BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Sunglasses Roundup 2022 — Part 1: Active/Sport
In Part 1 of our sunglasses roundup, we cover several of the pairs our reviewers have been using for biking, skiing, running, and more.
Flash Review: 22/23 WNDR Alpine Intention 108
This spring we spent some time on WNDR Alpine’s updated Intention 108 — here are our initial on-snow impressions.
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2022-2023 WNDR Alpine Intention 108
WNDR Alpine has updated their original ski — check out our First Look for all the details, including their novel way of re-using waste from the construction process.
On the James Webb Space Telescope (Ep.218)
We’re still trying to process what we’re seeing, and what this all means. So today, we’re offering another brief attempt to wrap our heads around the images — and the significance — of the James Webb Space Telescope, and I provide a few recommendations for further reading & listening.
2022-2023 Head Kore 85 W
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the Head Kore 85 W.
Reviewing the Reviewer: Drew Kelly (Ep.205)
We talk to the man with the best turn in Crested Butte about choss monsters, cave trolls, geek beaks, his Tinder profile, birding, the universe, gear preferences, and more.
Flash Review — Diamondback Release C
The Diamondback Release 5C is proving to be a fairly nimble, versatile mid-travel Trail bike. 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
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Diamondback Release C
The Diamondback Release 5C is an unusual offering these days — a mid-travel 27.5’’ Trail bike with somewhat moderate geometry — but we think that’s exactly why it could be a great option for the right riders. Check out our First Look & Flash Review to learn more.
Win Sunglasses or Eyeglasses from Roka
This week TWO lucky winners will each get a pair of sunglasses or prescription eyeglasses from Roka, plus a backpack!
2022-2023 Lange XT3 Tour Pro
Here are our measured specs, images, and initial questions about the Lange XT3 Tour Pro.
Eric Olsen on Bikepacking the EWS (Ep.126)
Eric Olsen just returned from bike touring between the first three rounds of the EWS, so we sat down with him to hear where he got the idea in the first place; how it all went, including encountering golf-ball-sized hail and a flock of schoolchildren mid-race; the notion of bikes as transportation & European bike touring culture more broadly; and much, much more.
La Sportiva Karacal
La Sportiva is synonymous with hardwearing shoes for running in difficult, mountainous terrain. However, the brand has lately focused on making more accessible models for runners who prioritize comfort over technical performance. With the Karacal, we think they’ve mostly succeeded in meeting that demand.
2023 Santa Cruz Megatower
The V2 Santa Cruz Megatower is a very different bike from its predecessor, and we think it’s a whole lot better for it. But what all has Santa Cruz changed, and how does that add up on trail? Check out our full review to find out.
Blister Brand Guide: Nike Trail Running Shoe Lineup, 2022
Nike continues to expand their trail-running options, and in our Brand Guide we cover every shoe in their 2022 Trail lineup to help you figure out how each shoe differs and which might make the most sense for you.
Paddy O’Leary on Racing Horses, Fell Running, Lacrosse, & Community Building (Ep.128)
Paddy O’Leary’s path from the farm he grew up on in Wexford, Ireland to becoming an elite runner for The North Face is by no means a linear one. So we sat down with Paddy to talk about how he ended up racing on the trails (with and without a horse); growing the sport of lacrosse in Ireland; community building; fell running; and a whole lot more.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Galfer Shark Rotors
We really like Galfer’s standard Wave rotors, but how about the fancier Shark versions that they’re launched more recently? And in general, who should think about upgrading their existing rotors? Check out our review to learn more.
Anthony Costales on Smashing Course Records, Chasing States, & Sharpening His Competitive Edge (Ep.162)
Anthony Costales just dropped the longstanding course record at the Black Canyon 100k by a dizzying 19 minutes, securing a Golden Ticket to the Western States 100 in the process. We recently caught up with him to recap his race; dish about training; explore where he gets his competitive drive from; and more.
Nnormal Kjerag
Positioned as Nnormal’s max-performance model, the Kjerag (pronounced: sche-rak) is already an early front-runner for standout shoe of the year. It offers an implausible amount of energy return and cushioning for how light it is, often feeling like it disappears on foot in the best way possible. After nearly 200 miles of testing, the Kjerag has exceeded the lofty expectations we set for it after our initial impressions. Check out our full review to learn more.
Flash Review — Esker Rowl
We’ve started spending time on the Esker Rowl, and its wild Orion suspension is an early standout. Check out our Flash Review for our initial impressions.
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Flash Review: 23/24 Armada Declivity 102 Ti
We’ve now spent a few days skiing (and crashing…) on Armada’s metal-laminate Declivity 102 Ti — check out our initial impressions.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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2023-2024 Line Blade Optic 114
We’ve been skiing the widest, burliest ski in the Blade Optic family for quite some time now, and it’s proven to be a bit of an outlier within its series. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons to see why.
Deep Dive: Line Blade Optic 114
We compare the Line Blade Optic 114 to the Moment Wildcat, Black Crows Anima, DPS Foundation Koala 118, Dynastar M-Free 118, Rossignol Blackops 118, J Skis Friend, Volkl Revolt 121, Salomon QST Blank, 4FRNT Renegade, 4FRNT Inthayne, Atomic Bent Chetler 120, Line Vision 118, Season Forma, Line Outline, K2 Reckoner 112, Prior Northwest 116, Icelantic Nomad 115, Nordica Enforcer 115 Free, Head Kore 117, and Elan Ripstick 116.
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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Reviewing the News w/ Cody Townsend (February 2023) (Ep.250)
Cody & Jonathan discuss the state of Warren Miller; Mikaela Shiffrin & Lebron James; Eddie Bauer dropping its team of professional athletes; the Most Canadian News; Mtn Town Advice; & more.
Trinity Gravity
Trinity MTB has been developing one of the wildest, most interesting new bikes in recent memory and now the result of their efforts is available to pre-order. Check out our First Look with all the info on the Trinity Gravity — and there’s a *lot* going on here.
Shop Talk: Skiing with Kids w/ Spokane Alpine Haus (Ep.236)
For this edition of Shop Talk, we are back with the owners of Spokane Alpine Haus to talk kids and skiing, growing the next generation of skiers and snowboarders, and the gear that helps make it possible.
Win the New Rossignol Sender Free 110
The winner of this week’s Gear Giveaway will get a pair of Rossignol’s new and long-awaited Sender Free 110!
Flash Review: 23/24 Fischer RC4 105 MV BOA & Buckle
We’ve been A/B testing Fischer’s 23/24 RC4 105 MV BOA against the buckled version. Check out our initial 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.
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