2024 Blizzard Rustler 10 Skis Review
By: evo Employees | Last Updated: July 7th, 2023
Review Summary
Avg. Tester Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ (4.5/5)
The 2024 Blizzard Rustler 10 Skis received positive feedback from multiple reviewers. These freeride skis showcased a balance of stability and maneuverability, making them suitable for various riding styles and conditions. The 102mm waist width offered versatility without hesitation. The skis excelled in carving on groomers, inspiring confidence and control. They were also praised for their performance in challenging terrains, providing the ability to navigate moguls and steep slopes with ease. The Blizzard Rustler 10's playfulness and nimbleness were standout features, ensuring an enjoyable skiing experience no matter the terrain. The updated model maintained the strong freeride style of the previous version, featuring a TrueBlend core with optimized wood stringer placement. This construction provided a finely tuned ride and overall versatility, and the metal along the edges enhanced edge hold without compromising playfulness. With their ability to charge and turn on command, the Rustler 10 skis were recommended for aggressive all-mountain skiers seeking to tackle advanced terrain off the groomers. Overall, these skis were regarded as reliable, tried and true options that could confidently handle various conditions, making them a safe and fun choice for the upcoming season. Shop the Blizzard Rustler 10 Skis
Technical Details
"The Rustler 10 eats up chalky bumps in the steeps, floats effortlessly through stashes of fresh in the trees, and is just as comfortable in the air as it is laying trenches on fresh corduroy. The Rustler 10 is the true one-ski quiver for the progressive freeride skier."
| Available Sizes (cm) | 162, 168, 174, 180, 186, 192 |
| Dimensions (Tip, Waist, Tail - mm) | 134 - 102 - 123 (180 cm) |
| Radius (m) | 14.5, 15.5, 16.5, 17.5, 18.5, 19.5 |
| Rocker/Camber Profile | Rocker/Camber/Rocker |
| Weight | 1995g (per pair @ 180 cm) |
| Construction | Sandwich Compound Sidewall, TrueBlend Freeride Core |
Expert Testers & Methodology
Why should you trust evo's Field Tested Reviews? Great question! Over this past winter, evo employees from our various locations across Washington, Oregon, Utah, Colorado and Whistler were selected to provide long-term testing of next year's hottest new skis and snowboards. Employees were also invited to attend exclusive multi-day demo events where brands — like Blizzard— showcased their upcoming products for the 2023/2024 winter season. By collecting unbiased, in-depth reviews from our most experienced skiers and snowboarders, we hope to help you find the best gear to maximize your fun in the mountains!
Testing for the 2024 Blizzard Rustler 10 Skis:
We had four different testers with decades of skiing experience spend extensive time testing out the Blizzard Rustler 10 skis. As intermediate and advanced skiers with a diverse background of skiing experience across a variety of mountains, conditions, and terrain, they independently compiled their thoughts and each provided us with their individual reviews below.
Nic Apodaca
Customer Care Representative
Tester Rating: 5-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Advanced
Size Tested: 180 cm
Testing Location: Brighton, UT
Upgrade on the Predecessor
"The updated Rustler didn't feel too different from the previous version after a couple laps, but that's not a bad thing. The ski can charge, turns on command, and inspires confidence in steep terrain. Great for the aggressive all mountain skier looking to tackle advanced terrain off the groomers."
Asa Redfield
Digital Content Editor
Tester Rating: 4-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Advanced
Size Tested: 186 cm
Testing Location: Mission Ridge, WA
Good at Everything, Excellent at Nothing
"Although to me the middle child Rustler 10 doesn't really scratch my itch, there's no arguing against the fact that this 102mm waisted ski can do it all without hesitation. That said, the Rustler 10 just always left me feeling like I was compromising since I've also skied the Rustler 11 and Rustler 9 (both of which are amazing skis). Compared to the Rustler 9, the 10 just isn't quite as nimble or strong while carving on groomers/hardpack. Compared to the Rustler 11, it doesn't have the float or power/dampness... If you want my 2 cents, it's this: If you're looking for a quiver of one style ski, then don't hesitate to pickup the Rustler 10. However if you're the type of person who purposefully chooses their skis to match the conditions, I'd encourage you to take the leap and look to the Rustler 11 or Rustler 9."
