BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Deep Dive: Season Nexus
We compare the Nexus to the Season Aero, Season Kin, Line Sir Francis Bacon, RMU Apostle 106, DPS Foundation Koala 103, Dynastar M-Free 108, Moment Deathwish 104, Volkl Revolt 104, Moment Wildcat 108, Sego Big Horn 106, Blizzard Rustler 10, Black Crows Atris, Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, J Skis Hotshot, Head Kore 105, Line Sick Day 104, Whitedot Altum 104, 4FRNT Devastator, & K2 Reckoner 102.
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: 21/22 Tecnica Zero G Tour Scout W
Check out some of our initial on-snow impressions of Tecnica’s stiffest women-specific backcountry touring boot.
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.)
Winter Running Gear, Tips, & Tricks (Ep.106)
As a follow-up to our Winter Running and the Meaning of Life conversation (ep. #103), today we’re talking about some very practical tips, tricks, and gear recommendations to help you get out and run in colder temps and snowier environments.
Reviewing the News w/ Cody Townsend (Jan 2022) (Ep.202)
Cody & Jonathan discuss skiing inbounds on touring gear; alpinism, obsession, & our top-5 climbing movies; a recent interview with Vail’s executive chairman, Rob Katz; Jerry of the Day & inclusivity; Eileen Gu & geopolitics; the future of Outdoor Retailer; & what we’re reading & watching.
What We’re Watching — February 2022
What We’re Watching is back with a bunch more ski and bike videos for your viewing pleasure, including some quick edits, a couple of longer pieces, and one really important statement on mental health.
2021-2022 J Skis Fastforward
We’ve been skiing J’s brand-new metal-laminate ski, the Fastforward, all season long — check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons for our thoughts on its performance and who should have it on their list.
Deep Dive: J Skis Fastforward
We compare the Fastforward to the J Skis Masterblaster, Black Crows Serpo, Armada Declivity 92 Ti, Atomic Maverick 95 Ti, Volkl M6 Mantra, Blizzard Rustler 9, Nordica Enforcer 94, 4FRNT MSP 99, Salomon Stance 90, DPS Pagoda Piste 94 C2, Shaggy’s Ahmeek 95, DPS Pagoda Piste 90 RP, Blizzard Brahma 88, Folsom Spar 88, Renoun Endurance 88, K2 Mindbender 99Ti, and Fischer Ranger 94 FR.
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.)
Boot Fitting & How to Get a Proper Ski Boot Fit (Ep.183)
How should a ski boot actually fit? What does it feel like to have a “properly fitting” ski boot? And how do you achieve that? We’re discussing these questions and topics with Sebastian Steinbach, who is a boot fitting instructor in Europe for Masterfit University, and the owner of the freeride ski shop, Black Sheep Sports, in Munich, Germany.
Win Revo Goggles & Arc’teryx Jackets
This week TWO people will each get to pick any of Revo’s goggles, as well as Arc’teryx’s classic Atom LT midlayer!
Katy Winton on 2021, Life as an EWS Pro, & Signing With GT (Ep.103)
We sat down with Katy Winton to get the full story on her whirlwind 2021 season — including having to start her own team at the 11th hour — as well as her recent signing with GT. And along the way she sheds a ton of light on life as a professional racer, and everything that goes into training, mental preparation, race-day focus, managing a career and team contracts, and a whole lot more.
2022-2023 Salomon S/Lab MTN Summit
After a brief hiatus, Salomon is back in the lightweight touring boot game, and the MTN Summit boots are an interesting addition to this growing — and diversifying — category. Check out our First Look & Flash Review for more info.
Salomon’s Mike Ambrose on Shoe Design; Trail Culture(s); & How He Got to Where He Is (Ep.105)
We talk to Salomon’s Mike Ambrose about running shoe design; taking a shoe from concept to production; his life in running and the running industry; European vs. North American markets; & what’s next in running shoes.
Nordica Announces New 22/23 Unleashed Skis
Today Nordica announced their new Unleashed collection skis — the more playful, off-piste-oriented counterparts to the Enforcer & Santa Ana skis. Learn more about the new line here.
