2023 Blizzard Rustler 10

If there was ever a more ubiquitous ski than the Rustler 10 from Blizzard, we have yet to see it. With a mid-range width and build, this ski checks a lot of boxes for a lot of skiers who are looking for something with a freeride flair in the ~100 mm waist width zone. Unchanged but for graphics for 2023, the Rustler 10 continues its dominance with a blend of all-mountain versatility and freeride fun. Built with a blend of poplar, beech, balsa, and paulownia, the skis have a nice mix of woods to contribute to the overall feel and personality. Two layers of carbon-infused fiberglass surround the wood core, and a partial sheet of metal completes this well-rounded build. The metal is full-width underfoot and tapers to a point where the rocker begins in the tips and tails. This gives the ski a very well-balanced feel to it and allows it to be as floaty as it is sturdy. In the 180 cm length, the skis come in just over 2000 grams per ski and produce a 17.5-meter turn radius. That’s pretty turny, but you can easily access the sidecut, or let it slide—totally up to the skier and their whims and preferences. If you’re looking for a wider one-ski quiver for snowy zones or a snow day option for those who ski in lower snow areas, the Blizzard Rustler 10 has been, and should continue to be, one of the best options out there.

On the 188, Bob St.Pierre notes that it’s the perfect size for him. He gave it a lot of high scores—all 4’s out of 5 except for 3’s in torsional stiffness and edge hold. He notes that “There's not a whole lot that this ski can't do, and that's a big part of its charm. Rips carved turns--very well for a 104--while keeping the tips and tails light for powder, trees, and off-piste activities. It feels like a very natural ski--one that will do whatever you ask of it with a smile. It's no wonder this thing returns unchanged again.” In that 188, we do see a bump from 102 to 104 mm underfoot. Zach Mooney also got to ski the 188, noting that it was true to size. He brings more of a carving and race background than Bob, so it’s great to get different feedback for these skis. Zack had all 5’s on his scorecard, leading us to believe that he not only really enjoyed his experience, but also sees the versatile and well-rounded nature of the ski. “Rustler 10 is a true 1 ski quiver. I own this ski and ski it in every condition. Strong and stable on ice, playful in spring corn and bumps. The tip of the skis drives right through end of the day conditions. This ski is tremendously powerful underfoot and carves so well, while still floating in powder.” It’s also great getting feedback from a skier like Zach who owns this ski, and provides more long-term feedback.

Brad Schauerman skied the 180, and notes it is true to size. Brad had 4’s out of 5 for versatility, forgiveness, stability, and flotation with 3’s for overall impression, torsional stiffness, edge hold, playfulness, quickness, and maneuverability. Brad notes that “This ski does a bit of everything pretty well. Doesn't top the charts in any category but a solid ski over all. Good for carving GS turns but also fun skiing through bumps and slop. Solid 1 ski quiver ski.” Another 180 tester, Ryan Darlow, gave a top mark of 5 for forgiveness, with 4’s for flotation, stability, playfulness, versatility, and overall impression. He calls it “A fun ski that gives back what you put into it. It is very damp and can smash through crud and stuff moguls. This ski doesn't want to make small turns and requires a lot of energy to initiate turns but pushes you out of them and will launch you off your tails if you get airborne and in the backseat.” That forgiveness is certainly nice in this regard.

If you’re in the market for a ~100 mm underfoot ski with some metal but a freeride personality, look no further than the Blizzard Rustler 10. It’s incredibly fun and versatile while remaining stable and high-performance for a variety of skiers, terrain, and snow conditions. From fresh fluff to icy groomers, the Rustler 10 has the skills to handle it all.