BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
2022-2023 Meier Leeper
Owen Leeper is known for his high-speed straightlines and massive airs, but how does his pro model perform under the feet of mere mortals? Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons to find out.
Deep Dive: Meier Leeper
We compare the Meier Leeper to the Icelantic Nomad 115, Line Blade Optic 114, Moment Wildcat, DPS Foundation Koala 118, Black Crows Anima, Dynastar M-Free 118, Rossignol Blackops 118, J Skis The Friend, Volkl Revolt 121, Salomon QST Blank, 4FRNT Renegade, 4FRNT Inthayne, Atomic Bent Chetler 120, Line Vision 118, Season Forma, Line Outline, Line Reckoner 112, Prior Northwest 116, Nordica Enforcer 115 Free, Head Kore 117, and Elan Ripstick 116.
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JT Holmes on Joining Peak Skis; Jumping into New Industries; Speed Riding; Ski Media; & More (Ep.251)
From big-mountain skiing to ski-base jumping to stunt work, JT Holmes has consistently pushed boundaries and explored new opportunities. And now, JT is joining Peak Skis. So we talk to JT about all of the above, and more.
Rossignol Poursuite Jacket
Intended for both Nordic skiing and running, Rossignol’s Poursuite Jacket demonstrates the value of multipart apparel. Made from wind-stopping polyester treated with a DWR coating and 37.5 Technology, the versatile softshell impressed us with its breathability, comfort, and complementary water resistance. Check out our full review to learn more.
2023-2024 K2 Mindbender 108Ti
K2’s biggest and burliest metal-laminate ski, the Mindbender 108Ti, got updated this season, and we’ve had several reviewers on the latest iteration. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons to see how it stacks up.
Deep Dive: K2 Mindbender 108Ti
We compare the latest Mindbender 108Ti to the previous Mindbender 108Ti, K2 Mindbender 99Ti, Blizzard Cochise 106, Volkl Katana 108, Folsom Primary 104, Salomon QST 106, Black Crows Corvus, Elan Ripstick 106, 4FRNT MSP 107, J Skis Hotshot, Black Crows Atris, Line Blade Optic 104, Shaggy’s Ahmeek 105, Salomon Stance 102, Dynastar M-Free 108, Faction Dancer 3, Rossignol Sender 106 Ti+, Blizzard Rustler 10, Icelantic Nomad 105, Nordica Enforcer 110, & Nordica Unleashed 108.
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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Win Any Renoun Ski
The winner of this week’s gear giveaway will get to pick any unique, VibeStop-equipped Renoun ski they want!
ZipFit “Inner Boots”; the Growth of ZipFit; Reviewing Ski Boots; & More with Jeff Colt (Ep.237)
We talk with Jeff Colt, Brand Director for ZipFit, about “inner boots”; first-day vs. 3rd-day fit; reviewing ski boots; the new Zipfit x Fischer Ski Boots collab; and more.
Cy Turner on 20 Years of Cotic Bikes (Ep.160)
Cotic Bikes turns 20 this year, and we took the opportunity to sit down with founder Cy Turner to chat about the history of the brand & changes to the industry over those two decades; why they use steel for full-suspension frames and hardtails alike; Cy’s philosophy on bike design; tease an upcoming Blister review; & a whole lot more.
Ibis Ripmo V2S
Ibis gave the Ripmo a light update late last year, and while the changes to the new V2S version aren’t all that dramatic, it’s still a good, well-rounded bike that blurs the line between longer-travel Trail bikes and full-on Enduro ones, in a way that we can imagine working well for a lot of folks. Check out our full review for our take, including how the Ripmo V2S stacks up against a dozen of its competitors.
2023-2024 Armada ARV 116 JJ UL
The Armada ARV 116 JJ UL is a lightweight, freestyle-friendly pow ski that we’ve been skiing in everything from Japanese pow to resort chop. Check out the Full Review and Deep Dive Comparisons to see what makes it stand out.
Deep Dive: Armada ARV 116 JJ UL
We compare the ARV 116 JJ UL to the Armada ARW 106 UL, Armada ARG II UL, Atomic Bent Chetler 120, Line Outline, Line Vision 118, Moment Wildcat, Majesty Vadera Ti, Salomon QST 106, K2 Mindbender 115C, K2 Reckoner 112, Blizzard Sheeva 11, & Head Kore 117.
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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Galfer Shark Rotors
We really like Galfer’s standard Wave rotors, but how about the fancier Shark versions that they’re launched more recently? And in general, who should think about upgrading their existing rotors? Check out our review to learn more.
Anthony Costales on Smashing Course Records, Chasing States, & Sharpening His Competitive Edge (Ep.162)
Anthony Costales just dropped the longstanding course record at the Black Canyon 100k by a dizzying 19 minutes, securing a Golden Ticket to the Western States 100 in the process. We recently caught up with him to recap his race; dish about training; explore where he gets his competitive drive from; and more.
Nnormal Kjerag
Positioned as Nnormal’s max-performance model, the Kjerag (pronounced: sche-rak) is already an early front-runner for standout shoe of the year. It offers an implausible amount of energy return and cushioning for how light it is, often feeling like it disappears on foot in the best way possible. After nearly 200 miles of testing, the Kjerag has exceeded the lofty expectations we set for it after our initial impressions. Check out our full review to learn more.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
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
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 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
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Chromag Darco
Chromag has been doing things their own way for decades, and their first adult full-suspension bike, the Darco, isn’t like much else out there. And while it won’t be for everyone, it’s a bike that the right folks will absolutely love.
Sklar Bikes: A Custom Builder’s Shift to “Mass” Production (Ep.188)
Sklar Bikes has a stellar reputation as a custom builder, so when owner and founder Adam Sklar decided to shut down that part of the business and move to stock, production bikes, it came as a surprise. His take on the evolution of the company is an interesting one, and we sat down to hear all about it.
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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