2023 Blizzard Rustler 9

With a bit of a cosmetic update for 2023, the Blizzard Rustler 9 remains one of the most versatile skis on the planet, for what seems like the 10th year in a row. It’s a bit less than that, but I hardly remember a time when this ski didn’t exist. We’re very happy that it’s still here, though, allowing present and future generations the honor and privilege of skiing such an amazing ski. As a narrower freeride ski with an all-mountain character, the Rustler 9 carves better than expected while remaining an excellent soft-snow performer and a true master of off-piste terrain and conditions. Built with a wood core consisting of beech, poplar, balsa, and paulownia, we get a blend of attributes that lead to the well-rounded nature of the ski. Two sheets of carbon/fiberglass add stiffness and energy while a single, partial sheet of metal brings the dampness and edge grip to the equation. The metal laminate is full-width underfoot and tapers to the tips and tails, ending precisely where the rocker begins. This leads to a playful feel and a lighter swing weight in the tips and tails while keeping the underfoot/middle-zone of the ski a bit more business-like. This is one of those skis, that if you don’t know what you want, the Rustler 9 is as good a choice as any.

Bob St.Pierre finally got on the 188, after years of being “stuck” on the 180. He found the length to be perfect, and “everything that I always hoped it would be.” He gave top marks of 5 out of 5 for versatility and overall impression, with 4’s for torsional stiffness, edge hold, playfulness, quickness, maneuverability, and stability. Flotation and forgiveness got 3’s but still a high-spread of high scores from Bob on the R9. He notes that it’s an “Awesome blend of power, stability, quickness, and playfulness. Very intuitive and easy to ski, but still has a high-performance threshold. This thing is capable of anything and everything. The Rustler 9 has long-been that one ski you can go to and lean on for a huge variety of conditions and terrain. If you're looking for the ultimate in versatility, look no further than Rustler 9. Even though it hasn't changed much over the years, that's more of a testament to them getting it right the first time.” Also on the 188, Ryan Daniel notes that it was “Dickens Perfect.” Not sure what that means, likely a typo, but I kind of like the sound of it. He gave it 5’s out of 5 right across the board, showing a fondness for both the character and the performance of the ski. “I love this ski. It is another Swiss Army knife. This ski was blasting through the slushy bumps. Held edge and handled speed well. East coast 1 ski quiver.”

Jamie O’Brien notes that his 180 was a bit shorter than expected, but still scored 5’s out of 5 for quickness, maneuverability, playfulness, and forgiveness. He gave 4’s for overall impression, versatility, stability, and flotation. He states that the “Rustler 9 is the Jack-of-All-trades. Fun in anything the mountain can throw at it, this ski commits to having a good time. The tip engages on the packed pow and crushed through the chunder of the northeast. The tail releases with ease and begs for the next turn.” Brad Schauerman was also on the 180, and he gave it all 4’s out of 5, showing the consistency and predictability of the great Rustler 9. “This ski does it all on and off the trail and in all snow conditions, would definitely make a good one ski quiver. This ski isn't by any means the "best" at anything but does a really good job at doing a bit of everything. Holds an edge well carving on the trail and is quick and playful for getting in the bumps and in the woods... Floats well for a 90ish wasted ski. Truly a workhorse.”

Sometimes the one-ski-quiver moniker gets thrown around a bit too loosely, but for the Rustler 9, it’s totally justified. Thanks to the shape, profile, and construction of these skis, versatility and well-roundedness are pretty darn easy to come by for a huge range of skiers.