Recent Posts
Fresh Takes on Trail Running & its Future (Ep.6)
While participation in trail running and ultra trail races is increasing, it has tended to draw an older crowd. But younger runners are getting into the sport, and they aren’t following all the old conventions. So we discuss the current and future state of trail running and ultra running with two young and rising trail runners, Maddie Hart and Gordon Gianniny.
2019 Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon Live Valve
After 3 months of testing, here is our full review of both Pivot’s Mach 5.5 Carbon bike, and Fox’s “Live Valve” electronic suspension system that’s available on the Mach 5.5.
19/20 Prior Northwest 110
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of Prior’s new all-mountain-freestyle ski.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are produced for Blister members.
To get our comprehensive deep dives and our initial, unfiltered reports on new gear without waiting for our full reviews, become a Blister Member and receive many other services, deals, and discounts.
If you’re already a member, please log in.
(If you’re already logged in and a member in good standing and seeing this message in error, please refresh this page in your browser.)
2019-2020 Volkl Secret 102
Volkl is making some important updates to their 19/20 women’s Freeride line, including the new Secret 102. Check out our measured specs, rocker pics, and initial impressions.
Running Sock Roundup
What running sock should you get? A minimal low-cut with no cushion? A thicker one with more coverage? We’ve rounded up a bunch of different options to make it easier to find the perfect sock for you.
Deep Dive: K2 Mindbender 99Ti
We compare the Mindbender 99Ti to the Volkl Mantra M5, Blizzard Bonafide, Nordica Enforcer 100, J Skis Masterblaster, 4FRNT MSP 99, Moment Commander 98, ON3P Wrenegade 96, Blizzard Rustler 9, Rossignol Experience 94 Ti, Atomic Vantage 97 Ti, Liberty Origin 96, Renoun Endurance 98, and Dynastar Legend X96.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are produced for Blister members.
To get our comprehensive deep dives and our initial, unfiltered reports on new gear without waiting for our full reviews, become a Blister Member and receive many other services, deals, and discounts.
If you’re already a member, please log in.
(If you’re already logged in and a member in good standing and seeing this message in error, please refresh this page in your browser.)
2019-2020 K2 Mindbender 99Ti
We had three reviewers on two different lengths of K2’s new Mindbender 99Ti, and you can now check out our full review.
Win a Men’s or Women’s MTB Kit from Mons Royale
Win a jersey, bike short, and chamois from Mons Royale!
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2019 (Ep.53)
Sam Shaheen and Luke Koppa discuss mind-boggling new technologies like titanium-coated fibres; inventive sustainability stories involving recycled medical supplies; and the noteworthy trends — both good and bad — that they saw this week at the OR show.
New Products, New Trends, & Old Marketing Tactics (Ep.2)
We talk with BLISTER senior bike editor, Noah Bodman, about Guerrilla Gravity’s modular designs; the emerging category of ‘Downcountry’ Bikes; whether ‘mullet bikes’ are just a fad; and whether the lingo used to market and sell bikes is in need of a refresh.
Outdoor Retailer Summer 2019 Highlights
New cams, puffy ponchos, heat-moldable running shoes, and more — check out our recap from day 2 of Outdoor Retailer.
Brendan Runs the Bighorn 100 (Ep.5)
This past weekend, our Off The Couch co-host, Brendan Leonard, ran the Bighorn Trail 100 Mile Endurance Run. So Jonathan Ellsworth talks with him about why he decided to run it; how he prepared; the highs and lows of the experience; his advice for anyone thinking of running a 100; and whether or not he plans on running another 100 miler.
2019-2020 J Skis The Friend
This season we spent time on another length of the J Skis Friend and have added an update on the 183 cm version of J’s pow ski.
Deep Dive: J Skis The Friend
UPDATE: We compare The Friend to the ON3P Kartel 116, Atomic Bent Chetler 120, Armada ARV 116 JJ, Moment Wildcat, previous Friend, K2 Catamaran, Rossignol Black Ops 118, Dynastar PR-OTO Factory, Faction Candide 5.0, Faction Candide 4.0, Prior CBC, 4FRNT Inthayne, Line Outline, and Icelantic Nomad 115.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are produced for Blister members.
To get our comprehensive deep dives and our initial, unfiltered reports on new gear without waiting for our full reviews, become a Blister Member and receive many other services, deals, and discounts.
If you’re already a member, please log in.
(If you’re already logged in and a member in good standing and seeing this message in error, please refresh this page in your browser.)
Scarpa Maestro Mid Eco
While most companies make tons of climbing shoes for bouldering, sport, and gym climbing, there aren’t nearly as many trad-specific shoes out there. But Scarpa recently made an addition to this category, the Maestro Mid Eco, and you can check out our review of this comfort-oriented shoe.
Fresh Takes on Trail Running & its Future (Ep.6)
While participation in trail running and ultra trail races is increasing, it has tended to draw an older crowd. But younger runners are getting into the sport, and they aren’t following all the old conventions. So we discuss the current and future state of trail running and ultra running with two young and rising trail runners, Maddie Hart and Gordon Gianniny.
2019 Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon Live Valve
After 3 months of testing, here is our full review of both Pivot’s Mach 5.5 Carbon bike, and Fox’s “Live Valve” electronic suspension system that’s available on the Mach 5.5.
19/20 Prior Northwest 110
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of Prior’s new all-mountain-freestyle ski.
2019-2020 Volkl Secret 102
Volkl is making some important updates to their 19/20 women’s Freeride line, including the new Secret 102. Check out our measured specs, rocker pics, and initial impressions.
Running Sock Roundup
What running sock should you get? A minimal low-cut with no cushion? A thicker one with more coverage? We’ve rounded up a bunch of different options to make it easier to find the perfect sock for you.
Deep Dive: K2 Mindbender 99Ti
We compare the Mindbender 99Ti to the Volkl Mantra M5, Blizzard Bonafide, Nordica Enforcer 100, J Skis Masterblaster, 4FRNT MSP 99, Moment Commander 98, ON3P Wrenegade 96, Blizzard Rustler 9, Rossignol Experience 94 Ti, Atomic Vantage 97 Ti, Liberty Origin 96, Renoun Endurance 98, and Dynastar Legend X96.
2019-2020 K2 Mindbender 99Ti
We had three reviewers on two different lengths of K2’s new Mindbender 99Ti, and you can now check out our full review.
Win a Men’s or Women’s MTB Kit from Mons Royale
Win a jersey, bike short, and chamois from Mons Royale!
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2019 (Ep.53)
Sam Shaheen and Luke Koppa discuss mind-boggling new technologies like titanium-coated fibres; inventive sustainability stories involving recycled medical supplies; and the noteworthy trends — both good and bad — that they saw this week at the OR show.
New Products, New Trends, & Old Marketing Tactics (Ep.2)
We talk with BLISTER senior bike editor, Noah Bodman, about Guerrilla Gravity’s modular designs; the emerging category of ‘Downcountry’ Bikes; whether ‘mullet bikes’ are just a fad; and whether the lingo used to market and sell bikes is in need of a refresh.
Outdoor Retailer Summer 2019 Highlights
New cams, puffy ponchos, heat-moldable running shoes, and more — check out our recap from day 2 of Outdoor Retailer.
Brendan Runs the Bighorn 100 (Ep.5)
This past weekend, our Off The Couch co-host, Brendan Leonard, ran the Bighorn Trail 100 Mile Endurance Run. So Jonathan Ellsworth talks with him about why he decided to run it; how he prepared; the highs and lows of the experience; his advice for anyone thinking of running a 100; and whether or not he plans on running another 100 miler.