BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
2022-2023 Folsom Cash 93
Folsom added a new shape to their lineup this season, with the new Cash 93 bringing their wider Cash skis’ off-piste maneuverability to a narrower package. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons to see how it fits into the narrower all-mountain category.
Flash Review: 23/24 RMU North Shore 114
We’ve been spending time on RMU’s newest powder ski, the North Shore 114. Check out our initial on-snow impressions, including how it compares to RMU’s Apostle 106, North Shore 110, and Professor 121.
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Deep Dive: Folsom Cash 93
We compare the Cash 93 to the Folsom Spar 88, K2 Mindbender 89Ti, Volkl M6 Mantra, Blizzard Rustler 9, J Skis Fastforward, K2 Mindbender 99Ti, Fischer Ranger 90, Line Blade Optic 92, DPS Pagoda 90 RP, Black Crows Serpo, Armada Declivity 92 Ti, Atomic Maverick 95 Ti, Head Kore 93, Blizzard Brahma 88, & Nordica Enforcer 88.
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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SRAM’s New Eagle Transmission and Stealth Brakes (Ep.162)
SRAM’s new Eagle Transmission is some of the biggest new tech to hit the bike world recently, and we sat down with SRAM’s Chris Mandell to get the rundown on the new T-Type parts, including why SRAM went to a direct mount derailleur and a whole lot more.
2023-2024 Blizzard Sheeva 9
The newly redesigned 23/24 Blizzard Sheeva 9 took the biggest departure from its predecessor, relative to its wider siblings, but how does it slot into the ~95mm-wide all-mountain category? Read our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons to find out more.
Deep Dive: Blizzard Sheeva 9
We compare the 23/24 Blizzard Sheeva 9 to the Fischer Ranger 90, Blizzard Sheeva 10, Nordica Santa Ana 93, Atomic Maven 93 C, Faction Dancer 2X, Volkl Secret 96, Salomon Stance 94 W, Blizzard Black Pearl 97, K2 Mindbender 99Ti W, & 4FRNT MSP CC.
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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Trail Running 101: How to Run While Traveling
While one of running’s virtues is how well it travels, requiring little in the way of gear and possible in just about every type of setting, knowing exactly what to bring and how to safely explore a new place on foot can be daunting. So, in part eleven of our Trail Running 101 series, we put together some best practices for running while on the road (or trail).
Flash Review: 23/24 Line Bacon 108
The new Line Bacon 108 is proving to be quite different than the Line Sir Francis Bacon it replaces. Check out our thoughts so far.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Max Romey on “No Lost Shoes,” Nnormal, and Striving for Sustainability in the Footwear Industry (Ep.164)
We talked to artist, filmmaker, trail runner, and proud Alaskan, Max Romey, about some of the environmental challenges facing the footwear industry outlined in his latest film for Nnormal, “No Lost Shoes.” Along the way, we also explore the imperfections of painting in water color; Nnormal’s forward-thinking sustainability model; grassroots climate activism; and more.
How to Not Burn Out: 5 Lessons from a Stoked Kook
In her latest Open Mic piece, Angel Collinson shares what she’s learned about how not to destroy – but rather deepen – our passion for the things we love.
Flash Review — SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission & Code Ultimate Stealth Brakes
We’ve been testing the new SRAM Eagle Transmission and Stealth Brakes for a while now — check out our early 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 Transmission
There have been spy photos of what appeared to be a new direct-mount derailleur, plus updated Eagle cranks, cassettes, and controllers from SRAM floating around the internet for a while now — and today it all breaks cover, along with some new brakes and much more. Check out our First Look for all the info on the new Eagle Transmission.
2023-2024 Black Crows Nocta
Black Crows recently announced a major update to their widest ski, the Nocta, and reviewer Paul Forward has been spending a lot of time on it, both while heli-ski guiding and lapping the resort. Check out our Full Review to see how the latest Nocta performs in everything from deep pow to breakable crust.
Pit Viper Co-Founders on String Theory; their Origin Story; Hotdogs; New Products; & More (Ep.252)
Chuck Mumford and Chris Garcin started Pit Viper to inject more fun into skiing. But behind all the party vibes, they’ve also been sneaking in a good bit of functionality and performance into their products, too. Here’s their story. (Mostly, Chuck needed a place to shower.)
2023 Marin Alpine Trail E
The Marin Alpine Trail E gets a refresh today, and while its geometry hasn’t changed much, it’s still pretty out there for a ~150 mm travel bike — and the value for money in terms of the build specs is especially impressive.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
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.
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.
Ride Concepts Hellion Clip Shoe
The Hellion Clip is the lightest “all-mountain” clipless shoe that Ride Concepts makes, and we’ve spent all summer riding in it to figure out where it excels, where it falls short, and how it compares to the rest of the market.
Win a Bike Stand from Altangle
The winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get a Hangar Connect bike stand as well as a pair of A2 tire levers from Altangle!
GEAR THERAPY: A Mother Gets Back into Skiing — Where to Start?? (Ep.263)
When it comes to gear, we’ve all been there: loads of questions, crippling confusion, severe analysis paralysis. Sometimes you don’t even know where to start. You need some help! So in our 3rd session of GEAR THERAPY, Blister Member, Arika Poulin Weller, joins Blister reviewers Kara Williard and Kristin Sinnott to get some advice on 1-ski quivers, alpine ski boots, broad ski-gear jargon and what it all means, and more.
Liv Rail MIPS Helmet
Liv’s recently overhauled Rail MIPS helmet is the brand’s highest-end model for off-road use, and it’s been a welcome companion during all of our hot rides this summer.
GEAR THERAPY! — Session #1 (Ep.187)
Bikes are expensive, there are more good ones than ever before, and understanding the tradeoffs between options and how to find the right one to suit your needs can be tricky. We’re here to help. Welcome to Gear Therapy.
Flash Review — 2024 Yeti SB140
We’ve started spending time on Yeti’s long-awaited successor to the SB130 — so is the new SB140 a refreshed take on that longstanding and ultra-popular all-rounder, or is it something else entirely? Check out our early 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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