Brand new for 2024, the Blizzard Rustler 11 went through a top to bottom overhaul with changes made to both its construction and shape. Changes that have made a significant improvement to the skis’ overall performance. Taking the TrueBlend Freeride Core from the Hustle Series, the Rustler 11 also gets two revised titanal laminates that are reminiscent of Volkl’s Tailored Titanal Frame technology and K2’s H-Shape Titanal Laminates. The combination of the TrueBlend Freeride Core and tuning fork-like, FluxForm, metal laminates produce a powerful and stable freeride ski that likes to be pushed hard and fast. Although a powder ski, the Rustler 11 retains a lot of versatility within that space. We found it easy to imagine using these skis for anything from heli skiing in Alaska to being a dedicated resort powder ski. Its construction and shape function well in both settings. For example, the Rustler 11’s edge grip and torsional stiffness provide stability on steep open faces as well as when carving on groomers back to the lift for another powder run. The pure freeride, twin-tip, shape make for a quick and agile ski that can help you get out of trouble in the mountains while also making the ski playful and creative within a resort environment. All in all, the Rustler 11 is one heck of a versatile freeride powder ski.

Taking the TrueBlend Core from the closely related Hustle Series and Blizzard’s FluxForm Technology, the Rustler 11’s construction produces a ski with true Freeride capabilities and performance. The freeride TrueBlend Core consists of a multi-stringer lay-up with several types of wood. In the Rustler 11, there are 8 stringers of Beech, 3 of Poplar, and 5 of Paulownia which make for a progressive and intuitive flex pattern well suited for its freeride application. FluxForm and titanal laminates reinforce the core to provide additional edge grip, stability, and vibration dampening. These important components add to the overall versatility of the Rustler 11 as they contribute to the on-trail carving performance as well as off trail stability. An important topic we think should be touched on is that this construction is very well-suited for big mountain skiing and powder skiing. The build is still very burly even though it is slightly softer than the previous model. With that strong build, big impacts and fast speeds are the Rustler 11’s bread and butter. They soak up landings and keep your momentum going without folding or conceding. When we think of the Rustler 11, the applications that come to mind right away are the Freeride World Tour or Heli/Cat skiing.

Along with the major construction overhaul, the Rustler 11’s shape also got a significant makeover with changes made to both the profile and sidecut. When it comes to profile changes, there is increased tip and tail rocker as well as tip and tail splay for 2024. What this change does is make the ski more maneuverable and agile along with some additional floatation. Speaking of rocker profile, the updated Rustler 11���s tip and tail rocker profiles are much more symmetrical in comparison to the previous version, which contributes even more to its maneuverability and surfiness. When it comes to sidecut, there are some slight changes made, but not as much compared to the rest of the ski. The new ski has a forebody width of 142mm, a waist width of 114mm, and tail width of 132mm(at the 186cm length). The turning radius is 19 meters at the 180cm length. Now the sidecut in the tip and waist are somewhat similar to that of the previous model, but in the new model the tail widths are a bit different. The tail width of the 2024 Rustler 11 is a bit wider, making the ski have a more symmetrical sidecut compared to the previous year’s. The result of this is more floatation in the tails and more pivot in deeper snow conditions.

Are you looking for a wide ski that can take you into the deepest snow but also carve on groomers to get you back to the lift for another lap? Are you looking for a burly powder ski to huck yourself off of cliffs with? What about a ski for your next cat or heli skiing trip? Or even a daily driver that can be used in a part of the world where consistent fresh snowfall occurs? The brand new 2024 Blizzard Rustler 11 ticks all of those boxes and more.An updated construction and shape results in an extremely versatile freeride powder ski that simply cannot be overlooked.