BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
2022-2023 Volkl Mantra 102
We’ve now had a handful of reviewers on the updated Volkl Mantra 102. Check out our full review of this updated all-mountain ski and how it compares to the first iteration.
Deep Dive: Volkl Mantra 102
We compare the updated Mantra 102 to the original Volkl Mantra 102, Volkl M6 Mantra, Volkl Katana 108, Blizzard Cochise 106, Salomon Stance 102, Folsom Blister Pro 104, Blizzard Bonafide 97, Nordica Enforcer 100, J Skis Masterblaster, K2 Mindbender 99Ti, Wagner Summit 97, Fischer Ranger 102, Salomon Stance 96, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Line Blade Optic 96, Moment Commander 98, Renoun Endurance 98, Faction Dancer 2, Atomic Maverick 100 Ti, Dynastar M-Pro 99, Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, Salomon QST 98, 4FRNT MSP 99, Head Kore 99, & Rossignol Sender 106 Ti+.
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Flash Review: 22/23 Folsom Cash 106
We’ve been spending time on two versions of Folsom’s Cash 106 shape — check out our initial on-snow impressions.
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Flash Review — Starling Murmur V3
In a world of carbon fiber multi-link bikes, the steel single-pivot Starling Murmur might seem like a bit of a throwback. But after our first few rides on the Murmur, it’s shaping up to be a lot of fun — and a compelling option for the right folks.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Gamux on Doing Everything Differently (Ep.152)
The Gamux Sego is about as visually striking as bikes get, and the story of its development and the brand that spawned it is every bit as interesting. And so we sat down with founder Pascal Tinner to get the whole story.
2022-2023 Salomon QST Stella 106
This season the women’s QST Stella 106 got the same update seen previously on the unisex version, and the results have been similarly impressive. Check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons to see where it slots into the women’s all-mountain category.
Deep Dive: Salomon QST Stella 106
We compare the QST Stella 106 to the Armada ARW 106 UL, Blizzard Sheeva 10, Blizzard Sheeva 11, Faction Dancer 3X, Fischer Ranger 102, K2 Mindbender 106C, Line Blade Optic 104, Majesty Vadera Ti, Nordica Santa Ana 104 Free, ZAG Slap 104, Head Kore 103 W, & Volkl Secret 102.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Nnormal Tomir
Even though Nnormal is just a few models old, any product with mountain runner Kilian Jornet’s fingerprints on it deserves to be met with high expectations. After spending some time in the Tomir, the brand’s handsomely cushioned, wider-fitting, do-it-all trail trainer, we think the shoe is well on its way to exceeding them. Check out our full review to learn more.
Dani Moreno on Stepping Up In Distance, Spearfishing, & Planning for Podiums (Ep.154)
As a newly minted thirty-year-old, Dani Moreno has already been racing trails professionally for the better part of a decade. Over the last couple of years, she’s solidified her status as one of the world’s best sub-ultra distance trail runners. We sat down with her just after the New Year to recap some memorable performances from 2022; dive into topics such as spearfishing, pain tolerance, and what to look for in a college track & field program; and much more.
The ‘R’ Word (Our Least Favorite Four-Letter Word)
“There is one four-letter word that I hear thrown around a lot, but most of us resist it big-time.” Read on, and let the revolution begin.
Continental Kryptotal Tires
Continental gave their entire gravity tire lineup a major overhaul last year, and having now spent most of the season on their all-rounder Kryptotal pair, we think they’re extremely good tires for a lot of conditions, but are just a couple of tweaks away from being perfect. Check out our full review to find out where they work best and what sets them apart, including comparisons to the Maxxis Assegai, Minion DHF and DHR II, Schwalbe Magic Mary, and more.
Flash Review: 22/23 Volkl Mantra 102
Update 1.9.23: We’ve been spending more time on the redesigned Mantra 102 and the results so far have been very promising — check out Luke Koppa & Jonathan Ellsworth’s initial impressions.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Bill McKibben: Skier, Environmentalist, Activist, Author (Ep.243)
When trying to gain clarity on issues of climate change (where we are, where we’ve been, and where we should go from here) it is a good idea to talk to Bill McKibben.
