BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Flash Review: 21/22 Head Kore 103 W
Here are some of our initial thoughts on the widest ski in the women’s Head Kore series, including comparisons to the Nordica Santa Ana 104.
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Guerrilla Gravity on 10 Years of US-Made Bikes (Ep.98)
Guerrilla Gravity just celebrated their 10th anniversary, so we figured it was a good time to check in with co-founders Will Montague and Matt Giaraffa and get some stories from their first decade, hear what’s next for the not-so-little-anymore brand, get their predictions for the future of the bike industry, and a whole lot more.
Flash Review: 21/22 RMU North Shore YLE 110
Here are our initial impressions of RMU’s big-mountain pow ski, including comparisons to the RMU Apostle 3.0 106 & Head Kore 111.
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Flash Review: 21/22 Head Kore 111
With all the snow here in Crested Butte, we’ve been spending more time on Head’s new Kore ski. Check out Dylan Wood’s initial impressions.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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2021-2022 4FRNT Renegade
We’ve now been able to get several reviewers on both lengths of 4FRNT / Eric Hjorleifson’s pow ski. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons.
Deep Dive: 4FRNT Renegade
We compare the Renegade to the 4FRNT Inthayne, Moment Chipotle Banana, Folsom Rapture, Dynastar M-Free 118, DPS Foundation Koala 118, Volkl Revolt 121, K2 Reckoner 122, Atomic Bent Chetler 120, Kye Shapes Numinous, Line Pescado, Rossignol Blackops Gamer, and Line Outline.
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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Cascade Components Full Guide
Cascade Components’ new chain guide promises great chain retention, low weight, and easy setup — i.e., all the things we look for in a chain guide. But does it deliver? And are there any downsides?
The Current Storm, Backcountry Travel, & Best Practices (Ep.196)
Many areas are currently getting hammered with snow, and the consequences of backcountry travel are high. So we asked Zach Guy, lead forecaster for the CBAC, to come back on the podcast to discuss some best practices and important reminders for anyone venturing out.
Reviewer Reports: Backcountry Ski Touring Gear (Ep.176)
We discuss some of the backcountry gear that Paul Forward has been testing around Girdwood, Alaska, including skis from Moonlight and Movement; bindings from Moment and Dynafit; skins from G3 and Pomoca; and Scarpa boots. We also discuss current trends (fads?) in ski poles, and the underrated value of a good snow saw.
Win SPY Goggles & Helmets
This week TWO winners will each get a Marauder Elite Goggle and Astronomic MIPS Helmet from SPY. Enter for your chance to win!
2021-2022 Black Crows Serpo
The new 93mm-wide Serpo isn’t like most skis in its class, yet we’ve found it to be a very versatile ski that could work for a wide variety of skiers. Check out our Full Review and Deep Dive comparisons.
Deep Dive: Black Crows Serpo
We compare the Serpo to the Atomic Maverick 95 Ti, Armada Declivity 92 Ti, Volkl M6 Mantra, Nordica Enforcer 94, Blizzard Rustler 9, Black Crows Camox, Salomon QST 98, Salomon Stance 96, 4FRNT MSP 99, Blizzard Bonafide 97, Moment Commander 98, Fischer Ranger 94 FR, Dynastar M-Pro 99, K2 Mindbender 99Ti, Liberty Origin 96, Shaggy’s Ahmeek 95, and DPS Pagoda Piste 94 C2.
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 Head Kore 103 W
Here are our measured specs, flex pattern numbers, and rocker profile pics for the new Kore 103 W
Hustle Labs’ Category-Defying Magnetic Pedals (Ep.97)
Magnetic pedals might sound crazy to riders used to a simple flats vs. clips dichotomy, but we’re finding them to be a compelling option for the right riders. And so we sat down with Hustle’s Design Engineer, Tripp Hurt, to talk about why it’s worth upsetting the current pedal paradigm, who magnetic pedals are (and aren’t) for, and much more.
2022 Fox DHX
Fox’s new DHX is a simpler, less-expensive coil shock than their flagship DHX2, and for some riders, that will sound appealing. But does it deliver? That really depends on what you’re looking for.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
2022-2023 K2 Dispatch 110
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for two lengths of the new K2 Dispatch 110.
2022-2023 Fischer Ranger Pro 130
Here are our measured specs, images, and initial impressions of the new Fischer Ranger Pro 130.
Product Names: the Good, the Bad, & the Confounding
The seemingly simple process of naming a product can actually be quite tricky. And as a result, we end up with some that are odd, confusing, complex, hilarious, and/or absurd. Here are some of our reviewers’ nominees — let us know your own!
Blister Brand Guide: Merrell Running Shoe Lineup, 2022
Over their 40-year history making hiking boots, Merrell has learned a thing or two about crafting footwear for trails, much to the benefit of their running shoe line. Sturdy, hard wearing, and protective, many of Merrell’s models fall back on the design principles that brought the brand so much early success, and continue to do so today. Check out our Brand Guide to get the rundown on all of their 2022 trail running shoes.
BTR on Hardcore Hardtails, Bike Geo, & Building to Last (Ep.137)
There are a lot of options for hardcore hardtails these days, but BTR set the template for the genre with their original Belter over a decade ago. And so we sat down to chat about the company’s origins, their philosophy on geometry, the BTR lineup, and a whole lot more.
Ride Concepts Wildcat Shoe
The Ride Concepts Wildcat is a protective mid-top flat pedal shoe that’s more versatile than its burly looks would suggest.
Flash Review — Revel Rail 29
Update 9.27.22: Dylan Wood adds his initial impressions of this versatile long-travel 29er.
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.
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Drew Petersen: ‘Tis the Season
On this week’s Open Mic, professional skier Drew Petersen shares some thoughts on seasonal traditions, how they’ve evolved for him, mindfulness, and more.
Victor Diaz on Renegade Running, Representation, & Creating Space for New Communities (Ep.139)
Specialty-running stores often act as community hubs, places where runners of all skill levels can gather to learn, connect, and train. However, the demographics these small businesses cater to frequently fail people of color. So, we spoke to Victor Diaz, owner of Renegade Running, a run-specialty store rooted in Oakland, CA, to learn about how he’s creating a space that’s engaged with and reflective of the diverse culture it helps serve.
2022-2023 K2 Dispatch Pro
Here are our measured specs, images, and preliminary questions about the new K2 Dispatch Pro.
Stuff We Like: September 2022
The September edition of our “Stuff We Like” series is packed with an assortment of items, from bike shoes, bike gloves, and bike shorts, to ultralight tents and hiking apparel, running socks, anti-chafe products, and much more. Check it out to see the latest gear our reviewers have been digging.
Mountain Towns & Local Food Systems, Pt 4: The Good Food Collective (Ep.228)
For the final installment of Moutain Towns & Local Food Systems, Rachel Landis of the Good Food Collective in Durango, CO, discusses what it means to build connectivity, bring people together, and be a facilitator of local food for a regional food hub.