BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
RockShox’s New 2023 Forks & Shocks
RockShox is completely overhauling its suspension lineup for 2023, including all-new versions of the Pike, Lyrik, and ZEB forks, and Deluxe and Super Deluxe shocks. Check out our First Look for the rundown.
2022-2023 Renoun Endurance 98
The latest version of Renoun’s do-everything all-mountain ski, the Endurance 98, is the most refined and intuitive one yet (and its unique construction still equates to a ride that feels like nothing else on the market). Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons for more.
Deep Dive: Renoun Endurance 98
We compare the Endurance 98 to the Renoun Endurance 88, Volkl M6 Mantra, Salomon QST 98, Blizzard Bonafide 97, Salomon Stance 96, 4FRNT MSP 99, Blizzard Rustler 9, Black Crows Camox, J Skis Masterblaster, Moment Commander 98, Dynastar M-Pro 99, Line Blade Optic 96, Dynastar M-Free 99, Atomic Maverick 95 Ti, Faction Dancer 2, & K2 Mindbender 99Ti.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Robbie Balenger on Testing Limits, Exploring Recovery Techniques, & Outrunning a Tesla (Ep. 121)
After discovering running in his 30’s, ultra-endurance athlete Robbie Balenger became obsessed with the power of human endurance and quickly found that he needed challenges far exceeding standard ultramarathons to test his limits. So, he started creating his own. Since then, Robbie has run across America, completed the “Colorado Crush,” and recently outran a Tesla. We had him on to unpack all of these efforts before asking him about the mental side of endurance, recovery techniques, his next challenge, and much more.
Johnny Collinson, Wendy Fisher, Sander Hadley, & Drew Petersen on The Mental Game (Ep.212)
Professional skiers are often asked about the mental preparation it takes to ski big lines and perform at a high level. But in this conversation (recorded at our Blister Summit), John Collinson, Wendy Fisher, Sander Hadley, and Drew Petersen offer a much broader perspective on ‘the mental game’ as it relates to dealing with injury and adversity; self identity; mental health; and much more.
2023 K2 Dispatch, FL3X, & Recon Team Boots | Blister Summit Brand Lineup
We talk with K2 Boots’ Product Line Manager, Tom Pietrowski, about all the new boots they’re launching for the 2022-2023 season, including the brand-new Dispatch series of touring boots, Recon Team alpine boot, and the rebranding of Full Tilt as “K2 FL3X” boots.
Flash Review: 22/23 Dynastar E-Pro 99
Here are some of our initial on-snow impressions of the women’s Dynastar E-Pro 99, after skiing two lengths.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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2022-2023 Majesty Vadera Carbon
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the Majesty Vadera Carbon.
2022-2023 Stereo Piste V3
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the Stereo Piste V3.
Dynafit Alpine
The Dynafit Alpine is designed to be a do-everything shoe that fits well, provides enough cushioning for long days out on the trails, and holds up regardless of where you take it. After testing, this statement checks out, and then some. The Dynafit Alpine is not only a great mountain running shoe, but one of the best all-around trail running models we’ve tested this year.
Stuff We Like: May 2022
In the May edition of our “Stuff We Like” series, we’ve got some puffy layers ideal for camping, bike accessories, casual apparel, and more. Check it out to see the latest gear our reviewers have been digging.
2022-2023 Wagner Summit 109
The Summit 109 is the newest addition to Wagner’s “Factory Series” of skis, and it’s a very well-rounded all-mountain ski that two of our reviewers — with quite different skiing styles — both really enjoyed. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons for more.
Deep Dive: Wagner Summit 109
We compare the Summit 109 to the Wagner Summit 106, Wagner Summit 107, K2 Mindbender 108Ti, Line Blade Optic 104, Nordica Enforcer 110, J Skis Hotshot, RMU YLE 110, WNDR Alpine Intention 110, Head Kore 111, Atomic Bent 110, Moment Commander 108, Salomon QST Blank, 4FRNT Hoji, Icelantic Nomad 105, Volkl Katana 108, Blizzard Cochise 106, Sego Comp 110, Dynastar M-Free 108, Black Crows Corvus, Prior Husume, 4FRNT MSP 107, Moment Wildcat 108, Fischer Ranger 108, Moment Deathwish, & Rossignol Sender 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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Win Ride Concepts MTB Shoes
This week two winners will each get a pair of Ride Concepts’ flat-pedal or clipless Hellion Shoes!
