Brand new for 2024, the Blizzard Rustler Series has undergone a top to bottom overhaul with changes made to both their construction and shape. Changes that have made a significant improvement to the skis’ overall performance across multiple disciplines. Specifically, the Rustler 9 has gone through the most dramatic changes to its construction, profile, and sidecut. Resulting in more floatation, higher approachability, and a more forgiving flex pattern. For years, the Rustler 9 has been somewhat of the industry standard or go-to for a versatile all-mountain ski. This application has not changed course, but it indeed has developed into a more freeride oriented ski. Even so, the Rustler 9 has not forgotten its on-trail prowess as it still loves to reach terminal velocity on your favorite groomer. Even with a complete revision to the ski’s design, construction, and shape, it still fills that role of a super versatile, crazy fun, and rewarding ski. 

By enlisting the TrueBlend Core from the closely related Hustle Series and Blizzard’s FluxForm Technology, the Rustler 9’s construction produces a ski with true Freeride capabilities and performance. The freeride TrueBlend Core consists of a multi-stringer lay-up with several different types of wood. In the Rustler 9, there are 8 stringers of Beech, 3 of Poplar, and 5 of Paulownia which make for a progressive and intuitive flex pattern that is well suited for freeride applications. FluxForm and titanal laminates reinforce the core to provide additional edge grip, stability, and vibration dampening. These important elements add to the overall versatility of the Rustler 9 as they contribute to the on-trail carving performance as well as stability when off trail. Combined, these technologies yield high performance in various applications such as on trail carving, off trail adventuring, and overall freeride activities like jumping and spinning. The refined design makes the Rustler 9 maintain its status of being a go-to all-mountain freeride ski for the creative skiers looking to experiment and have fun anywhere on the mountain.

Along with the changes made to the Rustler 9’s construction, changes were made to its shape in terms of profile and sidecut. Changes in its twin-tip, rocker/camber/rocker, profile include longer tip and tail rocker as well as increased tip and tail splay. These magnified features contribute to its overall maneuverability and versatility by making turn initiation and release smoother and more intuitive. With more pivoting ability comes better performance in tight trees, technical descents, and in-air maneuvers. The Rustler 9’s sidecut has also been updated with a forebody width of 131mm, waist width of 96mm, and tail width of 121mm (at the 180cm length) generating a turning radius of 16 meters (at the 174cm length). The new sidecut is a bit wider in all areas leading to the ski having a bit more floatation without sacrificing edge to edge quickness and overall carving performance.

We think it is safe to say that the updated and revised 2024 Rustler 9 is an objective improvement over the previous model. Simply because the ski has become more versatile and better performing across the board. We found that the new TrueBlend Freeride Core, tuned metal laminates, and shape works wonders when it comes to initiating, carving, and completing a turn. When taken off trail, the new core and shape complement each other to make its wiggle factor go through the roof. All positive takeaways that lead us to our conclusion of an objectively improved Rustler 9. So, who is it for? It is for the advanced to expert skier who is looking for an all-mountain twin tip that likes to explore, go fast, and have an absurd amount of fun.