Gear Review
With no mountain town to call home, my nomadic lifestyle means I don’t have a garage, crawl space, or basement to store my ski gear. I carry everything everywhere I go. Therefore, I need to have minimal equipment—one quiver for everything.
My boots fulfilled these criteria, and I was looking for the perfect ‘do everything’ ski this season. Thankfully, Blizzard was on the same page as me and released its Hustle series of skis. Coming in 92mm, 102mm, or 112mm, I opted for the 92s and mounted a pair of Salomon Shifts on them.
In Blizzard’s words, the Hustle is a hybrid of its Zero Gs and Rustlers. It’s lightweight enough for the skin track, yet can more than hold its own on the downhill, in the trees, or hitting the moguls.
I have tried numerous skis, but the Blizzard Hustle 9 has captured my heart. This ski is an absolute gem, perfectly blending lightness and playfulness, making it a dream come true for backcountry and resort skiers alike. Whether carving down groomers, exploring off-piste terrain, or seeking fresh powder in the backcountry, the Hustle 9 handles it all with finesse.
In the resort, the Hustle 9 was dependable and playful on groomers, capable of huge arcing, carving turns, floating through powder, and zero chatter when pointing down. I found myself effortlessly maneuvering through tight trees; the ski was agile and responsive, with the perfect balance of flex and stiffness.
Having transitioned from the hard-charging and stiff Nordica Enforcer, it did take me a few days to get the Hustles under control in the moguls. Due to the lightness of the skis, the moguls were forcing and dictating my turns rather than the other way around. However, once used to them, I now appreciate their lightness and nimbleness—they’re fun and playful.
The Hustle 9 offers a perfect blend of stability and liveliness, making every turn a delightful experience. Whether you prefer long, sweeping carves or quick, snappy turns, these skis will adapt to your style, enhancing your skiing pleasure. The energetic nature of the Hustle 9 makes it incredibly fun to explore all aspects of the mountain, from groomed runs to powder stashes and everything in between; this ski handles it all with confidence.
Outside the resort, or skinning up within the resort, the Hustle 9 was just as delightful. Although a little heavier than a dedicated touring ski, it was significantly lighter than my previous Nordicas and on par with my partner’s Blizzard Black Pearls. The weight wasn’t an issue while climbing. At all. My longest climb was four hours, and my legs were fresh at the top, ready for the downhill. I was surprised by how well the ski handled some of the gnarlier downhill snow conditions for its weight. It coped with variable, punchy, refrozen snow better than heavier, harder-charging skis.
In conclusion, the Blizzard Hustle 9 ski is a true game-changer. If you’re seeking a single ski that can handle it all, the Blizzard Hustle 9 is the answer. Its versatility across different environments and conditions makes it an ideal choice for those exploring resorts and backcountry terrain. With the Hustle 9, you can pack lighter and have the confidence that you have the right tool for any adventure that awaits. Prepare yourself for an exhilarating journey as you glide down the slopes with grace and confidence.
The Blizzard Hustle is currently on sale with a massive 30% off at Moosejaw.