Cassidy Lavender
Digital Content Writer
Tester Rating: 4-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Advanced
Size Tested: 174 cm
Testing Location: Loveland, CO
Ole Reliable: Trusty Skis that can Maneuver the Mountain Well in any Condition
"I'm a go-fast gal that would happily carve it up on groomers all day long, but I always like to make my way over to more technical terrain to mix it up, challenge myself, and hopefully find some untouched snow. I'm 5' 9" about 160, and the 174 worked well for me and my riding styles. I took these skis just about everywhere I could on the mountain, and they kept performing no matter where we went. They have a powerful stability that helps evoke confidence, and they were still super nimble and playful which I didn't expect to be a stand-out feature. My knees don't love when I hit moguls anymore, but these skis helped me dance through some bumps with ease which is a priceless feature in my opinion. Honestly, you can't go wrong with these. If you're in information overload with which skis to pick for the upcoming season, these are going to be a safe and fun bet every time. Ole reliable, tried and true, I could go on."
Cullen Hendrickson
Customer Care Supervisor
Tester Rating: 5-Stars
Tester Ability Level: Expert
Size Tested: 180 cm
Testing Location: Mission Ridge, WA
New and Improved
"The Rustler's have been recently reengineered to build off the already strong freeride style these skis have become known for. The trueblend core's goal is to place the different wood stringers in the specific areas that they are need most. This creates a finer tuned ride and great overall versatility in the ski. The 10 being a little wider underfoot and meant for some softer snow will have more metal then the 11 but less then the 9. You will also notice that the metal on these skis now runs along the edges from tip to tail which still keeps them playful while increasing the edge hold of these skis."
Pros
Versatility: The Rustler 10 skis are praised for their versatility, with a 102mm waist width that allows them to handle a variety of conditions without hesitation. They perform well on groomers, moguls, and challenging terrains, making them suitable for all-mountain skiing.
Stability: Multiple reviewers mentioned that the Rustler 10 skis offer a stable ride, instilling confidence in skiers. The skis provide a powerful stability that allows for control and control even in demanding situations.
Playfulness and Nimbleness: The Rustler 10 skis surprised reviewers with their playful and nimble nature. Despite their stability, they retain a fun and responsive character, making skiing enjoyable and dynamic.
Cons
Compromises in Comparison: One reviewer mentioned that compared to other models in the Rustler series (such as the Rustler 9 and Rustler 11), the Rustler 10 felt like a compromise. It was considered less nimble and strong for carving on groomers compared to the Rustler 9, and lacked the float and power of the Rustler 11.
Limited Specialty: While the Rustler 10 is versatile, it may not excel in specific conditions. Reviewers noted that if skiers prefer to have a specialized ski for specific conditions, they might find the Rustler 10 to be a compromise rather than an optimal choice.
Similarity to Previous Version: One reviewer mentioned that the updated Rustler 10 didn't feel significantly different from the previous version. While this may not necessarily be a drawback, it implies that there may not be substantial improvements or unique features in the updated model.
Who Is It For?
The Blizzard Rustler 10 Skis are best suited for intermediate to advanced skiers who enjoy a versatile and dynamic skiing experience. These skis are particularly well-suited for all-mountain skiing, catering to skiers who want to carve on groomers and explore more technical terrain. They offer a balance of stability and maneuverability, allowing skiers to feel confident and in control. The Rustler 10 Skis are also appreciated by those who enjoy tackling moguls and steep slopes, as they provide ease of navigation in challenging conditions. With their playfulness and nimbleness, these skis can cater to a range of riding styles and preferences. Additionally, the Rustler 10 Skis are recommended for aggressive all-mountain skiers who seek to take on advanced terrain off the groomers. Overall, these skis are a good choice for skiers who want a reliable and versatile option that can handle various conditions and terrain types.
Shop the Blizzard Rustler 10 Skis