The Blizzard Rustler 9
Price Range: $400-$649
One could argue that the Rustler 9 is the most freeride-oriented ski in this bunch. This ski is rockered at the tip and tail, employs less metal, and has a unidirectional carbon construction. Unlike skis like the Brahma 88 which offers unwavering steadiness, the Rustler 9 is brimming with pep and vigor.
Skidding, slicing, and smearing turns are no problem for it, and neither does release its tail edge. However, it will still slice a turn neatly as well as maintain an edge efficiently; it simply won’t perform as well as its slimmer, more serious sibling when it comes to racing on the trail.
I like that it enjoys playing in the trees, and is always looking for new hits to rip off to the side of the trail. It’s like if a Regulator and a Brahma had a baby. Several Rustler 9s have been spotted inside terrain parks being used by skiers.
Target Market: Every mountain skier with a sense of humor who isn’t looking for a noodle-like ski. Skiers with a sense of adventure who want to play in all terrains without compromising their ability to carve steeps may consider the Volkl X-Fusion RS.
10 Skis Similar to the Blizzard Rustler 9
Here are 10 skis similar to the Blizzard Rustler 9 in terms of performance, who it is for, price range, and more.
1. Atomic Vantage 90 Ti
Price Range: $329.99 – $399.99
Let’s begin with the Atomic Vantage 90 Ti! Its entry into this market segment is both one of the lightest and one of the stiffest options available. It’s been shown that a ski’s responsiveness increases when its construction is both ultralight and rigid.
Like the Rustler 9, it’s for the adventurous, has great responsiveness, and is great for all-mountain activities.
Atomic tweaked the ski’s tail flex slightly for the most recent model year, but otherwise, this ski hasn’t altered much. That’s made the ski more comfortable to ride, yet it still responds swiftly to the skier’s commands. Former models suffered from a stiff tail that made them feel unforgiving at times, but the new ones make it simpler to let go of the tail’s leading edge.
Despite its lack of rocker and early taper, this board is easier to maneuver off-piste thanks to its small swing weight. The ski retains its responsiveness, precision, and lightweight to make it a great all-mountain option.
Target Market: Skiers with advanced skills who spend most of their time on groomers and who prioritize control, quickness, and a light ski without sacrificing adaptability. This ski is a suitable alternative to heavier skis with two metal sheets since it requires less energy to use.
2. Blizzard Brahma 88
Price Range: $449.00-$559.00
The Brahma 88 has established itself as a standard in its field, particularly among those who value a classic design that is both powerful and reliable. The Brahma is built like a race car by Blizzard, with a solid wood core placed between two layers of titanium.
Like the Rustler 9, it’s an all-around ski that’s designed for aggressive and adventurous skiers.
Additionally, they incorporate dual-direction carbon fiber to improve edge grip and turn-out responsiveness. However, it is heavier and less maneuverable than some others like the Vantage 90 Ti, making for a more exhausting ski day. The Brahma 88 is not for the weak of the heart; it is meant to be handled and thrives at high speeds.
It is designed for aggressive skiers, since it is more comfortable making quick, direct turns over slushy snow and uneven terrain than hopping and playing around on it.
There is no maximum speed on the Brahma 88, but it is a challenging ride. It’s a great all-around ski that maintains an edge well, carves through everything, and has that sleek, stable Austrian vibe, but it won’t necessarily provide you with a soothing ski day.
Target Market: Ex-racers, high-speed devotees, and aggressive skiers in general who are looking for a strong all-mountain ski that can lay trenches. All the names for those who actively seek out danger and extreme experiences are accurate.
3. Dynastar Legend X 88
Price Range: $300.00-$499.95
The Dynastar Legend X 88 utilizes two whole sheets of titanium metal, making it significantly heavier than the Cassiar A 87. On the contrary, it employs a form strikingly similar to that of the original, one with significant rocker as well as early taper. Because of this, it stands out from the other skis here.
It has a similar price range as the Rustler 9, is firm, and carves nicely along the fall line.
The advantages of metal include strength, stability, plus vibration damping, while its design allows for greater agility. Despite its shorter effective edge, the Legend X 88 is fairly firm, giving it adequate edge grip.
This shorter functional edge enables quick turn launch in both carving and skidding bends compared to skis with prolonged side cut. Skiers can view it as a weapon that can both carve along the fall line and slice through turns to quickly shed speed.
