BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Altra Olympus 5
Altra demonstrated a level of self-control in the updates they made to the Olympus 5, smoothing out its predecessor’s imperfections but otherwise keeping the shoe mostly the same. Check out our full review to learn how the latest version of the Olympus stays true to the model’s identity as one of the best ultra-cushioned, maximalist trail shoes on the market.
Brake Shootout, New RockShox Pike, Revel Rail 29, & More (Ep.138)
We’ve got updates on a ton of the bikes and gear we’re testing, including the new Santa Cruz Tallboy and the new RockShox Pike that came on it; the Revel Rail 29; our upcoming brake shootout; & much more.
Amateur Hour: Paul Forward on Traditional Bows (Ep.8)
We talk to Blister reviewer, Paul Forward, about the art, ethics, and craftsmanship of traditional bows; when and how Paul became fascinated by them; and why we ought to appreciate their rich history and ethos, too.
MTB Knee Pad Roundup — 2022
Knee pads are probably the most commonly worn bit of mountain bike protection (after helmets) and we’ve been testing 16 different at a wide range of styles, weights, and levels of protection. Check out our roundup to find the best ones for you.
Reviewing the News & Mountain Sex w/ Cody Townsend (September 2022) (Ep.229)
We discuss the life & legacy of Hilaree Nelson; Yvon Chouinard giving away Patagonia; Kipchoge & GOATs; burro racing; mountain sex; what we’re reading & watching; the return of The Fifty Project; and more.
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.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
2023-2024 Peak 98
The Peak 98 is the do-everything model in Bode Miller’s new ski company’s lineup — check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons to see where it slots into the market, and whether it might work for you.
Deep Dive: Peak 98
We compare the Peak 98 to the Peak 88, Peak 98SC, Peak 104, K2 Mindbender 99Ti, Blizzard Bonafide 97, Volkl M6 Mantra, Salomon Stance 96, Nordica Enforcer 100, Black Crows Justis, Rossignol Sender 104 Ti, Blizzard Rustler 9, Moment Commander 98, Fischer Ranger 102, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Faction Dancer 2, Atomic Maverick 100 Ti, Armada Declivity 102 Ti, Dynastar M-Pro 99, Volkl Mantra 102, ZAG Harfang 96, Wagner Summit 97, Head Kore 99, J Skis Masterblaster, Salomon QST 98, & 4FRNT MSP 99.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Coalition Snow: 10 Years of Skis & Snowboards, 23/24 Lineup, & More w/ Founder & CEO, Jen Gurecki (Ep.242)
Kara Williard talks with Jen Gurecki, founder and CEO of Coalition Snow, about operating a women-owned ski and snowboard company for the past 10 years; how the vision has evolved; their brick-and-mortar storefront; inclusive trips around the world; initiatives to grow the sport and the community; their 23/24 lineup; and more.
Blizzard’s New Rustler & Sheeva Skis | Blister Summit 2023 Video
We sat down with Blizzard’s Christian Avery & Leslie Baker-Brown to go over all the new skis they’re rolling out for the 2023-2024 season. We discuss the new Rustler & Sheeva lines; how they differ from the previous iterations; Blizzard’s Women 2 Women program & how it influences their ski concepts; the purposes of their “FluxForm” & “TrueBlend” technologies, and more.
Win La Sportiva Ski Boots
The winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get the Vanguard or Vanguard Women’s ski touring boot from La Sportiva!
2022-2023 Shaggy’s Fun Carver 88
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the Shaggy’s Fun Carver 88.
Flash Review — Yeti SB135
The Yeti SB135 might look like a bit of a throwback, as a high-end 27.5”-wheeled Trail bike, but we’ve been spending time on it, and it’s a whole lot of fun.
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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Hoka Challenger 7
With the Challenger 7, Hoka attempts to do more with less. The latest iteration of the brand’s longstanding road-to-trail model benefits from a top-to-bottom overhaul that sees its weight decrease significantly despite adding 2 mm of stack height to a midsole that feels sprightly out of the box. Check out our full review to learn more.
Project Bike Tech on Putting Bike Shops in Schools (Ep.166)
Project Bike Tech has been establishing bike shop classes in high schools for 15 years now, and we sat down with their Executive Director, Mercedes Ross, to hear all about it.
TRP Evo12 and Evo7 Drivetrains
Breaking into the mountain bike drivetrain market is a big task, but TRP is giving it a go — and their second-generation Evo12 and Evo7 drivetrains are now offered as a complete package including a cassette and cranks.
Flash Review: 23/24 Elan Ripstick Tour 104
Here are our thoughts so far on Elan’s lightweight, touring-oriented edition of their Ripstick collection, the Ripstick Tour 104.
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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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.
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.)