Reviewer Reports: Touring Setups, Resort Skis, & Jelly Bean Bribery (Ep.197)
Kristin Sinnott, Dylan Wood, Kara Williard, Drew Kelly, and Luke Koppa cover everything from the setups Drew used while touring for several weeks in Alaska this spring, to a whole bunch of skis, boots, and bindings from Faction, Blizzard, K2, Nordica, Salomon, and more. We also touch on some new Strafe outerwear, get an update from Kara on some heated socks, and discuss some unique gear and tricks that Kristin’s been using to ski with her son.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
2022-2023 Folsom Cash 106
We’ve had two reviewers spending time on multiple versions of Folsom’s Cash 106 shape — check out their thoughts in our Full Review and Deep Dive comparisons.
Saucony Xodus Ultra
The Xodus Ultra debuts as a marked improvement on previous iterations of Saucony’s Xodus line. The shoe drops some much-needed weight without undermining its intended use as a maximal option for a wide variety of trail types and conditions. While it’s not without its flaws, we still think it shapes up as a great choice for beginner trail runners still getting their footing, or for folks looking to add a capable everyday trainer to their shoe quiver. Check out our full review for the whole story.
Flash Review: 23/24 Blizzard Rustler 11
Blizzard recently announced that they’re updating their longstanding Rustler series, and we just got our first day on the new Rustler 11. 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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2023 Manitou Dorado
There aren’t many inverted forks left on the market, so how does one of the most famous holdouts — the Manitou Dorado — stack up against its more conventional competitors? We’ve spent a lot of time on both the Expert and Pro versions, and are ready to weigh in.
Abby Hall on Desert Chronicles, UFO Encounters, & Going All In (Ep.155)
We talked to adidas TERREX pro, Abby Hall, about how some of the major life changes she’s made since the last time she appeared on the show back in 2020 have helped fuel her recent success on the international racing scene; the role creativity plays in her life; UFO encounters; and much more.
BLISTER+: Real-World Testimonials — David Golay
A catastrophic knee injury in 2019 cost David not only most of a mountain biking season, but also a pile of money. BLISTER+ would have saved him close to $10,000 and very likely meant that he got better physical therapy to help with the recovery.
Tales of Sailing, Skiing, & “Going Greenland” with Jess Baker & Rachael Burks (Ep.244)
We talk to Jess Baker and Rachael Burks about sailing, skiing, and what happens when you combine a renewable energy sailboat with an arctic ski expedition in Greenland for the first time ever.
Flash Review: 22/23 Fischer Ranger 108
We’ve been skiing the new Fischer Ranger 108 this season after first getting a taste at the 2022 Blister Summit. 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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Shop Talk: Powder7 + ‘Crashes & Close Calls’ (Ep.231)
Jonathan talks shop life, gear, the price of single-day lift passes, and more with Alex and Matt from Powder7 in Golden, Colorado. Then Blister bike editor, David Golay, jumps on to tell his “Crashes & Close Calls” story.
Win Any HEAD Kore Ski
The winner of this week’s Gear Giveaway will get to pick any Kore ski from HEAD’s expansive lineup!
2022-2023 Volkl Mantra 102
We’ve now had a handful of reviewers on the updated Volkl Mantra 102. Check out our full review of this updated all-mountain ski and how it compares to the first iteration.
Deep Dive: Volkl Mantra 102
We compare the updated Mantra 102 to the original Volkl Mantra 102, Volkl M6 Mantra, Volkl Katana 108, Blizzard Cochise 106, Salomon Stance 102, Folsom Blister Pro 104, Blizzard Bonafide 97, Nordica Enforcer 100, J Skis Masterblaster, K2 Mindbender 99Ti, Wagner Summit 97, Fischer Ranger 102, Salomon Stance 96, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Line Blade Optic 96, Moment Commander 98, Renoun Endurance 98, Faction Dancer 2, Atomic Maverick 100 Ti, Dynastar M-Pro 99, Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, Salomon QST 98, 4FRNT MSP 99, Head Kore 99, & Rossignol 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.
If you’re already an active member, please log in.
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