Win a Pack & Jacket from Ultimate Direction
This week the winner will get an ultralight backpack and shell from Ultimate Direction!
2021-2022 Volkl M6 Mantra
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.
Deep Dive: Volkl M6 Mantra
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
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Bikes vs. Skis, 3rd Edition (2021): Part 1 (Ep.71)
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.
Reviewing the News with Cody Townsend (May / June 2021) (Ep.171)
Cody Townsend and Jonathan Ellsworth talk about Cody’s recent adventure in AK; surges in National Park visits; ski patrol unionization; UFOs … and more.
Michele Graglia on Going ‘Ultra’ — Part 2 (Ep.88)
In part 2 of our conversation with one of the top ultrarunners in the world, we discuss Michele’s book, Ultra, that comes out today; his motivation heading into the Moab 240 last year; the “art of the pull”; death; purpose; and Michele makes an announcement about a big upcoming project.
Buena Vista Bike Company
BV Bike Co offers the unique combo of a full-service bike shop, employees with decades worth of experience, and a connected bar & cafe that, among other things, makes the best waffles known to man. Because of all of this and more, it's our Blister Recommended Shop in Buena Vista, Colorado.
Craft CTM Ultra Carbon
The CTM Ultra Carbon is Craft's top-of-the-line, ultra-cushioned, ultralight, carbon-plated shoe for fast-paced running on and off road. But now that a lot of brands are making similarly high-end shoes, what sets this one apart? Check out our review to find out.
Current State of Helmet Tech, pt. 2: Giro / Bell (Ep.150)
We talk about Giro & Bell’s approach to various helmet safety standards and certifications; the differences between a $65 helmet and a $260 helmet; the pros and cons of adding a chin bar to a full-face helmet, or a large visor to an enduro bike helmet; and more.
Flash Review: 21/22 Fat-ypus D-Sender
This season we spent time on the Fat-ypus D-Sender, which was originally designed as their big-mountain comp ski. But it's definitely not your typical comp ski. Check out our thoughts for more.
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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Win Hiking Boots from Hoka
This week the winner will get a pair of Hoka's brand-new, lightweight hiking boots!
Reviewer Reports: Leogang; Long & Short Travel Bikes; & the Future of Mullets (Ep.70)
We discuss the DH races in Leogang; the long and short travel bikes we’ve been spending time on; whether mullet bikes will be more or less of a thing in 5 years; and the bike equivalent of telemark skiing.
Fox Speedframe Pro Helmet
Fox’s Speedframe Pro is a high-end, broad-coverage Trail / Enduro helmet with a 5-star safety rating from Virginia Tech. And given its solid coverage, it's also been very impressive in terms of ventilation for hot rides. Check out our full review for more, including several comparisons to its competition.
Michele Graglia on Going ‘Ultra’ (Ep.87)
In one of our all-time favorite podcast conversations, we find out how a kid from a little town in Italy goes from working in his family’s floral business to being a top fashion model in Miami to being one of the best ultrarunners in the world. And now, Michele Gralia isn’t just about winning long-distance races and setting records. He is passionate about human potential, helping us redefine what is possible, and motivating each and every one of us to do the same.
2021-2022 Rossignol Blackops Sender Squad
In an age where big, burly chargers are a bit of an endangered species, the 194cm-long, 112mm-wide Rossignol Blackops Sender Squad is a refreshing shift away from the norm. Check out our First Look and Flash Review for more on this athlete-driven ski.
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?
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.
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.)
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.
Win any Pack from USWE
This week the winner will get any pack they want from USWE's huge lineup, which spans everything from running to mountain biking, skiing, hiking, and more.
2021-2022 Elan Ripstick 106 & Ripstick 106 Black Edition
This season we spent time on both the standard Ripstick 106 and its extra-carbon-packed sibling, the Ripstick 106 Black Edition. Check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons for more on these two lightweight freeride skis.