2025 Blizzard Rustler 10 - SkiEssentials.com Ski Test Review

[@Christopherthomas123]

Thank you for this! I demoed some last year and loved them. Picked up a pair for this season in Boise

[@SkiEssentials]

Nice! Have a blast!

[@uncledabob]

I don't know what it is about these reviews but they just make me feel like everything's going to work out in the end, lol. How would you say these compare to the Fischer Ranger 102s? I know you and Jeff had some disagreements on those but seemed to more or less be on the same page regarding the redesigned Rustler lineup.

[@SkiEssentials]

The Rustler is a better turner and a more sophisticated ski. Better flotation, more precise carving, and for me, at 6/2 225 on the 186, a great fit.

[@willmklein]

Would you be able to mount these a little bit forward from recommended, maybe 1-2 cm? I ski switch a lot so just trying to plan for that. Thanks

[@SkiEssentials]

You sure can if that's what you know you want out of this ski.

[@willmklein]

@@SkiEssentials PSA: Just spent an hour measuring the 186 length. Center of camber is about 3cm back from true center. Recommended is about 7.5cm back from true. Gonna go with 5cm back for a bit more freestyle usage. Great videos as always

[@smarb0533]

How would you compare this to the ranger 102 on the groomers and is worth buying either of these to be able to tour a few times a year ?

[@SkiEssentials]

Personally I'd take the smoothness and consistency of the Rustler over the more freeride-oriented shovel of the Ranger on groomers for sure. The Rustler 10, depending on length, is under 2000 grams, so while that's on the heavy side, it's not uncommon to see these skis toured on sporadically.

[@RyanStewart-y9g]

How would these compare to the 2025 Rossignol Sender Soul 102's?

[@SkiEssentials]

The amount of camber in the Soul 102 puts it in the more energetic and poppy category vs. the Rustler. The Blizzard is smoother, more powerful, and more stable in various conditions and terrain while the Soul has more pep and zest, especially in shorter turns.

[@Jdawg004]

Is this considerably stiffer compared to the old R10? Old one always felt like I could overpower it and push through the softer shovels. If blizzard fixed that this could be intriguing…

[@SkiEssentials]

The new ski is 150 grams lighter and is consistently stiffer than the old one. It's more consistent in flex as well due to the full metal frame.

[@kallemork5512]

How would you compare these to the armada declivity 102?

[@SkiEssentials]

Both wonderful ski experiences. The new Declivity X 102 is one of the most complete skis I got on last year--carves, floats, plows, dances--really does a lot of good things on snow. Rustler is right there, although it's not quite as silent or smooth as the new Armada.