BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Ibis Oso
Ibis launched their first e-bike, the Oso, today, and it looks nothing like Ibis models of old. Check out our First Look for all the info.
Claire Bernard Miller, PT, on Building Strong Feet, Pelvic Floor Health, & Running Injury Free (Ep.140)
This time of year, many of us will feel the stress from all those hard summer miles take the form of unexpected aches and pains, which sometimes demand more involved treatment than just some extra time foam rolling. So, we sat down with Claire Bernard Miller, PT, to learn about how strong feet and a healthy pelvic floor can help prevent common running injuries.
Blister Brand Guide: VJ Running Shoe Lineup, 2022
VJ has been making footwear for trail running, obstacle course racing, and orienteering for over 40 years, though they’ve only been available in North America as recently as 2019. Their current lineup, though few in number, has some standout models designed to thrive in rugged conditions. Take a look at our Brand Guide to learn more about each one of their 2022 trail shoes.
How to Think about Ski Length
One of the most common questions we get is, “Which length of this ski should I get?” So in this updated GEAR 101 article, we outline the factors that go into answering that question.
Yvon Chouinard: Open Letter
We are proud to publish in our Open Mic series this letter by Patagonia founder, Yvon Chouinard, explaining his decision to give away his multi-billion-dollar company.
Endura MT500 Burner Clipless Shoes
Endura’s MT500 Burner Clipless shoes are meant for a variety of all-around mountain bike use, and offer a combination of fit and features that aren’t quite like anything else we’ve recently tried.
Kästle Launches New Ski Boot Collection
After decades of making skis, Kästle just launched their first-ever collection of ski boots — here are the details.
Folsom Custom Skis: 22/23 Updates (Ep.216)
Folsom builds custom skis in Denver, CO, and they have a LOT going on these days. So we talked with Folsom owner, Mike McCabe, about their 22/23 lineup; new shapes; new construction materials; their very cool Junior Skis Trade-In Program; and more.
Win Folsom Custom Skis
This week one lucky winner will get to design a pair of custom skis with Colorado ski manufacturer, Folsom Custom Skis!
Best Skis for Beginners: Our Top Picks, 2022-2023
In Part 2 of our top picks for skis that are well-suited to less experienced skiers, we’ve added several women-specific all-mountain skis; some that are worth considering for those getting into backcountry touring; and others for those who will be skiing deeper snow.
Kavenz VHP 16
There are a lot of good Enduro bikes out there these days, but the Kavenz VHP 16 manages to package an unusual combination of traits in a way that still feels very coherent as a whole. Check out our full review to find out just what the VHP 16 does so well, and how it stacks up to a whole bunch of its competitors.
2022-2023 K2 Dispatch 110
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for two lengths of the new K2 Dispatch 110.
2022-2023 Fischer Ranger Pro 130
Here are our measured specs, images, and initial impressions of the new Fischer Ranger Pro 130.
Product Names: the Good, the Bad, & the Confounding
The seemingly simple process of naming a product can actually be quite tricky. And as a result, we end up with some that are odd, confusing, complex, hilarious, and/or absurd. Here are some of our reviewers’ nominees — let us know your own!
Blister Brand Guide: Merrell Running Shoe Lineup, 2022
Over their 40-year history making hiking boots, Merrell has learned a thing or two about crafting footwear for trails, much to the benefit of their running shoe line. Sturdy, hard wearing, and protective, many of Merrell’s models fall back on the design principles that brought the brand so much early success, and continue to do so today. Check out our Brand Guide to get the rundown on all of their 2022 trail running shoes.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Flash Review: 23/24 Nordica Santa Ana Unlimited 104
For 23/24 Nordica is transferring their lightweight “Unlimited” construction to a wider women’s ski, the Santa Ana Unlimited 104. Check out our thoughts so far.
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Ski Binding Design: Past, Present, & Future | Blister Summit 2023 Video
At Blister Summit 2023, we brought together Eric ‘Hoji’ Hjorleifson (Dynafit), Lars Chickering-Ayers (CAST Touring), and Giray Dadali (Daymaker Touring) for an extremely interesting and wide-ranging discussion on the past, present, and future of ski bindings.
2022-2023 Meier Wrangler
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the Meier Wrangler.
On Art & Sport
In our latest Open Mic piece, Angel Collinson discusses the power of art, sport, and straight-lining crud with a skip-proof Walkman.
Preston Cates on Aid Station Dance Parties, Gas Station Go-To’s, & Redefining His Limits (Ep.168)
Nike Athlete Preston Cates just punched his ticket to represent the US at the World Mountain Running Championships in Austria at just 25 years old, so we sat down with him to talk about developing as a young athlete; never paying for shoes again; what he grabs at a gas station mid-run; and more.
Fox Float and Float SL
Fox is launching two new inline shocks — the Float and Float SL — that essentially replace the Float DPS and split it into two slightly different versions, for weight-conscious Trail riders and XC folks, respectively. Check out our First Look for all the info.
Flash Review: 23/24 Atomic Backland XTD Carbon 120
Update 4.17.23: Luke Koppa adds some more thoughts on the new Backland XTD Carbon 120 after spending more time in it in the backcountry on a wide variety of 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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Tori Palmer, Helicopter Pilot (Ep.256)
Jonathan talks with Chugach Powder Guides helicopter pilot, Tori Palmer, to get her pilot’s perspective on their day in the mountains; her path to becoming a heli pilot and the training that’s involved; what you should – and should not – do as a passenger in a heli; and more.
2023-2024 Armada ARV 106
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the Armada ARV 106.
2023-2024 DPS Koala 111
DPS has added a new ski to fill the void between the Koala 103 & Koala 118 — check out our Full Review of the new Koala 111 to see how exactly it blends together the playfulness of the 103 with the high-speed stability of the 118.
Deep Dive: DPS Koala 111
We compare the Koala 111 to the DPS Koala 118, DPS Koala 103, Rossignol Sender Free 110, Dynastar M-Free 108, Salomon QST Blank, Icelantic Nomad 105, Rossignol Sender Squad, K2 Reckoner 112, Meier Leeper, Rossignol Blackops 118, Moment Wildcat, Line Blade Optic 114, Moment Countach 110, Head Kore 111, K2 Mindbender 108Ti, RMU North Shore 110, Black Crows Anima, Fischer Ranger 108, Black Crows Corvus, Nordica Enforcer 110 Free, J Skis Friend, 4FRNT Hoji, Nordica Unleashed 108, Blizzard Rustler 11, Atomic Bent 110, & Parlor McFellon Pro.
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.)
Bacons, Chronics, & More: 23/24 Line Skis | Blister Summit 2023 Video
We discuss all the new skis Line is launching for 23/24, including the new Bacon 108 & Bacon 115; how they compare to the previous Sir Francis Bacon & Outline; the revised Chronic 94 & brand-new Chronic 101; we get some teasers about upcoming projects, and more.