BLISTER — Outdoor Gear Reviews, Podcasts, Buyer’s Guides, Giveaways

BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles

BLISTER — Outdoor Gear Reviews, Podcasts, Buyer’s Guides, Giveaways

Trail Running 101: How to Trail Run Safely

Trail running can be a fun and exciting way to explore the backcountry, but like any outdoor sport, running in wild areas comes with its own set of dangers. However, with a bit of knowledge and the right gear, you can greatly minimize your risk. In this article we break down what exactly to watch out for on the trails and what prep-work you can do before each run to stay safe.

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Luke Koppa, Drew Kelly, & Dylan Wood review the K2 Mindbender 99Ti for Blister

2022-2023 K2 Mindbender 99Ti

The revised K2 Mindbender 99Ti is an exceptionally versatile ski — in terms of conditions, terrain, and being adaptable to different skiing styles. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons to see how four of our reviewers got along with it, and how it compares to 22 other all-mountain skis.

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Luke Koppa, Drew Kelly, & Dylan Wood review the K2 Mindbender 99Ti for Blister

Deep Dive: K2 Mindbender 99Ti

We compare the 22/23 Mindbender 99Ti to the previous Mindbender 99Ti, K2 Mindbender 89Ti, K2 Mindbender 108Ti, Volkl M6 Mantra, Faction Dancer 2, Blizzard Bonafide 97, Fischer Ranger 102, Black Crows Camox, 4FRNT MSP 99, Moment Commander 98, Dynastar M-Pro 99, Wagner Summit 97, Black Crows Justis, J Skis Masterblaster, Salomon QST 98, Nordica Enforcer 100, Dynastar M-Free 99, Line Blade Optic 96, Salomon Stance 96, Atomic Maverick 100 Ti, & Renoun Endurance 98.

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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At the Blister Summit, we talk with Rossignol’s Alpine Category Manager, Jake Stevens, about the new additions to Rossignol’s ski boot lineup for 2023, including the new HI-SPEED and PURE collections, which have been in development for the past several years. We touch on the origin of new boots; the three different “true” lasts / widths; boot “bloatation” and how to manage it; Rossignol’s new liner and how it corresponds to microwaving a burrito; and more.

2023 Rossignol Ski Boots | Blister Summit Brand Lineup

We talk with Rossignol’s Alpine Category Manager, Jake Stevens, about the new HI-SPEED and Pure boots, which have been in development for the past several years. We touch on the origin of new boots; the three different “true” lasts / widths; boot “bloatation” and how to manage it; Rossignol’s new liner and how it corresponds to microwaving a burrito; and more.

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RockShox has released a crazy amount of new suspension in the last few months, and we’ve been spending time on both their Flight Attendant electronically controlled setup and the new ZEB and SuperDeluxe. So on this week’s episode of Bikes & Big Ideas, we give the rundown on all of it, plus updates from our testing of bikes from Santa Cruz, Orbea, Rocky Mountain, YT, and Antidote.

Reviewer Reports: RockShox Suspension & Bikes Galore (Ep.120)

RockShox has released a wild amount of new suspension in the last few months, and we’ve been spending time on both their Flight Attendant electronically controlled setup and the new ZEB and SuperDeluxe. So on this week’s episode of Bikes & Big Ideas, we give the rundown on all of it, plus updates from our testing of bikes from Santa Cruz, Orbea, Rocky Mountain, YT, and Antidote.

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David Golay Reviews RockShox Flight Attendant for Blister

RockShox Flight Attendant

RockShox’s Flight Attendant electronic suspension claims to make big improvements to the pedaling efficiency of longer-travel Trail and Enduro bikes, and after spending several months testing it, it’s a whole lot more than just an automatic climb switch. Check out our full review to see why we’re so impressed with (and a bit surprised by) the system.

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David Golay and Zack Henderson review the YT Capra for Blister

2022 YT Capra

YT’s latest Capra is definitely a big, stable Enduro bike, but it’s a super intuitive, relatively easy-going one that we think will click for a ton of folks who have the terrain for a 160mm-plus-travel sled. Check out our full review for all the details.

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Luke Koppa reviews the Salomon S/LAB MTN Summit for Blister

Flash Review: 22/23 Salomon S/LAB MTN Summit

Update 5.31.22: Here are some new thoughts on the S/Lab MTN Summit’s fit, uphill performance, downhill performance, and how it pairs with the ZipFit GFT liner.

