Blizzard Rustler 10 (2024): Ski Review

[@tdittyx2x3]

Trying out my new Rustler 10’s in Aspen this week. They are amazing. Powder, hard pack, even a bit of ice. Handled everything so well. Extremely versatile and they just feel great. Felt light too, even lighter than my Brahmas. If you advanced intermediate or better and are skiing out west, this is a great option.

[@uncledabob]

Hey, what size did do you ski the Rustler 10 in relation to your height/ weight? Stuck on sizing and it would really help. Thanks!

[@gregmacklin9758]

My brother turned me onto your channel a couple of months back, and I'm glad he did. We like your content because there's no pitch-man nonsense. We both value your honesty.

[@RicketySkiReviews]

Thanks man! Your brother sounds cool, appreciate you both!

[@gregmacklin9758]

@RicketySkiReviews He's super cool. I talked him into a ski trip for a day at Heavenly Valley in Tahoe. Last year.he hadn't been on skies in 20 years, and he didn't fall. Amazing!!! We demoed some APEX ski boots and had a great day. We are really anxious to demo your personal favorites the Atomic Maverick 88s . Thanks for the response and all of your efforts, Eliot.

[@luca9011]

Great review! I'd love to see your opinion on the Nordica Unleashed 108/98

[@shayneknox6247]

I just bought it last month it’s been absolutely fantastic, so energetic and fun smashed everything but the ice, everything you said is true , great review

[@RicketySkiReviews]

Great to hear!

[@bstrac77]

I love my Rustler 10's, and I agree with most of what Elliot is saying. For the size, they really do have an impressive lightweight poppy feel to them. Mine are the 186 length, which means they are 104mm under foot. At 6'1" 210, I feel that I can charge pretty hard with them and they do very good job in crud and variable terrain. I haven't yet got them in deep snow so I can't speak to the float, but I am sure I'll be fairly pleased. My other skis are the Stockli Montero AX and a QST 92. The Rustler is so versatile, that I could probably dump the QST and not miss it much.

[@carterfan80]

Do you think the rustler gives a more stable ride than your qS t?

[@bstrac77]

@@carterfan80 Yes, the Rustler 10 is definitely more stable. The QST is quicker edge to edge and overall I would say it's more versatile. If I had to pick one, based on my other skis, I would keep the Rustler. If I could only have one ski out of the three, then I would probably lean towards the QST just because it's a Swiss Army knife when it comes to all-mountain skis.

[@alainbrouillaud484]

Introducing choice of music… like everyone else I didn’t find it too loud. My friend (Tero) was skiing on the Blizzard Rustler 10 when we were in Japan and Val d’Isère. The Rustler 10 performed well in all areas… not a peep from Tero about anything negative. Good, solid review Elliott 😊⛷

[@RicketySkiReviews]

Thanks Alain!

[@twomedicine]

You will love the Rustler 9. I really want to see your review on that ski. Also Stockli Montero AR.

[@RicketySkiReviews]

Yeah, just need Technica and Stockli to start answering my emails haha

[@ExcaIan]

was looking forward to your review after you slammed the skis on the curated reaction video but admitted you haven't tried it and said you will. and you delivered! great review, i definitely enjoy your reviews with pov more than the react ones! (totally not because i just bought these and you gave them a 9.1 HAH!) PS also as someone pointed out, audio balance is a lil off for the music, liked the track tho

[@RicketySkiReviews]

Yeah sorry about audio will balance it better next time

[@kayakutah]

I'm 71 and grew up with your pronunciation! I love my older R10s ( first or second year). I wonder how it has changed over the years.

[@SkiBoyoDMD]

Thanks for the reviews! I’m moving to Utah Next season and can’t wait to try the Maverick 88 coming up on my next ski trip in February. I’ve tried some of the others you’ve recommended. I loved trying the K2 Mindbender 99ti recently. This ski here seems like one I might like. But after trying the some of the Stocklis you recommended I can’t wait to try the Mav 88. After moving I plan to buy the perfect pair of skis for me.

[@AJMartin0321]

Just became interested in the Rustler line. I currently have Wingman 86's and am looking to add something a bit more versatile for next season that can handle the crud/chop on afternoon piste, but pivot better in tight spaces for the occasional tree adventure or side quest. I'm an athletic intermediate looking to improve, but generally don't ski much faster than 30mph. Top contenders include: Ripstick (reg or black), Rustler 9, Black Crows Serpo, and the Mavericks. After watching nearly all of your reviews, I trust and appreciate your opinion. Keep up the great work.

