BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
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.
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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.
Mountain Gazette’s Mike Rogge on Winter in Tahoe; Urban Thru Hikes; Mutton Busting; & More (Ep.253)
Mountain Gazette editor / owner, Mike Rogge, is back to discuss this historic winter in Tahoe; urban through hikes; mutton busting; and more.
Flash Review: 23/24 Head Oblivion 116
We’ve been spending time on Head’s new Oblivion 116, and it is proving to bring something a little different to the table than most powder skis. Check out our initial thoughts.
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Win an Ortovox Ski Touring Pack
This week the two winners of our Gear Giveaway will get the Haute Route 32 or the Haute Route 30S ski touring pack from Ortovox!
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
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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
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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).
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Archibald Cycles on Canadian Manufacturing & the Wild AC1 (Ep.189)
The Archibald Cycles AC1 — a Canadian-made, steel-frame, high-pivot bike with a gearbox — doesn’t look like much else out there, and the story of its conception and journey toward production is an interesting one.
Round House Sports Center
Round House Sports has been a staple on Main Street in Bozeman, MT for over 50 years best known for its excellent customer service & year-round gear selection.
SRAM Eagle Powertrain
SRAM is officially in the eMTB drive-system business, and it’s about time. Check out our First Look for all the details on how the SRAM Eagle Powertrain compares to the alternatives from Bosch, Shimano, Specialized, and more.
Harvest
In her latest Open Mic piece, Angel Collinson asks each of us about ‘that place,’ and what we are harvesting?
Angel Collinson on Leaving Pro Skiing, Passion, Purpose, & More | Blister Speaker Series Video
Angel Collinson came to Western Colorado University for another edition of our Blister Speaker Series. We talk about her ski career, purpose, passion, and how to think about when it might be time to alter the path you’re on. Check out this video of the conversation.
Canyon Torque:ON CF
The Torque:ON is Canyon’s burliest eMTB, with lots of suspension travel and a massive battery to match. After several months aboard this 54+ pound giant, it has proven to be an interesting take on the ever-diversifying long-travel eMTB category.
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
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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
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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