BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
2022-2023 Faction Dancer 2X
The Faction Dancer 2X isn’t your traditional dual-metal-laminate all-mountain ski, and for certain folks, that’s going to make it very appealing. Check out the Full Review for more info.
Reflections, Photos, & Trip Report from Skiing Antarctica
In our latest installment of our Open Mic series, Blister reviewer, Kara Williard, reflects on her recent ski trip to Antarctica, including travel logistics, a bit of history, and lessons learned.
Midlayer Roundup 2022
If you’re in the market for a new midlayer, be sure to check out this roundup — our reviewers compare and contrast 19 different men’s & women’s insulators, ranging from ultra-breathable fleeces to a variety of puffies and softshells. We’ve just updated it with 7 new additions from Patagonia, Outdoor Research, Strafe, Le Bent, & Artilect.
Dr. Anh Bui on Running Resiliently, Strength Training 101, & the Fine Points of Form (Ep.151)
It’s common knowledge that adopting a strength training routine is a great way to reduce our risk of developing a running injury, but knowing exactly where to start can be difficult if you don’t have a ton of experience in the gym. So, we spoke to Dr. Anh Bui, a physical therapist, certified strength coach, and USATF-certified running coach, about some guiding principles for those looking to get started.
A First Ascent in Nepal: Garrett Madison & Ted Hesser (Ep.240)
Last month, Garrett Madison, Ted Hesser, and their team summited an unnamed, unclimbed peak in Nepal above the village of Khembalung. So I talked with them about the details and style of the climb; naming the peak; and more.
2022-2023 Line Blade Optic 92
The Line Blade Optic 92 is the lightest, narrowest, and least expensive ski in the Blade Optic collection, but just because it doesn’t share all the same fancy tech as the other skis in this collection, don’t think that means the 92 is some dumbed-down budget ski. Check outour Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons for the whole story.
Deep Dive: Line Blade Optic 92
We compare the Blade Optic 92 to 20 other skis in its class, including the Line Blade Optic 96, Line Sick Day 94, Salomon QST 98, Atomic Bent 100, Nordica Unleashed 98, Black Crows Serpo, Blizzard Rustler 9, Volkl M6 Mantra, Atomic Maverick 95 Ti, Line Blade, Shaggy’s Ahmeek 95, Armada Declivity 92 Ti, Dynastar M-Free 99, Black Crows Camox, Fischer Ranger 96, Fischer Ranger 94 FR, Season Aero, 4FRNT Switch, J Skis Fastforward, and J Skis Masterblaster.
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Flash Review: 22/23 Head Supershape e-Rally
Here are some of our thoughts from our time so far on the 78mm-wide, piste-oriented Supershape e-Rally.
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 Holiday Gift Guide 2022 — Kids & Parents Edition
Need some last-minute gift ideas for outdoorsy parents and kids? Check out our recommendations.
Blister Labs: Travis Hainsworth on Soft Robotics, MoCap, & Wheelsets (Ep.227)
When Travis Hainsworth isn’t out on his highly questionable one-ski quiver, he’s busy being the associate director of the Western-CU Boulder Computer Science Program here in Gunnison, CO, and an integral member of our Blister Labs team.
Win Faction Skis
The winner of our gear giveaway this week can have their choice between the Dancer 3 or Dancer 3X from Faction!
1-Ski Quivers: Reviewers’ Selections (22/23)
You can now check out Part Three of our reviewers’ picks for their personal 1-ski quivers, with additions from Jonathan Ellsworth and Kristin Sinnott.
Flash Review: 22/23 Majesty Dirty Bear XL
Update 12.16.22: We’ve been spending more time on Majesty’s new all-mountain freestyle ski, and it’s proven to be a very intriguing addition to the category.
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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Reynolds Blacklabel 329 Trail Pro Wheels
The Reynolds Blacklabel 329 Trail Pro wheels are very light and notably wide for an all-around Trail bike option, and we think that makes them an especially compelling option for the right riders. Check out our full review to see how they stack up and who they’ll work best for.
Blister’s Holiday Gift Guide 2022 — In The Garage
Next up in our 2022 Gift Guide series are those bigger items that you might need to hide in the garage — you can now check out Part Two of our reviewers’ recommendations, with additions from Jonathan Ellsworth and Kristin Sinnott.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v3
The New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v3 is a lot of shoe by just about any standard. As one of the most cushioned ultra-distance options currently on the market, it has so far escaped several of the common pitfalls that plague many models in the hyper-maximalist trail shoe category. Check out our full review to learn more.
Snowbound
Snowbound is a family-owned shop on Sydney’s North Shore in Australia. This store offers a top-notch assortment of ski equipment and services.
Flash Review — GT Sensor ST
We got pretty excited about the new GT Sensor ST when it launched, and now we’ve started spending time on it. Check out our initial on-trail 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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23/24 Atomic Skis & Boots | Blister Summit 2023 Video
We discuss Atomic’s updated “Bent” ski collection; Chris Benchetler’s new role as Creative Director at Atomic; how they’ve evaluated & decreased the environmental impact of their skis; implementing the BOA Fit System into their ski boots; the brand-new Backland XTD boots, and more.
Resisting the Algorithm
In our latest Open Mic piece, Brendan Leonard writes about modern life, real discoveries, and the essence of adventure.
2023 Giant Glory Advanced
The Giant Glory is back. The prior-generation version had grown long in the tooth and mostly faded out of the market, but now there’s a new one with a full carbon fiber frame, mixed wheels, tons of adjustability, and more. Check out our First Look for the rundown.
Leah Yingling on Lululemon’s FURTHER Initiative, Their New Women-Specific Road-to-Trail Shoe, & Her Western States 100 Expectations (Ep.175)
Leah Yingling returns to the show to discuss her new partnership with Lululemon and the brand’s FURTHER initiative, a first-of-its-kind ultramarathon for women intended to help close the sex and gender data gap in sports medicine that historically underrepresents female athletes.
2022-2023 Shaggy’s Mohawk 98
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the Shaggy’s Mohawk 98.
23/24 Dalbello Cabrio & Cabrio Free Boots | Blister Summit 2023 Video
We sat down with Dalbello’s Riccardo Bonaiti to discuss their 2023-2024 ski boot lineup. We cover the brand-new Cabrio LV line of boots; how they compare to the Krypton & Chakra series they replace; the Cabrio LV Free boots that replace the Lupo series, and more.
Brendan Leonard (@semi_rad) on Fatherhood; Creative Work; & the Nuts-&-Bolts of Making Just about Anything (Ep.263)
Brendan Leonard (@semi_rad) is back to talk about fatherhood; creative work and the nuts-and-bolts of creating; and his new book, MAKE IT, which is an easily digestible guide to making just about anything, actually.
Flash Review — Commencal T.E.M.P.O.
The Commencal T.E.M.P.O. is both their shortest travel full-suspension bike, and a big departure from their design norms in other ways — and we’ve started spending time on it. Check out our early on-trail 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.
If you’re already an active member, please log in.
(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.)
Ferreol Skis: Reenvisioning Ski Construction (Ep.248)
We talk with Ferreol co-founder, Jonathan Audet, about how they created their own “Innovation Lab” to test new skis and materials; the development of their own alternative to titanal alloy; fully replacing fiberglass with natural flax fibers; their 23/24 ski lineup, and more.