BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Fischer Announces Redesigned 22/23 Ranger Series
Fischer is overhauling their line of Ranger skis for 2022-2023. Check out our writeup for the highlights of the updates.
2021-2022 Dynastar M-Free 99
The M-Free 99 is both the narrower version of a Blister favorite, the M-Free 108, and the replacement for another favorite, the Menace 98. So it’s got a lot to live up to, but how does it compare? Check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons.
Deep Dive: Dynastar M-Free 99
We compare the M-Free 99 to the Dynastar M-Free 108, Dynastar Menace 98, Dynastar M-Pro 99, Salomon QST 98, J Skis Masterblaster, Nordica Soul Rider 97, Wagner Summit 97, 4FRNT MSP 99, Volkl Revolt 104, K2 Reckoner 102, Shaggy’s Ahmeek 95, Moment Deathwish 104, DPS Koala 103, Black Crows Camox, Moment Commander 98, Whitedot Altum 104, Line Sir Francis Bacon, & J Skis Hotshot.
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Nick Russell on Splitboarding and ‘Light Bulb’ Moments (Ep.200)
On the Blister Podcast,we talk with Nick Russell about The Fifty Project and sharing a tent with Cody Townsend; Nick’s background and a number of his ‘light bulb’ moments; how he came to be a splitboarder sponsored by Red Bull; and how his recent signing with WNDR Alpine came about.
Shop Talk: Sturtevants, Sun Valley, & a Blueprint for Community Ski Areas (Ep.181)
We were recently in Sun Valley, Idaho, talking with Sturtevants owner, Olin Glenne, about Rotarun Ski Area (which could serve as a blueprint for local ski hills in other places); Olin’s lifelong love of skiing; the skiing in and around Sun Valley, and some of his favorite gear.
2021-2022 Blizzard Black Pearl 97
For women looking for a strong, damp, and stable all-mountain ski, the redesigned Black Pearl 97 is one of the best options out there. Check out our full review.
Win 4FRNT Skis & Blister Summit Tickets
Enter for a chance to win one of our favorite touring skis + 2 tickets to our upcoming Blister Summit!
Flash Review: 22/23 Nordica Santa Ana 93 Unlimited
We’ve been spending time on the new Santa Ana 93 Unlimited to see how it compares to the regular Santa Ana series. Check out our initial thoughts.
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: 21/22 Wagner Summit 107
Like the Summit 97, the Summit 107 does an excellent job of combining great suspension and stability with an easy going ride. Check out our thoughts so far.
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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2021-2022 Moment Sierra Tour
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for Moment’s narrowest women’s backcountry touring ski.
SCOR on Turning an After-Hours Project Into a New Bike Brand (Ep.101)
SCOR is a new MTB-focused brand by BMC, and we sat down with founders Mariano Schoefer and Christof Bigler to get the story of how their after-hours tinkering blossomed into SCOR and get the rundown on their first models, the 4060 ST and LT.
Tecnica Announces New Sub-1000-g Zero G Peak Boots
Tecnica is entering the 1000-g backcountry touring boot category. Check out our write-up for all the details on the new Zero G Peak boots.
Deep Dive: Nordica Ski Boots Brand Lineup, 21/22
Next up in our Deep Dive series on ski boots is Nordica — check it out for a rundown on every boot in Nordica’s 21/22 lineup, most comparable alternatives from other brands, and more details to help you figure out what differentiates each boot in the lineup.
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.)
Five Ten Freerider Pro Primeblue
Five Ten’s Freerider Pro has been a mainstay in their lineup for years, but now there’s an updated version — and it’s made with recycled ocean plastic. But does it still perform as well as the old version?
Blister Labs: Advancing the State of Gear Testing
Blister Labs is a new partnership between BLISTER, the University of Colorado at Boulder’s School of Engineering, and the brand-new, state-of-the-art engineering facility at Western Colorado University in Gunnison, Colorado.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
On Death, Life, and Love
This piece is in honor of the heart, spirit, and legacy of Hilaree Nelson, and is a token of love to all those left behind after our loved ones leave us.
David Kilgore talks Pro Trail Teams, On Running, & Leaning Into the Grind (Ep.141)
We sat down with David Kilgore, On Running’s Sports Innovation Manager, budding race director, and professional ultrarunner, to learn about how each of his different roles offer him a unique perspective on a trail running industry that continues to rapidly professionalize. Along the way, we also chat about On’s trail running team; athlete sponsorships; and much more.
Mountain Sense & Backcountry Education w/ Mark Smiley (Ep.230)
If you spend time in the mountains, then it’s crucial to always be learning — there are new skills to acquire, and old skills to brush up on. Today, we’re talking about mountain safety, backcountry education, and pedagogy with IFMGA guide, Mark Smiley, the creator of Mountain Sense.
OChain Anti-Pedal Kickback Device
OChains — the floating crank spiders meant to mitigate pedal kickback — are everywhere in the World Cup Downhill pits, but do they really work, and are they going to be a benefit for mere mortals? Check out our full review to find out, and take a deep dive into the often-misunderstood topic of pedal kickback.
A Very Deep Dive on Bootfitting, Pt. 3: Stance Balancing with Pulse Boot Labs (Ep.217)
Canting, cuff alignment, stance balancing — these are common phrases in the world of bootfitting, but what do the processes actually look like, and what methods can be applied to create the best result in your ski boots? Listen to this conversation with Kai from Pulse Boot Labs to see what a systematic and analytical approach looks like.
Rossignol Mandate
Rossignol’s Mandate Trail bike is an exceptional value for money in terms of parts spec, but how does it all add up on the trail?
Win the Line Blade Optic 114
This week one lucky winner will get a pair of Line’s new playful-yet-stable powder ski, the Blade Optic 114!
Pulse Boot Lab
With all the bootfitting techniques Pulse has developed, their goal of getting you to love your ski boots is no exaggeration. It’s why they have the reputation of some of the most skilled bootfitters in the industry. Find out more about their innovations in our summary below.
Altra Olympus 5
Altra demonstrated a level of self-control in the updates they made to the Olympus 5, smoothing out its predecessor’s imperfections but otherwise keeping the shoe mostly the same. Check out our full review to learn how the latest version of the Olympus stays true to the model’s identity as one of the best ultra-cushioned, maximalist trail shoes on the market.
Brake Shootout, New RockShox Pike, Revel Rail 29, & More (Ep.138)
We’ve got updates on a ton of the bikes and gear we’re testing, including the new Santa Cruz Tallboy and the new RockShox Pike that came on it; the Revel Rail 29; our upcoming brake shootout; & much more.
Amateur Hour: Paul Forward on Traditional Bows (Ep.8)
We talk to Blister reviewer, Paul Forward, about the art, ethics, and craftsmanship of traditional bows; when and how Paul became fascinated by them; and why we ought to appreciate their rich history and ethos, too.
MTB Knee Pad Roundup — 2022
Knee pads are probably the most commonly worn bit of mountain bike protection (after helmets) and we’ve been testing 16 different at a wide range of styles, weights, and levels of protection. Check out our roundup to find the best ones for you.