Expert Comparison: Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis · 2023 vs Black Crows Camox Skis · 2023

Published on 02/14/2024 · 6 min readCompare Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis · 2023 and Black Crows Camox Skis · 2023. Get expert insight below!
Daryl Morrison, Ski Expert
Luke H., Ski Expert
Theo G, Ski Expert
Contributed By Ski Expert Daryl Morrison, Luke H., Theo G, Henry Kvietok, Thomas Harari and others

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Side by side comparison

Out of stock
Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis · 2023
Out of stock
Black Crows Camox Skis · 2023
Price
$390.00
50% off
$479.97
40% off
User rating
5(2)
4(1)
The Curated Take

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

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

In the world of skiing, the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis and the Black Crows Camox Skis are two top contenders for the 2023 season. Both skis are designed to be versatile, all-mountain options, but each has its unique strengths and features. The Blizzard Rustler 9 is praised for its fun and energetic performance, with a stiff underfoot and softer tip and tail that make it highly maneuverable and great for carving. On the other hand, the Black Crows Camox is known for its playful and forgiving nature, with a wood core and carbon layer that make it light and lively. While both skis are excellent choices for intermediate to advanced skiers, the Rustler 9 might be better for those who love carving and high speeds, while the Camox could be a better fit for those who prefer a more playful and freestyle-oriented ride. However, the final verdict will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the skier.

The Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are designed to be a versatile all-mountain ski that can handle a bit of everything. They feature a fair amount of tip and tail rocker, making them highly maneuverable and great for quick turns. The skis are also pretty stiff underfoot, which provides stability and power for carving.

The Rustler 9 skis are described as very fun and nimble, with a great ability to carve hard and perform well at high speeds. They are also highly responsive to changes in terrain and turn radius. The skis have a progressive flex pattern, with a stiff and hard-charging metal underfoot and a softer tip and tail. This blend allows for both maneuverability and the ability to charge hard and carve.

The skis are also playful and poppy, performing well when popping off side hits and rollers. They are stable in the air and land well, making them a good choice for those who enjoy a bit of freestyle skiing. However, they are not the best choice for deep powder days due to their narrow width.

Overall, the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are a great choice for skiers who want a ski that can do a bit of everything, from carving hard on groomers to popping off side hits and exploring off-piste terrain.

If I had to describe these skis, it would be in two words: very fun. I had a great time on these skis. They carve really hard. They're super fun. I had a great time on them. They're extremely nimble, and I honestly felt like they shouldn't market these with just one turn radius because they were perfectly fine doing short radius turns and carving the entire thing. I had no problem asking these skis to do anything; they were just happy to oblige.

Daryl Morrison
Ski Expert

The Black Crows Camox Skis are a playful and versatile all-mountain ski that is designed to be fun and enjoyable. They have a wood core with a carbon layer, which makes them light and lively. The Camox skis are not a heavy, damp speed demon, but rather a ski with a user-friendly flex that makes it confident, poppy, and lively.

The Camox skis are great for varied terrain, allowing you to go fast if desired, but also change direction quickly due to the forgiving flex and twin tip design. They are also fun for hitting small jumps and landing switch, making them a great choice for those who enjoy a bit of freestyle skiing.

The Camox skis are a Jack of All Trades, Master of None, and are loved for it. They are a great all-mountain option for both ambitious intermediates and even advanced and expert skiers. However, they can chatter a bit at very high speeds and are not the best for aggressive carving or deep powder due to their construction and width.

But the Black Crows Camox is one of the most fun and enjoyable skis I tested this winter. The Camox has no metal, sporting a wood core with a carbon layer, so the Camox is no heavy, damp speed demon; instead, the Camox has a very user-friendly flex that makes the ski confident, but also poppy and lively.

Luke H.
Ski Expert

Similarities

Both the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis and the Black Crows Camox Skis are designed to be versatile, all-mountain skis that can handle a variety of conditions and terrains. They both have a playful and fun nature, making them enjoyable to ski on. Both skis are also designed to be maneuverable and responsive, allowing for quick turns and changes in direction. They both have a twin tip design, making them suitable for some freestyle skiing and hitting jumps. Both skis are also suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers, offering a balance of performance and forgiveness that can help skiers progress and improve their skills.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both skis are versatile and all-mountain, they have different strengths and features that make them better suited to different types of skiers and conditions. The Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are stiffer underfoot and have a progressive flex pattern, making them great for carving and high speeds. They are also highly responsive and stable, making them a good choice for skiers who like to push their limits and explore off-piste terrain. However, they are not the best choice for deep powder days due to their narrow width.

On the other hand, the Black Crows Camox Skis are lighter and more lively, with a user-friendly flex that makes them confident, poppy, and fun. They are great for varied terrain and are also fun for hitting small jumps and landing switch. However, they can chatter a bit at very high speeds and are not the best for aggressive carving or deep powder.

In terms of persona, the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis would be a great fit for skiers who love carving and high speeds, and who enjoy exploring off-piste terrain. The Black Crows Camox Skis, on the other hand, would be a better fit for skiers who prefer a more playful and freestyle-oriented ride, and who enjoy varied terrain and hitting small jumps.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When comparing the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis and the Black Crows Camox Skis, the winner will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the skier.

  1. For carving and high speeds: The Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis are the clear winner. They are stiffer underfoot and have a progressive flex pattern that makes them great for carving and high speeds.

  2. For playfulness and freestyle: The Black Crows Camox Skis take the lead. They are lighter and more lively, with a user-friendly flex that makes them confident, poppy, and fun. They are also great for hitting small jumps and landing switch.

  3. For off-piste exploration: Both skis perform well, but the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis might have a slight edge due to their high responsiveness and stability.

  4. For powder performance: Neither ski is the best choice for deep powder due to their widths, but both can handle some powder. The choice would depend on the skier's preference for stiffness or playfulness in powder conditions.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis and the Black Crows Camox Skis are excellent choices for intermediate to advanced skiers looking for a versatile, all-mountain ski. The Blizzard Rustler 9 Skis shine in their ability to carve hard and handle high speeds, making them a great choice for skiers who love to push their limits and explore off-piste terrain. The Black Crows Camox Skis, on the other hand, stand out for their playful and forgiving nature, making them a fun choice for skiers who enjoy varied terrain and a bit of freestyle skiing. The final choice will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the skier, but either way, you're in for a fun ride!

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