BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Nicolai / Geometron G1
We’ve now spent nine months on the Nicolai G1, and it’s still one of the best options out there for folks looking for an extremely aggressive Enduro bike that also pedals pretty well. Check out our full review for the whole story, including its extensive customization options and how it compares to several other bikes in its class.
2023 Rossignol Blackops, Sender, & Rallybird Skis | Blister Summit Brand Lineup
We talk with Rossignol’s Alpine Category Manager, Jake Stevens, about Rossignol’s 2022-2023 ski lineup, including the updated Sender series; the name changes across the lineup; the very different graphics on the Blackops skis; the women’s Rallybird collection; and then we dive into the details on several of the updated and carryover models.
Zegama is Zegama, Tom Cruise, & 200-Mile Races (Ep.123)
On this “Running Through the News” edition of Off The Couch, Salomon athlete Leah Yingling stops by to catch us up on current events in the running world, including a debate around Tom Cruise’s running form; what mountain runner Joe Gray is doing to make trails a more equitable space for people of color; Kilian Jornet’s new shoe brand, NNormal; course records at the Zegama-Aizkorri Marathon; and much more.
2022-2023 Atomic Bent 110
The Atomic Bent 110 brings much of the popular Bent Chetler 120’s playfulness, low weight, and maneuverability to a slightly more practical, narrower platform. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons for the whole story.
Deep Dive: Atomic Bent 110
We compare the Atomic Bent 110 to the Atomic Bent Chetler 120, Atomic Bent 100, Faction Mana 3, J Skis Slacker, Head Kore 111, Moment Deathwish, 4FRNT Hoji, Nordica Enforcer 110 Free, Icelantic Nomad 105, Prior Northwest 110, Kye Shapes Metamorph, K2 Reckoner 112, Dynastar M-Free 108, RMU YLE 110, Salomon QST Blank, Line Sir Francis Bacon, Line Outline & WNDR Alpine Intention 110.
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Lazer Jackal KinetiCore Helmet
Lazer’s new KinetiCore technology is intended to bring the rotational impact protection benefits of MIPS and other similar systems to a simpler, lighter, more comfortable package, and having now spent a couple of months in their Jackal KinetiCore mountain bike helmet, we think they’re onto something.
Reviewing the News w/ Cody Townsend (May 2022) (Ep.214)
Cody and Jonathan discuss the ethics of trail magic; wildfire management; how Cody broke his toe; a new segment for Reviewing the News; and a whole lot more.
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.
2022-2023 Faction Dancer 3
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the Faction Dancer 3.
ATK Bindings, Part 1: Brand Origins & the Evolution of Tech Bindings (Ep.199)
ATK Bindings has been taking the tech-binding world by storm. We talk with ATK’s CEO, Davide Indulti, about the surprising origins of this family business; a pivotal moment in ATK’s history; where ATK saw the biggest opportunities to improve tech bindings; and more.
Win Roll Recovery Tools & Gregory Packs
This week TWO lucky winners will each get a hydration pack from Gregory and two of Roll Recovery’s deep-tissue massage rollers!
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.
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
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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.
2021-2022 Head Kore 91 W
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the Head Kore 91 W.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Roundup: 23/24 BOA Ski Boots from Atomic, Fischer, K2, & Salomon
BOA dials are taking the ski boot world by storm for 2023-2024 — here’s an overview of what to expect from four different brands.
Flash Review: 23/24 Lange Shadow 130 LV
Update 1.26.23: We’ve added some more of our initial impressions of the new Shadow 130, including what we learned when A/B testing it against the Tecnica Mach1 130 on two different pairs of skis.
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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Stuff We Like: January 2023
To kick off Stuff We Like for 2023, we have an assortment of items, including ski accessories such as gloves, vests, and helmets; bike shoes and winter boots, kids’ shoes, backpacks, cooking pans, and more.
Hoka Speedgoat 5
Hoka’s continued refinement of the Speedgoat, a model that’s developed into an indispensable fixture within the brand’s trail line, reflects a delicate balance between bold updates and carryover from the past. Benefiting from an overhauled upper and tuned midsole and outsole, the Speedgoat 5’s performance has dazzled us so far. Check out our full review to learn more.
Geoff Kabush on Longevity, Having Fun, & Career Evolution (Ep.154)
Geoff Kabush has had about as long and varied a career as a professional racer can have, so we sat down with him to chat about the ups and downs over the years, his favorite events and stories, what keeps him going, & a whole lot more.
Amateur Hour: BLISTER founder, Jonathan Ellsworth, on Watches (Ep.18)
Today on CRAFTED, Blister Podcast Producer Extraordinaire, the Strikingly Handsome Justin Bobb, is talking about watches with Jonathan Ellsworth for our latest edition of Amateur Hour.
Flash Review: 22/23 Rossignol Sender 104 Ti
Here are our initial thoughts on the Rossignol Sender 104 Ti, including how it compares to the previous Blackops Sender and the new Sender 106 Ti+.
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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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.
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.
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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.
Jeff Stern on the 2022 UltraRunners of the Year Awards, the Art of Profile Writing, & Covering the Sport as a Pro (Ep.156)
We recently talked to Salomon Athlete, Jeff Stern, about racing as an elite while simultaneously covering the trail running landscape in his role as the assistant editor of Ultra Running Magazine, a still independently owned publication that has served as “the voice of the sport” since 1981.
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.
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