[@TheLittleHouses10]

Enjoyed the skis. I enjoyed the 22/23 Rusler 10s that i rented for a week last year. I enjoyed these skis even more. Not enough snow to take then out on my local hills in Scotland. I did some ski instruction in Italy. They were great to teach on - really enjoyed loading the skis up. Loved the edge grip and carve performance despite the reduced effective edge length. They felt more stable in the slush and at speed on the groomers than last years variant in the same length. They were not race ski stable. I didnt get an opportunity to try them in powder unfortunately. They had a solid pop in the jump park. Overall I would highly recommend them!

[@jerl.980]

The good/problem with new high end skis is they are all very good now ! The only thing is finding a ski that have the feel you like. That is why demos are important. Has a suggestion you should get your friend to take some follow me shot. Keep the review coming.

[@RicketySkiReviews]

True! I try to do follow shots, but it's not realistic with our opposite schedules

[@chrisgravel7157]

Was looking fwd to this review 😊 Great feedback and as someone who owns a 2024 R9, 2023 R11, Had a Kore 99 and has had plenty of crud cutters and few rockered skis prior, I think you pretty much nailed it! If you're thinking Rustler and want 1 ski to have fun on almost anyday out west R10. Gauging from the new R9 it will punch above its width in pow and be very quick and maneuverable. As for changes, last generation Rustlers hadn't changed other than graphics for 5 or more seasons. Suspect if it will be 3-4 yrs before this range gets a refresh. Really glad you liked them Elliot. If you get them in more conditions a comparison between the R10 and the qst and wider Mavericks would be cool. Just saw Atomic dropped their 2025 lineup and their is a Maverick 105 and 115! Hallelujah

[@urbanrunoff]

cool, a ski I always wanted to demo. my first ski at age 6 was a hand-me-down Blizzard and the Brahma is still one of my all time favorites.

[@Sokolva]

Awesome review! I really loved the two weeks I spent demoing many different skis in Steamboat, and the Blizzard Black Pearl 97 ended up being my favorite. It is quite heavy, the heaviest women’s ski I’ve ridden personally, and up there in the rankings amongst all current women’s skis, so this ski must have quite a lighter build. I ended up going with the Moment Sierra skis based on my time demoing and trying to combine everything I liked in all the skis I tried into one, and am so glad I did, because the Black Pearls were stable and fun to carve, but lacked some of the energy and pop I wanted, and were a bit too heavy, in that when I went over even small jumps, the landing hurt quite a bit. I find my Moment Sierras to carve just as hard for my body weight, if not harder due to the increased camber and extra camber points underfoot adding suspension and stiffness, mixed with their medium weight-lighter than many heavy women’s skis, but heavy enough to deal with more variable snow. Still, I’d always be happy if I had to demo or rent and had the option to take the Black Pearls-they are super trustworthy, solid, fast, and tons of fun.

[@jw3406]

Date: February 12, 2024 ($uper Bowl Sunday) Location: Mammoth Mountain Today, I rented three pairs of skis at Mammoth Mountain. The Stockli Nela 88 and Salomon QST 98 took a few runs to get used to, requiring some adjustment to my skiing style. In contrast, the Blizzard Black Pearl 82s felt natural from the start, no need for any significant adaptation. Me likey. I am now looking at Brahma 88 Rustler 9 ...and perhaps Sheeva 9 Thunderbird R15

[@bertford8785]

Thanks for your detailed honest reviews Elliot. I purchased the Rustler 9’s this year and like them so far. Other ski is Enforcer 104 and was looking for something lighter and snappier for off trail tree and bump skiing and the Rustler 9’s are fitting the bill. Please get on some 9’s and let us know your thoughts. I’m thinking of bringing them for UT trip (Solitude/Brighton) late Feb vs the Enforcers - 96 under foot vs 104… If I do I hope the 9’s will be okay in the pow. Thanks again. 👊⛷️

[@mcleanirish]

I skied the 2023 Rustler 9s (94cm under foot) at Beaver Creek a day after demoing the Maverick 88s in Vail. Honestly, I spent the day missing the party that the Mavericks brought. The Mavericks with that light shovel did get me knocked around a bit but carving with those was so much fun. The Blizzards felt like a safe ski to me, getting everything done satisfactorily. I think the only thing i disliked about these was the fact that I couldn't find the one thing that they did amazing. Part of it was how fun the Mavericks were the previous day, but the lighter shovel and the heavy tail made me switch it up for the next day. *Also, in all honesty your channel brings a lot to the mix. When it comes to the SkiEssentials-related vids, and I'm a huge fan of theirs, I do think the alternatively honest perspective you bring to the table compliments their videos. It's important to know that you're not critquing their vids moreover you're respectfully offering an alternative more grounded perspective.

