Shoes with carbon plates have gained a lot of attention recently, but most are pretty niche, race-oriented products. The Hoka Carbon X2 is designed to offer both race-day efficiency and long-distance comfort, and while we were at first skeptical about that bold claim, we've been thoroughly impressed by this shoe so far.
Reviewing the News w/ Cody Townsend (Mar 2021) (Ep.165)
Cody and Jonathan discuss the introduction of criminal charges for triggering avalanches; the case against straightlining; ski area news; our media recommendations; & more.
Blister Summit Panel: Next Generation Materials
We talk with the founders of MountainFlow Eco-Wax (Peter Arlein); Checkerspot (Charlie Dimmler); and Flylow (Dan Abrams) about the challenges and opportunities of working with new materials; performance vs. sustainability; greenwashing; "Flylower"; the most promising new materials; & more.
The Mt. Rushmore of Ski Suspension (Ep.143)
We discuss one of the most important concepts in ski design: suspension. So what do we mean by “suspension”? Are terms like “plush” or “damp” synonyms, or are there important differences? And what are some of the best skis of all time when it comes to suspension? Let the debate begin.
Win MTB Tires from Versus
The TWO winners this week will each get a pair of Versus' All Mountain tires!
2021-2022 Moment Chipotle Banana
Moment's 122mm-wide Chipotle Banana has proven to be a surprisingly versatile ski, given its girthy dimensions. Check out Paul Forward's full review & Deep Dive comparisons.
Deep Dive: Moment Chipotle Banana
We compare the Chipotle Banana to several fat pow skis, including the Folsom Rapture, DPS Alchemist Lotus 124, DPS Foundation Koala 119, Volkl Revolt 121, 4FRNT Renegade, Blizzard Spur, Blizzard Rustler 11, Praxis Protest, Moment Bibby / Blister Pro, Faction La Machine, Kingswood SMB, Whitedot Ragnarok ASYM, Rossignol Blackops Gamer, & Kye Shapes Numinous.
New Bike Trends, 2021 (Ep.61)
Blister editors David Golay and Noah Bodman talk about modern trends in bike geometry, old ideas coming back around, the resurgence of high-pivot bikes, and a whole lot more.
Flash Review: 21/22 Ronin 108
Ronin is a small manufacturer making skis right in Chamonix. We've been spending time on their do-everything touring ski, the 108 — check out some of our initial thoughts.
Flash Review: 21/22 Rossignol Blackops Sender Squad
We've been spending time on the 194cm-long, 112mm-wide ski in Rossi's freeride lineup, and it's been a lot of fun so far. Check out Jonathan Ellsworth's initial thoughts.
2021-2022 Dynastar M-Free 108
This season we’ve been reviewing the longest length of Dynastar’s playful freeride ski, and the results have been very interesting. Check out our updated review & Deep Dive comparisons.
Deep Dive: Dynastar M-Free 108
We compare the M-Free 108 to the Dynastar M-Free 118, Moment Wildcat 108, Moment Deathwish, Volkl Katana 108, Blizzard Cochise 106, Dynastar Pro Rider, Black Crows Corvus, Prior Husume, J Skis Hotshot, Moment Meridian 107, K2 Reckoner 112, ON3P Jeffrey 108, ON3P Woodsman 108, Line Sir Francis Bacon, Faction Prodigy 4.0, Parlor McFellon Pro, Liberty Origin 106, Icelantic Nomad 105, Blizzard Rustler 10, Nordica Enforcer 110 Free, K2 Mindbender 108Ti, Folsom Primary, Black Crows Atris, & Prior Northwest 110.
Adventure Photographer, Adam Clark (Ep.164)
We talk to the skier and adventure photographer Adam Clark about how he got started in photography; how he went about making a name for himself and honing his craft; his favorite camera gear; one of his most memorable ski trips; and a whole lot more.
Reviewer Reports: Fun Carvers & All-Mountain Skis (Ep.142)
Luke Koppa & Jonathan Ellsworth report on the new skis they’ve been reviewing from Black Crows, Salomon, Dynastar, Wagner, RMU, Moment, & more.
Blister Summit Brand Lineups: WNDR Alpine Skis 21/22
We talk with WNDR Alpine’s Matt Sterbenz about tea; ski shapes & design philosophy; their new Vital 100; Rambo & choppin’ broccoli; working with other brands; and being the first B-Corp ski brand.
Get Entered to Win a Santa Cruz Hightower & Support Grow Cycling
We've got a very special giveaway this week, with a chance to not only win a really, really nice bike, but also support a great cause.
2021-2022 Rossignol Blackops Rallybird Ti
We've been spending a lot of time on the two widest women's-specific skis in Rossignol's new Blackops freeride line. Check out our full review for more on the Rallybird Ti, and how it compares to the standard Rallybird.
Vorsprung Suspension — Steve Mathews (Ep.60)
We talk to Vorsprung Suspension founder Steve Mathews about the past, present, and future of mountain bike suspension, and a whole lot more.
Flash Review: 21/22 Fischer TransAlp Pro
Next season Fischer is launching a very intriguing new touring boot. Check out our initial (very positive) thoughts on the TransAlp Pro.