6th Annual Blister Awards, SIA

 • The “Thank You for Not Screwing Up a Good Thing” Award •

Nordica Soul Rider: While Nordica has added a narrower Soul Rider, they wisely & thankfully continue to produce this ski also. And as we’ve said before, we’re going to keep giving the Soul Rider this award every year it stays the same. Don’t ever change, Soul Rider.

Salomon X-Drive 8.8: This ski is basically the opposite of the Soul Rider, but every bit as good. For those who like skis with no speed limit on groomers and that excel in difficult off-piste terrain and conditions, you’re lucky that this ski will be around for at least another season.

SIA Coverage 2016 Blister Gear Review
2016-2017 Salomon X-Drive 8.8 FS

 • The “Gear We’re Most Tempted to Steal” Award •

– Dynastar Pro Rider 192 cm

Blister Podcast by Blister Gear Review
Dynastar Pro Rider, 192 cm

Sexy. Only comes in a 192. It’s a pretty big deal when a ski that hasn’t existed for a number of years gets brought back and we immediately want to steal it in a convention center filled with tons of new stuff. Just more evidence that the hot new new isn’t always hotter or better than the new stuff, regardless of what most Buyer’s Guides would have you believe each year…

– Giro Block x Descendants collaborative goggle

Blister Gear Review SIA Awards 2016
Giro x Descendents Goggle

Those who will be excited by this don’t need to have it explained to them. So let’s just move on.

 • The “We’re Finally Going to Review It” Award 

Head Monster series

SIA Coverage 2016 Blister Gear Review
Head Monster Series, Left to Right: 108, 98, 88, 83

We’ve been curious about these, you’ve been curious about these (cf. my inbox for evidence), and we’re finally going to be getting on the Monster 108, 98, and 88. There are certain skis that you look at and flex and think, “that’s a real ski.” These seem like real skis. And we’re eager to see what they can do.

The SIA Eco-Friendly Award

SIA Coverage 2016 Blister Gear Review
Jonathan Ellsworth and Moment’s Luke Jacobson & Casey Haakanson.

When you can, it’s better to bike than drive. Unfortunately, this was basically the last good decision I made this night. I place a lot of the blame on Luke Jacobson. He’s the one in this photo waving like a princess.

 NEXT: The “Favorite Person We Talked To at SIA” Award,The “The Most Intriguing 3 Millimeters in Skiing” Award, Etc. 

6 comments on “6th Annual Blister Awards, SIA”

  1. I saw ON3P is significantly changing their lineup. Will you be testing any of their new skis soon. Specificially the new wren 108?

  2. Saw the new ON3P catalog online the other day and just saw you mention the new ON3P Kartel 116. Please tell me you are going to review this ski! I’ve been toying between the Jeffrey 114 and Jeffrey 122 as a stiffer but still freestyle orientated pow ski to replace my Mr Pollards Opus and just looking at the dimensions and tweaks this could be the ticket…

  3. New on3p lineup looks interesting indeed. Some skis seem to be relaunched and tweaked versions of skis they already had a couple of seasons ago. The Kartel 108 resembles the original jeffrey and the wren 108 may be an answer to those who wanted the original vicik back!? Yet, what about moment? I realise they have a mid season release of the underworld with a different topsheet, but otherwise I see nothing…no pictures, no gear rumors…So blister – I thought, if anyone knows it is the guys who made them bring the og bibby back…

  4. Got it…

    If the Meridian had a camber rocker profile instead of the full rocker it would be pretty much the ski I always wanted them to make…

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