BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Trail Running 101: What is Trail Running?
Trail running — it’s only one word away from road running. Is it really that different? Yes and no. While trail running is simply running, just not on pavement, its depth of nuances, styles, and considerations demand a bit more explanation. So in our first installment in our new Trail Running 101 series, we cover some of the basics.
Kavenz on Engineering a Better Enduro Bike (Ep.117)
Kavenz had been working on a high-pivot Enduro bike long before it was cool, and the VHP16 and new VHP18 that came out of the project have a lot of unique design features. So this week on Bikes & Big Ideas, we sat down with Kavenz founder Giacomo Großehagenbrock to talk about the founding of Kavenz; the design philosophy behind their bikes; starting and growing a business; and much more.
Flash Review — 2022 Rocky Mountain Element
“Longer” and “slacker” might be the go-to buzzwords for modern bike releases, but the Rocky Mountain Element made a way bigger jump than most — while still staying true to its XC roots, too — and the results are very interesting. Check out our Flash Review for our early impressions.
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Galfer Brake Pads and Rotors
Brake pads are an underappreciated factor in mountain bike brake performance, and Galfer’s offerings make a strong case for why a lot of riders should pay closer attention. And rotor sizing is a big piece of the puzzle, so we cover that in detail, too.
Reviewing the News w/ Cody Townsend (April 2022)
We talk with Cody about what he’s been up to and get an update on the Fifty Project, then we run through some of the latest news, including faked plane crashes; Vail Resorts’ minimum wage increase; fuel for backcountry skiing; golf; and what we’re reading & watching.
2022-2023 Nordica Enforcer Unlimited 104
The Nordica Enforcer Unlimited 104 shares a lot in common with the original Enforcer 104 Free, it just ditches a whole lot of weight — and the upsides and downsides that come with it. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons to learn more about this new touring ski.
Deep Dive: Nordica Enforcer Unlimited 104
We compare the Enforcer Unlimited 104 to the Volkl Blaze 106, Faction Agent 3.0, Line Vision 108, Atomic Backland 107, 4FRNT Raven, Movement Alp Tracks 106, Blizzard Zero G 105, WNDR Alpine Vital 100, Folsom Cash 106 Carbon, Moment Wildcat Tour 108, DPS Pagoda Tour 100 RP, Ronin 108, and Weston Summit.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Brian Metzler on a Writer’s Life & the Art of Running Free (Ep.119)
Brian Metzler has been writing about running, in one form or another, for the better part of the last 25 years. His latest book, Trail Running Illustrated: The Art of Running Free (which he co-authored with Doug Mayer) is a genre-bending book with an interesting backstory, so we talked to Brian about how it all came together; his writing (and running) career; and much more.
2023-2024 Ferreol Pionnier 104
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the Ferreol Pionnier 104.
La Sportiva Akasha II
The best decision La Sportiva made when updating the Akasha, their long-distance trail shoe, was not to change much about it. The Akasha II is strikingly similar to its predecessor, and will work really well for certain runners for the same reasons as before.
2022-2023 K2 Dispatch 120
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for two lengths of the new K2 Dispatch 120.
2022-2023 Faction Dancer 2
The Faction Dancer 2 isn’t a super easy-going, “made-for-everyone” ski, but it is a unique ski that could make certain people extremely excited to be on the mountain. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons to learn more.
DPS Skis: State of the Union + 22/23 Product Lineup (Ep.195)
We talk with DPS’s VP of product and operations about the recent history of DPS; discuss some of the specific skis in their lineup; hear a defense of carbon fiber; define a new rule for product design; clarify DPS Phantom; & more.
Win Magnetic Pedals from Hustle
This week TWO lucky winners will each get a pair of Hustle Avery REMtech pedals, which blur the lines between clipless and flat pedals.
