Few (if any) riders have the power, balance, & creativity of Brad Simms. So you might assume it’s been a pretty quick and easy path to prominence for someone this unique. But it hasn’t been an easy road, and in this episode of our Bikes & Big Ideas podcast, Brad spells it all out; talks about how close he came to calling it quits; his new partnership with Canyon bikes; his interest in all types of riding; and more.

The Rise — and Rise — of Brad Simms (Ep.73)

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Few (if any) riders have the power, balance, & creativity of Brad Simms. So you might assume it’s been a pretty quick and easy path to prominence for someone this unique. But it hasn’t been an easy road, and in this conversation, Brad spells it all out; talks about how close he came to calling it quits; his new partnership with Canyon bikes; his interest in all types of riding; and more.
Kevin Geisen Reviews the New Balance Fresh Foam More Trail for Blister.

New Balance Fresh Foam More Trail v1

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New Balance made their name in the trail running world with their super minimal shoes, but their Fresh Foam More Trail is basically the opposite — a plush, maximal shoe designed for long distances. And after our first ~85 miles in it, we think it's an excellent execution of that design.
On Blister's GEAR30 Podcast series on Helmet Technology and R&D, we talk with the Head of Product at POC, Oscar Huss, about headforms — the things they stick into helmets to mimic your head before smashing up helmets in testing; the numerous variables that need to be considered when setting up a way to test “safety”; the different considerations that go into designing kids helmets; and more.

Current State of Helmet Tech, pt. 4: POC (Ep.152)

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We talk with the Head of Product at POC, Oscar Huss, about headforms — the things they stick into helmets to mimic your head before smashing up helmets in testing; the numerous variables that need to be considered when setting up a way to test “safety”; the different considerations that go into designing kids helmets; and more.
Luke Koppa reviews the Apostle 3.0 106 for Blister

2021-2022 RMU Apostle 3.0 106

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The revised Apostle 3.0 106 is an exceptionally maneuverable and playful ski, but also one that certain skiers could really love for skiing fast and dynamically all over the mountain. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons.
Luke Koppa reviews the DPS Pagoda 106 C2 for Blister

Flash Review: 21/22 DPS Pagoda 106 C2

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We got some days on the latest version of DPS's 106 C2 shape, this time with their new Pagoda construction. Check out our initial thoughts.

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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Many of us in the outdoor community either don’t have insurance, or have deductibles that we can barely afford to pay when the inevitable accident happens to us. But Spot is disrupting the insurance industry with a hard-to-believe alternative that is actually affordable. We’ve had multiple conversations this week with the co-founder and CEO of Spot, Matt Randall, to discuss exactly how Spot works; why the insurance industry is such a mess; and why we think you and pretty much everyone you know ought to be covered by Spot. We discuss all that and more on the Blister Podcast

Your Insurance Probably Sucks. Spot Can Change That. (Ep.172)

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If you’re reading this, then you need to listen to this episode. Because many of us in the outdoor community either don’t have insurance, or have deductibles that we can barely afford to pay when the inevitable accident happens. But Spot is disrupting the insurance industry with a hard-to-believe alternative that is actually affordable. We sat down with the co-founder and CEO of Spot, Matt Randall, to discuss exactly how Spot works; why the insurance industry is such a mess; and why we think you and pretty much everyone you know ought to be covered by Spot.
Luke Koppa & Jonathan Ellsworth review the Volkl M6 Mantra for Blister

2021-2022 Volkl M6 Mantra

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The Volkl Mantra has been a reference ski in the all-mountain category for over a decade, and Volkl updated it for 21/22. Check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons to see what's new, what isn't, and how this new ski compares to the current market.
Luke Koppa & Jonathan Ellsworth review the Volkl M6 Mantra for Blister

Deep Dive: Volkl M6 Mantra

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We compare the M6 Mantra to the M5 Mantra, Volkl Mantra 102, Blizzard Bonafide 97, Atomic Maverick 95 Ti, Nordica Enforcer 94, Armada Declivity 92 Ti, Salomon QST 98, Salomon Stance 96, Salomon QST 99, Moment Commander 98, 4FRNT MSP 99, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Fischer Ranger 94 FR, Dynastar M-Pro 99, K2 Mindbender 99Ti, J Skis Masterblaster, Blizzard Rustler 9, & DPS Pagoda Piste 94 C2.

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.)

Bikes vs. Skis, 3rd Edition (2021): Part 1 (Ep.71)

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Which bike & ski company would you buy stock in right now? Which company is currently holding the “Cool Kids Belt”? Who is currently overhyped, and who is flying under the radar? Who do other brands secretly wish they could trade places with? We answer all these questions and more, so check it out and tell us your answers to these questions in the comments section.
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