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PTO Review
We skied them. Here's how they stack up.
These skis span 2 categories (Freeride, Carving). Scores reflect each ski's intended use — direct comparison across all dimensions may be misleading.
Rustler 10 — advanced and expert skiers who want one freeride ski for most of the mountain - groomers, trees, chalky steeps and chopped-up snow - and who play the mountain with an active, dynamic style rather than bulldoze it at top speed. Octo — intermediate-to-advanced skiers who love carving groomers and want something lighter and more playful than traditional metal carving skis. Check the radar chart below to see where each one wins.
Each row compares all skis on one dimension. 🏆 marks the highest score.
| Dimension | Rustler 10 | Octo |
|---|---|---|
| Carving | 7 | 8🏆 |
| Park | 1 | 2🏆 |
| Playfulness | 8🏆 | 7 |
| Forgiveness | 5 | 6🏆 |
| Stability | 6🏆 | 6🏆 |
| Powder | 5🏆 | 2 |
Advanced and expert skiers who want one freeride ski for most of the mountain - groomers, trees, chalky steeps and chopped-up snow - and who play the mountain with an active, dynamic style rather than bulldoze it at top speed. It suits a soft-snow-leaning one-ski quiver, roughly half groomer and half off-piste, that still carves back to the lift. A strong intermediate ready to drive a ski can grow into it, ideally by sizing down.
Beginners and timid, cruising intermediates: at 102mm with metal the Rustler 10 wants an active pilot and won't turn itself. Hardpack-first skiers who prize edge grip and short-turn precision should look at the narrower, more-metal Rustler 9. Deep-powder and big-line chasers should size up to the wider Rustler 11, which floats where 102mm gets held back. High-speed chargers and bulldozer types who want maximum damping and long, planted turns will find it gets lively when pushed hard - the Anomaly 102 is the charge counterpart. And park, butter and switch skiers should look elsewhere: this is a directional freeride ski, not a freestyle tool.
Intermediate-to-advanced skiers who love carving groomers and want something lighter and more playful than traditional metal carving skis.
Ice coast carvers who need maximum edge hold. High-speed chargers. Anyone who ventures off-piste.
The Rustler 10 is best for advanced and expert skiers who want one freeride ski for most of the mountain - groomers, trees, chalky steeps and. The Octo is best for intermediate-to-advanced skiers who love carving groomers and want something lighter and more playful than traditional. The right choice depends on your primary terrain, ability level, and riding style.
The Blizzard Rustler 10 scores highest in Stability at 6/10, making it the strongest all-mountain option. It handles groomers, chop, and variable conditions without losing composure, so it's the best single-ski choice for skiers who want one pair for the whole mountain.
The Black Crows Octo leads in Carving with a PTO score of 8/10. Its edge grip on hard snow and groomed runs is the strongest in this comparison.
The Black Crows Octo is the most forgiving option with a Forgiveness score of 6/10. It doesn't punish imperfect technique, making it the easiest ski to progress on among these.
Not sure? Ask us.
