THE PEOPLE'S SKI TEST - BLIZZARD HUSTLE 10

BLIZZARD HUSTLE 10
Category: Touring
Length Tested: 180
Lengths: 156, 164, 172, 180, 188
Dimensions: 133/102/122.5 @ 180
Radius: 17.5m @ 180
MSRP: $849.95
More Info: blizzard-tecnica.com

There are plenty of touring skis on the market, but with the all-new Hustle 10 (alongside the Hustle 11 and Hustle 9), Blizzard has taken a different approach by focusing on downhill performance first, and then making it into a lightweight uphill machine. Starting with the proven shape of its Rustler line, Blizzard’s triple density wood core allows its ski designers to custom tune the flex pattern of each model and size. Replacing the metal of the Rustler with customized carbon rods reduces the weight of the ski, while keeping dampening characteristics and a stiff flex. What’s that all mean? This ski rips. It’s tough to pigeonhole it as a touring ski, because it excelled everywhere on the mountain. It can be easy to get performance out of a ski in soft snow, but the Hustle 10 shined in all conditions, and skied surprisingly well on hard pack and ice. Its lighter weight allowed me to push all day with less fatigue, and pairing it with a robust touring binding would make it an ideal one-ski quiver for someone who’s looking to hit the road on a multi-mountain pass. —DYLAN STRELIOFF

About This Reviewer:

Dylan Strelioff
Age: 41
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 165 lbs
Occupation: Rope Access Welder
Preferred Ski: 90-100mm Underfoot / 180-186cm Length