Deep Dive: Faction Dancer 2
We compare the Dancer 2 to the Faction Dancer 3, Faction Mana 2, Volkl M6 Mantra, Blizzard Bonafide 97, Salomon QST 98, J skis Masterblaster, Black Crows Camox, Atomic Maverick 95 Ti, Salomon Stance 96, Moment Commander 98, Nordica Enforcer 94, Black Crows Serpo, Dynastar M-Pro 99, Fischer Ranger 102, 4FRNT MSP 99, and 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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BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Flash Review: 22/23 New Outerwear Update: 686, Beringia, & Trew
We’ve been testing a few very interesting new ski / snowboard kits from 686, Beringia, and Trew — check out Luke Koppa’s initial impressions and apparel nerdery.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Jeremy Jones on the Evolution of Snowboard Design (Ep.230)
Today we’ve got for you a masterclass on the history and evolution of snowboard design with Jeremy Jones, as well as Jeremy’s own philosophy behind product creation and refinement at Jones Snowboards.
Win Any J Ski
The winner of this week’s gear giveaway will get to choose any J Ski they want!
Volkl 22/23 Skis | Blister Summit Brand Lineup Video
We sat down with Volkl’s Ivar Dahl and Chris McKenna to discuss all the latest updates to the brand’s 2022-2023 ski lineup; Volkl’s 100-year anniversary; some of their latest ski technologies, including Tailored Titanal Frame, 3D Radius, & Tailored Carbon Tip; the new Kendo 88 & Mantra 102; Volkl’s approach to adapting ski construction depending on each length; and more.
2022-2023 Black Crows Atris
Black Crows gave one of their most popular skis an update this year, though the changes looked subtle on paper. How about on snow? Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons to see how the latest Atris compares to its predecessors, and the rest of the market.
Deep Dive: Black Crows Atris
We compare the Atris to the previous Atris, Black Crows Camox, Black Crows Corvus, Salomon QST 106, Line Blade Optic 104, Elan Ripstick 106, ZAG Slap 104, DPS Koala 103, RMU Apostle 106, Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, Moment Deathwish 104, Rossignol Sender 104 Ti, Blizzard Rustler 10, Volkl Revolt 104, 4FRNT Devastator, K2 Reckoner 102, Whitedot Altum 104, 4FRNT MSP 107, Sego Big Horn 106, Armada ARW 106 UL, Line Sir Francis Bacon, Shaggy’s Ahmeek 105, & J Skis Hotshot.
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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TRP DH-R Evo Brakes
There are more DH-worthy brakes on the market than ever before (and good ones, at that), and TRP’s DH-R Evos are a strong contender for folks with the right preferences.
Gear of the Year, 2022
We reviewed more mountain bikes and gear than ever before in 2022, and so David Golay, Dylan Wood, and Luke Koppa sat down to recount a bunch of their favorites.
2022-2023 Zag Slap 104
We’ve now had a few reviewers (female & male) on the ZAG Slap 104 — the mid-fat model in their “freestyle backcountry” series, and it’s time to weigh in on this lightweight, maneuverable ski. Check out our Full Review and Deep Dive for all the info.
Deep Dive: ZAG Slap 104
We compare the Slap 104 to eighteen other men’s & women’s all-mountain skis, including the DPS Foundation Koala 103, Black Crows Atris, Blizzard Rustler 10, Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, Salomon QST 106, Armada ARW 106 UL, Line Blade Optic 104, 4FRNT Devastator, RMU Apostle 106, Sego Big Horn 106, Volkl Revolt 104, K2 Reckoner 102, Line Sir Francis Bacon, Moment Deathwish 104, Whitedot Altum 104, 4FRNT MSP 107, Shaggy’s Ahmeek 105, and J Skis Hotshot.
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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Sweet Turns: Tele May Save Us All
Blister reader, podcast listener, and ‘Crash Course’ video watcher, Scott Conarroe, has been paying close attention to our talk about telemark skiing around here, and it led him to send this piece that he hoped we’d share with you. It’s a compelling (and fun) defense of telemark, and it’s definitely worth your time. Enjoy.
Barney “Scout” Mann on the Pacific Crest Trail, “Journeys North,” & the Future of Thru-Hiking (Ep.153)
We’re joined by one of thru-hiking’s elder statesmen, Barney “Scout” Mann, to talk about his deep connections to America’s long-distance trails; Journeys North, the memoir he wrote about his own 2007 thru-hike of PCT; life as a “trail angel”; and much more.