An Impressive ski that Advancing Intermediates can love, and experts will adore!
Posted by Diamond Dave
(Certified Winter Enthusiast)
on
8/7/2025
Pros:
Round flex, excellent edge grip under foot, very good flotation, trees, fresh snow, carves well, variety of turn shapes
Cons:
Tips can get floppy at speed, intimidating shape and width for some but shouldn't be.
Would you recommend this product to a friend?
Yes
The Rustler 9 is a fantastic ski with a linear flex and a playful nature that can make deep carves! It has a lot of stuff going on inside the ski to enhance edge grip and reduce chatter while retaining a playful, energetic composure that makes it a stand-out. I feel this is a great cross-comparison to the Line Blade Optic 96 but I'd contrast by saying the Rustler is less stiff through the middle of the ski with seemingly less camber and a smoother ride in variable conditions. Knocking on the door of a one-ski quiver, what the Rustler does better than the Anomaly 94 is float and slide. Conversly, it won't provide as much power or grip, but the return on effort is notable. I think a lot of customers overlook this ski because of it's rocker and tail-splay thinking it's just another park ski but it's an Austrian Army Knife in that it can do so many things well and you don't have to be an expert skier to ski it!