2024 Blizzard Rustler 11 - SkiEssentials.com Ski Test

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[@nzheliking1278]

vs the Rossi Sender 110?

[@SkiEssentials]

Sender feels like it makes deeper and cleaner turns. It's also heavier, so you're getting more stability and power. The new Rustler 11 is kind of on the light side, and I think it works great, but it's not as damp or stable as the Rossignol. Depends if you're looking for more agility (Rustler) versus more power and aggressive skiing (Sender).

[@rosinejb]

Thanks for your reviews. I am 6’2”, 210 lbs. and I am looking for replacements to my 2014 Rossignol Super 7’s (188). I ski the Wasatch in Utah at the resorts, and I am always ducking off the groomers into the trees. I really like that my Super 7’s are great in the powder and I can still have fun on a groomer day. I was able to ski Atomic Bent 110’s which were okay, but I’m wondering if Armada JJ’s , Blizzard Rustlers or something else would be a better fit??

[@SkiEssentials]

We've found the Salomon QST series to feel similar to the older Rossignol's, so the QST 106 or the Blank (112) have that more dramatic taper shape in the shovel for smooth and easy turning in the trees. The Armada's have a similar shape, but the Rustler's are more rounded rather than tapered. Head Kore 111 is another sleeper ski in this realm.

[@niccco1986]

Hi, I'm ridning a rustler 10 (2023) 172cm and looking for a broader ski for touring and backcountry skiing. I like the rustler and are looking at the rustler 11, hustle 11 or the faction agent 3 or faction dancer 3, what would you recommend and what lenth? I'm an aggressive skier who like to play around. I'm 175 cm and 72 kg. Thanks for your help.

[@SkiEssentials]

The weight difference between Rustler and Hustle 11 isn't that big--if you want a slightly more stable ski the Rustler is still pretty efficient at climbing. I find the Factions to have a bit too much camber for true backcountry skiing or touring, but that's a personal preference. I'd go Rustler 11 in the 180.

[@markshannon4727]

Love your reviews thank you for them. I recently purchased the 2024 Rustler 9 and love them. Does the Rustler 11 ski similarly? I'm looking for a powder ski compliment to the 9's and I torn between the 11's, the QST Blank and Atomic BC's. I'm 6'3" 180 lbs. and an advanced skier in the Wasatch area. Thanks

[@SkiEssentials]

Yes, there's a safe bet that the 11 feels simply like a wider 9. The Blanks have a bit more heft to them while the Bent is very flexible and playful. I think the Rustler 11 is a safe bet and the Blank is a wonderful alternative.

[@JackIgo]

im looking for a powder ski how does this compare to the hustler 11, draco freebird, and the bent 110. trying to decide between those im looking for something thats pretty maneuverable for trees but is also somewhat stable for tracked out snow. I also will be doing 30-40 percent touring, im 5'9 120 lbs or if Im missing any options Thanks!

[@SkiEssentials]

I think if touring is in the mix, the Draco and Hustle make a lot of sense here. You're not getting a much lighter ski in the Hustle vs. the Rustler, but I do like the pop out of the metal-free Hustle when it comes to softer snow. Bent 110 is better as a resort ski as the rocker profile is on the dramatic side to be efficient at touring.

[@ColoradoGooner]

Howdy! Currently own a 172 Declivity 92, 172 rustler 10 (2023) and am looking to round out my Colorado powder ski selection with the new rustler 11. At 172 cm tall (just under 5ft 8) and 160 lbs would you recommend the 174 or 180 length? Thanks so much!

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd think the 174 is the way to go with that ski. Lots of surface area here.

[@bryand6094]

Thoughts between these and the QST Blanks? Currently on qst 106 -181 and length is good. Hustler 11’s in 180 and after 5 years I’m looking for something a little longer but don’t want to be overwhelmed with the jump to 186. Which of these two skies shorter? Seems like the rustler 11 rocker tip and tail starts earlier but the blank has a shorter side cut?

[@SkiEssentials]

The Blank feels a bit shorter due to the radius. It's still pretty smooth and stable, but you can size up on it if you wish, so the 186 in the Blank isn't a huge leap. The 2024 Blizzard isn't terribly demanding either, with a good amount of rocker and splay, it's pretty easy to turn, but it does have metal, so it's slightly more stable.

[@sixtennielsen31]

How does this compare to atomic backland 117?

[@SkiEssentials]

Backland is considerably lighter, but it also has more of a traditional shape to it. The Rustler has a lot more rocker and splay, especially in the tail, as the more directional nature of the Backland lends to a touring capability rather than a modern and progressive downhill/freeride style like the Rustler.

[@FabioCoppo-e8x]

Hi, I'd like to buy a new freeride skiis. I usually ski 50% off piste and 50% on piste but I prefer something more specialed for freeride to improve my skils. So, in your opinion whats the best beetween Blizzard Rustler 11 and Elan Ripstik 106? Thank you

[@SkiEssentials]

I think the Ripstick is an exceptional on-piste ski for its width while still floating well in softer snow. It's not quite as playful or maneuverable in the powder as the Rustler, so that's the main difference. Rustler 11 is also quite a bit wider, so you're getting more float, but it is coming at the expense of on-piste. I think the Ripstick has more upside in reality.

[@FabioCoppo-e8x]

@@SkiEssentials thank you vero much. And what about nordica enforcer 104 and unleashed 108? Do you consider unleashed 108 a good ski for freeride or only for freestyle?

[@choski76]

Rustler 11 vs QST Blank?

[@SkiEssentials]

Pretty darn close skis. Blank's shorter arc gives it a bit more maneuverability in tighter spots, but the new Rustler is also pretty agile. They're a lot closer now than they were last year. I'd say that the Blank is better in pure powder or anything smooth while the Rustler has a bit of a leg up when it comes to choppy or variable snow.

[@user-jy1qr4wy2l]

Is this ski too wide for east coast skiing ?

[@SkiEssentials]

Generally, a 112 is too wide for the east, even here in Stowe where it snows quite a bit. It just doesn't last very long as fresh snow. It'd be fine if you are aware of this fact and are planning on using it somewhat seldomly, but not really applicable as an every day ski.

[@darinsmith2458]

Would you compare that to the JJs?

[@darinsmith2458]

Or even the Bent Chetler 110

[@SkiEssentials]

The Hustle is a more fair comparison to those due to the weight and stiffness--the metal of the Rustler puts it on a slightly different level when it comes to stability and sturdiness. That said, the Bent and the Armada are more playful for sure.

[@darinsmith2458]

@@SkiEssentials Metal changes everything..

[@nashvegas631]

Thinking about these for a Resort Pow ski to compliment my '24 Rustler 9s, which I got in 180cm. Would you recommend going with the 186cm in the 11 given the increase in tip/tail rocker or stick with the 180s? I'm 180 lbs and 5'11".

[@SkiEssentials]

I'd stick to the 180, there's a lot more surface area and mass to that ski--it's stable, so there's no real need to size up.

[@damianquigley465]

I ski a 180cm Rustler 10 but sized up to a 186cm in the Rustler 11 and love it.

[@paull6678]

@@damianquigley465how much do you weigh?

[@damianquigley465]

@@paull6678 170 lbs and pretty aggressive skier so I like the extra length in deeper snow.

[@paull6678]

@@damianquigley465 did you end up getting the 186? I’m between 180 and 186 and about the same size as you trying to decide for the 11