Blizzard Launches New 23/24 Rustler & Sheeva Skis
Today Blizzard announced the latest generation of their freeride Rustler and Sheeva skis — check out our writeup for all the details.
Flash Review: 22/23 New Outerwear Update: 686, Beringia, & Trew
We’ve been testing a few very interesting new ski / snowboard kits from 686, Beringia, and Trew — check out Luke Koppa’s initial impressions and apparel nerdery.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Flash Review: 23/24 Hyperlite Headwall 55
We’ve had several reviewers testing Cody Townsend’s signature backpack — here are some of our thoughts on the ultralight, Dyneema-covered Headwall 55.
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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Reserve 30|SL & 30|HD AL Wheels
Reserve deserves a good chunk of the credit for making lifetime warranties the industry standard for carbon wheels, and now Reserve is offering the same on their first aluminum ones. But how do the new 30|HD AL wheels ride, and just how crucial is that warranty? We’ve put a lot of miles and abuse into a pair — time to weigh in.
Reviewing the News w/ Cody Townsend (June 2023) (Ep.266)
Cody and Jonathan discuss beaming solar energy from space; cupcake crimes; cultural appreciation vs. appropriation; the FKT (fastest known time) culture; an important Public Lands Rule proposal; mountain town advice; and what they’ve been reading & watching.
Rethinking Apparel: WNDR Alpine & Beyond Surface Technologies (Ep.251)
Odds are that just about every piece of clothing you own has been applied with some sort of surface treatment, and those (typically petroleum-based) treatments contribute to a significant portion of the apparel industry’s already massive carbon footprint. With their recent collaboration, Beyond Surface Technologies and WNDR Alpine are changing that.
Win Jorts from Ripton & Co
The two winners of our Gear Giveaway this week will get the men’s or women’s Smoke Jort or Diesel Jort from Ripton & Co!
Commencal Meta V5
Commencal’s new Meta V5 gets a new suspension platform and drops the model split between the Meta TR and Meta AM from the V4 iteration. So how does the Meta V5 slot into the current market, and what sets it apart from the prior-generation? Check out our First Look for all the info.
Reviewer Reports: Commencal T.E.M.P.O., Tons of Suspension, & More (Ep.175)
We’re hard at work testing a ton of new gear and recently sat down to chat about a bunch of the highlights, including the Commencal T.E.M.P.O., Orbea Wild, a ton of suspension from Öhlins, EXT, and Manitou, and a bunch more.
Outdoor Vitals Skyline Trail Shorts
The Outdoor Vitals Skyline Trail Shorts stray from conventional running shorts design in ways that allow them to be activity agnostic, just as comfortable worn for a short shakeout run as they are on a multi-day fastpacking trip. Check out our full review to learn more.
Green Beans, Pendulum Swings, & First Crack w/ Royal Coffee CEO, Max Nicholas-Fulmer (Ep.29)
Last week, Jonathan headed to The Crown in Oakland, California, which is the Coffee Lab and Tasting Room of Royal Coffee. He was there to sample experimental coffee drinks, meet with Royal Coffee CEO, Max Nicholas-Fulmer — who’s favorite ski is the Moment Blister Pro — and to discuss the world of specialty “green” (not-yet-roasted) coffee.
Moving, The Machine, & ‘More’
In her latest Open Mic piece, Angel explores the experience of moving, the art of owning stuff, and tips for ‘la resistance.’
Öhlins TTX1 and TTX2 Air
We’ve had two different reviewers spending time on three different versions of Öhlins’ latest air-sprung rear shocks, the TTX1 Air and TTX2 Air, and are ready to weigh in on how they perform on trail, how they differ from each other, and who they’re going to work best for. Check out our full review for all the info.
Paddy O’Leary on Winning the 112th Dipsea; Trail Running Film Recs; & the Broken Arrow Skyrace (Ep.177)
The North Face athlete Paddy O’Leary recently won the 112th running of the storied Dipsea, the oldest trail race in the US. So, we sat down to talk to him about its eccentric history; comically brutal course; the various films that have been inspired by it; and a whole lot more.