised for their versatility, performance in a variety of conditions, and their ability to handle off-piste adventures. However, the Head Kore 99 Skis are more lightweight and have a more durable construction, while the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are more playful and have better carving abilities.

In conclusion, both skis are excellent choices for advanced intermediate to expert skiers looking for a versatile, all-mountain ski. The final decision will depend on the skier's personal preferences and the specific conditions they plan to ski in. So, whether you're a mogul enthusiast or a powder hound, there's a ski out there for you. Happy skiing!

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