BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Adam Hill on Anxiety, Addiction, Ironmans, & Personal Transformation (Ep.111)
We talk to Adam Hill about how dealing with anxiety disorder led him into Ironman competitions; his new book, Shifting Gears; and the process and mechanisms of personal transformation.
2021-2022 Shaggy’s Ahmeek 95
We’ve spent the past season testing two different versions of the Ahmeek 95 — check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons for our thoughts on this made-in-Michigan all-mountain ski.
Deep Dive: Shaggy’s Ahmeek 95
We compare the Ahmeek 95 to the Shaggy’s Ahmeek 105, J Skis Masterblaster, Atomic Maverick 95 Ti, Fischer Ranger 94 FR, J Skis Fastforward, Blizzard Rustler 9, Nordica Soul Rider 97, Black Crows Serpo, 4FRNT MSP 99, Black Crows Camox, Moment Deathwish 104, Volkl M6 Mantra, Armada Declivity 92 Ti, Dynastar M-Free 99, and Salomon QST 98.
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Flash Review: 22/23 Armada ARW 106 UL
Three of our reviewers have been spending time on Armada’s lightweight all-mountain freestyle ski, the ARW 106 UL – check out Kara Williard, Luke Koppa, & Dylan Wood’s 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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Flash Review: 22/23 Line Blade Optic 104
We’ve had multiple reviewers on two different lengths of Line’s new Blade Optic 104 — check out Kara Williard & Luke Koppa’s thoughts on the 178 cm and 185 cm models.
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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Ignorance is Bliss, Sometimes
Dropper posts keep getting longer — with OneUp’s new 240 mm version leading the charge — and our Bike Editor reflects on a decade-plus of dropper post evolution.
2022-2023 Moment Commander 108
We’ve had several reviewers on the latest iteration of Moment’s burly, metal-laminate, all-mountain charger — check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons of the Commander 108.
Deep Dive: Moment Commander 108
We compare the Commander 108 to the Moment Commander 98, previous Commander 108, Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, K2 Mindbender 108Ti, Volkl Katana 108, Blizzard Cochise 106, Fischer Ranger 102, Moment Wildcat 108, Wagner Summit 107, J Skis Hotshot, Folsom Blister Pro 104, Sego Comp 110, Black Crows Corvus, Prior Husume, 4FRNT MSP 107, Faction Dictator 3.0, & Rossignol Blackops 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.
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.)
Win Majesty Skis
The winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get one of our all-time favorite touring skis, the Majesty Superwolf!
Gear Myths & More w/ Cody Townsend (Ep.187)
Cody Townsend and Jonathan Ellsworth review some news, then talk about 5 gear myths; cookware; coffeemakers; & more.
Flash Review: 22/23 Kästle ZX108
Here are Dylan Wood and Jonathan Ellsworth’s initial impressions of the ZX108 and how it compares to the ZX115 and ZX100.
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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Yoann Barelli on Progression, Coaching, & Career Shifts (Ep.108)
Yoann Barelli is back on Bikes & Big Ideas to talk about his new, very unique Into The Gnar Progression Team — and Yoann teases some very big news, too.
2022-2023 Head Formula RS 130 and Head Formula 130
This season Head overhauled their line of “Performance” alpine boots, and the new Formula boots are very different from the boots they replace.
Check out all the details in our First Look.
2022 Santa Cruz Bronson / Juliana Roubion
The Santa Cruz Bronson has grown a mullet, but it’s still a super versatile Trail bike that we think will work for a ton of different riders. Check out our full review for the complete rundown.
Jason Hardrath on FKTs & What Makes Him Tick (Ep.110)
Jason Hardrath holds more “Fastest Known Times” than anyone in the world. We talk to him about his upbringing; how a nearly fatal car accident introduced him to the world of FKTs; and his upcoming film, “Journey to 100,” which chronicles Jason’s attempt to climb the 100 tallest peaks in the state of Washington over 50 days; and more.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
4-Ski Quivers: Reviewers’ Selections (22/23)
We started with huge 5-ski quivers, and now our reviewers have to narrow it down from there — check out Part Two of their personal picks, with additions from Luke Koppa, Jonathan Ellsworth, & David Golay.
Trail Running 101: How to Run With Poles
While plenty of runners never break out a pair of poles, they can be a big help when it comes to navigating efficiently up and down steep terrain. When used properly, they can increase propulsion going uphill, more evenly distribute the impact from running downhill, and keep you steady on tricky, off-camber surfaces. So in part nine of our Trail Running 101 series, we offer some tips on how (and when) to wield them like a pro.
Lily Pads
For the latest installment of our Open Mic series, Angel Collinson discusses transitions, leaps, pushing through and pulling back.
Leah Yingling on Chiang Mai Trails, World Champs, and Running Long for Team USA (Ep.146)
Off The Couch’s reporter-at-large, Leah Yingling, returns to the show to catch us up on how she rounded out her summer season, including her experience taking in the scene at UTMB this year; a recap of her run for Team USA at the inaugural World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand a couple of weeks ago; and a whole lot more.
2022 Fezzari La Sal Peak
The Fezzari La Sal Peak is billed as a “versatile” Enduro bike and is a great deal in terms of the parts spec. But are there tradeoffs? We’ve spent a lot of time on the La Sal in a ton of different terrain and are ready to weigh in.
2022-2023 Scarpa 4-Quattro XT
Here are our measured specs, images, and initial impressions of Scarpa’s new 4-Quattro XT, a “50/50” boot that looks very different from its direct competitors.
Connor Ryan & Drew Petersen on Skiing, Running, & the Salomon QST Film Tour (Ep.235)
Connor Ryan and Drew Petersen were in CB for the Salomon Quality Ski Time Film Tour, so we sat down with them to talk about the tour, their friendship, Hilaree Nelson, the act of celebrating others, skiing, running, and a whole lot more.
2023 Marin Rift Zone
Marin’s new Rift Zone is proof that good geometry doesn’t have to be expensive, and looks like an extremely promising option for an affordable mid-travel Trail bike. Check out our First Look for the rundown.
Win Wagner Skis
The winner of our gear giveaway this week will get to pick a ski from Wagner’s excellent Factory lineup!
5-Ski Quivers: Reviewers’ Selections (22/23)
With ski season kicking off soon (or already) in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s once again time to think about ski quivers. We’re starting by asking our reviewers what they’d pick if they were putting together a 5-ski quiver — check out Part 2 of their selections.
2022 Pivot Shadowcat
We’ve had three reviewers spending time on the Pivot Shadowcat, and while it’s a bit of an unusual offering in 2022 — a very light, efficient 27.5’’ Trail bike — it’s proven to be a ton of fun, and a great example of why 27.5’’ wheels should stick around.
Shop Talk: Celebrating 10 Years of Powder Hound in Girdwood, AK (Ep.222)
Our Blister Recommended Shop, Powder Hound, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary, so we caught up with one of the owners, Eric Helmbrecht, to go over some of the major trends, takeaways, and reflections he has after a decade of running a local, year-round shop in Girdwood, AK.