BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Richie Schley on Inventing Freeride MTB, Bike Evolution, Fixing Rampage, & More (Ep.169)
Richie Schley had a big hand in the formation of freeride mountain biking as we know it, and he’s still got his finger on the pulse of the sport. So we sat down with Richie to hear his (often hilarious) stories from the early days, chat about where he wants to see freeride go and grow from here, and a whole lot more — including getting the rundown on his recent bachelor party.
Brooks Catamount 2
After some wide-ranging testing, the Brooks Catamount 2 has all of the makings of a dynamic mid-distance trail shoe that draws comparisons to models we’ve been quite fond of in the past. Check out our full review to learn more.
Guitars & Guitar Making with Fretboard Journal’s Jason Verlinde (Ep.24)
Today we’re discussing all things guitars and guitar making with the publisher of the Fretboard Journal, Jason Verlinde, including where guitars are being made; boutique vs. mass market brands; who is pushing innovation; guitar quivers; the greatest guitarists ever; & more.
Hillary Allen: Share More, Compare Less
In our latest Open Mic, ultra runner and gravel cyclist Hillary Allen discusses the danger of comparisons and finding connection in our struggles.
BOA & the Death of Buckles? 23/24 Ski Boot Design | Blister Summit 2023 Video
Ski Boot Design: how did we get here, and where are we headed? We brought together ski boot designers, Tom Pietrowski (K2), Christoph Lentz (Fischer), Riccardo Bonaiti (Dalbello), and Ross Herr (Dynafit) for this conversation — and pro skier / designer / obsessive tinkerer, Hoji, joins in, too.
2023 Trek Fuel EX
The Trek Fuel EX has grown in just about every respect from its fifth to sixth generations — suspension travel, wheelbase, degree of adjustability, and so on — and the end result is an extremely well-rounded Trail bike that we think could work for a ton of different riders.
2023-2024 Ferreol Explo 96
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the Ferreol Explo 96.
Sarah Keyes on Living & Training in the Adirondacks, US Long Distance Team Dreams, & Pastry (Mis)adventures (Ep.171)
In her first season running for The North Face, Sarah Keyes just secured a spot on the US Long Distance team ahead of next month’s World Mountain Running Championships. So, Matt Mitchell sat down with her to chat about how the opportunity came about; calling the Adirondacks home; East Coast vs. West Coast trail running scenes; pastries; and much more.
2023-2024 Jones Storm Wolf
From fall-line chargers to tight-tree slashers, modern surf-inspired boards span a wide range these days. So where does the Storm Wolf, one of the latest collabs between surfboard shaper Chris Christenson and Jeremy Jones, slot into the mix? Check out our full review to find out.
Brand Building, Trend Chasing, & Our Advice to Ski, Bike, & Running Shoe Companies (Ep.259)
Blister founder, Jonathan Ellsworth, talks with Blister bike editor, David Golay, and running editor, Matt Mitchell, about all of these topics and how companies can reduce customer confusion and strengthen their brand identity.
23/24 Majesty Skis | Blister Summit 2023 Video
At Blister Summit 2023, we sat down with Majesty Skis founder, Janusz Borowiec, to discuss the origins, evolution, and future of the Polish brand; new models in their 2023-2024 collection; their “4Radius sidecut x 4Radius rocker” design; making skis in Poland; launching Majesty Skis America, and more.
2023-2024 Scarpa 4-Quattro XT W
Here are our measured specs, photos, and a quick rundown of Scarpa’s 50/50 boot, the women’s version of the 4-Quattro XT.
Flash Review: 23/24 Salomon Stance 96
Salomon updated all their metal-laminate Stance skis for 23/24 — check out our initial thoughts on the ski in the middle of the range, the Stance 96.
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Flash Review — Revel Ranger
We’ve been spending time on Revel’s newest bike, the Ranger, which is so far proving to be a nice mix of XC efficiency and Trail bike capability. Check out our initial impressions.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Win a BCA Spring Touring Prize Package
The winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get a late-season spring touring prize package from BCA!
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Flash Review: 23/24 Blizzard Rustler 9
Blizzard updated all their Rustler & Sheeva skis this season, including the Rustler 9, which features a new width and new construction. 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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2023-2024 J Skis Joyride
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the J Skis The Joyride.
‘Here, Hold My Kid’ with Elyse Saugstad & Jonathan Ellsworth (Ep.5)
We talk with Elyse Saugstad, one of the stars of Here, Hold My Kid, about the hilarious new film she made with fellow professional skier, Jackie Paaso, and their husbands, Cody Townsend and Reine Barkered, who also happen to be professional skiers, which of course doesn’t matter, because this film is not about them…
Blister Holiday Gift Guide 2023 — Kids & Parents Edition
Rounding out our Holiday Gift Guide series this year is a collection of gift ideas that we think would be great for outdoor-oriented kids and parents — or those who are looking for new ways to spend more time outside with their little ones.
Canfield One.2 Super Enduro
The Canfield One.2 Super Enduro isn’t like most modern Enduro bikes — starting with the fact that it’s built around a DH/Freeride frame — and the on-trail performance stands out in some surprising ways. Check out our full review to find out how.
Blister’s Holiday Gift Guide 2023 – In The Garage
Next up in our annual holiday gift guide series are the bigger-ticket — or just plain bigger — gifts that you might need to hide in the garage.
Flash Review: 23/24 Volkl Secret 102
Update 12.11.23: We’ve been spending more time on Volkl’s updated Secret 102, and the initial results have been promising — check out our updated thoughts.
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: Courtney Dauwalter (Ep.290)
We sat down with Courtney Dauwalter to get her thoughts on the limits we tend to place on ourselves; her approach to training and competition; how she goes about setting goals; and more.
2023-2024 Blizzard Rustler 9
Here are our measured specs, flex pattern numbers, and rocker profile pictures for the Blizzard Rustler 9.
Win a Touring Prize Package from BCA
The winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get an awesome prize package from Backcountry Access (BCA), including their Float E2-25 airbag pack, Tracker S rescue package, and new BC Link Mini radio!
Folsom’s Spar 78, New ‘Rotor’ Pow Ski, & Jonathan’s Custom Touring Ski Project (Ep.275)
Jonathan and Folsom Custom Ski’s Mike McCabe discuss the skinniest ski in the Folsom lineup, the Spar 78; Folsom’s new huge pow ski, the Rotor; and then they dive into a new custom touring-ski project for JE.
Flash Review: 23/24 Lange Shadow 115 LV W
We’ve been testing Lange’s stiffest women-specific boot in their all-new Shadow series, the Shadow 115 LV W. Check out 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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(If you’re already logged in and a member in good standing and seeing this message in error, please refresh this page in your browser.)