BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
2022-2023 Lib Tech Orca Split
The Lib Tech Orca Split is a versatile, volume-shifted splitboard that has proven its capability across steep Alaskan lines, spring hardpack, and just about everything in between. Check out the full review for more info, including how it compares to other boards from Jones, Venture, & Rossignol.
Flash Review: 22/23 Meier Leeper
As Owen Leeper’s pro model, we were curious to see where the Meier Leeper would fall into the ~115mm-wide category. Here are our initial impressions.
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Flash Review: 22/23 Rossignol Sender 106 Ti Plus
We’ve been spending time on the redesigned Sender 106 Ti Plus — check out Jonathan Ellsworth’s initial impressions.
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Blister Labs: AI, Machine Learning, & Ski Reviewing (Ep.233)
Dr. Sean Humbert is back to provide an update on our ski testing at Blister Labs; discuss the potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning for product reviewing and ski recommendation engines; and more.
Win Any Moment Ski
The winner of our gear giveaway this week can choose any ski they want from Moment’s diverse lineup of USA-made skis!
Flash Review — Pivot Shuttle LT
We’ve started spending time on Pivots big Enduro e-bike, the Shuttle LT, and our early impressions are very positive — but it’s also raised some interesting questions.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Roundup: 23/24 BOA Ski Boots from Atomic, Fischer, K2, & Salomon
BOA dials are taking the ski boot world by storm for 2023-2024 — here’s an overview of what to expect from four different brands.
Flash Review: 23/24 Lange Shadow 130 LV
Update 1.26.23: We’ve added some more of our initial impressions of the new Shadow 130, including what we learned when A/B testing it against the Tecnica Mach1 130 on two different pairs of skis.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Stuff We Like: January 2023
To kick off Stuff We Like for 2023, we have an assortment of items, including ski accessories such as gloves, vests, and helmets; bike shoes and winter boots, kids’ shoes, backpacks, cooking pans, and more.
Hoka Speedgoat 5
Hoka’s continued refinement of the Speedgoat, a model that’s developed into an indispensable fixture within the brand’s trail line, reflects a delicate balance between bold updates and carryover from the past. Benefiting from an overhauled upper and tuned midsole and outsole, the Speedgoat 5’s performance has dazzled us so far. Check out our full review to learn more.
Geoff Kabush on Longevity, Having Fun, & Career Evolution (Ep.154)
Geoff Kabush has had about as long and varied a career as a professional racer can have, so we sat down with him to chat about the ups and downs over the years, his favorite events and stories, what keeps him going, & a whole lot more.
Amateur Hour: BLISTER founder, Jonathan Ellsworth, on Watches (Ep.18)
Today on CRAFTED, Blister Podcast Producer Extraordinaire, the Strikingly Handsome Justin Bobb, is talking about watches with Jonathan Ellsworth for our latest edition of Amateur Hour.
Flash Review: 22/23 Rossignol Sender 104 Ti
Here are our initial thoughts on the Rossignol Sender 104 Ti, including how it compares to the previous Blackops Sender and the new Sender 106 Ti+.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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2022-2023 Nordica Unleashed 108
The widest ski in Nordica’s new Unleashed series offers something a bit different from its competitors in the more playful all-mountain category. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons to learn more.
Deep Dive: Nordica Unleashed 108
We compare the Nordica Unleashed 108 to the Nordica Enforcer 110 Free, Enforcer 104 Free, Dynastar M-Free 108, Black Crows Atris, Elan Ripstick 106, Salomon QST 106, 4FRNT MSP 107, J Skis Hotshot, Folsom Cash 106, Black Crows Corvus, DPS Pagoda 106 C2, Icelantic Nomad 105, DPS Koala 103, RMU Apostle 106, Moment Deathwish 104, Rossignol Sender 104 Ti, Blizzard Rustler 10, K2 Mindbender 108Ti, Faction Dancer 3, 4FRNT Devastator, Line Blade Optic 104, Shaggy’s Ahmeek 105, Sego Big Horn 106, & Whitedot Altum 104.
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:
Win a Head-to-Toe MTB Kit from Giro
The winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get a full head-to-toe MTB kit from Giro!
Magnus Granér & Peyben on 1000 Skis & Moving the Culture Forward (Ep.255)
We talk with Magnus Granér & Peyben about launching and evolving 1000 Skis; how they developed their current ski lineup; analyzing the brand’s environmental impact and acting on those findings; the latest Bunch film; why they’re psyched on the current state and trajectory of freeskiing, and a whole lot more.
2024 Norco Fluid FS Carbon
Norco released their updated all-rounder Trail bike, the Fluid FS Aluminum, last season, which was an immediate success due to its combination of performance and value for riders of all kinds. They’ve now introduced a carbon version with a few new build kits, too — check out all the details.
Race Face Era Cranks
Race Face calls the Era the “strongest, stiffest, and most durable” carbon crank they’ve ever made, and we’ve spent nearly a full year on a pair to find out how those claims hold up on the trail.
Lal Bikes on Making the Supre Drive a Reality (Ep.179)
The Lal Bikes Supre Drive is an extremely interesting take on reinventing the mountain bike drivetrain, and we sat down with Cedric and Alex from Lal to get the whole story of taking it from a prototype to production, getting bike companies (and the public) on board with a very novel concept, and a whole lot more.
Skiboot RX
Skiboot RX in Billings, MT is best known for its high-quality bootfitting, selection of alpine and backcountry gear, and a wide array of accessories, in addition to ski and board services.
Flash Review: 23/24 ZAG Harfang 106
The Harfang 106 is ZAG’s widest directional freeride model — check out our initial thoughts on how it’s been comparing to the competition.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Endura MT500 MIPS Helmet
We have been spending the last several months in Endura’s updated MT500 MIPS helmet and have been impressed by its comfort and versatility. Check out our full review to learn more about this high-end Trail helmet.
Deep Dives w/ Angel, July 2023 (Ep.269)
Angel Collinson is back to talk about her recent reunion with Sage Cattabriga-Alosa & Ian McIntosh, then she & Jonathan dive deep into some crucial relationship dynamics; vampire erotica; your ‘Ask Angel’ questions; our Open Mic Series; & more.
Flash Review — Vitus Escarpe
The Vitus Escarpe is a great value and looks well sorted on paper, but does it all come together on the trail? We’ve started spending time on one to find out — 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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SCARPA CEO, Kim Miller, on Their ‘Green Manifesto’ & B Corp Status (Ep.254)
Kim Miller, Scarpa North America’s CEO, is back on GEAR:30 to discuss Scarpa’s Green Manifesto and their pathway to B Corp certification, plus we talk about the life cycle of certain products; some of Scarpa’s gear that exemplifies this commitment to sustainability; what some of the challenges and takeaways have been; and much more.
Win MTB Shoes from Ride Concepts
The TWO winners of our Gear Giveaway this week will get the new men’s or women’s Accomplice or Accomplice Clip shoes from Ride Concepts!