BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Win Majesty Skis
The winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get one of our all-time favorite touring skis, the Majesty Superwolf!
SKIING 101: Primer on Heli-Skiing
If you’re considering a heli-skiing trip or are already fortunate enough to have one on the schedule, check out this 101 piece from Blister Reviewer & Lead Heli Guide, Paul Forward. ALSO: we’ve got 1 remaining spot open for a trip this April with Paul, Jonathan Ellsworth, and a bunch of other great Blister Members — first person to commit gets it!
2022-2023 4FRNT MSP 91
This season 4FRNT added a new, narrower model to their all-mountain MSP lineup — check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons of the MSP 91 to see how it compares to the wider MSP skis, and the rest of the narrower all-mountain category.
Deep Dive: 4FRNT MSP 91
We compare the MSP 91 to the 4FRNT MSP 99, Nordica Enforcer 88, Black Crows Serpo, Volkl M6 Mantra, Blizzard Brahma 88, Folsom Cash 93, K2 Mindbender 89Ti, Folsom Spar 88, Salomon Stance 90, Blizzard Rustler 9, J Skis Fastforward, DPS Pagoda 90 RP, Head Kore 93, Atomic Maverick 95 Ti, Armada Declivity 92 Ti, Fischer Ranger 90, & Line Blade Optic 92.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Phil Atwill on Greek MTB, Propain Positive, the 2023 Race Season & More (Ep.163)
Phil Atwill is incredible to watch on just about any sort of bike, and we sat down with him to talk about everything from the changes to the World Cup Downhill race format to doing shots with the Greek police while on a filming trip — and much, much more.
Stuff We Like: March 2023
For the March edition of Stuff We Like, we have everything from midlayers and baselayers to ski goggles, travel fans, daypacks, espresso makers, and more. Check it out to see all the items our reviewers have been digging this spring.
Flash Review — Cotic RocketMAX Gen 4
We’ve started spending time on the Cotic RocketMAX Gen 4 — check out our early impressions, including initial comparisons to the Starling Murmur.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Flash Review: 22/23 Peak 104
We’ve had several reviewers spending time on Peak’s wider all-mountain ski, the Peak 104. 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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2023-2024 Nordica Unleashed 108 W
For the 23/24 season, Nordica is adding some new versions of their Unleashed skis, including shorter options for the Unleashed 108. So how does it compare to the narrower Unleashed 98 W and the more directional Santa Ana skis? Read our full review and Deep Dive Comparisons to find out more.
Deep Dive: Nordica Unleashed 108 W
We compare the Nordica Unleashed 108 W to the Nordica Unleashed 98 W, Blizzard Sheeva 10, Blizzard Sheeva 11, Nordica Santa Ana 104 Free, Coalition Snow Rafiki, Salomon QST Stella 106, Armada ARW 106 UL, Faction Dancer 3X, Fischer Ranger 102, K2 Mindbender 106C, & Majesty Vadera Ti.
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: The North Face Trail Running Shoe Lineup, 2023
With the addition of several new and updated models, The North Face’s 2023 trail lineup continues to build on “VECTIV,” the patented technology system driving their footwear design process. Check out our Brand Guide to learn more about VECTIV 2.0, how it’s expressed in The North Face’s shoes, and which one might make the most sense for how and where you run.
Corrine Malcolm on Running Media, Barkley Marathons Coverage, & Trail Trend Forecasting (Ep.165)
adidas TERREX Athlete Corrine Malcolm returns to our Off The Couch podcast for a grab bag conversation on topics like the pros and cons of the way mainstream media outlets cover trail running; the Barkley Marathons; fitness trends; and much more.
Starling Murmur Enduro
The Starling Murmur, with its steel construction and single-pivot suspension, doesn’t ride like most bikes, but those differences just might be what certain riders are looking for. Check out our full review to hear what sets the Murmur apart and how it compares to nine other bikes in its class.
Flash Review: 23/24 Fischer RC4 Pro MV BOA ZipFit
For the 23/24 season, Fischer is launching two new “Pro” versions of their redesigned RC4 alpine boots, both of which feature just about all the bells and whistles you could ask for. 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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SRAM Eagle AXS Long-Term Durability
SRAM’s new Eagle Transmission is a big change to their mountain bike lineup, but what does the demise of the derailleur hanger mean for long-term durability, and is electronic shifting just an unnecessary gizmo or a genuine benefit? Blister Editor Simon Stewart reflects on four-plus years with the original Eagle AXS drivetrain.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
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
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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.
Flash Review — Contra MC
We’ve got a Contra MC in for long term review, and we’ve been spending a lot of time on it. Check out our impressions so far.
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 Speaker Series: Angel Collinson (Ep.278)
Last Thursday, Angel Collinson came to Western Colorado University for our Blister Speaker Series. We talk about her ski career, purpose, passion, and when it might be time to alter the path you’re on.