2023 Blizzard Hustle 10 Ski Review
By: Romi Kondo, Inventory Specialist | June 23, 2022
The Lowdown
A new ski from Blizzard is coming to evo for Winter 22/23! The Hustle 10 is ideal for the skier who expects performance on technical descents, but spends time earning their turns as well. Combining some of the best features from the Rustler and the Zero G, the Hustle 10 has a progressive shape and flex that offers a poppy and responsive experience while also keeping an uphill-focus regarding the weight through core materials. The 102mm waist width on the 172 feeds into the versatility of this ski. Ski it inbounds to pivot in the trees or snap through a carve effortlessly, or take it to the backcountry to earn some quality turns without burning yourself out on the uphill. This ski can do just about anything, except for straight-lining runs with enough stability to evade ski patrol (but who really goes skiing for that anyway). The Hustle 10 can be just about whatever you want it to be with the choice of a binding. A lightweight resort option with a playful side? Sure! A one-ski-quiver for the minimalist? Absolutely. A regular backcountry traveler with freeride lines in mind? Yup!
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Technical Details
The Blizzard Hustle 10 leans heavily into the newer crossover gear category that performs well for both the downhill and uphill. The Hustle 10 maintains the same shape and dimensions of the Blizzard Rustler 10 freeride ski in the 172 size that I reviewed, but cuts down on weight through changes in materials. This ski features Blizzard’s Dynamic Release Technology (DRT) to create stability underfoot while allowing for more playful characteristics in the tip and tail. However, Blizzard has swapped out the titanal for carbon to improve torsional rigidity without the weight. The Hustle 10 also uses Blizzard’s highly effective TrueBlend Core technology that allows for precise control of flex throughout the ski and shifts wood core materials appropriately based on ski size.
| Sizes (cm) | 156, 164, [172], 180, 188 |
| Dimensions (Tip, Waist, Tail - mm) | 133 - 102 - 122.5 |
| Turning Radius (m) | 16 |
| Weight (per ski - g) | 1750 |
| Camber Profile | Rocker / Camber / Rocker |
Ride Impressions
The Hustle’s inspiration, the Rustler 10, is actually one of my favorite skis with only one complaint–the weight. However, the Hustle 10 is definitely in a different weight class and it shows in more ways than just one. The most delightful: My knees felt a lot better on the chairlift. More importantly, hopping around on features or into switch is no problem with a ski this light, and is only further encouraged by the progressive profile and flex carried over from the Rustler. However, bringing it up to high speeds brought about some nerves that I haven’t experienced since opting for longer skis relative to my build. The Hustle 10 carries a fair bit of rocker in the tip and the tail that makes the ski feel shorter compared to other shapes, but also makes pivoting very intuitive (think trees, moguls, quick turns). The softness in the tip and tail also offer up a more playful style for hopping around the mountain. However, the Hustle 10 doesn’t hold back when leaning into a carve. The snappy characteristics from the core materials really stand out as they shoot you into your next arc. Groomed or ungroomed terrain, this ski is super fun, but high speeds and also firmer conditions are its limitations. Overall, the Hustle 10 is an extremely versatile and responsive ski that is great for people looking for something easy to ski or that can handle the harder stuff.
While the downhill experience is very important to me, I am also someone who can be sensitive to altitude sickness, so weight is still taken into serious consideration. Coming in at 1750 grams, this ski carries over the nimble feeling from the downhill. I had no issues maneuvering the ski for kick turns or settling my weight in for a steeper section. I would not describe myself as the most technically savvy skinner, so this is something I really appreciate. The Hustle 10 gives me confidence in both the uphill and downhill for an all-around incredible experience.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Pros
- Playfulness – Super poppy and snappy
- Responsive – Easy to make quick turns
- Weight – Lighter than a dedicated downhill ski
Cons
- Stability – Not great for those who have a need for speed
- Weight – Heavier than a dedicated uphill ski
Who Are They For?
For the skier who cares equally about the downhill and the uphill, the Hustle 10 is a perfect option. While the lighter structure comes with some drawbacks in stability at speed, the Hustle 10 maintains a playful nature that makes it easy to ski without limiting its terrain. Whether you are playing around in the trees in the backcountry or bumps on the mountain, this ski responds well to quick adjustments and popping from one turn to the next.
The Bottom Line
Super playful, poppy and maneuverable, the Hustle 10’s flex and shape offers a truly fun ski to slash, carve, and slarve on. Lock in the edge when you need to for steep technical descents or let it free for some style points. Don’t hesitate to dig in for some carving on corduroy or to ski it switch. The 102mm waist width in the 172 heightens the versatility of the Hustle 10 with its only true drawback coming from its weight. This ski lends itself to quick ascents on the uphill with its lightweight characteristics, but can get a little uneasy for those looking to bomb down groomers. If you are looking for a touring ski with the downhill in mind and a more playful style, the Hustle 10 is just what you’re looking for.
Shop the Blizzard Hustle 10
About the Reviewer
Name: Romi Kondo
Age: 23
Height: 5’ 5”
Weight: 120lbs
Size Reviewed: 172cm
Location(s): Colorado
Mount point: Factory Recommended
Bindings: Salomon Shift Lab MNC 13
Boots: Tecnica Zero G Tour Scout W
Riding Style: I grew up skiing New England, so I have a strong appreciation for solid edge-hold on my skis, but skiing in Colorado has led me to take on a more playful nature on the mountain. I hike uphill to ski the sweet, sweet downhill, but weight is still something I take into consideration.