2023 Blizzard Hustle 10

As one of the most surprising new skis for 2023, the Blizzard Hustle 10 strikes a very interesting balance between resort, backcountry, and hybrid applications. By following the footprint of the Rustler 10, but with some structural changes, the Hustle 10 allows skiers the ability to choose between a downhill freeride choice and a strict touring ski. The best thing about this is that you shouldn’t have to choose just one way to do things. Built with Blizzard’s Trueblend Freeride wood core consisting of 8 beech, 3 poplar, and 5 paulownia stringers to provide an excellent mix of light weight, poppy performance, and a damp feel. Instead of Blizzard’s D.R.T. Titanal laminate, they use a Carbon one in the Hustle, providing more energy, less weight, and a similar amount of stiffness. In the 180 cm length, the skis tip the scales at just under 1800 grams per ski, and like the Rustler 10, they produce a 17.5-meter turn radius in that length. If you want, feel free to put a normal alpine binding on this ski and rip it around the resort any day of the year. On the other hand, you can put the lightest tech binding on it, grab some minimalistic boots, and head out to the backcountry and never come back. It’s all about how you want to use it, and in that realm, Hustle 10 is one of the most truly versatile skis on the planet.

Dave Hatoff skied the 180, and while he could have sized down, he did note that it skis true to size. He scored it a 5 out of 5 for flotation, and 4’s the rest of the way, for a very high baseline average. Dave calls it “Playful, Surfy, nimble and a great floater. Nice grip on hard snow as well for a wider waisted ski. Plows through chop and crud. Stable at speed. They ski blends freeride and all-mountain.” It’s interesting how he didn’t even mention touring, bringing to light the amazing capabilities of this ski. Benny Wax called his 172 a “happy length” and scored it 5’s out of 5 for flotation, playfulness, versatility, and overall impression. Here’s a skier who does not really tour, but appreciates a lighter and more playful ski that can still turn. Benny is a great example of a potential Hustle 10 customer who has no need for a touring ski. “On what could have been the poopiest day of the season, I had fun on these toys! From deep sugar snow, to scraped ice and death cookies, to soft smooth spring snow! These skis played well. They transitioned easily to navigate these rapidly inconsistent conditions in thick soupy fog! My test week winners!” Again, not a mention of touring anywhere to be found.

Harrison Gorham thought his 180 felt short, and he’d opt for the 188. He gave 4’s out of 5 for overall impression, versatility, torsional stiffness, edge hold, quickness, maneuverability, stability, and flotation. We see 3’s for forgiveness and playfulness, but overall, some very high and consistent scores from Harrison, who notes that “This is a great ski for anyone wanting a mix of groomers and pow but not too deep. It rips with confidence and has ample rocker with a good mix of camber to carve like a pro. I just felt the 180 was a little short for my lazy style of skiing. All around great ski for anyone gripping and ripping. Little heavier for my chicken legs but really stable at speed. Slashes out well so that nothing really chatters and carves pretty tight but not the tightest.” Rick Randall liked his 180, and scored it a top mark of 5 for flotation, with 4’s for the rest of the categories with the exceptions of torsional stiffness and edge hold. He states that Hustle 10 is a “Fun ski in softer conditions. It has good enough edge hold for firmer conditions. Great ski for someone looking for a light enough touring ski, but also performs well on the down with more performance built into it compared to other touring skis.” Finally, a tester commented on the touring application of the ski. The fact that it is there makes a lot of sense, but it doesn’t have to be the first and last things about Hustle 10.

Call it what you want, ski it how you want, the 2023 Blizzard Hustle 10 is a tester favorite and has one of the most versatile personalities on the planet. Whether you tour exclusively or not at all, the Hustle 10 will offer up a whole lot of fun and excitement out there on the hill, and that’s really what it’s all about.