[@bstrac77]

With regard to the tip damage. My experience is that Blizzard skis are fairly durable. In this case being a rental, the ski has probably seen its fair share of lock boot skiers who instead of carving, pivot and smear their way down the fall line with the skis practically on top of each other.

[@RicketySkiReviews]

Cool, hard to tell with Demo skis, but I figure it's always worth mentioning for people.

[@bstrac77]

@@RicketySkiReviews Absolutely! Keep up the good work on these reviews.

[@joshnelson4704]

Great review! I have the 24 Rustler 10 186s and love them. Can take them pretty much anywhere and they perform. Had them at Alta and Deer Valley recently, was ripping groomers, soft bumps and got into some pow as well. I think calling it a lighter Mantra nails it.

[@uncledabob]

Hey, what's your height/ weight if you don't mind me asking? Stuck on sizing and it would really help. Thanks!

[@joshnelson4704]

@@uncledabob 6'3 240

[@uncledabob]

Hey Elliot, a bit late to the party but just wanted to say you're probably the most critical reviewer on regarding the ski industry, and I say that in the best possible way. Though I think that combined with the fact that you are a smaller creator makes it harder for most ski manufacturers to lend you skis to review. Just know I appreciate you staying brutally honest about all the B.S. in the industry even if that may mean you're paying out of pocket to review these skis for now. You're definitely on the map now, can't wait to see what you've got cooking up for the season. On another topic what length did you ski the Rustlers in? Would you size up / down from the ones you demoed?

[@jonschmitt232]

Just got a pair of Blizzard Brahma 82s. Haven't skied them yet but I have high hopes. Those should also be a couple of rockets!

[@RicketySkiReviews]

Historically I've loved the Brahma Line

[@zenox2928]

Hey, I have a blizzard rustler 9 186cm and a qst 98 183cm and have to return one. I am 6"3' 185-190 lbs intermediate skier from Norway and ski there. I feel like the both are fun skis and do good as all rounders and are easy to use for intermediate and if wanting to advance, but the qst is more pow and parky, while the rustlers are more carving and charging. So how bad really are the qst for carving and charging and how bad are the rustlers in pow (float). I will say I'm not experienced at all in pow and have mostly been carving and jumping on off-trail jumps. So I have no idea which ski would be best for both and still be able to do everything else well with the least compromise. (One ski quiver)

[@RicketySkiReviews]

I actually think carving on the QST is fine, I prefer the QST overall, though they're both very good skis.

[@zenox2928]

@@RicketySkiReviews Thanks for the response, getting the QST and love your videos. If only you had the opportunity to test as many skis as skiessentials. (Sorry for not considering the maverick for my one ski quiver, it would be my 3rd most wanted for all mountain tho).

[@DevinGT350R]

Hey Elliott, been loving your reviews! How would you compare the rustler 10 to the fischer ranger 102? I'm stuck between these two skis as my east coast, kind of all mountain skis that will also fill the gap in my quiver for the rare days we get a lot of snow. Also I'm 5'8" 150lbs so on the lighter side. Or if you have any other suggestions I'd love to hear them! I considered the qsts although it seems those are really more suitable for west coast powder.

[@lassivaatamoinen5468]

When did they change the name? The skis are still manufactured in Austria and AFAIK the base name has always been Blizzard, but the company suffix and founder name has been dropped from the name in, like, 1970s. What you see in the tip is not really a delamination, its just the topsheet getting knocks. After two seasons it will look like you actually do something with the skis.. And it will hold up just fine.

[@webskis]

How come you are comparing the R10 @ 102mm to the Kore 93? Wouldn’t they be more comparable to the Kore 99, and if so, what are your thoughts?

[@RicketySkiReviews]

For sure! I like these over the Kore 99, I was just pointing it out in that specific area of turn shape and hook at the end of the turn.

[@falllinemaniac]

I bought the original rodeo bull Bodacious, it was a used demo that I slid the binding forward one cm. It became a tame bull that would soar over what I wanted, plow through what I needed and would turn on a dime leaving five cents change. Eventually I wore them out and two pair of Bonafide. Arne Backstrom was my hero for the Bodacious but Blizz-erd became Blizz-ard when they basically ruined the rodeo bulls with their design change to a more carvy ride. Since then I have been all in on the 4FRNT MSP series. I suspect you'd find their tails a bit weak ala Enforcer but for slashing pillows they're perfect. They have a guaranteed money back if you don't like them and I'm sure everyone would love your take on them.

