Atomic's Matt Manser goes on Blister's GEAR:30 Podcast to discuss the new Atomic Hawx Prime XTD boot, Atomic's new Mimic Liners, Forward Lean, Ramp Angle, & More

A Very Deep Dive on Ski Boots, Part 4: Liners, Ramp Angle, & Forward Lean (Ep.88)

Ski boot liners are probably the most overlooked and least appreciated piece of ski gear out there, but they are a critical piece of equipment. So Matt Manser, the product manager of Atomic Ski Boots, is back to demystify the extremely complex, very expensive, and poorly understood category of ski boot liners. Along the way, we also discuss Atomic’s new “Mimic” liner technology and the new-for-next-season Hawx Prime XTD.

A Very Deep Dive on Ski Boots, Part 3: Racers & Race Boots (Ep.60)

How do elite ski racers like Marcel Hirsher, Mikaela Shiffrin, Bode Miller, and Daron Rahlves “feel” their gear, and their ski boots in particular? We talk to Matt Manser about this; forward lean; ‘static’ power straps vs. ‘elastic’ Booster Straps; whether WC skiers or WC DH mtn bikers are pickier about their equipment; and more.
Atomic's global product manager for ski boots, Matt Manser, discusses how ski boots and different ski-boot plastics differ on Blister's GEAR:30 podcast

A Very Deep Dive on Ski Boots — Part 1: Plastics (Ep.54)

Ski boots are made of plastic, and different plastics feel and perform very differently from one another. So we get deep into the details with Atomic Ski Boots product manager, Matt Manser, to help you figure out which plastics are used in your ski boots, and the pros & cons & general performance characteristics of different plastics — which will help you understand why you might like or dislike your current boots, and what you ought to be looking for in your next pair.
Dylan Wood and Luke Koppa review the K2 Reckoner KF for Blister

Deep Dive: K2 Reckoner KF

We compare the K2 Reckoner KF to the K2 Reckoner 110, K2 Reckoner 124, K2 Reckoner 112, Moment Wildcat, Line Bacon 115, DPS Koala 111, Armada ARV 112, Icelantic Nomad 112, RMU Apostle 114, Head Oblivion 116, RMU Professor 111, Rossignol Blackops 118, Moment Deathwish, Rossignol Sender Free 110, Meier Leeper, Faction Studio 3, Prior Northwest 116, Black Crows Anima, Blizzard Rustler 11, Volkl Revolt 114, Line Optic 114, & Salomon QST Blank.

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Kara Williard reviews the Blizzard Black Pearl 94 for BLISTER.

Deep Dive: Blizzard Black Pearl 94

We compare the Blizzard Black Pearl 94 to the Blizzard Black Pearl 97, Nordica Santa Ana 92, Volkl Secret 96, Volkl Secret 102, Blizzard Sheeva 9, Armada Reliance 92Ti, Peak 98 by Bode, K2 Mindbender 99Ti W, Salomon QST Lumen 98, 4FRNT MSP CC, & Majesty Havoc 100 Ti.

Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions

To get our comprehensive Deep Dives and our initial, unfiltered reports on new gear, become a member and receive many other services, deals, and discounts.

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Kristin Sinnott & Luke Koppa review the ZAG Harfang 96 for Blister

Deep Dive: ZAG Harfang 96 & Harfang 96 Lady

We compare the ZAG Harfang 96 & Harfang 96 Lady to the ZAG Harfang 96, ZAG Slap 104, Dynastar M-Pro 99, Volkl M6 Mantra, Volkl Secret 96, Stöckli Stormrider 95, Salomon Stance 96, Blizzard Anomaly 94, Fischer Ranger 96, Blizzard Black Pearl 97, 4FRNT MSP CC, Nordica Enforcer 99, Nordica Santa Ana 98, Salomon QST 98, Nordica Enforcer 94, J Skis Masterblaster, K2 Mindbender 99Ti, Peak 98 by Bode, Atomic Maverick 95 Ti, Nordica Santa Ana 92, Blizzard Rustler 9, Head Kore 93, Blizzard Black Pearl 94, Faction Dancer 2, Black Crows Camox, Nordica Unleashed 98, RMU Apostle 96 Pro, Line Optic 96, K2 Mindbender 96C, Armada Declivity 102 Ti, Renoun Endurance 98, Shaggy's Mohawk 98, & Wagner Summit 97.

Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions

To get our comprehensive Deep Dives and our initial, unfiltered reports on new gear, become a member and receive many other services, deals, and discounts.

If you’re already a member, please log in.

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Dylan Wood & Luke Koppa review the Line Bacon 108 for Blister

Deep Dive: Line Bacon 108

We compare the Line Bacon 108 to the previous-generation Line Sir Francis Bacon, Line Bacon 115, Line Chronic 101, Season Nexus, Armada ARV 106, 4FRNT Devastator, Nordica Unleashed 108, Dynastar M-Free 108, Majesty Dirty Bear XL, Moment Deathwish 104, Moment Wildcat 108, Whitedot Altum 104, RMU North Shore 110, Atomic Bent 110, Prior Northwest 110, Rossignol Sender Free 110, K2 Reckoner 112, Faction Mana 3, Zag Slap 104, Line Blade Optic 104, & Black Crows Atris.

Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions

To get our comprehensive Deep Dives and our initial, unfiltered reports on new gear, become a member and receive many other services, deals, and discounts.

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What We’re Wearing, Skiing 23/24: Luke Koppa

Most of our reviews and conversations have the goal of helping you, our audience, figure out what gear might work best for you and your particular preferences, circumstances, etc. However, it can be fun (and sometimes, maybe, even illuminating) to occasionally shrug off the cloak of objectivity and just talk about what we personally use and enjoy. In our new “What We’re Wearing” series, we’re doing just that, having several of our reviewers run us through their head-to-toe kits for this winter. First up, our managing editor and self-diagnosed apparel obsessive, Luke Koppa.
Paul Forward reviews the Mammut Barryvox S Avalanche Beacon for Blister

SKIING 101: Primer on Heli-Skiing

If you're considering a heli-skiing trip or are already fortunate enough to have one on the schedule, check out this 101 piece from Blister Reviewer & Lead Heli Guide, Paul Forward. ALSO: we've got 1 remaining spot open for a trip this April with Paul, Jonathan Ellsworth, and a bunch of other great Blister Members — first person to commit gets it!
Dylan Wood & Luke Koppa review the Season Kin for Blister

Season Kin Ski

The Season Kin is a 98mm-wide ski that's part tight-radius carver and part freestyle jibber — check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons to learn more about this nontraditional model.