BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
2022 Orbea Occam & Occam LT
“Longer” and “slacker” might be the go-to buzzwords for modern Trail bikes, but the Orbea Occam LT makes a very compelling case for why a lot of riders might want to pick something a little more moderate. It’s an outstanding take on a quicker-handling long-travel Trail bike that feels thoroughly modern despite bucking a lot of current trends. Check out our full review for more, including comparisons to nine other Trail & Enduro bikes.
Shop Talk: Recap of the Season; Skiing with Kids; & Heated Socks (Ep.194)
We talk with Rachel and Drew Harding from The Spokane Alpine Haus about the highlights and challenges of this past season; skiing with kids; heated socks; and more.
Win Down Jackets from Outdoor Vitals
This week THREE lucky winners will each get Outdoor Vitals’ NovaUL down jacket, a lightweight, warm midlayer with some cool tech.
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.
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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.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Hoka Mafate Speed 4
While it may not yet have the same name recognition as the Speedgoat, Hoka’s Mafate line has steadily worked its way into being considered one of the brand’s principal models over the last couple of years. Now in its 4th iteration, the Mafate Speed 4 introduces some exciting new technology and design concepts to Hoka’s trail side, correcting many of the aspects we felt fell short on the latest Speedgoat 5. Check out our full review for the whole story.
Flash Review: 22/23 Fischer Ranger 90
Here are a couple of our reviewers’ initial impressions of Fischer’s brand-new all-mountain ski, the Ranger 90.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Dalbello 22/23 Boots | Blister Summit Brand Lineup
We discuss Dalbello’s 2022-2023 lineup of ski boots; the age-old debate about the pros and cons of 3-piece Cabrio boots vs. 2-piece Overlap ones; Dalbello’s brand-new Veloce overlap series; the industry finally settling on boot sole norms; the rise of Alpine boots with tech toe fittings; the lightweight Quantum Free and Quantum Evo series and their unique 2-piece bonding construction; working to close the loop on boot manufacturing waste; and more.
2022-2023 Majesty Vadera Ti
After some time this season and last, we have quite a bit to say about Majesty’s women-specific, metal-laminate freeride ski, the Vadera Ti — check out our Full Review and Deep Dive comparisons for the rundown.
Deep Dive: Majesty Vadera Ti
We compare the Majesty Vadera Ti to the Armada ARW 106 UL, Blizzard Sheeva 11, Faction Dancer 3X, Fischer Ranger 102, K2 Mindbender 106C, K2 Mindbender 115C, Line Blade Optic 104, Nordica Santa Ana 104 Free, Majesty Vadera Carbon, Salomon QST Stella 106, & Wagner Summit 106.
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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Jeff Colt on Chasing Western States, the Beats, & Managing Expectations (Ep.152)
For On athlete, Jeff Colt, the chase for a coveted spot into Western States had been a multi-year saga fraught with close calls and near misses, that is until a near-perfectly executed run at the Black Canyon 100k in February earned him a Golden Ticket and automatic entry. We pick up Jeff’s story there and hear all about his journey leading up to Western States, a play-by-play of his 11th-place finish, and much more.
Next Blister Happy Hour Livestream: Wednesday 12.28.22
Our next Blister Happy Hour Livestream will be on Wednesday 12.28.22 at 2pm MT / 4pm ET, this time with a special guest: Matt Manser! If you’re a Blister Member, join us and ask any of your questions.
Ski / Snowboard Outerwear Mega Roundup — Men’s (2022-2023)
In this updated mega roundup, we compare and contrast more than two dozen pieces of ski and snowboard outerwear, from burly resort shells to breathable touring kits.
2023 Santa Cruz Tallboy
The Santa Cruz Tallboy hasn’t changed a ton from the prior V4 generation, but it’s still a great short-travel Trail bike and Santa Cruz has found some nice details to refine. Check out our full review to learn more, including how it compares to several other bikes in its class.
Blister Reviewers’ 2022 Highlights & 2023 Resolutions (Ep.241)
A number of our Blister reviewers reflect on some of their favorite moments of 2022, and share with us their resolutions for 2023.
2022-2023 K2 Mindbender 89Ti
Revamped for 22/23, the Mindbender 89Ti is a particularly versatile all-mountain ski that we think a whole bunch of skiers could appreciate. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons for the whole story.
Deep Dive: K2 Mindbender 89Ti
We compare the Mindbender 89Ti to the Mindbender 99Ti, Blizzard Brahma 88, Folsom Spar 88, Nordica Enforcer 88, Atomic Maverick 95 Ti, Blizzard Rustler 9, Volkl M6 Mantra, Salomon Stance 90, DPS Pagoda 90 RP, Head Kore 87, Line Blade Optic 92, Black Crows Serpo, Armada Declivity 92 Ti, Line Blade, Fischer Ranger 90, & J Skis Fastforward.
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.)