2027 Blizzard Rustler 11

The 2027 Blizzard Rustler 11 returns unchanged for this year, which is great news for skiers who are searching for deep snow performance without giving up surprisingly strong on-trail carving. While the Rustler 11 has been considered a specific ski for soft and deep snow, it’s one of the more versatile ones as well. The fact that there’s metal both underfoot and in the arms along the side makes for a smooth and seamless feel through crud and chop gives this ski a leg up on the competition. From the build and shape to the profile and taper, the 2027 Blizzard Rustler 11 is a pure powder ski for the best conditions on the planet. This ski packs a decent punch for being so surfy and playful, showing its versatility in somewhat strange places.

There aren’t many skis out there at this width that use such sophisticated construction techniques. Built with Blizzard’s Trueblend Free wood core consisting of beech, poplar, and paulownia, the skis also get the Fluxform treatment, with a metal plate underfoot and two titanal arms on the side. On top and bottom, the fiberglass laminates feature carbon stringers to deliver stiffness and energy to the mix. This blend of attributes goes a long way when it comes to creating a poppy powder ski. This is flexible enough to create playfulness, while keeping the energy of the ski at a maximum. The weight of 2100 grams per ski in the 186 does make it slightly hefty, but given the surface area, it feels somewhat lighter. It’s always a challenge to mix agility in powder with higher speed stability, making it tough to get it all at the same time. Tester Christian Strong states I thought that this ski was a ton of fun. It wasn't too bad on quick turns due to the early rise tip and tail, but I felt that the longer radius turns were much more soild. This would be a great powder ski or side country. Quick turns for tree runs and floaty for powder. This would be for advanced and expert level skiers. Its width would be difficult for intermediate and beginners.

The shape and profile of the ski keeps it moving forward with a more progressive feel than a lot of other 114’s out there today. Boasting a sidecut measurement of 142/114/132 in the 186 cm length, these skis generate a 20.5-meter radius. These are great stats for a powder-focused freeride ski for sure. Tester Matt Stromecki was impressed as well, stating that “The Rustler was probably up there for the most surprising ski of the Ski Test for me personally. I went in with zero expectations, and I walked away with such a big smile on my face. The titanal frame did wonders for both edge grip as well as allowing for some playfulness. Skiing felt effortless on this ski, and it is tempting to say the least for me to pick up a pair next year. These skis had the energy of a full wood core ski but the edge grip and torsional rigidity of a full titanal laminate ski. SUPER FUN. I have been sitting in front of my computer screen trying to think of a weakness and I just can't place one that is significant enough for me to submit.” The whole idea is to have fun, and aligning a ski with the skier and conditions makes a lot of sense in that pursuit.

The Rustler 11 ends up being a fairly specific ski for most skiers. At 114 mm underfoot, it’s hard to bring versatility into the discussion, but it’s right there. So many skiers want something that will float amazingly in the powder and then be able to rip turns on groomers getting back to the lift. It’s hard to think of a better ski for that application than the sophisticated and rugged 2027 Blizzard Rustler 11. By combining a manageable weight with a surfy shape and a fun-loving character, the Rustler 11 is a soft snow ski with more poise and polish than you may think.