2023 Specialized P.Series
Specialized has overhauled its longstanding P.Series line of Dirt-Jump bikes, and the lineup now includes versions for the whole family, with wheel sizes ranging from 20’’ to 27.5’’.
Reviews
Flash Review – Liv Intrigue LT Advanced Pro 0
The Liv Intrigue LT Advanced Pro 0 is an ultra high-end women-specific Enduro bike that we've been spending time on — Blister Members can now read our initial on-trail impressions.
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Yeti SB160
The Yeti SB150’s geometry was notably radical when it launched back in 2018. Since then, the mountain bike landscape has changed a lot, and the SB150’s successor, the SB160, no longer stands out as much on paper. On trail, though, it’s still an especially game-on Enduro race bike — and a damn good one for folks with the right approach and preferences.
2023-2024 Nordica Dobermann 5 S
Here are our measured specs, photos, and a quick rundown of Nordica’s race-inspired boot, the Dobermann 5 S, as well as details about the entire 5th generation of the Dobermann lineup.
EXT Aria
We’ve been very impressed by a number of EXT’s coil shocks over the years, and having now spent a lot of time on the Aria — their first air-sprung MTB rear shock — we’re ready to weigh in on how it stacks up to EXT’s own Storia, as well as the modern crop of high-volume, beefy air shocks.
Women’s Bike Bib & Chamois Roundup
If you spend any time in the saddle you’ll know that a proper chamois, butt, and saddle interface is essential for sustained comfort during rides. In this roundup, we discuss a variety of bib and chamois options that one of our female reviewers has been logging a lot of saddle time in recently.
Scott Kinabalu 2
A dependable, predictable option is an invaluable addition to any shoe quiver, especially one already loaded with terrain- and distance-specific models. After testing, the Scott Kinabalu 2 is giving strong indications of being just that. Check out our full review to learn more.
Stuff We Like: June 2023
For June’s edition of Stuff We Like we feature everything from daypacks to heavy-duty backcountry packs, shorts, lightweight mountain bike and ski apparel, bike helmets, espresso machines for on-the-go, river shoes, & more. Check it out to see all the latest stuff our reviewers have been digging.
Reserve 30|SL & 30|HD AL Wheels
Reserve deserves a good chunk of the credit for making lifetime warranties the industry standard for carbon wheels, and now Reserve is offering the same on their first aluminum ones. But how do the new 30|HD AL wheels ride, and just how crucial is that warranty? We’ve put a lot of miles and abuse into a pair — time to weigh in.
Commencal Meta V5
Commencal’s new Meta V5 gets a new suspension platform and drops the model split between the Meta TR and Meta AM from the V4 iteration. So how does the Meta V5 slot into the current market, and what sets it apart from the prior-generation? Check out our First Look for all the info.
Outdoor Vitals Skyline Trail Shorts
The Outdoor Vitals Skyline Trail Shorts stray from conventional running shorts design in ways that allow them to be activity agnostic, just as comfortable worn for a short shakeout run as they are on a multi-day fastpacking trip. Check out our full review to learn more.
Öhlins TTX1 and TTX2 Air
We’ve had two different reviewers spending time on three different versions of Öhlins’ latest air-sprung rear shocks, the TTX1 Air and TTX2 Air, and are ready to weigh in on how they perform on trail, how they differ from each other, and who they’re going to work best for. Check out our full review for all the info.
Flash Review: 23/24 RMU Professor 121
RMU recently revived their OG pow ski, the Professor — check out our initial thoughts on how the Professor 121 compares to the current market.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Blister Brand Guide: Scott Running Shoe Lineup, 2023
Scott has quietly been making a wide range of performance footwear for both roads and trails since 2006, when they contracted a research and development lab in Portland, Oregon to help them design a lineup of shoes to meet the diverse demands of their athletes. Now over 15 years old, Scott’s trail and road running lines continue to offer innovative options for all sorts of runners. Check out our Brand Guide to learn more.
2023 Revel Ranger
Blurring the line between World Cup Cross-Country race rigs and short-travel Trail bikes, the Ranger brings a mix of efficiency and capability to the table that we think could work for a lot of riders.
Scott Ultra Carbon RC
The Ultra Carbon RC feels like the end product of a meticulously conceived concept. Scott pours an indulgent amount of resources into the shoe, but it’s headlined by an innovative carbon plate designed to prevent the stability issues that have sunk plated trail models in the past. Check out our full review to learn more.
Flash Review: 23/24 Salomon QST Echo 106
UPDATE 6.14.23: Luke Koppa adds his thoughts on the QST Echo 106, including comparisons to several other touring skis from 4FRNT, WNDR Alpine, Moment, Volkl, & Line.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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2023 Rocky Mountain Slayer
“Freeride” bikes are having a bit of a moment again after the term fell out of the conversation for a while, and Rocky Mountain’s longstanding take on the genre, the Slayer, just got a big update.
Marker’s 23/24 Touring & Freeride Bindings | Blister Summit 2023 Video
At Blister Summit 2023, we sat down with Marker’s Chris McKenna to discuss their 2023-2024 binding lineup, including the brand-new Cruise touring binding; how it compares to the Marker Alpinist; the updates they’ve made to the Duke PT collection; and more.
Shaman 2.0, Pioneer X, & More: 23/24 Icelantic Skis | Blister Summit 2023 Video
At Blister Summit 2023, we sat down with Icelantic’s John Douthit to discuss their 2023-2024 ski collection. We cover the resurrected & revised Shaman 2.0 collection; their new high-performance Pioneer X; athlete-driven Saba Pro & Nia Pro series; and more.