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.)

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Blister reviews the Salomon S/Pro Alpha 130

2022-2023 Salomon S/Pro Alpha 130

For 22/23, Salomon is replacing their S/Max series with the new S/Pro Alpha boots, which feature a host of interesting fit- and performance-oriented features. Check out our First Look for all the details.

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BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:

Luke Koppa & Dylan Wood review the Nordica Unleashed 108 for Blister

2022-2023 Nordica Unleashed 108

The widest ski in Nordica’s new Unleashed series offers something a bit different from its competitors in the more playful all-mountain category. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons to learn more.

Luke Koppa & Dylan Wood review the Nordica Unleashed 108 for Blister

Deep Dive: Nordica Unleashed 108

We compare the Nordica Unleashed 108 to the Nordica Enforcer 110 Free, Enforcer 104 Free, Dynastar M-Free 108, Black Crows Atris, Elan Ripstick 106, Salomon QST 106, 4FRNT MSP 107, J Skis Hotshot, Folsom Cash 106, Black Crows Corvus, DPS Pagoda 106 C2, Icelantic Nomad 105, DPS Koala 103, RMU Apostle 106, Moment Deathwish 104, Rossignol Sender 104 Ti, Blizzard Rustler 10, K2 Mindbender 108Ti, Faction Dancer 3, 4FRNT Devastator, Line Blade Optic 104, Shaggy’s Ahmeek 105, Sego Big Horn 106, & Whitedot Altum 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.

If you’re already an active member, please log in.

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David Golay reviews the Ibis Exie for Blister

Ibis Exie

The Ibis Exie isn’t new, but the overseas-made version is, and it’s *much* more affordable than the US-made original that Ibis launched a couple of years back. Check out our First Look for the details.

Kara Williard reviews the Armada ARV 116 JJ UL for Blister

Flash Review: 22/23 Armada ARV 116 JJ UL

Reviewer Kara Williard is currently in Japan, and the lightweight and playful ARV 116 JJ UL is the ski she decided to bring with her. Check out her Flash Review to see her thoughts on it 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.)

Jonathan Ellsworth & Dylan Wood review the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130 BOA for Blister

2023-2024 Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130 BOA GW

Today, Atomic announced an overhauled Hawx Ultra XTD lineup of boots. Within this new lineup is a freeride touring boot that uses a BOA closure system in the place of the two lower shell buckles. Check out our First Look for details on the new Hawx XTD lineup and on the new Hawx Ultra XTD 130 BOA GW in particular.

Luke Koppa reviews the Atomic Backland XTD Carbon 120 for Blister

2023-2024 Atomic Backland XTD 120

Atomic has launched a new collection of touring boots under their Backland umbrella — check out our First Look for all the info about the new Backland XTD boots.

Pivot Factory Racing’s Newest Member, Jakob Jewett (Ep.153)

Pivot Factory Racing’s Newest Member, Jakob Jewett (Ep.153)

Jakob Jewett’s World Cup DH career is off to a great start, so it’s wild to imagine that he was once on track to be a professional skier instead. We caught up with Jakob to hear all about his 2022 season, his approach to racing, his ongoing love of skiing, and a whole lot more.

David Golay reviews the Magura MT7 HC3 Brakes for Blister

Magura MT7 HC3 Brakes

There are a lot of good brakes on the market these days — way more than just a few years ago — and Magura’s MT7 HC3 brakes do a lot of things differently from most of their competitors. So how do they stack up in the increasingly crowded market, and who are they going to work best for?

Kara Williard & Luke Koppa review the Folsom Cash 106 for Blister

Deep Dive: Folsom Cash 106

We compare the Cash 106 to the Folsom Primary 104, Salomon QST 106, Black Crows Atris, Line Blade Optic 104, Black Crows Corvus, Elan Ripstick 106, DPS Pagoda 106 C2, RMU Apostle 106, DPS Koala 103, Moment Deathwish 104, Rossignol Sender 104 Ti, Blizzard Rustler 10, 4FRNT Devastator, Whitedot Altum 104, 4FRNT MSP 107, Sego Big Horn 106, Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, Shaggy’s Ahmeek 105, J Skis Hotshot, Armada ARW 106 UL, & ZAG Slap 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.

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.)