The Rustler series has been the flagship ski for Blizzard, especially in the West. Every couple of years, ski companies dress up their most popular skis with new graphics. This year, the manufacturer has put the Rustler through a total makeover. And dude, if you loved them before, you'll love them even more. Why are you going to want Blizzard's new Rustler? Because the Rustler 9 and 10 are not only better, they are more better-er!

So what are the changes, and how does that translate into performance?

Rustler 9 and 10:

The Rustler 9 is the narrowest ski in the Rustler series. It has been a go-to ski for intermediate and advanced intermediate-level skiers who love to ski groomers, hard-pack, bumps, and the park. Because of its narrow waist and metal top sheet, it was a very playful and responsive ski. We did not carry last year's Rustler 9. Among our staff of strong skiers and our core customer base, they felt like it performed differently than an expert or advanced level ski. That has all changed. At last spring's shop demo event, our staff was thrilled with the improved performance of the 9, and we are happy to have the ski in this year's lineup. 

With the new ski construction, the Rustler 9 has gone from a playful ski to a serious ski party animal. A ski party animal with control, now you don't see that every day. The Rustler 10, with it's 102mm waist, is a better-performing ski in softer snow and big mountain conditions. 

So, how did Blizzard step up the wow factor in the Rustler skis? 

  • The first thing they did was develop a new core, which is genius! The True Blend Technology wood core is designed so the ski flex is the same on every ski size. Whether it is a 162 or 192, that change alone is something we have never seen before. Each ski length will have the same flex performance. 

  • As if that wasn't enough of a mind-blower, Blizzard could reduce the weight of the Rustler skis by eliminating some of the metal in the tip and tail. Under the foot, there is still a full sheet of metal running side to side from just behind the heel to just in front of the toe. That metal sheet is what gives skis the snap and rebound that makes a ski lively and fun to ski. By eliminating some of the metal from the center of the ski, starting at the toe to the tip of the ski and from the back of the heel to the tail, they make the ski lighter. The remaining metal at the edges of the top sheet at the front of the toe and behind still runs the length of the ski. By leaving the metal on the edges of the top sheet, the ski remains lively and responsive with a great edge grip. 
  • The total makeover of the Rustler 9 and 10 resulted in a lighter ski and a much higher-performing ski. The new Rustler is still a ski that an intermediate skier is going to enjoy, and the expert skier is going to go bonkers over. Just ask our staff.  

So the only question is which model of Rustler do you want. The women's Sheeva 9 and 10 are the same stable, fun, and ripping ski as the men's Rustler, only softer in the tip and tail. 

Some quotes from our staff and friends: 

Danielle McCord
X-ski racer
Big Mountain coach at Palisade Tahoe
Big Mountain Comp Judge

"Sheeva 9, a one-hit wonder! Rips the groomers with precision. Solid, meaty ski."

 

Kelly Gehring
FWQ Competitor
Big Mountain coach at Sugar Bowl

"The Sheeva 10 is the hard-charging ski to take you anywhere on the mountain, no matter the conditions. Powder, chop, or slush, you can be confident the Sheeva 10 will perform exactly how you expect: absolutely ripping."

 

Darren Padgett 
Boot Fitter Granite Chief - 25 years
Ski tester for Backcountry Gear Guy

"I'm one of those who didn't like last year's Rustler 9. I was blown away with the new 9, and I agree Blizzard gave the ski a total makeover. The Rustler 10 has always been a top-performing ski, and this year's 10 is even better. Because I'm mostly a big mountain off-piste skier, I'd go with the Rustler 10 because of the 102mm waist."

Herb Manning
Founder/Owner Granite Chief

"Like our staff, I was impressed with the Rustler 9 and 10. The new core was a noticeable change because at 6'3", I ride a longer ski with no flex compromise. In my opinion, the metal over the edge from tip to tail was the most significant improvement in delivering solid edge grip!"