On our latest Blister Podcast, we talk to the CEO of Alpine-X about his vision of developing indoor snowsports destinations in North American metropolitan markets. Could this have a similar effect that indoor climbing gyms have had on the popularity of climbing? Could such indoor facilities help create a more inclusive and more diverse snowsports demographic? Could this lead to a world where some people only ski indoors?

Skiing Indoors? Alpine-X & the Future of Snowsports (Ep.170)

We talk to the CEO of Alpine-X about his vision of developing indoor snowsports destinations in North American metropolitan markets. Could this have a similar effect that indoor climbing gyms have had on the popularity of climbing? Could such indoor facilities help create a more inclusive and more diverse snowsports demographic? Could this lead to a world where some people only ski indoors?
David Golay Reviews the 2021 Santa Cruz Nomad for Blister

Flash Review: 2021 Santa Cruz Nomad

The new, fifth-generation Santa Cruz Nomad is an interesting update to one of the longest-standing Enduro bikes on the market, and we’ve been spending time on it. Check out our Flash Review for our early impressions.

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In our new GEAR:30 mini-series, we’re talking to key designers in the world of snowsports and bike helmets to get a current state of helmet tech and helmet R&D. Today we talk with Ståle Møller of Sweet Protection about the pros & cons of the two different safety certifications; advances in materials & our understanding of head injuries; ventilation; the unique challenges of designing helmets for various activities; and how to know when you ought to replace your helmet.

Current State of Helmet Tech, pt. 1: Sweet Protection (Ep.149)

In our new mini-series, we’re talking to key designers in the world of snowsports and bike helmets to stitch together a current state of helmet tech and helmet R&D. Today we talk with Ståle Møller about the pros & cons of the two different safety certifications; advances in materials; our understanding of head injuries; ventilation; the unique challenges of designing helmets for various activities; and how to know when you ought to replace your helmet.
Luke Koppa reviews the Elan Ripstick 106 for Blister

Deep Dive: Elan Ripstick 106

We compare the Ripstick 106 to the previous Ripstick 106, Ripstick 106 Black Edition, Line Sick Day 104, Head Kore 105, Wagner Summit 106, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Black Crows Atris, Blizzard Rustler 10, Liberty Origin 106, Volkl Blaze 106, Armada Tracer 108, Sego Condor 108, J Skis Slacker, 4FRNT MSP 107, Whitedot Altum 104, Moment Wildcat 108, & Faction Dictator 3.0.

Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions

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Luke Koppa reviews the Commencal Meta TR 29 for Blister

Flash Review: Commencal Meta TR 29

We've got five rides on the latest version of Commencal's Trail bike — check out our initial thoughts.

Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions

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On Blister's Bikes & Big Ideas Podcast, We talk with Claudio Caluori after he’d just returned from Israel. The conflict between Israel and Palestine had escalated while Claudio was there, and we wanted to learn more about the work he was doing in Israel; why he stayed to finish the project; and what he learned while being on the ground there. We also discuss a really exciting project that Claudio breaks the news about during this conversation.

Claudio Caluori on Building Pump Tracks in Israel + Upcoming Projects (Ep.68)

We talk with Claudio Caluori after he’d just returned from Israel. The conflict between Israel and Palestine had escalated while Claudio was there, and we wanted to learn more about the work he was doing in Israel; why he stayed to finish the project; and what he learned while being on the ground there. We also discuss a really exciting project that Claudio breaks the news about during this conversation.
2021 Transition Spire - Blister First Look

2021 Transition Spire

Transition’s just-released Patrol was the longest-travel non-DH bike in their lineup — for just 48 hours. Enter the all-new Spire, Transition’s 170mm-travel 29er. So how do the two bikes differ, and who should be most interested in each? Check out our First Look on the Spire for all the details.
Noah Bodman reviews the 2022 Fox 34 for Blister

Flash Review: 2022 Fox 34

Fox gave their 34 a substantial update for 2022, and we've been spending time on the new one. Check out our Flash Review for our initial impressions, including how it compares to the new and old Fox 36.

Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions

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Luke Koppa reviews the DPS Foundation Koala 118 for Blister

Flash Review: 21/22 DPS Foundation Koala 118

DPS is updating their big, stout, yet playful pow ski for 21/22. Check out our Flash Review for our take on how it compares to the previous version, and a few other playful-yet-stable pow skis.

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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2021 Transition Patrol First Look - Blister

2021 Transition Patrol

The Patrol has long been in Transition’s lineup as their longest-travel Enduro bike, with 27.5’’ wheels. Today they dropped an updated version, and while the 160 mm of rear travel remains, the new Patrol gets the mullet treatment, with a 29’’ wheel and 160mm-travel fork up front. There’s a lot more that’s new than just wheel sizes, so check out our First Look for all the details.