[@matthewpontifes7534]

It looks like you sized this like your QST 106 which is your dedicated pow ski? Why is that? Because there is so much rocker? Did they ski shorter than sized ? Love the videos!

[@RicketySkiReviews]

Partially what's available to demo, partially the width

[@Jdawg004]

Hey man wondering if you’d give the Unleashed 98 a go? I just used mine for the first time today and they absolutely RIP.

[@RicketySkiReviews]

Would love to, nobody nearby me has them to demo so I'll need Nordica to step up before I can try, worth commenting on their socials, it may help.

[@RicketySkiReviews]

Nordica, Blizzard, Technica, Let's talk! [e-mail]

[@nicholas5396]

Whats your thoughts on this vs Mantra 102 and enforcer 104? Doffernt skis for sure but wondered your thoughts

[@RicketySkiReviews]

This feels like a lighter version of the mantra, more versatile, but would rather have the Mantra in more challenging snow conditions.

[@juancibert]

Hey Elliott, rustler 9 vs serpo ? What do you think?

[@maxshakun1177]

The rustler 10 rips! Where are you skiiing?

[@RicketySkiReviews]

Bogus, Idaho

[@maxshakun1177]

@@RicketySkiReviews Awesome! I ski at Killington and I've been using Volkl Kendos as my daily driver for a long time. I got the rustlers to be more of my soft snow ski but am blown away at how hard they carve in firm conditions!

[@cristianulmeanu3702]

Will you consider reviewing 1000skis or ON3P? I am between those 2 and I really don't have good reviews on them?

[@RicketySkiReviews]

Neither of them are willing to send me loaner skis and no one locally carries them unfortunately

[@cristianulmeanu3702]

@@RicketySkiReviews thanks for the reply. I know 1000skis sent to one person but after he already review his own pair. (Wasn’t actually the best review more like a showcase unfortunately).

[@edwinfait]

Hey Elliot. I really appreciate the honest reviews. I was actually between these and a pair of enforcer 104 free. Went with the 104 free. Which then brings me to the question, did you ever review the enforcer 104 free. I know your thoughts on the 100, but now with the entire enforcer lineup getting new rocker profiles and tweaked a bit, it seems like a topic worth looking into.

[@KevinLaut]

Just a nitpick here. What I think delamination is when the layers actually begin to separate. What I see here is just top sheet scraping. Delam is a bad thing. Top sheet scrape, no big deal. Maybe we can not see it, but if it is delaminating already, it needs to be returned.

[@christianknobloch1347]

Would be interested to hear your thoughts on the Nordica Unleashed line! Especially compared to the Rustlers and Mavericks 👍

[@RicketySkiReviews]

Yeah I would love to, just need Nordica to send them my way and I'll review.

[@johnaliperti]

This is the review I've been waiting for! Glad that you got on a pair. You have pretty much confirmed what I was hoping that these would be. Just a guess, but I think you'd be equally if not more impressed with the R9. I'll be adding the R10 to the quiver, just going to wait for the off season sales. What shop in Boise had these for demo? Thanks again for all of your honest reviews.

[@alltoone]

Personally, I would like to see you review a sport carving ski from Blizzard like the Firebird or Thunderbird series. Since you have been doing ski racing in the past it would be nice to have a review in this category.

[@Jarequis2]

I don't think you'd like the previous iterations of this ski, but if you can id reccomend trying the 22-23 rustler 10. They changed the design this year.

[@an-huynguyen1949]

Since you’re a racer can you review the Kastle line especially MX 98

[@jackieonassis7438]

I had my eye on the Rustler 9. The Rustler 11 or the Hustler 11 would be my powder ski.. the Rustler 10 kinda sits in a wierd spot for me, not wide enough for deep pow, too wide for on piste. The Rustler 9 is very interesting, wish there were some substantive reviews of it.

[@RicketySkiReviews]

Yeah on paper I agree but this was the first 100 width ski where I didn't notice that awkward width as much. But yeah like the Kore 99 and other 100 skis I feel that same frustration

[@yueguo1732]

Great review as always! Do you have any advice on improving skiing skills (especially carving) as intermediate or advanced skiers? Taking lessons seems very expensive and unsustainable. Self-learning with KZbin tutorials can sometimes lead to bad habits. Any thoughts?

