BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Flash Review: 2021 Santa Cruz Nomad
The new, fifth-generation Santa Cruz Nomad is an interesting update to one of the longest-standing Enduro bikes on the market, and we’ve been spending time on it. Check out our Flash Review for our early impressions.
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Current State of Helmet Tech, pt. 1: Sweet Protection (Ep.149)
In our new mini-series, we’re talking to key designers in the world of snowsports and bike helmets to stitch together a current state of helmet tech and helmet R&D. Today we talk with Ståle Møller about the pros & cons of the two different safety certifications; advances in materials; our understanding of head injuries; ventilation; the unique challenges of designing helmets for various activities; and how to know when you ought to replace your helmet.
Win any Pack from USWE
This week the winner will get any pack they want from USWE’s huge lineup, which spans everything from running to mountain biking, skiing, hiking, and more.
2021-2022 Elan Ripstick 106 & Ripstick 106 Black Edition
This season we spent time on both the standard Ripstick 106 and its extra-carbon-packed sibling, the Ripstick 106 Black Edition. Check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons for more on these two lightweight freeride skis.
Deep Dive: Elan Ripstick 106
We compare the Ripstick 106 to the previous Ripstick 106, Ripstick 106 Black Edition, Line Sick Day 104, Head Kore 105, Wagner Summit 106, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Black Crows Atris, Blizzard Rustler 10, Liberty Origin 106, Volkl Blaze 106, Armada Tracer 108, Sego Condor 108, J Skis Slacker, 4FRNT MSP 107, Whitedot Altum 104, Moment Wildcat 108, & Faction Dictator 3.0.
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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Hannah Bergemann on Red Bull Formation 2021 (Ep.69)
We talk with Hannah Bergemann about Red Bull Formation 2021 and how it was similar to and how it differed from the 1st year of Formation. We also discuss her work with Transition and her future plans.
Specialized 2FO DH Clip Shoe
Specialized recently launched the 2FO DH Clip shoe with design input from Loic Bruni, and after several months with it, we think a lot of gravity-oriented riders should be considering it — not just those racing DH tracks.
Flash Review: Commencal Meta TR 29
We’ve got five rides on the latest version of Commencal’s Trail bike — 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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Matthias Giraud & Chase Ogden on ‘Super Frenchie’, Ski Base Jumping, & More (Ep.169)
We talk with Matthias Giraud and Chase Ogden about their excellent new film, Super Frenchie, which documents Matthias’ exploits as a skier, base jumper, and ski base jumper, while also detailing the philosophy of life that drives his decision to do things like ski base off the Matterhorn.
Win any Shoe from Deckers X Lab
This week the winner will get any shoes or sandals they want from the brand that makes what our editor-in-chief calls “the most comfortable things I’ve ever put on my feet.”
Claudio Caluori on Building Pump Tracks in Israel + Upcoming Projects (Ep.68)
We talk with Claudio Caluori after he’d just returned from Israel. The conflict between Israel and Palestine had escalated while Claudio was there, and we wanted to learn more about the work he was doing in Israel; why he stayed to finish the project; and what he learned while being on the ground there. We also discuss a really exciting project that Claudio breaks the news about during this conversation.
2021 Transition Spire
Transition’s just-released Patrol was the longest-travel non-DH bike in their lineup — for just 48 hours. Enter the all-new Spire, Transition’s 170mm-travel 29er. So how do the two bikes differ, and who should be most interested in each? Check out our First Look on the Spire for all the details.
Flash Review: 2022 Fox 34
Fox gave their 34 a substantial update for 2022, and we’ve been spending time on the new one. Check out our Flash Review for our initial impressions, including how it compares to the new and old Fox 36.
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.)
Book Club: Andrew Alexander King on the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius (Ep.168)
We talk with mountaineer, climber, and big-wave surfer, Andrew Alexander King, about the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, and why this book written in the 2nd century is still so relevant today.
Blister Summit Brand Lineups: Dynastar Skis 21/22
We talk to Matt Beers about the history and evolution of Dynastar, and their new 21/22 “M-Line” of skis.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
2023 Mammut Avalanche Safety Eqpt & Apparel | Blister Summit Brand Lineup
We talk with Mammut ambassador, AMGA-certified rock and ski guide, and Pro-2 Avalanche practitioner, Steve Charest, about some of Mammut’s latest avalanche safety equipment, including their R.A.S. & P.A.S. avalanche airbag systems; Barryvox Transceivers & how they differ; Mammut’s various probe & shovel options; dual-certified Crag Sender Helmet; and their new Aenergy line of ski-touring apparel.
Dr. Hal Rosenberg on Desert Magic, Standing Desks, & Running Healthy (Ep.122)
Over half of all runners will deal with an injury each year, but run enough miles and you’ll know that number is a lot closer to 100%. The irony is most running injuries are easily preventable, so as folks ramp up their summer training, we had Dr. Hal Rosenberg on Off The Couch to talk us through some simple tips for staying healthy out on the trails (and off the couch).
Blister Editors & Podcast Hosts, David Golay & Matt Mitchell (Ep.213)
Jonathan sits down with our Bike Editor and ‘Bikes & Big Ideas’ host, David Golay, and our Running Editor and ‘Off The Couch’ host, Matt Mitchell, to discuss Blister Labs; their backgrounds; and some of their recent favorite episodes on Bikes & Big Ideas and Off The Couch.
2022-2023 Moment Wildcat Tour
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the Moment Wildcat Tour.
Ride Concepts Tallac Clip
Ride Concepts markets their new Tallac Clip as a general Trail shoe, but it offers an unusual and compelling blend of features from both more gravity-oriented options and traditional Trail shoes, making it easy to see it working well for a lot of folks.
Blister Labs: Ski Testing & Dynamic Modeling with Sean Humbert (Ep.198)
In this Blister Labs update, Sean Humbert joins us to talk about the movie Real Genius; flies; ski testing and dynamic modeling; math and slarving; and more.
Flash Review: 22/23 Ferreol Pionnier 104
Here are some of our initial on-snow impressions of the Ferreol Pionnier 104, a made-in-Quebec touring ski.
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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Win Revo Sunglasses
This week for our Gear Giveaway, TWO lucky winners will each get to pick any pair of sunglasses they want from Revo’s expansive collection.
2023 Icelantic Ski Collection | Blister Summit Brand Lineup
We talk with Icelantic Skis marketing director, Hanna Whirty, about the past, present, and future of Icelantic; their focus on durability and 3-year warranty; the role of graphics at Icelantic; and then we run through all the different collections in Icelantic’s 2022-2023 lineup.
Jess Blewitt is a Natural (Ep.119)
Multi-talented MTB phenom Jess Blewitt is on Bikes & Big Ideas this week to talk about her meteoric rise & her lofty goals for the future; her incredible 2021 season and the crash that ended it; and much more.
Flash Review — 2023 RockShox ZEB and Super Deluxe
We’ve been riding RockShox’s new ZEB and Super Deluxe, and so far they’re a significant improvement over the outgoing versions. Check out our Flash Review for our early 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.
If you’re already an active member, please log in.
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RockShox’s New 2023 Forks & Shocks
RockShox is completely overhauling its suspension lineup for 2023, including all-new versions of the Pike, Lyrik, and ZEB forks, and Deluxe and Super Deluxe shocks. Check out our First Look for the rundown.