BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
2022-2023 Armada ARW 106 UL
The ARW 106 UL is a playful ski offered in lengths ranging from 164 cm all the way to 188 cm, meaning there are a whole lot of skiers who could potentially enjoy it. We had three reviewers testing it out this season — check out all of their thoughts in our full review.
Deep Dive: Armada ARW 106 UL
We compare the ARW 106 UL to the Line Sir Francis Bacon, Salomon QST 106, RMU Apostle 3.0 106, K2 Reckoner 102, Line Blade Optic 104, 4FRNT Devastator, Season Nexus, DPS Koala 103, Dynastar M-Free 108, Volkl Revolt 104, Sego Big Horn 106, Moment Deathwish 104, and Black Crows Atris.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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2022-2023 Head Kore 99
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the Head Kore 99.
SCOR 4060
SCOR says their new 4060 LT is “just seriously fun.” But it’s still a 160 / 170 mm travel Enduro bike, so just how game-on is it, really? Check out our full review for the rundown, including comparisons to 11 other bikes in its class.
Kitsbow CEO David Billstrom on Domestic Manufacturing and Community Investment (Ep.115)
Domestic production of apparel has all but disappeared from the US, but Kitsbow is leading the charge to bring it back and hopes to be a blueprint for how other brands can do the same. And their CEO, David Billstrom, has a lot to say about how it’s been good for their brand, their customers, their community, and the planet.
2022-2023 Blizzard Hustle 11
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the Blizzard Hustle 11.
Stuff We Like: April 2022
In the April edition of our “Stuff We Like” series, we’ve got some colorful footwear and packs, cheap gloves, touring outerwear, running accessories, and more.
Pablo Vigil on the Early Days of Mountain Running & Lessons from 50 Years of Racing (Ep.117)
Pablo Vigil has been called the greatest mountain runner in the world. In the 1980s he was nearly unbeatable, winning the famous Sierre-Zinal four consecutive times. We talk to Pablo about the early days of mountain running; what has changed since then; why he thinks simplicity is still the key to training (and life); and much more.
Flash Review: 22/23 Faction Mana 2
Here are some of our initial on-snow impressions of the 102mm-wide Mana 2, which is the replacement for the Candide 2.0.
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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Sample 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.
Öhlins RXF38 m.2
Öhlins has joined Fox and RockShox in offering an extra burly 38mm-stanchioned single crown fork, and their take on the genre — the RXF38 m.2 — is now our bike editor’s personal favorite of the category. Check out our full review to see why.
Connor Ryan on Rebellious Acts & The Spirit of the Peaks (Ep.209)
We talk to Hunkpapa Lakota skier, Connor Ryan, about his film, Spirit of the Peaks; his vision for skiing and the ski community; radical and rebellious acts; the ‘kiss before the dance’; and more.
A Few GEAR:30 & BLISTER Updates (Ep.193)
Today we tell you about our most recent Blister Summit panel sessions; our upcoming Blister ‘Brand Lineup’ videos; an event this weekend; what we’re celebrating; & more.
How We Test & Review Gear, Pt 2 | BLISTER Summit ’22 Panel Discussion
In Part Two of our panel on gear testing, Blister reviewers, Luke Koppa, Kristin Sinnott, Jonathan Ellsworth, and Sascha Anastas provide their perspectives about how they approach testing and reviewing gear; how this applies to anyone trying something new; how to make the most of a ski demo; and more.
Win $1000+ of Outdoor Gear
This week our winner will get $1000+ worth of gear, including a tent, down jacket, cooler, water bottle, rechargeable batteries, and more!
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
2022-2023 Faction Dancer 2X
The Faction Dancer 2X isn’t your traditional dual-metal-laminate all-mountain ski, and for certain folks, that’s going to make it very appealing. Check out the Full Review for more info.
Reflections, Photos, & Trip Report from Skiing Antarctica
In our latest installment of our Open Mic series, Blister reviewer, Kara Williard, reflects on her recent ski trip to Antarctica, including travel logistics, a bit of history, and lessons learned.
Midlayer Roundup 2022
If you’re in the market for a new midlayer, be sure to check out this roundup — our reviewers compare and contrast 19 different men’s & women’s insulators, ranging from ultra-breathable fleeces to a variety of puffies and softshells. We’ve just updated it with 7 new additions from Patagonia, Outdoor Research, Strafe, Le Bent, & Artilect.
Dr. Anh Bui on Running Resiliently, Strength Training 101, & the Fine Points of Form (Ep.151)
It’s common knowledge that adopting a strength training routine is a great way to reduce our risk of developing a running injury, but knowing exactly where to start can be difficult if you don’t have a ton of experience in the gym. So, we spoke to Dr. Anh Bui, a physical therapist, certified strength coach, and USATF-certified running coach, about some guiding principles for those looking to get started.
A First Ascent in Nepal: Garrett Madison & Ted Hesser (Ep.240)
Last month, Garrett Madison, Ted Hesser, and their team summited an unnamed, unclimbed peak in Nepal above the village of Khembalung. So I talked with them about the details and style of the climb; naming the peak; and more.
2022-2023 Line Blade Optic 92
The Line Blade Optic 92 is the lightest, narrowest, and least expensive ski in the Blade Optic collection, but just because it doesn’t share all the same fancy tech as the other skis in this collection, don’t think that means the 92 is some dumbed-down budget ski. Check outour Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons for the whole story.
Deep Dive: Line Blade Optic 92
We compare the Blade Optic 92 to 20 other skis in its class, including the Line Blade Optic 96, Line Sick Day 94, Salomon QST 98, Atomic Bent 100, Nordica Unleashed 98, Black Crows Serpo, Blizzard Rustler 9, Volkl M6 Mantra, Atomic Maverick 95 Ti, Line Blade, Shaggy’s Ahmeek 95, Armada Declivity 92 Ti, Dynastar M-Free 99, Black Crows Camox, Fischer Ranger 96, Fischer Ranger 94 FR, Season Aero, 4FRNT Switch, J Skis Fastforward, and J Skis Masterblaster.
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.)
Flash Review: 22/23 Head Supershape e-Rally
Here are some of our thoughts from our time so far on the 78mm-wide, piste-oriented Supershape e-Rally.
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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Blister Holiday Gift Guide 2022 — Kids & Parents Edition
Need some last-minute gift ideas for outdoorsy parents and kids? Check out our recommendations.
Blister Labs: Travis Hainsworth on Soft Robotics, MoCap, & Wheelsets (Ep.227)
When Travis Hainsworth isn’t out on his highly questionable one-ski quiver, he’s busy being the associate director of the Western-CU Boulder Computer Science Program here in Gunnison, CO, and an integral member of our Blister Labs team.
Win Faction Skis
The winner of our gear giveaway this week can have their choice between the Dancer 3 or Dancer 3X from Faction!
1-Ski Quivers: Reviewers’ Selections (22/23)
You can now check out Part Three of our reviewers’ picks for their personal 1-ski quivers, with additions from Jonathan Ellsworth and Kristin Sinnott.