Flash Review: 22/23 Line Blade Optic 96
We’ve been spending time on Line’s new freeride skis and our initial impressions have been very interesting. Check out our thoughts on the Blade Optic 96.
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.)
Blister Summit 2022: What, When, & How to Join
Our Blister Summit is coming back in February 2022, and registration is currently open for Blister Members. Learn all about it here.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
J Skis founder, Jason Levinthal (Ep.232)
Jonathan met up with Jay Lev last week at the new J Skis Intergalactic HQ in Burlington, VT. They discuss J’s new space; predictions for the upcoming season; industry trends, and one big thing that the entire ski industry needs to work on.
Flash Review — 2023 Santa Cruz Nomad
The new Santa Cruz Nomad looks a lot like a mulleted Megatower on paper, but our early impressions of the V6 Nomad are pretty surprising.
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.)
Bootfitting 101: Sizing
Ski boots are arguably the most important bit of gear when it comes to enjoying your time on snow, but they’re also probably the most difficult to get *just right*. In our Bootfitting 101 series, we’re trying to make this process easier, kicking things off with a foundational, but not so straightforward, step — figuring out the right size.
Win Renoun Skis + POC Helmets & Goggles
This week the winner of our Gear Giveaway will not only get to pick any Renoun ski they want, they’ll also get POC’s sweet new Obex Helmet + Nexal Goggle combo!
Shop Talk: Hickory & Tweed (Ep.219)
We talk with Skip and Mac Beitzel, the owners — and father / son duo — from Hickory & Tweed, located in Armonk, New York. We go over the history of the shop; Skip’s background in ski ballet and hot dogging; seasonal lease programs; personal ski quivers; & more.
Flash Review — 2022 Fezzari La Sal Peak
The Fezzari La Sal Peak is billed as a “versatile” Enduro bike, but how does that mean it stacks up to its competition?
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.)
Rab Talus Ultra Shorts & Phantom Jacket
As part of Rab’s Skyline Collection, the Talus Ultra Shorts and Phantom Jacket are gram-conscious pieces of trail running apparel intended for moving quickly through rugged terrain. By pairing a minimalist design with ultralight premium materials, Rab has created activewear that still manages to be protective and comfortable while weighing as little as possible. Check out our full review to learn more.
A Very Deep Dive on Suspension with EXT’s Franco Fratton, Pt. 1 (Ep.140)
EXT founder Franco Fratton has more experience working on suspension than just about anyone, and we brought him back on Bikes & Big Ideas to kick off a series of episodes where we’ll be going very deep on suspension design and tech.
Deep Dive: Salomon Ski Boots Brand Lineup, 22/23
Our Deep Dive series on ski boot lines is back for the 22/23 season, starting with Salomon’s expansive collection, including their brand-new S/Pro Alpha and MTN Summit series. We discuss all notable specs, features, most similar boots from other brands, and more. Become a Deep Dive subscriber or Blister Member to check it out.
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.)
2022 Intense Tracer 279
The Intense Tracer 279 is a capable and intuitive Enduro bike best suited for going fast and pushing your limits downhill, but its mixed-wheel configuration also helps make it stand out in a few key ways. Check out our full review to see how it compares to the latest batch of Enduro bikes on the market.
The Alchemist, Pt. 3: Sustainability, Beer, & the Bigger Picture (Ep.10)
This week Jonathan was back at The Alchemist to sit down with its founders, Jen & John Kimmich, to dive into their philosophy on sustainability — in all of its forms — and to hear how they created a company that is leading the way on a number of these fronts. It’s an impressive story driven by shared principles, and we hope this conversation serves as an inspiration to other companies across many sectors.
Climbing Skins: A Guide & Comparisons
Climbing skins often receive less attention than skis, boots, & bindings, but the skins you stick to your skis can make or break your days in the backcountry. So in this guide, we go through the qualities to look for in a pair of skins, then directly compare 13 different skins from 5 different brands.