BLISTER — Outdoor Gear Reviews, Podcasts, Buyer’s Guides, Giveaways

BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles

David Golay reviews the Contra MC for Blister

Contra MC

The steel-framed, high-virtual-pivot Contra MC doesn’t look like much else out there, and its on-trail performance stands out, too. Check out our full review.

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David Golay reviews the Contra MC for Blister

Deep Dive: Contra MC

We compare the Contra MC to the Trek Slash, Norco Range, Kavenz VHP 16, Cannondale Jekyll, Forbidden Dreadnought, Cotic RocketMAX, Yeti SB160, Pivot Firebird, & Nicolai G1.

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

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Eric Freson reviews the Kästle K130P for Blister

Flash Review: 23/24 Kästle K130P LV

We’ve been testing the stiffest boot in Kästle’s line of “performance” ski boots — here are 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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Luke Koppa reviews the Nordica Enforcer 99 for Blister

Flash Review: 24/25 Nordica Enforcer 99

Nordica is updating all their Enforcer skis for 24/25, and we’ve been skiing the replacement for the Enforcer 100, the new Enforcer 99. 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

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 Nordica Santa Ana 92 for BLISTER.

Flash Review: 24/25 Nordica Santa Ana 92

Nordica is updating all their Santa Ana skis for 24/25, and we’ve been skiing the replacement for the Santa Ana 93, the new Santa Ana 92. 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

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 and Luke Koppa review the DPS Kaizen 105 for Blister

2023-2024 DPS Kaizen 105

The recently launched DPS Kaizen skis feature a new construction, new shapes, and are the latest in a long line of the brand’s do-it-all, carbon-construction skis. The Kaizen 105 sits in the middle of the new collection, and we’ve had two reviewers testing two different lengths of it — check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons.

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Kara Williard and Luke Koppa review the DPS Kaizen 105 for Blister

Deep Dive: DPS Kaizen 105

We compare the DPS Kaizen 105 to the DPS Pagoda 106 C2, DPS Koala 103, Peak 104 by Bode, Peak 104 by Dav, Salomon Stance 102, Rossignol Sender 104 Ti, Fischer Ranger 102, Armada Declivity 102 Ti, ZAG Slap 104, Salomon QST 106, RMU Apostle 106, K2 Mindbender 106C, Wagner Summit 106, Volkl Blaze 106, Volkl Mantra 102, WNDR Alpine Intention 108, HEAD Kore 105, Shaggy’s Ahmeek 105, Elan Ripstick 106, J Skis Hotshot, Blizzard Rustler 10, Black Crows Atris, Line Blade Optic 104, & Nordica Santa Ana 104 Free.

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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BLISTER — Outdoor Gear Reviews, Podcasts, Buyer’s Guides, Giveaways

The Key to Happiness?

In our latest Open Mic, Sander Hadley sets the astronomical and meteorological records straight, and has some thoughts on how to be happy.

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BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:

On our latest Blister Podcast, we talk with U.S. Ski Hall of Famer, Mike Hattrup, about his days as a competitive mogul skier; being featured in iconic ski films like ‘The Blizzard of AAHHH’s’; his decades working in gear testing and development; and his latest role with Eleven Experience.

Mike Hattrup: A Life in Skiing (Ep.311)

We talk with U.S. Ski Hall of Famer, Mike Hattrup, about his days as a competitive mogul skier; being featured in iconic ski films like ‘The Blizzard of AAHHH’s’; his decades working in gear testing and development; and his latest role with Eleven Experience.

2024 Sea Otter Classic Recap2024 Sea Otter Classic Recap

DT Swiss 240 Ratchet DEG Hubs

DT Swiss has launched a new version of their venerable 240 hub with 90 points of engagement. Check out the 240 Ratchet DEG.

Blister reviews the Line Optic 88

Flash Review: 24/25 Line Optic 88

For 24/25, Line is rebranding their Blade Optic collection as simply “Optic,” and the Optic 88 is a brand-new model that effectively replaces the previous Blade Optic 92 as the narrowest option in the series. Here are some of our initial thoughts on the new ski.

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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Blister reviews the ZAG Slap 98.

2024-2025 ZAG Slap 98

Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the ZAG Slap 98.

Reviewing the News w/ Mike Ferrentino, May 2024 (Ep.225)

Reviewing the News w/ Mike Ferrentino, May 2024 (Ep.225)

MTB racing season is in full swing and Simon Stewart and Mike Ferrentino have a lot to cover on this iteration of Reviewing the News, from World Cup XC to Hardline, the Giro d’Italia and upcoming Tour de France, and a whole lot more.

David Golay reviews the 7iDP Project.21 helmet for Blister

7iDP Project.21 Helmet

7iDP is probably best known for their knee pads, but they’ve also been making helmets for a long time and their new Project.21 Trail helmet has a bunch of interesting features that make it stand out. Check out our Full Review for the rundown.

Kara Williard reviews the Salomon QST Lumen 98 for BLISTER.

2024-2025 Salomon QST Lumen 98

Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, flex pattern numbers, and some more info on the Salomon QST Lumen 98.

Kara Williard reviews the Salomon QST Lumen 98 for BLISTER.

Flash Review: 24/25 Salomon QST Lumen 98

The QST Lumen 98 is situated in the middle of Salomon’s women-specific QST lineup, designed to be a versatile all-rounder. Check out our initial impressions to see how it handles a wide range of conditions.

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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Zack Henderson and David Golay review the RAAW Madonna V3 for Blister

Flash Review — RAAW Madonna V3

Update, 6/5/2024: We’ve had more reviewers on the RAAW Madonna V3, logged a lot more time on it, and made a bunch of setup changes. Check out how our impressions have evolved.

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.

If you’re already an active member, please log in.

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Zack Henderson reviews the Fox Union BOA Flat shoes

Fox Union BOA Flat Shoes

Fox only recently added shoes to their product lineup, but the range-topping Union BOA Flat brings a whole lot to the table without many drawbacks — if you can stomach the price. Check out our Full Review to hear how we got along with their flagship flat pedal shoe.