[@RicketySkiReviews]

Great question, I'm going to try and make a video, I've just been slammed with ski reviews, but I would say just off the cusp pick one skill and focus on it, the rest is getting miles on your feet!

[@darinsmith2458]

Before you even get started.. I went skiing today finally.. Hopefully I can go once more this week.. They had a GS race at BRECK... My racing blood started boiling... Once a racer, always a racer.. OK carry on... You were comparing it to the M6 Mantra.. I demoed the Mantra 102 and my guess is that this ski is a lot like that.. I think Blizzard is no longer making Bonafide or Brahma..

[@zakingle1420]

I would really love it if you could review some narrower options Elliot. I’m currently considering an Armada Declivity 82 TI. On paper it checks a lot of boxes for me. It’s not a popular ski so there isn’t many reviews on it unfortunately ☹️

[@chadridsdale9970]

I have a pair in my quiver of 7. They fit their niche very nicely. How big are you? What is your skiing level? What do you want / expect this ski to do? Maybe I can help you a bit

[@zakingle1420]

@@chadridsdale9970 Hi Chad, I’m 5,11 190. Advanced/expert PSIA level 2 working on level 3. My current daily driver is the Brahma 82 in 180cm and I love that ski. I would like to move to something a little friendlier in the bumps so I’m considering the declivity 82 in 182cm. What do you think?

[@chadridsdale9970]

@@zakingle1420 hi. The moguls is exactly what I bought the 82ti for. I haven't been able to get on the brahma 82 yet (but I would love to). The declivity is much lighter than the brahma so it's easier and less fatiguing to jump around on. I'm 5'10 190lbs and I bought the 182cm length. If you're focusing on the moguls you could go shorter. The maverick 88ti 176cm was better in the moguls than the 92ti in 180cm. It was partly ego driven and partly wanting an all mountain ski + the moguls for chosing the 82ti in 182cm. I don't think the 82ti will have the very top end or ice capability of the brahma-that is based on my comparison to my enforcer 88. I read the brahma are burlier than the enforcer. It's a great ski, just pick the right length for you. Cheers

[@zakingle1420]

Thanks for your review 🤙

[@GrampyScott]

I love the old Rustler 10 also

[@Skier_202]

How would you compare the R10 to the Salomon QST and Fischer Rangers?

[@RicketySkiReviews]

Very similar to the ranger but the ranger is more damp and has easier turn initiation. Qst is very different, much surfer in its turn shape. Prefer qst98 off trail prefer rustler 10 on trail

[@StartCodonUST]

That's interesting. When I was demoing at Bridger a few years ago while ski shopping and tried the QST (either the 98 or 106, can't remember), I do remember the QST being surfier, and I wanted something a bit sharper. Hearing this comparison, I wish I would have kept looking and tried the Rustler 10 and the Fischer Ranger, but neither were on my radar, so the Enforcer 104 won out. Ah well, I got a good deal on them.

[@mathieug6136]

The 10 is apparently stiffer than the 9, I saw someone recently regretting getting the 9 because of this.

[@chrisgravel7157]

I'd check with the reps or ski essentials. Own a new R9 and that was not what our rep said. R9 is stiffer and more piste focused. I own the 186. Skiing it on a groomer you would not guess that they were lightweight or that rockered. I'm 190lb expert, and honestly, unlike the prior R9 I think an intermediate my size would find them a handful.

[@mathieug6136]

@@chrisgravel7157 Good to know! I am considering the R9

[@uncledabob]

​@@chrisgravel7157 trying to choose a lenght, how tall are you?

[@Ben-ej1xp]

I mean technically it’s not blizaaard. Listen to any Austrian say blizzard and it’s blitzard.

[@charlesmaher1601]

Justis

[@John_Carder]

The Bonafide 97 is faster.

[@RicketySkiReviews]

Wish I could try them out

[@MrGoat.99]

Ur thumbnails do not do your videos justice

[@bradl1369]

No its blizzard

[@captaincool2006]

Dude. The music is just way too loud. Turn it down. The video is unwatchable due to the unnecessarily loud music. Keep up the great reviews - ditch the music. Please.

[@tylerpacker6047]

Seemed like a normal volume to me.

[@pamgoodley2209]

​@@tylerpacker6047Same. Seemed fine to me.

[@dingus5067]

Didn’t bother me at all. You’re weird.

[@RicketySkiReviews]

I hear you, I will try and balance it better next tjme

[@chadridsdale9970]

It wasn't too loud, it was just missing some yodelling

[@Christopherthomas123]

Bogus!!!!!