Gear of the Week | Blizzard Rustler 11

I've been riding the Rustler 11 for two seasons now through thick and thin, through powder and ice, over wide areas and narrow gullies. I'm 186cm tall and weigh 85kg. I ride the Rustler 11 in 192cm combined with a Marker Duke PT16

I'm no stranger to Blizzard; many years ago I took a closer look at the ski manufacturer based in Mittersill, Austria. Back then, I found the Titan Pro to be a loyal and indestructible, but also unconventional companion. Our relationship has been on hold for the last few years, but last season it woke up from its slumber. When I compare it to my former Titan Pro, the Rustler 11 is still a steam engine, but with a smooth and sensitive core (albeit still titanium underfoot!). This means it is still very speedy and stable, but no longer requires a whole bag of coals to manoeuvre. The response to a load change is much finer. This is also evident on pillowlines and forest descents. At first I wasn't at all sure whether the ski length was a good choice. But the Rustler has learnt a lot from its old qualities, it is playful and agile.

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The agility comes from the tip and tail rocker and the Dynamic Release Technology, a fibreglass-carbon connection that tapers at the tip and tail. This makes the ski less aggressive and, despite its playful behaviour, it remains stable and smooth even at high speeds. Despite all the soft words, please don't get me wrong, this is still a highly sporty ski that demands a lot of skill from its skier. The Rustler 11 is a true powder ski. If you are taking your first steps in the powder, I would definitely not recommend this ski. For those who have already worn out a few groomers, it is an absolute asset. If the snow is right, you can surf comfortably on this ski, carve through the woods or steam down wide slopes. The female freeriders among you have also been considered. The Sheeva 11 is the female counterpart to the Rustler 11, a wonderful relationship. Thanks to information from a reliable and very trustworthy source (based on numerous self-tests), I can also warmly recommend the Sheeva 11 to you.

Conclusion:

A balanced core, a stiff flex underfoot that gives it maximum stability in full throttle mode. A softer tip and tail, which makes it a "light" and playful companion.

Details

Recommended price €650

Dimensions
- 164 cm (139-112-129), radius 16m
- 172 cm (139-115-129), radius 117.5m
- 180 cm (140-112-130), radius 19m
- 188 cm (142-114-132), radius 21m
- 192 cm (143-116-133), radius 23m

Weight (without bindings)
- 3,620g @ 164cm
- 3,760g @ 172cm
- 4,020g @ 180cm
- 2,170g @ 188cm
- 4,520g @ 192cm

Construction:
- Sandwich
- Partially integrated side edges
- Lite Core: ISO - Paulownia - Balsa - Poplar - Beech
- Carbon Flipcore D.R.T. : Carbon and Titanal at strategic points to make the centre of the ski stiffer and the ends of the ski more supple
- Titanal plate in the centre of the ski
- Structured base
- Dura-Tec: TPU surface coating to protect the ski from scratches and bumps / rounded sidewall at the top to protect against scratches and chipping