Gear of the Week | Blizzard Ski Family

Now one thing at a time. The first time I knowingly came into contact with Blizzard was in 2006 with the Titan Pro. A ski from the "crowbar" category, easy to compare with the Dynastar Legend Pro. A ski that was certainly not built for the masses, or was described by them as unrideable. An excerpt from a test statement reads "....The ski runs like a steam train over the mountain....". This means that nothing can upset it, you just have to be able to operate it (skills) and add plenty of coal (strength in the legs). However, this steam train was not to be booked for a leisurely wellness and sightseeing tour.

But I had already taken a liking to these exotic trains back then, which is probably why our paths crossed again. Last season, I bought the Blizzard Brahma 82 in 180 for the spring ski season, which for me sometimes lasts until mid-June. The aim here is clearly to save weight, but not to have to make any compromises on the descent, even in very steep and exposed terrain. I don't need any special skis for good firn conditions, apart from the fact that I can't do anything with soft, rickety noodle skis. The Brahma holds even at full throttle in the best firn conditions. Due to its length, it is a little "nervous" at full throttle, but that's not the ski's fault. I bought it in this shorter length to be more flexible in steep couloirs and on hairpin turns.

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The ski met my expectations and so my old love for Blizzard and their gliding skis was rekindled. Now, of course, I was lucky enough to have a reliable contact at Blizzard. However, I can assure you that PowderGuide has no profit whatsoever from this contact and this Gear of the Week and I can recommend the skis to the best of my knowledge. The very friendly and good contact with Blizzard is simply a "nice to have", but otherwise I would also buy the skis normally.

Let's move away from the topic of spring ski tours and jump to the beginning of the season, when I like to ski on the piste (when there's nothing going on). Firstly because I enjoy it and secondly because it puts me on skis in a clever way. Do a self-test and get back on a real slalom ski after some time on a freeride ski! Have fun finding your position! The Firebird SL (FIS) is a rocket, at the beginning of the season it really makes your thighs burn and between the seasons it's fun and sports equipment at the same time. I used to ski Dynastar, then Stöckli, always the SL (FIS) version. However, I've never had a weapon like the Firebird under my feet. My colleague, otherwise an Atomic fanatic, was also thoroughly impressed. Truly an ingenious ski for tight calves!

Now to my real passion and the Rustler family. I ride the Rustler 10 all the time and in all conditions, it's a brilliant freerider for all terrain and snow conditions. In the setup with the ATK, it is still a lightweight for its tracking stability and robustness and the weight certainly doesn't get in the way of self-selected summits and downhill fun. It's a different story with the Rustler 11 with the Duke, but I've already commented on this in an earlier Gear of the week.

My Blizzard Crew, Rustler 10/11, Brahma 82, Firebird SL FIS — My Blizzard crew, Rustler 10/11, Brahma 82, Firebird SL FIS

If I draw a comparison with my Titan Pro at the time, the Rustler 11 is still a steam engine, but with a smooth and sensitive core. Meaning it is still very speedy and stable, but no longer requires a whole bag of coals to maneuver. The response to a load change is much finer and more precise, as is also the case with the Rustler 10. This also quickly becomes apparent 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 learned a lot about its old qualities, it is playful and agile. For the female freestyle skiers among you, I can warmly recommend the Sheeva 11, the counterpart to the Rustler 11, after numerous self-experiments from a reliable source.

You might now say that this is purely an advertising article. But I can confirm that the skis are exactly my choice and everything I have written about them is 100% my conviction. If you don't believe me, come and have a look in my garage and join me on the mountain!