Reviews

Saucony Xodus Ultra

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The Xodus Ultra debuts as a marked improvement on previous iterations of Saucony’s Xodus line. The shoe drops some much-needed weight without undermining its intended use as a maximal option for a wide variety of trail types and conditions. While it’s not without its flaws, we still think it shapes up as a great choice for beginner trail runners still getting their footing, or for folks looking to add a capable everyday trainer to their shoe quiver. Check out our full review for the whole story.
Luke Koppa reviews the Blizzard Rustler 11 for Blister

Flash Review: 23/24 Blizzard Rustler 11

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Blizzard recently announced that they're updating their longstanding Rustler series, and we just got our first day on the new Rustler 11. Check out our initial impressions.

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David Golay reviews the Manitou Dorado for Blister

2023 Manitou Dorado

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There aren’t many inverted forks left on the market, so how does one of the most famous holdouts — the Manitou Dorado — stack up against its more conventional competitors? We’ve spent a lot of time on both the Expert and Pro versions, and are ready to weigh in.
Dylan Wood reviews the Fischer Ranger 108 for Blister

Flash Review: 22/23 Fischer Ranger 108

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We've been skiing the new Fischer Ranger 108 this season after first getting a taste at the 2022 Blister Summit. Check out our initial impressions.

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Jonathan Ellsworth, Luke Koppa, Dylan Wood, & Charlie Schayer review the Volkl Mantra 102 for Blister

Deep Dive: Volkl Mantra 102

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We compare the updated Mantra 102 to the original Volkl Mantra 102, Volkl M6 Mantra, Volkl Katana 108, Blizzard Cochise 106, Salomon Stance 102, Folsom Blister Pro 104, Blizzard Bonafide 97, Nordica Enforcer 100, J Skis Masterblaster, K2 Mindbender 99Ti, Wagner Summit 97, Fischer Ranger 102, Salomon Stance 96, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Line Blade Optic 96, Moment Commander 98, Renoun Endurance 98, Faction Dancer 2, Atomic Maverick 100 Ti, Dynastar M-Pro 99, Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, Salomon QST 98, 4FRNT MSP 99, Head Kore 99, & Rossignol Sender 106 Ti+.

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

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Luke Koppa reviews the Folsom Cash 106 for Blister

Flash Review: 22/23 Folsom Cash 106

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We've been spending time on two versions of Folsom's Cash 106 shape — check out our initial on-snow impressions.

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

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Kara Williard reviews the Salomon QST Stella 106 for Blister

2022-2023 Salomon QST Stella 106

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This season the women's QST Stella 106 got the same update seen previously on the unisex version, and the results have been similarly impressive. Check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons to see where it slots into the women's all-mountain category.
Kara Williard reviews the Salomon QST Stella 106 for Blister

Deep Dive: Salomon QST Stella 106

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We compare the QST Stella 106 to the Armada ARW 106 UL, Blizzard Sheeva 10, Blizzard Sheeva 11, Faction Dancer 3X, Fischer Ranger 102, K2 Mindbender 106C, Line Blade Optic 104, Majesty Vadera Ti, Nordica Santa Ana 104 Free, ZAG Slap 104, Head Kore 103 W, & Volkl Secret 102.

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

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Nnormal Tomir

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Even though Nnormal is just a few models old, any product with mountain runner Kilian Jornet’s fingerprints on it deserves to be met with high expectations. After spending some time in the Tomir, the brand’s handsomely cushioned, wider-fitting, do-it-all trail trainer, we think the shoe is well on its way to exceeding them. Check out our full review to learn more.
David Golay reviews the Continental Kryptotal Tires for Blister

Continental Kryptotal Tires

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Continental gave their entire gravity tire lineup a major overhaul last year, and having now spent most of the season on their all-rounder Kryptotal pair, we think they’re extremely good tires for a lot of conditions, but are just a couple of tweaks away from being perfect. Check out our full review to find out where they work best and what sets them apart, including comparisons to the Maxxis Assegai, Minion DHF and DHR II, Schwalbe Magic Mary, and more.

Flash Review: 22/23 New Outerwear Update: 686, Beringia, & Trew

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We’ve been testing a few very interesting new ski / snowboard kits from 686, Beringia, and Trew — check out Luke Koppa’s initial impressions and apparel nerdery.

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

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Luke Koppa reviews the Black Crows Atris for Blister

2022-2023 Black Crows Atris

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Black Crows gave one of their most popular skis an update this year, though the changes looked subtle on paper. How about on snow? Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons to see how the latest Atris compares to its predecessors, and the rest of the market.
Luke Koppa reviews the Black Crows Atris for Blister

Deep Dive: Black Crows Atris

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We compare the Atris to the previous Atris, Black Crows Camox, Black Crows Corvus, Salomon QST 106, Line Blade Optic 104, Elan Ripstick 106, ZAG Slap 104, DPS Koala 103, RMU Apostle 106, Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, Moment Deathwish 104, Rossignol Sender 104 Ti, Blizzard Rustler 10, Volkl Revolt 104, 4FRNT Devastator, K2 Reckoner 102, Whitedot Altum 104, 4FRNT MSP 107, Sego Big Horn 106, Armada ARW 106 UL, Line Sir Francis Bacon, Shaggy's Ahmeek 105, & J Skis Hotshot.

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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Kara Williard reviews the Zag Slap 104 for BLISTER.

2022-2023 Zag Slap 104

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We’ve now had a few reviewers (female & male) on the ZAG Slap 104 — the mid-fat model in their “freestyle backcountry” series, and it's time to weigh in on this lightweight, maneuverable ski. Check out our Full Review and Deep Dive for all the info.
Luke Koppa reviews the Zag Slap 104 for BLISTER.

Deep Dive: ZAG Slap 104

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We compare the Slap 104 to eighteen other men's & women's all-mountain skis, including the DPS Foundation Koala 103, Black Crows Atris, Blizzard Rustler 10, Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, Salomon QST 106, Armada ARW 106 UL, Line Blade Optic 104, 4FRNT Devastator, RMU Apostle 106, Sego Big Horn 106, Volkl Revolt 104, K2 Reckoner 102, Line Sir Francis Bacon, Moment Deathwish 104, Whitedot Altum 104, 4FRNT MSP 107, Shaggy's Ahmeek 105, and J Skis Hotshot.

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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Luke Koppa reviews the Nordica Unleashed 108 for Blister

Flash Review: 22/23 Nordica Unleashed 108

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New for 22/23, the Nordica Unleashed 108 is the brand's take on a wider, playful all-mountain ski — check out our initial impressions.

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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Dylan Wood and Luke Koppa review the Faction Mana 2 for Blister

2024-2025 Faction Studio 2

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The ski formerly known as the Candide 2, then the Mana 2, Faction's Studio 2 manages to blend typically counteractive traits into a very cohesive, adaptable, and plain fun ski. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons for the whole story.
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