It’s sturdy enough for quickness and flexible enough for instantaneous tweaks. The higher weight prevents the ski from feeling as clickable as many of the lightweight skis, so be prepared to give it considerable skier input.
Target Market: Skiers who value power and versatility on the mountain. The Legend X 88 is great if you prefer to ski quickly and cover a lot of ground on the mountain.
4. Elan Ripstick 88
Price Range: $389.95-$624.99
Although both the Ripstick 88 and the Legend X 88 have nearly identical silhouettes, the Ripstick 88 is built very differently. The efficiency of the Ripstick 88 is predicated in large part on the three-dimensional carbon tubes that run the length of the ski, allowing for a significantly reduced weight.
The price range is similar to the Rustler 9 and they are both fun to ride all-mountain skis.
We observed that the carbon’s texture was different from the carbon composites we were familiar with due to the material’s three-dimensional structure. The Ripstick 88 can effectively dampen vibrations despite its low weight.
To some extent, it can be described as a lightweight metal substitute. It’s not nearly as powerful, stable, or vibration-dampening, but it does a pretty good job considering how much lighter it is.
In contrast, the Ripstik 88 is lighter and easier to turn than the other skis, and it’s also more lively. Its flex pattern is gentler than other of the skis on our list, but it is still quite stiff in the torsional direction.
Because of this, you may control the radius of your carving turns by bending the ski into a narrower turn form. It’s a ton of fun, which we’re sure would make Elan happy because entertaining skiers is a primary motivation behind their all-mountain skis.
Target Market: Skiing legends or people who like to feel like their skis are up for some fun wherever they go. Fun can be had by carving, slicing, and tossing daffodils into the moguls.
5. Fischer Ranger 92 Ti
Price Range: $349.96-$649.95
Longer metal laminates now come standard on Fischer’s 2020 Ranger range, which seamlessly merges with the brand’s signature Carbon Nose. This has made the Ranger 92 Ti feel more robust without adding the weight of two full-length metal sheets.
It shares a similar price range, is great at carving, and is great for all-mountain skiing, like the Rustler 9.
The Carbon Nose effectively reduces the weight of the club in the swing and eliminates any vibrations or tip flaps that might occur. The ski’s rockered and tapered tip and tail give it a freeride-inspired look and feel, making short work of powder.
Since the Ranger 92 Ti’s flatter tail makes it easier to complete a carving turn, it’s safe to conclude that it’s best suited for skiers who take a more carving-oriented approach to all-mountain skiing (as opposed to smearing).
Fischer has released the Ranger 94 FR, a ski designed for skiers who want a more pivoting, smearing style of skiing, offering a comparable overall sensation but having a limited metal yet greater turned-up tail to give a more energetic feel.
Target Market: Skiers who’d like a relatively stiff tail that can finish a good turn plus handle some momentum and athletic skier input. Also, those who prefer softer snow situations scour the entire mountain.
6. Head Kore 93
Price Range: $389.00-$419.97
Our thoughts on Kore 93 have often been compared to those of Nordica Enforcer 93. Given that neither of those skis has been updated for 2020, that’s still a valid perspective. The Kore 93, on the other hand, is easier to control at moderate speeds and is kinder on the feet.
Like the Rustler 9, the Kore 93 has edge-to-edge quickness, and are both ideal options for skiers who desire a ski with an essence that’s somewhat dialed back from a few of the more full-on choices.
Compared to metal skis, they lack power and vibration reduction. However, it has a highly constant flex from tip to tail and amazing stability because of its lightweight and sturdy construction. At high speeds, notably, when worn by the feet of heavier or active skiers, it might get a touch twitchy.
Its prowess in moguls plus trees, however, stands out among those skis. It is a superb ski for off-piste slopes. However, its contemporary design also makes it easier to initiate turns on groomed runs, so it may serve as a broader front-side cruiser for skiers who are often not pressing the gas.
Target Market: Skiers who like to venture off the beaten path and need a ski that can handle both trees and moguls will appreciate these. A skier from the West who prefers wider skis will also find this to be a solid option for cruising the entire mountain.
7. K2 Mindbender 90 Ti
Price Range: $389.97-$629.95
The K2 Mindbender 90Ti is one of the best of its kind in terms of adaptability. K2’s engineers are incorporating zone-specific torsional stiffness inside the ski layout, and the results are fantastic. There is metal along the borders of the ski’s front section, which is great for skiers who want to carve hard and turn quickly.
