BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Pomoca Skins: Proper Care & Latest Models | Blister Summit 2023 Video
We sat down with Pomoca’s Gaël Baudet to discuss several of the brand’s latest skins; how their Free & Climb collections differ; how to properly care for your own climbing skins during — and after — your ski season, and more.
Pete Willauer: The One with the Knife
In our latest Open Mic, Pete Willauer talks about his Uncle John, mentorship, and responsibility to the people we love.
Blister Brand Guide: Craft Running Shoe Lineup, 2023
Craft is perhaps better known for making moisture-wicking technical layers than shoes, but since breaking into the footwear space a few years ago, they’ve already turned out an impressive lineup of innovative shoes for roads, trails, and everything in between. Check out our 2023 Brand Guide to see what’s new from Craft this year and which of their models might make the most sense for you.
Devinci Chainsaw
Stevie Smith was an enormous inspiration to the current generation of Canadian mountain bikers, and his longtime frame sponsor, Devinci, has launched a new, more-affordable Enduro / DH bike in his honor — appropriately named the Chainsaw.
Andy Wacker on Creating A Roadmap to Professional Trail Running (Ep.167)
Earlier this year, Salomon Athlete Andy Wacker launched The Trail Team, an independent development program aimed at providing mentorship, skill development, and media exposure to 6 aspiring pro trail runners in the US. We spoke to him, as well as two of his Trail Team athletes, Lauren Gregory and Sam Hendry, about the organization’s backstory, their respective goals, and much more.
New Moment Countach 110 & 23/24 Skis | Blister Summit 2023 Video
We discuss the origins and design of Moment’s new Countach 110; how it fits into their lineup between the Wildcat and Commander series; their new extra-long Wildcat; who should get a Moment Wildcat vs. a Moment Deathwish; their new, much bigger factory in Nevada, and more.
Flash Review: 23/24 DPS Kaizen 105
For 23/24, DPS discontinued their Pagoda line and replaced it with the brand-new Kaizen series. Check out our initial thoughts on the Kaizen 105.
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The Future of Snowsports(?) | Blister Summit 2023 Panel Video
At Blister Summit 2023, we brought together Nina Waters (Blizzard-Tecnica), Dr. Len Necefer (Natives Outdoors & Sonoran Avalanche Center), Dan Abrams (Flylow), & Hanna Whirty (Icelantic) to cover a broad range of topics regarding the future of the snowsports industry. They discuss how they think about expanding the snowsports community and the resulting benefits; the role of crowding and potential solutions; how DE&I, Advocacy, & Climate Change are all linked, and more.
Deep Dives with Angel (April 2023) (Ep.255)
Angel Collinson and Jonathan discuss her life since retiring from professional skiing, our Blister Open Mic series, and her recent piece, “How to Not Burn Out.” Then Angel answers your questions about finding peace; marriage & kids; and whether she thinks she’ll ever ski again.
Flash Review: 23/24 Blizzard Rustler 10
Here are some of our initial thoughts on the revised Rustler 10, how it compares to the previous version, and the rest of the market.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Salomon Sense Ride 5
Despite what may be considered conservative updates, the Salomon Sense Ride 5 keeps with the model’s established role as a versatile option intended for everyone from experienced ultrarunners in search of a no-frills daily trainer to folks looking to venture out onto the trails for perhaps the first time. Check out our full review to learn more.
The Good Old Days
In our latest Open Mic piece, our editor-in-chief reflects on closing days, the good old days, and more.
The Past, Present, & Future of Ski Manufacturing | Blister Summit 2023 Video
We brought together ski designers and manufacturers from DPS, Folsom, Majesty, and Meier to get their take on the current state of ski design; why wood has remained the go-to choice for ski cores; what we should expect from ski cores in the future; how to identify a properly constructed and “finished” ski, and more.
Win a BCA Prize Package
The winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get a Float E2 25 Avalanche Airbag Pack and BC Link 2.0 Radio from BCA!
2023-2024 RMU North Shore 114
One of the newest additions to RMU’s lineup, the North Shore 114 is their big-mountain ski designed for freestyle & freeriders alike. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons to see where it falls in the powder category.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
The Future of Snowsports (Ep.279)
What does the future of snowsports look like? At our last Blister Summit, we asked Nina Waters, Dr. Len Necefer, Dan Abrams, & Hanna Whirty to discuss some of the current realities, biggest challenges, and significant opportunities for the outdoor sports industry.
Flash Review — Propain Tyee 6
The latest iteration of the Propain Tyee looks like a pretty well-rounded take on a modern Enduro bike, and we’ve started spending time on it. Check out our Flash Review to see how our early impressions line up with the Tyee’s appearance on paper.
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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2023-2024 BLISTER Digital Winter Buyer’s Guide
300+ skis, 70 boots, and 250+ pages of honest, accurate product reviews and comparisons. Order our 23/24 Winter Buyer’s Guide or become a Blister Member to read the Digital Guide NOW.
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Win Magnetic Pedals from Hustle Bike Labs
The two winners of our Gear Giveaway this week will get the updated V2 Avery REMtech® Pedal from Hustle Bike Labs!
Why All Your Jackets Are Going to Change: Ditching PFAS w/ Outdoor Research (Ep.264)
PFAS chemicals have been used in tons of technical apparel for decades, but that streak is ending very soon. So we sat down with Outdoor Research’s Alex Lauver to learn about this significant shake-up to the outdoor industry; PFAS-free DWR alternatives; how this will impact consumers and manufacturers alike, and more.
Deep Dive: Chromag Darco
We compare the Chromag Darco to the We Are One Arrival 152, Canyon Spectral 125, Transition Smuggler, and REEB Steezl.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Chromag Darco
Chromag has been doing things their own way for decades, and their first adult full-suspension bike, the Darco, isn’t like much else out there. And while it won’t be for everyone, it’s a bike that the right folks will absolutely love.
Sklar Bikes: A Custom Builder’s Shift to “Mass” Production (Ep.188)
Sklar Bikes has a stellar reputation as a custom builder, so when owner and founder Adam Sklar decided to shut down that part of the business and move to stock, production bikes, it came as a surprise. His take on the evolution of the company is an interesting one, and we sat down to hear all about it.
2023 Orbea Wild
The Orbea Wild has already collected its share of e-Enduro podiums, but does it perform well outside of the tape, too, or is it a one-dimensional speed demon? After a few months on it, we’re ready to weigh in — and compare it to several of long-travel, high-power eMTBs.
Deep Dive: Orbea Wild
We compare the Orbea Wild to the Pivot Shuttle LT, Pivot Shuttle AM, and Specialized Turbo Levo.
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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Room for Improvement
What is — and what should be — the role of an outdoor athlete? In our latest Open Mic piece, professional skier, Sander Hadley, shares his thoughts.
26.2 TO LIFE: Running, Prison Reform, & Personal Transformation (Ep.181)
We talk to Christine Yoo, the director & producer of the powerful new documentary, 26.2 TO LIFE, about the San Quentin State Prison marathon; running, prison reform, and personal transformation.