Chess Hustlers: How good are they really??

So yeah, you know the type... chess hustlers playing in NYC parks or elsewhere; I always wondered how good they actually are, but I almost never play them because they refuse to play regular chess and I don't wanna play them blitz because they got all kinds of slick moves like distracting you by knocking a piece over and moving another without you noticing. I'm not much of a blitz player anyway so i'm wondering; in your opinion how good really are they?? In terms of rating how would you rank them, give or take?? I do realize they're all different players but if you were to make an average or general opinion, what's your take on them?? thanks!

I played some in the Boston area (not NYC).

They were 1600-2400.

Some were easy to beat... some were fucking brutal

I tend to think the average "hustler" is around 1800.

Maybe that's not right, who knows, but this was my experience.

If you're a GM you don't have to fear any of them.

If you're a weak master you can do well vs all but the best hustlers (who may be good enough to brutalize you at their preferred time control).

One guy I played wanted 3 dollars if he won, but if you won you got nothing.

Basically you put money on the table, and then he wants you to play until he wins it

As a professional hustler, their rating is irrelevant to me. I can and will destroy every hustler simply by out-hustling. Hooligans, punks, and urchins alike will bow down to my street credit score.

There's a funny video out there of Maurice Ashley pwning a chess hustler. 

indeed my woodpusher

On average 1500 - 1750,1800 strength. Class B players.