The Mindbender 9 Ti and Rustler 9 share similar prices, are great for carving, and can handle all terrains.
However, that metal is absent from the ski’s tail, making it simpler to drop the ski’s rear end when navigating sharp corners, moguls, shrubs, and other obstacles.
It’s got a great equilibrium of rigidity and stability combined with vivacity and pop. It has a lighter, more playful vibe than many rivals, but it holds its own against skis that are optimized for speed and power.
It does not employ a very exaggerated rocker, nor does it have an excessively early taper. It’s not light, yet despite that, it’s surprisingly entertaining and easy to handle. It can carve corners at high speeds and jiggle over rough terrain.
Target Market: Skiers seeking a ski that can handle any terrain with ease and confidence. However, because of its weight, you shouldn’t expect a lazy ski; you’ll need to put in some effort.
8. Kastle Mx 89
Price Range: $489.95-$649.95
This rocket of a ski features no rocker and an early taper. With a complete camber profile and extra sidecut, Kastle has built the MX 89 with two full-length metal sheets, a wood core, and, of course, a wood veneer. In essence, it’s a broad race ski, and its performance is commensurate with its width.
Like the Rustler 9, they share similar pricing and are great for those with the need for speed.
If you want a simple explanation, the MX 89 will surely rip. This ski is great if you want to carve flawlessly round GS bends at Mach 4 speeds. Kastle’s commitment to using only premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship gives the product a luxurious feel. It’s as refined as a Rolls Royce and as agile as a Lamborghini.
It’s like a spring: the harder you push, the more energy you receive. However, the MX 89 could pose a challenge for those who aren’t used to controlling a ski in a real-world setting. It’s not the lightest or the most maneuverable ski in off-piste conditions, but it can tear up the groomers.
Target Market: If you’re a speed skier. In your mind, you’re considering combining slicing turns down the entire face as you gaze at the mountain’s highest polished slope. While we can’t speak about your skill level, we can say that the MX 89 is the ideal device for the task at hand.
9. Liberty Evolv90
Price Range: $388.93-519.95
The Vertical Metal Technology found in Liberty’s V-Series skis has been adapted to an all-mountain shape for greater versatility. The Evolv90’s rockered tip and rounded profile make it a better all-around board for soft snow than the V-92, which has a similar width. The Evolv90 has a flat tail that allows it to cleanly complete carving turns.
The Rustler 9 and Evolv90 share similar pricing, rockered tips, enjoy carving, and are great for ripping.
Forgivingness when attempting to skid or blur the turn is enhanced by the ski’s low camber design, making it a better choice for beginners and advanced skiers alike. As well as being capable of laying down those strong carving, it also has an intuitive grasp while making lower radius, and sliding corners.
Incredibly, it has some of the finest vibration damping and is among the quietest skis on this list. It has the sensation of a strong ski, but it’s a little more adaptable than, say, a ski with two metal sheets. Well done to Liberty for making a ski from a smaller company that can hold its own against the industry leaders.
Target Market: Members of the Counterculture who enjoy grooming and ripping. It’s a great ski for those who like ski manufacturers with a smaller production run, want to back independent ski sops, and still desire race-inspired power and stability.
10. Black Crow Camox Skis
Source: ebay
Price Range: $499.95-$799.95
Black Crows Camox Skis are the essence of riding in a ski resort. These skis were designed to be used in any resort and under any type of weather, while yet providing a fun and fashionable skiing experience.
It shares a similar rocker profile with the Rustler 9, pricing, and great side impact.
They accomplish this by having a comfortable flex, a wide waist (97mm), and a directed rocker profile (camber underfoot, rocker at the wither). It’s a ski that’s fun to ride, quick off the mark, balanced, and friendly.
It’s no surprise that the Black Crows Camox Skis are perennial best-sellers. They encapsulate all the best qualities of skiing, can improve one’s skiing ability, and are a lot of fun to ride.
Target Market: They are durable enough for pro freeriders yet flexible enough for intermediates on the piste. They can tear the groomers, but they also have a ton of fun in the trees and powder, great pop for side impacts, and grippy soles for carving.
Slip these on your feet, head to the slopes, and keep in mind that there are no bad days on the mountain.