GEAR 101 | BLISTER Outdoor Media & Gear Reviews

Atomic's global product manager for ski boots, Matthew Manser, discusses ski boot flex ratings and more on Blister's GEAR:30 podcast.

A Very Deep Dive on Ski Boots, Part 2: Flex Patterns (Ep.55)

March 31, 2020July 5, 2019 by Jonathan Ellsworth

We’re talking again with Atomic Ski Boots product manager, Matt Manser, about the messy world of ski boot flex ratings; the actual differences between some brands’ 120 and 130 rated boot; how Atomic arrives at their own flex ratings; the next areas of innovation that Atomic is focused on, 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)

March 31, 2020June 28, 2019 by Jonathan Ellsworth

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.

Blister Alpine Ski Bindings Guide

December 1, 2020October 24, 2018 by Jonathan Ellsworth

What’s the best ski binding? Which ones are compatible with your ski boots? There's a lot of misinformation and confusion about the actual differences between bindings, so we’ve updated this guide to help clarify which ones will work best for you.

Suspension 101: Designs

September 14, 2019August 12, 2018 by Noah Bodman

Trying to figure out bike suspension designs - how they work and the pros & cons of each - can feel like you need an engineering degree. So we put together this article to clarify the differences between the various suspension designs on the market. Check it out.

Noah Bodman Mountain Biking 101 Tubeless Tire sealant.

Mountain Biking 101: DIY Tubeless Tire Sealant

August 4, 2018 by Noah Bodman

Tubeless tire sealant can get expensive, especially when you’re swapping out tires often, so our bike editor gives the rundown on mixing up your own sealant at home.

Biking 101: Bike Fit & Geometry—Part 2

September 15, 2019May 12, 2018 by Noah Bodman

Assessing a bike’s geometry is a huge part of determining proper bike fit and how a bike will ride. So in part 2 of our Bike Fit Guide, we walk through real-world examples to see what all those geometry measurements actually mean.

How to Choose the Right Mountain Bike

May 4, 2019April 26, 2018 by Noah Bodman

"What mountain bike should I get?" Good question, but most of the articles on the topic are too simplistic to be helpful. So we created our own "How to Choose the Right Mountain Bike" guide.

Ski Terms (What We Talk about When We Talk about Skiing)

April 24, 2018April 24, 2018 by Jonathan Ellsworth

Talking about skiing and snowboarding can sometimes feel like a foreign language. So in this new piece, we've clarified a few terms, and we want to know what terms, concepts, or expressions you might be wondering about?

Mountain Bike Tires 101

December 27, 2021April 17, 2018 by Noah Bodman

While it might seem like they're pretty much all the same, the fact is that the right tire can make or break a bike. So what do you need to know about tires, and how do you figure out which ones will likely work best for you given how and where you ride? We've got some answers, recommendations, and a whole lot of information.

Backcountry Travel & Wilderness Medicine (Ep.62)

October 27, 2021December 12, 2017 by Jonathan Ellsworth

What items should you be carrying with you, and what do you need to know before venturing out into the backcountry in the first place? We discuss backcountry travel and wilderness medicine with Blister reviewer, AWLS instructor, and physician Paul Forward.

Jonathan Ellsworth reviews the 4FRNT Devastator for Blister Gear Review.

What does it mean to talk about the “top end” of a ski?

December 6, 2017December 5, 2017 by Jonathan Ellsworth

What do we mean when we talk about the "top end" of a ski? Let's clarify...

Sam Shaheen discusses the ethical and environmental issues with down and synthetic insulation on Blister

Down vs. Synthetic: Ethical & Environmental Issues

September 19, 2017September 19, 2017 by Sam Shaheen

Is down insulation a “green” material? How do synthetics compare? We discuss the environmental and ethical impacts of insulation in our Topic of the Week.

Amplid Founder, Peter Bauer on the Blister Podcast

Peter Bauer on the Past, Present, & Future of Snowboarding (Ep.55)

June 3, 2019September 15, 2017 by Jonathan Ellsworth

We talk to Peter Bauer (4-time world champ, freeriding pioneer, and co-founder of Amplid) about the history and culture of snowboarding, its inextricable ties to skiing, and the current health of the sport.

Jonathan Ellsworth talks about the differences between "big" and "small" ski companies on Blister

Big vs. Small Ski Companies — Who’s Building Better Skis?

October 3, 2017September 13, 2017 by Jonathan Ellsworth

When it comes to building the best skis, do the big brands have the edge, or is there an advantage to being the little guy?

ON3P Skis, Scott Andrus, talks ski length and ski construction on Blister.

Construction Changes in Longer (and Shorter) Skis?

September 2, 2017September 1, 2017 by Jonathan Ellsworth

We put this question to a number of ski designers and asked them to weigh in. See what the designers from ON3P, Renoun, K2, and Moment had to say.

Smith Google Lens Guide, Blister Gear Review

Smith Goggle Lens Guide

October 27, 2021February 8, 2017 by Jed Doane

Smith brought their Chromapop lens technology to their snow goggles, so how do these new tints fit into their lens line?

Blister Podcast on Wilderness First Responder Training, or WFR, or backcountry emergencies

How to Handle Backcountry Emergencies (Ep.30)

May 13, 2020December 30, 2016 by Jonathan Ellsworth

Accidents happen when you're far away from help. Do you know how to respond? Too many of us don't, and that is irresponsible and dangerous. This conversation will drive that point home, and clue you in on some steps we all should take.

Paul Forward AT Boots 101 Blister Gear Review

Skiing 101: AT Boots & Bindings

April 15, 2017December 3, 2015 by Paul Forward

Ski touring is increasingly popular, but the expanding range of "AT" boots and bindings and new standards is increasingly confusing. This 101 piece will help you navigate the backcountry landscape.

Bike Racks 101

August 7, 2015 by Noah Bodman

Roof, hitch, or strap-on bike rack? Each style has its pros and cons, some of which aren’t obvious. So before you waste your money, check out the Blister guide to choosing the right rack.

2011 Specialized SX - Part 1: JUMPS, Blister Gear Review

Suspension 201: Basic Setup

July 5, 2015July 5, 2015 by Noah Bodman

Want to maximize performance and comfort on your bike? Here's how.

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