Topic of the Week | BLISTER Outdoor Media & Gear Reviews

Blister weighs in on blacking out topsheets for ski tests

Blacked-Out Top Sheets & Objective Ski Testing

November 29, 2021November 29, 2021 by Jonathan Ellsworth

On our latest GEAR:30 podcast, we were discussing the best and worst practices for testing skis. This raised the question: would blacking out the top sheets of skis produce more objective results? Here is our take. Give it a read, and let us know what you think.

Blister Topic of the Week: Bigger Isn't Always Better

Debatable: Bigger Isn’t Always Better

November 30, 2021November 28, 2021 by David Golay

The bike industry likes touting stiffer parts as being better, but our Bike Editor makes the case for why that doesn’t always pan out.

Would You Rather: Early Season or Late Season Ski Conditions?

December 27, 2021November 22, 2021 by Luke Koppa

Which of the sub-par snow-sliding times of the year do you prefer?

Debatable: Make Daylight Savings Permanent

November 14, 2021November 13, 2021 by David Golay

Our bike editor is fed up with changing the clocks in the spring and fall, and makes his case for why we should stop doing it.

What We’re Watching — November 2021

November 12, 2021November 7, 2021 by David Golay

This month’s What We’re Watching features a baker’s dozen ski, bike, and freedive(?) videos for your viewing pleasure.

Debatable: The Worst Bike Maintenance Task

October 30, 2021October 29, 2021 by David Golay

What’s the worst bike maintenance task you can think of? In this edition of our “Debatable” series, our editor lays out his nomination, and his potential solutions to it.

Blister Mountain Bike Fork Service Guide

Tech Tip: DIY Fork Lower Service

December 2, 2021October 22, 2021 by David Golay

You can dramatically improve your suspension fork’s performance at home, in under an hour. Let us show you how.

What We’re Watching — October 2021

November 12, 2021October 9, 2021 by David Golay

Our recurring What We’re Watching series is back, and we’ve got a dozen skiing, biking, and fishing videos for your enjoyment. There’s everything from quick shredits to some longer options, and a bit of recent event coverage, too.

Debatable: You Don’t Need a Big Quiver of Bikes

October 2, 2021October 2, 2021 by David Golay

Having a huge quiver of mountain bikes sounds exciting, but maybe isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Our Bike Editor would rather have the right couple bikes than a massive assortment of options, and makes the case for why.

Tech Tip: Tubeless Tire Tricks

September 25, 2021September 25, 2021 by David Golay

Tubeless tires are ubiquitous on mountain bikes these days, but they can still be a real headache. Fortunately, we’ve got a bunch of tips and tricks that can help make setting them up and maintaining them much easier.

Blister Q&A: Suspension Setup, Value Parts, & Bike Geometry Trends

November 17, 2021September 17, 2021 by David Golay

In our new recurring Blister Q&A series, we’re tackling your questions on whatever topics you might want to hear about — we’re kicking it off with some Q’s about suspension setup, value MTB parts, and more.

Blister Would You Rather: Old Parts vs. Old Geometry Edition

Would You Rather: Old Parts or Old Geometry?

September 12, 2021September 10, 2021 by David Golay

Dated parts, or an ancient frame? That’s the question we’re tackling this week in our “Would You Rather?” series. Check out our reviewers’ individual takes on the site, and let us know what you’d do in the comments.

Blister Topic of the Week: Internal Cable Routing isn't Worth It

Debatable: Internal Cable Routing Isn’t Worth It

December 22, 2021August 28, 2021 by David Golay

It seems like almost every bike comes with internal cable routing these days, but why? Our Bike Editor lays out his case for why cables ought to stay external.

Tech Tip of the Week: Quieting Shimano Brake Pad Rattle

August 21, 2021August 21, 2021 by David Golay

Shimano’s brakes are some of the most popular options out there, but their finned brake pads also have a reputation for rattling. Luckily there’s an easy DIY fix to quiet them down. Check it out.

Blister Would You Rather: Hardtail vs. Full Suspension

Would You Rather: Dream Hardtail or Mid-Price Full Suspension?

September 10, 2021August 14, 2021 by David Golay

Dream hardtail or more modest full suspension bike as an everyday ride? That’s the question we’re tackling in our new “Would You Rather” series. Check out our reviewers’ individual takes on the site, and let us know what you’d do in the comments.

Our Best / Worst Ski Ideas for 20/21

September 18, 2020September 18, 2020 by Jonathan Ellsworth

We’ve created the most cutting-edge lineup of skis for the coming season, so here are our best (or worst) designs to meet the current moment.

Blister's reviewers discuss where to save weight and where to cut weight in your backcountry ski setup

Saving Weight in Your Backcountry Ski Setup

October 26, 2019October 26, 2019 by Cy Whitling

Next up in our ‘Saving Weight in Your Backcountry Ski Setup’ series, reviewer Paul Forward discusses where he chooses to cut weight in his backcountry gear, and where he opts to keep a bit of weight for better downhill performance.

Which Ski for Which Superhero?

November 13, 2018November 13, 2018 by Luke Koppa

What would Captain America, the Incredible Hulk, and other superheroes ski on? In honor of the life and imagination of Stan Lee, we’ve selected just the right ski for a whole slew of superheroes.

Conrad Anker's "short essay on being positive"

Timely Words from Conrad Anker

November 1, 2018 by Jonathan Ellsworth

Yesterday afternoon, the great alpinist, Conrad Anker, posted what he called, “a short essay on being positive.” And they are words worth far more than the time it takes to read them. Check out the full essay here.

Most Painful Sports, Blister Topic of the Week

What’s The Most Painful Sport?

September 11, 2018September 11, 2018 by Luke Koppa

Yesterday, a bunch of runners completed the Tahoe 200, a 205-mile race that a couple participants finished in under 50 hours. Which is insane. So that got us wondering: What’s the most painful sport to be the best at? We came up with a few contenders, and we want to hear yours.

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